Biocompatible sulfonium-based covalent probes for endogenous tubulin fluorescence nanoscopy in live and fixed cells.

ABSTRACT: Fluorescent probes enable precise visualization of dynamic cellular processes, especially when combined with super-resolution imaging techniques that overcome the diffraction limit. However, traditional labeling strategies, including fluorescent protein fusions (e.g., GFP) or ligand-linked fluorophores, often perturb protein function or induce biological side effects. Here, we report a covalent fluorescent probe for endogenous tubulin, a key cytoskeletal protein governing cell division, motility, and intracellular transport. Using cabazitaxel as a tubulin targeting moiety and silicon-rhodamine as a cell permeable fluorophore, we designed and optimized probe, 6-SiR-o-C₉-CTX, containing a biocompatible cleavable linker with a sulfonium center. It exhibits cell permeability, fluoro

SUBMITTER: Auvray M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12701065 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature