Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025

Genetically-encoded Molecular Probes to Study G Protein-coupled Receptors
Published on: September 13, 2013
Design strategies and applications of fluorescent protein-based probes
Ning Zhang1,2, Ye Tian1,2
1Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Abstract:
The discovery of fluorescent proteins has revolutionized cell biology research. By fusing fluorescent proteins with target proteins, fluorescent biosensors can be constructed to enable real-time monitoring of dynamic cellular events in live cells and organisms. The unique physicochemical properties of fluorescent proteins, such as spectral range, chromophore maturation speed, pH sensitivity, and stability, offer diverse options for probe design. Researchers have developed various fluorescent biosensors based on these properties to monitor distinct molecular events. This review systematically summarizes the main strategies for designing fluorescent protein probes and highlights their typical applications in biological research. It provides a reference for developing more efficient and specialized fluorescent probes to address complex biological questions.
Related Concept Videos
Labeling DNA Probes
Radioisotopes, fluorophores, or small molecule binding partners like biotin or digoxigenin, are the most widely used reporter tags for labeling DNA probes. These labels can be attached to the probe DNA molecule via...
FISH - Fluorescent In-situ Hybridization
Protein Dynamics in Living Cells
Fluorescent recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a fluorescent-protein-based detection technique used to quantify protein movement rates within the cell. This method exposes a small portion of the cell to an intense laser beam. The laser beam causes permanent photobleaching of the fluorophore-tagged proteins in the exposed region. As the bleached...
Reporter Genes
Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Photoluminescence: Applications

