Compact halo-ligand-conjugated quantum dots for multicolored single-molecule imaging of overcrowding GPCR proteins on cell membranes

Small. 2015 Mar 25;11(12):1396-401. doi: 10.1002/smll.201402508. Epub 2014 Dec 12.

Abstract

To detect single molecules within the optical diffraction limit (< ca. 200 nm), a multicolored imaging technique is developed using Halo-ligand conjugated quantum dots (Halo-QDs; <6 nm in diameter). Using three types of Halo-QDs, multicolored single-molecule fluorescence imaging of GPCR proteins in Dictyostelium cells is achieved.

Keywords: fluorescence; halo tags; imaging; membranes; proteins; quantum dots; single-molecule studies.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Halogens / chemistry*
  • Ligands
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton / methods*
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Nanoconjugates / chemistry
  • Nanoconjugates / ultrastructure
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Halogens
  • Ligands
  • Nanoconjugates
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled