Mapping protein-specific micro-environments in live cells by fluorescence lifetime imaging of a hybrid genetic-chemical molecular rotor tag

Chem Commun (Camb). 2012 Sep 7;48(69):8694-6. doi: 10.1039/c2cc33133k. Epub 2012 Jul 24.

Abstract

The micro-viscosity and molecular crowding experienced by specific proteins can regulate their dynamics and function within live cells. Taking advantage of the emerging TMP-tag technology, we present the design, synthesis and application of a hybrid genetic-chemical molecular rotor probe whose fluorescence lifetime can report protein-specific micro-environments in live cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbocyanines / analysis
  • Carbocyanines / metabolism
  • Cell Survival
  • Escherichia coli / enzymology*
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Fluorescent Dyes / analysis
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Histones / analysis
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / analysis
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase / analysis
  • Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase / genetics*
  • Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Transfection
  • Trimethoprim / analysis
  • Trimethoprim / metabolism*
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Carbocyanines
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Histones
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • cyanine dye 3
  • Trimethoprim
  • Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase