溶酶体靶向的pH响应型荧光探针的合成及性能研究
Synthesis and properties of a pH-responsive near-infrared fluorescent probe for targeting lysosomes
-
摘要: 溶酶体是细胞内具有溶解或消化功能的细胞器, 内部含有多种酸依赖性酶, 这些酶负责细胞内物质的回收和降解。溶酶体内pH值的变化会导致多种酶活性下降, 从而妨碍细胞调节能力, 最终引发细胞凋亡或焦亡。因此检测溶酶体pH值有助于探究细胞生理病理过程的改变。本研究构建了一种溶酶体靶向的pH响应型近红外荧光探针, 称为哌嗪-克酮酸-哌嗪(piperazine-croconic acid-piperazine, PCP)。该探针通过在克酮酸两端连接供电子基团哌嗪形成π共轭体系, 五元环结构的π共轭体系赋予其良好的稳定性和抗光漂白能力, 而作为溶酶体靶向基团的哌嗪, 其叔胺部分在不同pH值条件下发生可逆的质子化/脱质子化过程, 从而展现pH响应特性。合成的PCP荧光探针具有优异的近红外荧光性能, 适用于活细胞内溶酶体pH值的荧光成像。通过溶液及细胞内实验验证, PCP荧光探针具有较好的生物相容性及pH响应特性。此外, PCP荧光探针的对称性结构及良好的分子刚度使其具有优异的抗光漂白性能。本研究利用合成的PCP荧光探针检测溶酶体的pH值, 为溶酶体功能异常引起的相关疾病提供新的诊疗方法。Abstract: Lysosomes are intracellular organelles with lysosomal or digestive functions which contain various acid-dependent enzymes that are responsible for the recycling and degradation of intracellular substances. pH changes in lysosomes can reduce the activity of various enzymes, impairing the cell′s regulatory capacity and ultimately leading to apoptosis or pyroptosis. Therefore, monitoring lysosomal pH values is valuable for investigating alterations in intracellular physiological and pathological processes. This study developed a novel pH-responsive near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe targeting lysosomes, named piperazine-croconic acid-piperazine (PCP). This probe was formed by connecting the electron-donating group piperazine to both ends of croconic acid. The π-conjugated system, featuring a five-membered ring structure, endowed the probe with excellent stability and resistance to photobleaching. The tertiary amine moiety of piperazine, serving as a lysosome-targeting group, produced reversible protonation/deprotonation under varying pH conditions as result of exhibiting pH-responsive characteristics. The synthesized PCP demonstrated excellent NIR fluorescence performance, making it suitable for fluorescence imaging of lysosomal pH values in living cells. Both solution and intracellular experiments confirmed that PCP exhibited good biocompatibility and pH-responsive characteristics. Additionally, its symmetrical structure and molecular rigidity contributed to its excellent resistance to photobleaching. This study employed PCP probes to detect the pH values of the lysosomes, offering potential avenues for the treatment and prevention of diseases associated with lysosomal dysfunction.
下载: