Rhobo6

Rhobo6 is a cell-impermeable small-molecule fluorophore designed for labeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) in live tissues. It contains a phenylboronic acid group that binds to diols commonly found in ECM glycans, resulting in a significant increase in fluorescence and a red shift in emission spectra. This property allows Rhobo6 to effectively visualize ECM architecture without perturbing native structures, making it suitable for long-term imaging studies. Additionally, Rhobo6's low affinity for monosaccharides enables reversible binding, which prevents photobleaching and allows for dynamic imaging of ECM components. While Rhobo6 does not specifically target individual ECM components, it provides a holistic view of ECM distribution and is particularly useful for studying ECM-related biological phenomena in samples that are not amenable to genetic manipulation or ex vivo culture.Rhobo6 is available under license from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.