REVIEW: Genetically Encoded Intracellular Sensors Based on Fluorescent Proteins

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E. A. Souslova and D. M. Chudakov^*

Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; fax: (495) 330-7056; E-mail: ChudakovDM@mail.ru

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received March 13, 2007; Revision received April 9, 2007

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Green fluorescent protein from Aequorea victoria and its many homologs are now widely used in basic and applied research. These genetically encoded fluorescent markers can detect localization of cell proteins and organelles in living cells and also cells and tissues in living organisms. Unique instruments and methods for studies of molecular biology of a cell and high throughput drug screenings are based on fluorescent proteins. This review deals with the most intensively evolving directions in this field, the development of genetically encoded sensors. Changes in their spectral properties are used for monitoring of cell enzyme activities or changes in concentrations of particular molecules.

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KEY WORDS: genetically encoded sensors, fluorescent proteins, mutant GFP variants, FRET

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297907070012

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