Application of Probes in Live Cell Imaging~!2010-01-03~!2010-05-09~!2010-08-16~!

Abstract

Live cell imaging (LCI) is the approach of non-invasively analyzing dynamic processes in living cells using state-of-the-art microscopy and computer vision techniques. LCI provides exciting and novel insights into cell biology. The present review summarized LCI research in recent years and detailed the role of probes in LCI. We discussed the basic principle and development in LCI technology, including fluorecence resonance energy transfer, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning ion conductance microscopy, confocal microscopy, two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy and Cell-IQ® System . Then we listed several probes such as green fluorescent protein and quantum dots which are the most widely used probes. Proteins, organelles, nucleotides and other chemicals related to cell biology may all be potential targets. We also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of different probes. Although specific probes in LCI still need to be explored, the application of LCI may be attractive for better understanding of cellular functions.

A highly selective fluorescence sensor for cysteine/homocysteine and its application in bioimaging

“…In recent times, uorescent molecular probes have emerged as an attractive tool for selective detection of various chemical and biological components, [13][14][15][16] including thiols [17][18][19][20][21] due to their high sensitivity and operational simplicity. The uorescence method features its low detection limit and its potential for in vivo imaging of living cells, whereas colorimetric assay exhibits inherent merits, including naked-eye detection and its real-time in situ responses, which are suitable for the analysis of biological samples.…”

A general fluorescent light-up probe for staining and quantifying protein

“…And the response of some fluorescent reagents, such as Sypro Ruby, against proteins, will be greatly affected by detergents like sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), thus it takes a long time to get rid of SDS for staining proteins in SDSpolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) [7]. Besides, fluorescent dyes, such as Alexa Fluor, BODIPY and Sypro Ruby, have also been widely used in cell imaging to provide critical insight into the basic nature of cellular function, while they must be modified with a specific probe for a certain protein, such as phalloidin conjugated to Alexa Fluor for F-actin, glibenclamide conjugated to BODIPY for endoplasmic reticulum, ceramide conjugated to BODIPY for Golgi complex and so on [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. However, these fluorescent dyes designed for fluorescence imaging of tissue distribution and subcellular localization have some significant disadvantages which include (i) requiring of cell fixation, (ii) more or less cytotoxicity, (iii) high cost due to complex chemical synthesis.…”