Live-cell targeting of his-tagged proteins by multivalent N-nitrilotriacetic acid carrier complexes

J Am Chem Soc. 2014 Oct 8;136(40):13975-8. doi: 10.1021/ja5063357. Epub 2014 Sep 30.

Abstract

Selective and fast labeling of proteins in living cells is a major challenge. Live-cell labeling techniques require high specificity, high labeling density, and cell permeability of the tagging molecule to target the protein of interest. Here we report on the site-specific, rapid, and efficient labeling of endogenous and recombinant histidine-tagged proteins in distinct subcellular compartments using cell-penetrating multivalent chelator carrier complexes. In vivo labeling was followed in real time in living cells, demonstrating a high specificity and high degree of colocalization in the crowded cellular environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Cell Survival
  • HeLa Cells
  • Histidine / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Nitrilotriacetic Acid / chemistry*
  • Nitrilotriacetic Acid / metabolism
  • Peptide Fragments / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Staining and Labeling
  • tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / chemistry*

Substances

  • Peptide Fragments
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • Histidine
  • Nitrilotriacetic Acid