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Shedding light on cellular dynamics: the progress in developing photoactivated fluorophores
Huihui Wei1, Mingli Xie1, Min Chen1
1Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China. pfxing@henu.edu.cn.
The Analyst
|January 5, 2024
Summary
Photoactivated fluorophores (PAFs) enable precise control of fluorescence imaging in live cells. This review covers PAFs
Area of Science:
- Chemical Biology
- Molecular Imaging
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Photoactivated fluorophores (PAFs) are crucial for spatiotemporal control in live-cell imaging.
- Their fluorescence is restored upon light-induced removal of caging groups.
- PAFs are vital for studying protein labeling and small molecule signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of photoactivated fluorophores (PAFs).
- To highlight historical developments and recent advancements in PAFs.
- To discuss PAF structures, reaction mechanisms, and applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of photoactivated fluorophore research.
- Analysis of various reaction mechanisms enabling PAF activation.
- Compilation of existing PAF structures and their demonstrated applications.
Main Results:
- Detailed historical overview of photoactivated fluorophore development.
- Exploration of diverse reaction pathways for PAF uncaging.
- Catalog of current PAF structures and their utility in cellular studies.
Conclusions:
- Photoactivated fluorophores offer precise spatiotemporal control for live-cell investigations.
- Continued development of novel PAFs will enhance dynamic cellular studies.
- Expanding PAF applications into new research domains is anticipated.
