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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
11:46
Investigating Protein-protein Interactions in Live Cells Using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Published on: May 26, 2014
Fluorescent biosensors of protein function
Schuyler B VanEngelenburg1, Amy E Palmer
1UCB 215, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
Current Opinion in Chemical Biology
|February 20, 2008
Summary
Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors, using proteins like green fluorescent protein (GFP), enable precise imaging of cellular activities and signals in living cells. Enhanced sensors improve high-throughput screening for drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Fluorescent biosensors offer high spatial and temporal resolution for imaging cellular processes.
- Genetically encoded sensors are synthesized from amino acids, derived from DNA sequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the capabilities of fluorescent biosensors in visualizing and quantifying cellular signals.
- To discuss the application of genetically encoded sensors in understanding cellular functions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing light-emitting proteins, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) derivatives.
- Genetically targeting sensors to specific cellular locations like organelles and membranes.
Main Results:
- Development of sensors for diverse small molecules and enzyme activities.
- Demonstration of sensor utility in elucidating regional modulation of cellular signals.
- Improvements in sensor dynamic range and robustness.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescent biosensors are powerful tools for cellular research.
- Enhanced sensor performance facilitates high-throughput screening for modulators of protein function.
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