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Updated: May 25, 2026

Fluorescence-Based Measurements of Phosphatidylserine/Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate Exchange Between Membranes
Published on: March 14, 2021
Sensing phosphatidylserine in cellular membranes
Jason G Kay1, Sergio Grinstein
1Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G1X8, Canada. Jason.Kay@sickkids.ca
Phosphatidylserine, a key membrane phospholipid, is crucial for apoptosis and blood clotting. New genetically-encoded probes are revealing its cellular localization and dynamics, advancing our understanding of this vital molecule.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Phosphatidylserine is a vital phospholipid in eukaryotic cell membranes, predominantly located in the inner leaflet.
- Its asymmetric distribution is critical for cellular processes like apoptosis and blood clotting.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding phosphatidylserine's precise localization, topology, and dynamics within cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current methods for detecting phosphatidylserine within live cells.
- To highlight recent discoveries stemming from the application of novel detection techniques.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of phosphatidylserine biology.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing newly developed genetically-encoded probes for live-cell detection.
- Reviewing existing methodologies for phosphatidylserine analysis.
- Integrating findings from various studies employing these new probes.
Main Results:
- Genetically-encoded probes enable unprecedented visualization of phosphatidylserine.
- New insights into phosphatidylserine's subcellular localization and dynamics are emerging.
- The role of phosphatidylserine in cellular functions is being further elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Advancements in detection methods are significantly improving our understanding of phosphatidylserine.
- Further research using these tools will deepen our knowledge of phospholipid biology.
- Phosphatidylserine's importance in cellular membranes and processes is increasingly recognized.
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Published on: October 15, 2016
10:52Radiolabeling and Quantification of Cellular Levels of Phosphoinositides by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-coupled Flow Scintillation
Published on: January 6, 2016
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