Issue 10, 2009

The photochemistry of fluorescent proteins: implications for their biological applications

Abstract

Green fluorescent protein from Aequorea victoria, its relatives and derivatives are ubiquitous in their use as biological probes. In this tutorial review, we discuss the photochemistry of this fascinating class of proteins and illustrate some of their advantages and drawbacks in a range of applications. In particular, we focus on the ionisation states of the chromophore and how they are affected by internal and external proton transfer. Light-induced reversible and irreversible events are discussed in terms of the underlying chromophore structure. These phenomena have an influence on the interpretation of FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer), FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching), as well as single molecule studies.

Graphical abstract: The photochemistry of fluorescent proteins: implications for their biological applications

Article information

Article type
Tutorial Review
Submitted
15 May 2009
First published
04 Aug 2009

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2009,38, 2842-2851

The photochemistry of fluorescent proteins: implications for their biological applications

H. E. Seward and C. R. Bagshaw, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2009, 38, 2842 DOI: 10.1039/B901355P

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