A ratiometric fluorescent sensor for the mitochondrial copper pool

Copper plays a key role in the modulation of cellular function, defence, and growth. Here we present InCCu1, a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for mitochondrial copper, which changes from red to blue emission in the presence of Cu(I). Employing this probe in microscopy and flow cytometry, we show that cisplatin-treated cells have an impaired ability to accumulate copper in the mitochondria.