Aggregation-based dual-target probe for dual-colour super-resolution monitoring mitophagy and evaluating drugs regulating mitochondria

Developing single fluorescent probe for simultaneously visualizing mitophagy flux and oxidative stress with super-resolution is highly demanded yet quite challenging. Herein, a ratiometric HClO probe AHOH is designed and synthesized which is capable of simultaneously staining lysosomes and mitochondria with red and green colour, respectively. AHOH could be selectivity oxidized by HClO, leading to a large emission blue shift (90 nm) and an over 1300-fold enhancement of the emission ratio of Fl547nm/Fl637nm. We apply AHOH in super-resolution microscopy and clearly visualize the dynamics of mitochondria-lysosomes interactions and the oxidative stress states upon different stimuli. Mitochondria dysfunction triggered by different drugs and genetic defect lead to elevated oxidative stress and higher levels of mitophagy. Moreover, AHOH could serve as a reliable tool for evaluating the efficacy of drugs regulating mitochondria dysfunction. This work provides a powerful dual-colour super-resolution imaging agent for real-time monitoring the dynamics of organelle interactions and oxidative stress. A ratiometric HClO probe (AHOH) is developed for simultaneously staining lysosomes and mitochondria with red and green colour. Probe AHOH exhibits the ability to visualize mitochondria-lysosomes interactions and oxidative stress upon different stimuli with super-resolution. In addition, AHOH could be applied in an imaging platform for evaluating drugs that regulate mitochondrial diseases. Consequently, AHOH holds great promise in understanding the physiological functions of mitophagy and regulation of mitochondria dysfunction. image