Sharma R.
Florida State University and TCC, US
Keywords: active molecule imaging, bioimaging, flurescence, nmr
Proteins provide the building blocks for multicomponent molecular units, or pathways, from which higher cellular functions emerge. These units consist of either assemblies of physically interacting proteins or dispersed biochemical activities connected by rapidly diffusing second messengers, metabolic intermediates, ions or other proteins. Genetics to identifies the proteins that constitute functional units and to establish the first-order connectivity. The dynamics of interactions within these protein machines can be assessed in living cells by the applications of MR microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy on a microscopic level, using fluorescent proteins that are introduced within these functional units. Fluorescence is sensitive, specific and non-invasive, and the spectroscopic properties of a fluorescent probe can be analyzed to obtain information on its molecular environment. The development and use of biosensors based on the genetically encoded variants of green-fluorescent proteins has facilitated the observation of ‘live’ biochemistry on a microscopic level, with the advantage of preserving the cellular context of biochemical connectivity,compartmentalization and spatial organization. Active proteins such as myoglobin and troponin activities in the heart and protein-protein interactions can be imaged and localized within a single cell, allowing correlation with cell cycle, migration and morphogenesis.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2010: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 452 - 455
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Cancer Nanotechnology
ISBN: 978-1-4398-3415-2