Fluorescent proteins: shine on, you crazy diamond.
Peter Dedecker1, Frans C De Schryver, Johan Hofkens
1Department of Chemistry, University of Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium. peter.dedecker@hotmail.com
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|January 16, 2013
Summary
Fluorescent proteins are crucial smart labels for biosensing and imaging, with their structure dictating spectroscopic properties. Future research will explore new opportunities and address remaining questions in this dynamic field.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Fluorescent proteins (FPs) have revolutionized biological research.
- Their development and applications are driven by unique spectroscopic and structural properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent trends in fluorescent protein development and applications.
- To highlight the structure-property relationships enabling their use as smart labels.
- To identify future research opportunities and unsolved questions.
Main Methods:
- Historical perspective on FP development.
- Analysis of spectroscopic and structural properties.
- Review of applications in biosensing and fluorescence imaging.
Main Results:
- Fluorescent proteins are essential 'smart labels' due to their tunable spectroscopic and structural characteristics.
- The strong link between protein structure and spectroscopic properties is key to their utility.
- FPs serve as excellent model systems across various scientific disciplines.
Conclusions:
- Continued advancements in FP development offer significant potential for biosensing and imaging.
- Understanding the structure-function relationship is critical for designing novel FPs.
- Emerging research areas promise to expand the scope and impact of fluorescent proteins.
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