mRuby: A New Red Fluorescent Protein for Cell Imaging
Author Information
Author(s): Kredel Simone, Oswald Franz, Nienhaus Karin, Deuschle Karen, Röcker Carlheinz, Wolff Michael, Heilker Ralf, Nienhaus G. Ulrich, Wiedenmann Jörg
Primary Institution: University of Ulm
Hypothesis
Can a new monomeric red fluorescent protein improve cellular imaging applications?
Conclusion
mRuby is a bright and stable red fluorescent protein that allows for improved imaging of cellular structures and peroxisome inheritance during cell division.
Supporting Evidence
- mRuby has excitation and emission maxima at 558 nm and 605 nm, making it suitable for imaging applications.
- The protein shows exceptional resistance to denaturation at extreme pH levels.
- mRuby is about ten-fold brighter than EGFP when targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum.
- The study revealed ordered inheritance of peroxisomes during mitosis in mammalian cells.
Takeaway
Scientists created a new red protein that glows brightly and helps us see tiny parts of cells better, especially how certain cell parts are shared when cells divide.
Methodology
The study involved engineering a monomeric variant of the red fluorescent protein eqFP611 through mutagenesis and testing its properties in various cell types.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on specific cell lines and may not generalize to all cell types or conditions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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