A novel adaptive fluorescent probe for cell labelling.

In this study we describe the synthesis and characterisation of a new hydrazone-based fluorescent compound that is able to selectively label the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in yeast and mammalian living cells. The fluorescence properties of the compound depended on the DMSO/water ratio and on the pH. NMR experiments allowed determination of the conformation adopted in various environments. Apart from the convenient synthetic procedure, our compound displays low cell toxicity and blue emission compatible with filters routinely used in fluorescence microscopy.