Illuminating intracellular signaling and molecules for single cell analysis

Fluorescent and bioluminescent proteins are now widely used for detection of small molecules and various intracellular events ranging from protein conformational change to cell death in living cells. To analyze the dynamics of molecular processes in real time at the level of single cells, engineered protein-based probes with higher sensitivity and selectivity are required. The probes can be entirely genetically encoded and can comprise fusions of different proteins or domains. This review specifically examines basic concepts of designing genetically encoded fluorescent and bioluminescent probes developed in the past decade, highlighting some potential applications for basic research and for drug discovery.