Targetable fluorescent sensors for advanced cell function analysis

Abstract Chemistry-based bioimaging techniques have contributed to the elucidation of intracellular physiological events. During the last few decades, many fluorescent sensors have been developed and used in live cell experiments. Owing to immense efforts by numerous research groups, several strategies have been developed to design fluorescent sensors based on various components such as small molecules and fluorescent proteins. Recently, site-specific targeting of fluorescent sensors has attracted increasing attention. Strategies for fluorescent sensor targeting were surveyed in this review with the aims to expand current knowledge on chemistry-based bioimaging and aid in the emergence of related innovative technologies. The first discussed strategy is based on the intrinsic properties of small molecules for localization at specific organelles, such as mitochondria, nuclei, and lysosomes. As a further elaboration of the topic, our recent study about in vivo targeting of pH sensors was briefly introduced. The second strategy exploits genetically encoded tags and their specific ligands. Here, fluorescent sensors with commercially available tags and corresponding ligands were mainly reviewed. As the final topic, our original protein labeling technique, which enables fluorogenic labeling as an advanced technology, was introduced.