Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Label-Retention Expansion Microscopy LR-ExM Enables Super-Resolution Imaging and High-Efficiency Labeling
Published on: October 11, 2022
Bioorthogonal Click Chemistry Enables Site-specific Fluorescence Labeling of Functional NMDA Receptors for
Franziska Neubert1, Gerti Beliu1, Ulrich Terpitz1
1Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, Biocenter, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Super-resolution microscopy requires small fluorescent labels. We report the application of genetic code expansion in combination with bioorthogonal click chemistry to label the NR1 domain of the NMDA receptor. We generated NR1 mutants incorporating an unnatural amino acid at various positions in order to attach small organic fluorophores such as Cy5-tetrazine site-specifically to the extracellular domain of the receptor. Mutants were optimized with regard to protein expression, labeling efficiency and receptor functionality as tested by fluorescence microscopy and whole-cell patch clamp. The results show that bioorthogonal click chemistry in combination with small organic dyes is superior to available immunocytochemistry protocols for receptor labeling in live and fixed cells and enables single-molecule sensitive super-resolution microscopy experiments.
Related Concept Videos
Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
Nonselective α-blockers: Nonselective α-blockers contain haloalkylamine or imidazoline...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of β-Receptor Blockers
Chemistry of Carbohydrates
Chemistry of Carbohydrates

