A Lysosome-Targetable Fluorescent Probe for Simultaneously Sensing Cys/Hcy, GSH, and H₂S from Different Signal Patterns

Abstract

Biothiols, a vital branch of reactive sulfur species (RSS) family, are indispensable in human physiology. However, the exact functional roles of each biothiol involved in complicated physiological activities are still not fully clarified. A critical barrier is a lack of robust molecular tools which can simultaneously visualize different biothiols with distinct emission signals. Herein, the first lysosome-targetable fluorescent probe, Lyso-RC, which could respond to Cys/Hcy, GSH, and H₂S with different sets of signal patterns was developed. Lyso-RC responds to Cys/Hcy, GSH, and H₂S with the fluorescence signal patterns of blue-red, green-red, and red, respectively. Significantly, Lyso-RC is capable of discriminating lysosomal Cys/Hcy, GSH, and H₂S in HeLa cells.