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A Step Beyond BRET: Fluorescence by Unbound Excitation from Luminescence FUEL
Published on: May 23, 2014
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Flavin-based fluorescent proteins: emerging paradigms in biological imaging
Arnab Mukherjee1, Charles M Schroeder2
1Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.
Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|August 25, 2014
Summary
Flavin-based fluorescent proteins (FbFPs) offer oxygen-independent fluorescence and small size, outperforming green fluorescent protein (GFP). Recent engineering advances enhance their potential for bioimaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Bioimaging
Background:
- Flavin-based fluorescent proteins (FbFPs) are a novel class of fluorescent reporters.
- They possess oxygen-independent fluorescence and small size, offering advantages over green fluorescent protein (GFP).
- FbFPs are currently in early development but show promise for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the FbFP toolbox.
- To explore potential improvements for maximizing FbFP utility.
- To highlight FbFPs as versatile reporters for bioimaging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent developments in FbFP engineering and applications.
- Analysis of FbFP properties including brightness, photostability, thermal, and pH stability.
- Comparison of FbFP performance against established fluorescent proteins like GFP.
Main Results:
- Engineered FbFPs exhibit enhanced brightness and photostability.
- Several FbFPs demonstrate high thermal and pH stability.
- FbFPs have been successfully employed in studying anaerobic biosystems and viral assemblies.
Conclusions:
- FbFPs are promising tools for bioimaging, particularly in challenging systems where GFP is limited.
- Further improvements are needed to fully realize the potential of FbFPs.
- FbFPs could extend bioimaging capabilities to clinical and industrial settings.
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