TPAN-2AH: A fluorophore with high specificity for lysosomes
TPAN-2AH is a novel fluorophore that demonstrates excellent lysosome-targeting ability in live-cell imaging. With a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.82 against a commercial lysosomal dye, it offers researchers a reliable tool for subcellular organelle visualization and related biomedical applications.
Overview
TPAN-2AH is a fluorescent probe designed for high-specificity targeting of lysosomes in live-cell imaging applications. Validation studies using T47D cells demonstrated excellent colocalization with the commercial lysosome-specific dye LysoTracker Red DND-99, achieving a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.82. This level of correlation indicates strong lysosome-specificity, making TPAN-2AH a promising alternative or complementary tool for researchers studying lysosomal biology, cellular trafficking, autophagy, and related disease mechanisms. The probe also shows favorable binding characteristics to the estrogen receptor (ER), suggesting potential dual-use applications in hormone receptor research.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- High lysosome specificity confirmed by colocalization with LysoTracker Red DND-99 (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.82)
- Blue-green channel fluorescence emission suitable for multi-channel imaging experiments
- Validated in T47D cell lines for live-cell imaging applications
- Computational docking studies indicate accommodation near the ER binding cavity
- Relative binding free energy of -7.6 kcal/mol for the TPAN-2AH/ER complex, comparable to the estradiol/ER complex at -9.2 kcal/mol
- The structural analog c-TPAN-2AH also demonstrates strong ER binding affinity at -8.3 kcal/mol
Technology readiness level
TPAN-2AH has completed initial computational validation and in vitro cell-based colocalization studies demonstrating lysosome-targeting specificity. Further collaborative research and licensing opportunities are available for broader evaluation and development of this fluorophore technology.
About Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
HKUST is a focused, internationally oriented public research university in Hong Kong, with more than 20,000 students and over 970 faculty and teaching staff. Its Clear Water Bay campus combines central research facilities with specialized infrastructure, including an on-campus waterfront marine research facility; many facilities are available to external academic and industry users. The Office of Knowledge Transfer and wholly owned HKUST R&D Corporation provide structured support for collaborative research, intellectual property, licensing, startup formation, and commercialization. Research is funded primarily through Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee and Research Grants Council, with additional support from China’s National Natural Science Foundation and government and industry partners.
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