Dynamic visualization of endoplasmic reticulum viscosity in living cells with a multirotor-based fluorescent probe

Abstract

Changes in viscosity can significantly influence the functionality of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and viscosity-responsive fluorescent probes can provide valuable feedback on its physiological state. In this study, three multirotor-based fluorescent probes (1–3) were designed and synthesized. Probes 1 and 2 exhibited remarkable viscosity sensitivity and specific targeting ability towards the ER. Probe 1 was utilized for in situ dynamic visualization of ER viscosity changes during inflammatory responses, drug treatments, and reticulophagy.