The sequential biochemical (SNAP-tag) and chemical (chelation-assisted copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition) reactions are applied in membrane protein labeling on live cells. The second, chemical step is rapid (within 1 minute) without any ill-effect to the labeled cells.
We discuss recent advances in the fluorescent labeling of specific proteins in cells and its applications for studying protein-associated biological processes.
Extending the applications of the SNAP-tag: VHL- and CRBN-recruiting SNAP-PROTACs provide a ready-to-use targeted protein degradation system for SNAP-fusion proteins.
A novel photoclickable HaloTag ligand enables multicolor spatiotemporal labeling of proteins on the surface of living cells.
Four important fluorescent building blocks (xanthene, cyanine, oxazine and BODIPY) for super-resolution bioimaging are judiciously assessed.