Natural Photoreceptors As a Source of Fluorescent Proteins, Biosensors, and Optogenetic Tools

Overview

Journal Annu Rev Biochem

Publisher Annual Reviews

Specialty Biochemistry

Date 2015 Feb 24

PMID 25706899

Citations 79

Authors

Daria M Shcherbakova

Anton A Shemetov

Andrii A Kaberniuk

Vladislav V Verkhusha

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Genetically encoded optical tools have revolutionized modern biology by allowing detection and control of biological processes with exceptional spatiotemporal precision and sensitivity. Natural photoreceptors provide researchers with a vast source of molecular templates for engineering of fluorescent proteins, biosensors, and optogenetic tools. Here, we give a brief overview of natural photoreceptors and their mechanisms of action. We then discuss fluorescent proteins and biosensors developed from light-oxygen-voltage-sensing (LOV) domains and phytochromes, as well as their properties and applications. These fluorescent tools possess unique characteristics not achievable with green fluorescent protein-like probes, including near-infrared fluorescence, independence of oxygen, small size, and photosensitizer activity. We next provide an overview of available optogenetic tools of various origins, such as LOV and BLUF (blue-light-utilizing flavin adenine dinucleotide) domains, cryptochromes, and phytochromes, enabling control of versatile cellular processes. We analyze the principles of their function and practical requirements for use. We focus mainly on optical tools with demonstrated use beyond bacteria, with a specific emphasis on their applications in mammalian cells.

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