Fluorescent Sensors

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Case Number 05UMC049 Abstract The current state-of-the art for visualizing synaptic vesicles involves staining with pH sensitive probes. The pH sensitive probes label all acidic compartments. Another option, membrane dyes, lack specificity and will mark many different kinds of cellular membranes. This invention comprises a highly selective cell permeable fluorescent sensor for cellular amines. These are the first probes which are able to label neurotransmitters. The probes bind selectively to cellular amines and produce large fluorescence increases. The probes can be modified for selectivity toward various biologically important amines and amino acids. The utility of the probes stems from their ability to trace neurotransmitters in live cells by fluorescence microscopy. Potential areas of applications: Research tool for the study of neurotransmitters. Main advantages of invention: Cell permeable; Labels neurotransmitters in live cells; Can selectively label norepinephrine-containing vesicles over epinephrine-containing vesicles; Enables tracing activity of neurotransmitters; Overcomes the problem of labeling all acidic cell components. State of development: Prototype sensors synthesized; Prototype sensors tested by sensing dopamine, norepinephrine and lysine. Further R&D required: Improved specificity and expanding the range of analytes which can be sensed. Keywords detection, fluorescent, neurons, neurotransmitter, UMC