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HaloTag-Based Reporters for Fluorescence Imaging and Biosensing
Alexander Cook1, Franziska Walterspiel1, Claire Deo1
1Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany.
Chembiochem : a European Journal of Chemical Biology
|February 23, 2023
Summary
HaloTag proteins enable advanced cellular imaging by combining genetic tags with small-molecule fluorophores. These self-labeling systems offer superior performance over traditional fluorescent proteins for visualizing biomolecular dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Imaging
Background:
- Understanding biomolecular structure and dynamics is essential for biological function.
- Fluorescent labeling in cellular contexts requires advanced techniques.
- Self-labeling proteins offer an alternative to fluorescent proteins, overcoming limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of fluorescent reporters based on the HaloTag protein.
- To highlight engineering strategies for HaloTag-based imaging tools.
- To discuss general applications of HaloTag in imaging and biosensing.
Main Methods:
- Review of synthetic chemistry and protein engineering approaches.
- Exploitation of the HaloTag protein system for labeling.
- Development of small-molecule fluorophore ligands.
Main Results:
- HaloTag protein is broadly used for fast and specific labeling.
- A portfolio of imaging tools has been developed using HaloTag.
- Methods for optimizing and adapting HaloTag reporters exist.
Conclusions:
- HaloTag protein is a versatile platform for fluorescent reporters.
- Engineering strategies enhance the utility of HaloTag for imaging and biosensing.
- HaloTag-based systems are crucial for visualizing cellular processes.
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