Recent progress on synthetic and protein-based genetically encoded sensors for fluorimetric Cu(i) recognition: binding and reaction-based approaches

Abstract

Due to the extensive biological significance and applications of copper, the development of different fluorescent probes for Cu ions has been an active area of research over the past 10 years. The present study focuses on the recent progress in the fluorescent-based in vitro and in vivo sensing of Cu(I) ions and understanding copper functions using small molecules and modified protein-based fluorescent probes. With a brief outline of cellular Cu-homeostasis and focus on Cu(I)-responsive probe design, we review a wide range of fluorescent probes for Cu(I) ions and assess their characteristic features in the context of their utility in live cell Cu(I) imaging. In particular, traditional binding-based and chemical reaction-based approaches used to develop fluorimetric probes for Cu(I) ions are highlighted.