Synthesis and biological evaluation of cationic TopFluor cholesterol analogues

Lipid Rafts in Signalling, Diseases, and Infections: What Can Be Learned from Fluorescence Techniques?

Lipid rafts are dynamic microdomains in the membrane, rich in cholesterol and sphingolipids, that are critical for biological processes like cell signalling, membrane trafficking, and protein organization. Their essential role is claimed in both physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections, making them a key area of research. Fluorescence-based approaches, including super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques, enable precise analysis of the organization, dynamics, and interactions of these microdomains, thanks also to the innovative design of appropriate fluorescent probes. Moreover, these non-invasive approaches allow for the study of live cells, facilitating the collection of quantitative data under physiologically relevant conditions. This review synthesizes the latest insights into the role of lipid rafts in biological and pathological processes and underscores how fluorescence techniques have advanced our understanding of these critical microdomains. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of lipid rafts in health and disease, providing a foundation for future research and potential therapeutic interventions.

Fluorescent sterol probes for intracellular transport, imaging, and therapeutics

Sterols play a significant role in many physiological processes affecting membrane organization, transport, permeability, and signal transduction. The development of fluorescent sterol analogs that have immediate functional relevance to the natural biomolecules is one approach to understanding the sterol-driven physiological processes. Visualizing cellular compartments with tailor-made fluorescent molecules through specific labeling methods enables organelle targeting and reveals dynamic information. In this review, we focus on the recent literature published between 2020 and 2022, with particular emphasis on extrinsic fluorophores and their investigations of sterol-driven biological processes involving sterol transport, biomolecular interactions, and biological imaging.