The rational utilization of organelle microenvironment for imaging of lysosomal SO2 with high fidelity

Nowadays, more and more studies have linked the abnormal expression of active molecules in organelles with the occurrence of diseases, so there is an urgent need to develop tools for detecting active molecules in specific organelles. However, the recognition receptors of most organelle-targeting probes currently developed always remain active, which easily causes them to react with the analyte in the cytoplasm, thus misjudging the role of the analyte in the physiological and pathological processes. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a new strategy for the design of probes capable of high-fidelity imaging of the analyte in specific organelles. Herein, we propose a new strategy that the activation of recognition receptors that can be triggered by the microenvironment of targeting organelles. Based on this strategy, we develop a novel lysosome-targeting fluorescent probe (Lyso-SO2) for imaging of sulfur dioxide (SO2) with high-fidelity in lysosomes. The inert probe is activated by the acidic environment in the lysosome and then responds quickly (<2 s) and sensitively (LOD = 0.34 mu M) to SO2. This paradigm by taking full advantage of the features of the organelle microenvironment provides a promising methodology for developing organelle-targeting probes for high-fidelity imaging.

Automated summary

Nowadays, it is crucial to develop tools for detecting active molecules in specific organelles due to the correlation between abnormal expression of active molecules and diseases. However, most organelle-targeting probes currently developed lack specificity and tend to react with analytes in the cytoplasm, leading to misjudgment of their physiological role. To address this issue, a new strategy is proposed to develop probes with recognition receptors activated by the microenvironment of targeting organelles. The activation of a lysosome-targeting fluorescent probe by the acidic environment in the lysosome allows for high-fidelity imaging of sulfur dioxide with quick response and high sensitivity.