Abstract
Tetraphenylborate (TPB) anions traverse membranes but are excluded from mitochondria by the membrane potential (Δψ). TPB-conjugates also distributed across membranes in response to Δψ, but surprisingly, they rapidly entered cells. They accumulated within lysosomes following endocystosis. This pH-independent targeting of lysosomes makes possible new classes of probe and bioactive molecules.
Highlights
Tetraphenylborate (TPB) anions traverse membranes but are excluded from mitochondria by the membrane potential (Dw)
Molecules are targeted to the mitochondrial matrix by conjugation to the lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation.[1,2,3,4]
Lipophilic ions bind to a potential energy well on the membrane surface, before flipping, to the corresponding potential energy well on the other side of the membrane, traversing the activation energy barrier of the membrane core (Fig. 1).[6,7,9]
Summary
Tetraphenylborate (TPB) anions traverse membranes but are excluded from mitochondria by the membrane potential (Dw). TPB-conjugates distributed across membranes in response to Dw, but surprisingly, they rapidly entered cells.
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