Utilizing Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy To Study Intracellular Distribution of Label-Free Ponatinib in Live Cells

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy represents a powerful method for imaging label-free drug distribution with high resolution. SRS was applied to image label-free ponatinib with high sensitivity and specificity in live human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell lines. This was achieved at biologically relevant, nanomolar concentrations, allowing determination of ponatinib uptake and sequestration into lysosomes during the development of acquired drug resistance and an improved understanding of target engagement.