Hoechst tagging: a modular strategy to design synthetic fluorescent probes for live-cell nucleus imaging

Chem Commun (Camb). 2014 Jun 11;50(46):6149-52. doi: 10.1039/c4cc01753f.

Abstract

We report a general strategy to create small-molecule fluorescent probes for the nucleus in living cells. Our strategy is based on the attachment of the DNA-binding Hoechst compound to a fluorophore of interest. Using this approach, simple fluorescein, BODIPY, and rhodamine dyes were readily converted to novel turn-on fluorescent nucleus-imaging probes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Boron Compounds* / chemical synthesis
  • Boron Compounds* / chemistry
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Cell Survival
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Drug Design*
  • Fluorescent Dyes* / chemical synthesis
  • Fluorescent Dyes* / chemistry
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Rhodamines* / chemical synthesis
  • Rhodamines* / chemistry

Substances

  • 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene
  • Boron Compounds
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Rhodamines
  • DNA