Green fluorescent proteins are light-induced electron donors

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Photochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) are widely utilized as in vivo biological markers.
• Their unique biochemical properties are extensively studied.
• GFPs are known for their fluorescence and use in imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of diverse GFPs as electron donors in photochemical reactions.
• To explore interactions between GFPs and various electron acceptors.
• To demonstrate the observation of these photochemical processes in living cells.

Main Methods:

• Testing GFPs from various origins as electron donors.
• Utilizing different electron acceptors, including biologically relevant molecules.
• Employing green-to-red GFP photoconversion for in-cell observation.

Main Results:

• Diverse GFPs were confirmed to act as light-induced electron donors.
• Successful photochemical reactions were observed with various electron acceptors.
• The process was visualized in living cells using green-to-red photoconversion without external treatment.

Conclusions:

• GFPs possess novel photochemical activity as electron donors.
• This electron-donating capability can be harnessed in reactions with biological electron acceptors.
• In vivo observation of GFP-mediated photochemistry is feasible, expanding their utility.