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Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Identification of Small Molecule-binding Proteins in a Native Cellular Environment by Live-cell Photoaffinity Labeling
Published on: September 20, 2016
Photoactive metal complexes that bind DNA and other biomolecules as cell probes, therapeutics, and theranostics
Hiwa K Saeed1, Sreejesh Sreedharan2, Jim A Thomas3
1Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA.
Abstract:
This review discusses the advantages of using luminescent d6-transition-metal complexes as cell probes for optical microscopy. In particular it focusses on the Thomas group's use of specific complexes as "building blocks" toward the construction of biomolecular binding substrates, with DNA being a particular target. Using this approach, a range of new imaging probes for conventional optical microscopy, nanoscopy and transmission electron microscopy have been identified. Through selection of specific metal centres and by substitution of coordinated ligands we illustrate how new chemotherapeutics, photo-therapeutics, and theranostics have been identified and developed from the original architectures.
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