A lysosome-targeted fluorescent probe with large Stokes shift for visualizing biothiols in vivo and in vitro

Lysosomal biothiols play critical roles in numerous cellular processes and diseases. Researching an effective method for real-time labeling biothiols in lysosomes is of great significance and urgency, as it could provide essential information for the diagnosis of relevant diseases. In this study, we developed a lysosome-targeted fluorescent probe (LY-DCM-P) with a large Stokes shift of 150 nm for the sensitive and selective detection of biothiols in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, LY-DCM-P showed low cytotoxicity and excellent lysosome-targeted ability. The probe was successfully employed to monitor fluctuations in lysosomal biothiols in various living systems, enabling enormous potential to accurately monitor the occurrence and progress of biothiol-related diseases.