Labeling the plasma membrane with TMA-DPH

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Membrane Dynamics

Background:

• Trimethylamine-diphenylhexatriene (TMA-DPH) is a fluorescent probe.
• It classically labels the outer leaflet of membrane bilayers and plasma membranes.
• TMA-DPH reports on membrane dynamics via fluorescence polarization and lifetime.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a protocol for using TMA-DPH.
• To label the plasma membrane using TMA-DPH.
• To enable studies on membrane dynamics and cellular processes.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing TMA-DPH as a fluorescent membrane probe.
• Employing fluorescence polarization and fluorescence lifetime techniques.
• Applying the probe to label the plasma membrane for cellular studies.

Main Results:

• TMA-DPH effectively labels the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane.
• The probe facilitates the study of membrane dynamics.
• It can be used to monitor exocytosis and endocytosis.

Conclusions:

• TMA-DPH is a versatile tool for plasma membrane labeling.
• This protocol enables detailed investigation of membrane properties and functions.
• The probe aids in understanding cellular membrane interactions and dynamics.