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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Genetically-encoded Molecular Probes to Study G Protein-coupled Receptors
Published on: September 13, 2013
Photo-activatable probes for the analysis of receptor function in living cells
1Departments of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Photo-activatable (caged) probes are powerful research tools for biological investigation. The superb maneuverability of a light beam allows researchers to activate caged probes with pinpoint accuracy. Recent developments in caging chemistry and two-photon excitation technique further enhance our capability to perform photo-uncaging with even higher spatial and temporal resolution, offering new photonic approaches to study cell signaling dynamics in greater detail. Here we present a sample method that combines the techniques of photo-activation and digital fluorescence microscopy to assay an important class of intracellular receptors for the second messenger D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P(3), or IP(3)). The imaging assay is performed in fully intact living cells using a caged and cell membrane permeable ester derivative of IP(3), cm-IP(3)/PM.
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