Small-molecule fluorescent probes for imaging Golgi stress-associated biochemical changes

The Golgi apparatus, as an essential membrane-bound organelle in cells, is responsible for the modification, packaging, and transport of proteins and lipids, playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that the Golgi apparatus is not only a hub for the transport of proteins and lipids but also actively participates in stress responses, autophagy, and apoptosis. Golgi stress plays a critical role in various pathological conditions, especially in inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Prolonged or severe stress can lead to Golgi dysfunction, structural breakdown, and protein accumulation, ultimately triggering cell death and loss of function. To study the dynamic changes of Golgi stress, molecular fluorescent probe technology provides a real-time, non-invasive tool that targets specific chemical environments or proteins within the Golgi, enabling efficient localization and imaging. In this review, we systematically summarize the reported Golgi-targeted fluorescent probes, covering the recognition and labeling mechanisms of different targeting groups, as well as their applications in biological imaging and related diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and opportunities these probes face from a perspective of diagnostic and therapeutic integration.