Met receptor inhibitor SU11274 localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum

We discovered that SU11274, a class I c-Met inhibitor, fluoresces when excited by 488 nm laser light and showed rapid specific accumulation in distinct subcellular compartments. Given that SU11274 reduces cancer cell viability, we exploited these newly identified spectral properties to determine SU11274 intracellular distribution and accumulation in human pancreatic cancer cells. The aim of the studies reported here was to identify organelle(s) to which SU11274 is trafficked. We conclude that SU11274 rapidly and predominantly accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum. •SU11274 fluoresces when excited by 488 nm laser light.•SU11274 rapidly enters cells.•SU11274 concentrates in the endoplasmic reticulum.