Immunofluorescent Labeling of Human HepG2 Cells with CdTe Quantum Dot Probe Conjugated with Anti-pan CK MAb

A relatively sensitive, specific, and photostable method for the detection of cytokeratin of cancer cells via conjugation with cadmium telluride quantum dots（CdTe QDs） was described. Water soluble CdTe QDs were conjugated to anti-pan-cytokeratin（CK） monoclonal antibody（MAb） through coupling reagent [1-ethyl-3-（3-dimethyla- mino propyl）carbodiimide, EDC] and the conjugates were purified by dialysis. The expression of pan CK protein in HepG2 cells was observed by immunocytochemistry and direct immunofluorescence via QDs-Ab conjugates respectively. Fluorescence intensity and photostability of QDs were compared with those of FITC（fluorescein isothiocyanate）. The results show that the QDs-Ab conjugates recognized specifically pan CK protein in HepG2 cells. Compared with FITC, CdTe QDs had higher brightness and photostability without obvious photobleaching under continuous exciting light illumination for 30 min and after the placement at room temperature for 3 d. The results indicate that conjugates of CdTe quantum dot with anti-pan CK MAb can be used for labeling cancer cells derived from epithelial tissues, which provides the basis for the detection of circulating tumor cells（CTCs）.

A feasible method for comparing the power dependent photostability of fluorescent proteins

A feasible method of combining the concept of fluorescence half-life and the power dependent photo- bleaching rate for characterizing the practical photostability of fluorescent proteins （FPs） was introduced. Furthermore, by using a fluorescent photostability standard, a relative comparison of the photostabilty of FPs from different research groups was proposed, which would be of great benefit for developing novel FPs with optimized emission wavelength, better brightness, and improved photostability. We used rho- damine B as an example to verify this method and evaluate the practical photostability of a far-red FP, mKate-S158C. Experimental results indicated good potential of this method for further study.

Split-HaloTag imaging assay for sophisticated microscopy of protein–protein interactions in planta

An ever-increasing number of intracellular multi-protein networks have been identified in plant cells.Split-GFP-based protein–protein interaction assays combine the advantages of in vivo interaction studies in a native environment with additional visualization of protein complex localization.Because of their simple protocols,they have become some of the most frequently used methods.However,standard fluorescent proteins present several drawbacks for sophisticated microscopy.With the HaloTag system,these drawbacks can be overcome,as this reporter forms covalent irreversible bonds with synthetic photostable fluorescent ligands.Dyes can be used in adjustable concentrations and are suitable for advanced microscopy methods.Therefore,we have established the Split-HaloTag imaging assay in plants,which is based on the reconstitution of a functional HaloTag protein upon protein–protein interaction and the subsequent covalent binding of an added fluorescent ligand.Its suitability and robustness were demonstrated using a well-characterized interaction as an example of protein–protein interaction at cellular structures:the anchoring of the molybdenumcofactor biosynthesis complex to filamentous actin.In addition,a specific interactionwas visualized in a more distinctivemannerwith subdiffractional polarizationmicroscopy,Airyscan,and structured illumination microscopy to provide examples of sophisticated imaging.Split-GFPand Split-HaloTag can complement one another,as Split-HaloTag represents an alternative option and an addition to the large toolbox of in vivo methods.Therefore,this promising new Split-HaloTag imaging assay provides a unique and sensitive approach formore detailed characterization of protein–protein interactions using specific microscopy techniques,such as 3D imaging,single-molecule tracking,and super-resolution microscopy.