Fluorescent Membrane Tension Probes for Early Endosomes

Fluorescent flipper probes have been introduced recently to image membrane tension in live cells, and strategies target these specific membranes are emerging. In this context, early endosome (EE) targeting without the use of protein engineering is especially appealing because it translates into a fascinating transport problem. Weakly basic probes, commonly used track inside acidic late endosomes lysosomes, poorly retained EE they sufficiently neutralized weakly EE, thus able diffuse out. Here, we disclose rational strategy using substituted benzylamine with higher pKa value as head group probe. The resulting flippers validated for preserved mechanosensitivity, ready biology, particularly elucidate mechanics endocytosis.