Scientists genetically encode IR probe

摘要

Finding out how a protein interacts with other molecules in a cell can be challenging. Fluorophores such as rhodamine cannot label a specific protein. Although genetically encoded fluorophores such as GFP can identify a particular protein, they are often excited with UV radiation, a spectral region that frequently causes natural cellular components to also emit light. Therefore, mi-croscopists have to determine whether they are viewing their protein of interest or something else. In contrast, cells do not usually radiate when they are excited with IR light.