Work

Bright Ideas for Chemical Biology

Year: 2008

Type: review

Abstract: Small-molecule fluorescent probes embody an essential facet of chemical biology. Although numerous compounds are known, the ensemble of fluorescent probes is based on a modest collection of modular "core" dyes. The elaboration of these dyes with diverse chemical moieties is enabling the precise interrogation of biochemical and biological systems. The importance of fluorescence-based technologies in chemical biology elicits a necessity to understand the major classes of small-molecule fluorophores. Here, we examine the chemical and photophysical properties of oft-used fluorophores and highlight classic and contemporary examples in which utility has been built upon these scaffolds.

Source: ACS Chemical Biology

DOI: 10.1021/cb700248m

Authors: Luke D. Lavis, Ronald T. Raines

Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison

Language: English

Topic: Molecular Sensors and Ion Detection

Subfield: Spectroscopy

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Public Health Service, National Cancer Institute

Awards: G5315762425, Human Ribonuclease as a Cytotoxin