Abstract
AbstractThe ability of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to form G‐quadruplex (GQ) structures suggest their role in diseases involving mitochondrial dysfunction. Detection and visualization of GQ structures specific to mitochondria using fluorescent probes aid in monitoring mtDNA dynamics and homeostasis. Herein, we report the first study of flavylium‐methine rotor probes (FLV1 and FLV3) for discrimination of GQ and non‐GQ structures through turn‐on near infrared (NIR) fluorescence response. The target‐induced disaggregation (TID) and restricted intramolecular rotation (RIR) of FLV1 in the presence of GQ specific to VEGF oncogene leading to significant fluorescence enhancement and delayed lifetime. The colocalization studies with different organelle trackers confirmed selective localization of FLV1 in mitochondria. Nuclease digestion assays showed mitochondria‐specific accumulation of the probe is independent of membrane potential and selectively bind mtDNA GQ. Our study demonstrates the biocompatible and photostable flavylium‐methine dyes as a new category of probes to selectively label mitochondria and target mtDNA GQ in live and fixed cells.
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