Compositions and methods for labeling and imaging phospholipids

摘要

The present invention provides a method to label phospholipids in vivo based on the metabolic incorporation of an alkynyl- or azido-labeled metabolic precursor into phospholipids. The resulting phospholipids have alkynyl or azido moieties, which, upon reaction with a labeled azide or alkyne, respectively, form labeled compounds that can be visualized using optical or electron microscopy with high sensitivity and spatial resolution in cells or tissue. The present method provides a valuable tool for imaging phospholipid synthesis, turnover and subcellular localization in cultured cells as well as in animals.

主权项

1. A method for forming an alkynyl-labeled or azido-labeled phospholipid in living cells comprising:
contacting the living cells with a compound under conditions sufficient to allow the phospholipids in the cells to incorporate the compound, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of alkynyl-functionalized choline, azido-functionalized choline, alkynyl-functionalized homocholine, azido-functionalized homocholine, alkynyl-functionalized inositol, azido-functionalized inositol, alkynyl-functionalized ethanolamine, azido-functionalized ethanolamine, alkynyl-functionalized serine, and azido-functionalized serine, thereby forming the alkynyl-labeled or azido-labeled phospholipid.