Genetically-Encoded Reporters of Signal Transduction

Abstract : We have developed new reporters for imaging signal transduction events in living cells along two lines. First, we created new fluorescent reporters for imaging specific histone phosphorylation and methylation events in real time with high spatial resolution. Second, we developed new methodology for attaching a variety of biophysical probes (including organic fluorophores, quantum dots, and photo-affinity probes) to specific proteins in the cellular context. This methodology was used to image neuronal proteins such as the AMPA-type glutamate receptor and neuroligin at the single molecule level in living neurons. Such efforts should contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory and perhaps provide insight into neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.