Fluorescence is a ubiquitous readout of molecular localization that has enabled the elucidation of many biological processes. Co-localization of different fluorophores via fluorescence microscopy allows one to monitor protein interactions, but this has been limited by the resolution of the imaging technique used. Although super-resolved imaging microscopy techniques can break the diffraction limit, imaging of protein interaction is not directly achievable, but can be sensed via Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). FRET is the radiationless transfer of energy from an excited donor fluorophore to an appropriate acceptor in close proximity. The energy transfer only occurs between fluorophores separated by less than ~10 nm, enabling sensing of protein interactions at the nano-scale. However, to date, FRET applications are confined to microscopy of cells in culture. It is becoming increasingly important to translate FRET assays to small animal imaging where the in vivo physiological context is critical for drug development, the study of diseases, and fundamental cellular and molecular biology.

Dr. Intes will present his laboratory efforts towards establishing whole-body FRET imaging in small animals. He will report current instrumental, theoretical and experimental efforts to establish a new method to perform whole-body FMT based on wide-field time-resolved illumination at RPI. He will also summarize his laboratory efforts, in collaboration with Dr. Barroso laboratory at Albany Medical College, in characterizing an adequate near-infrared FRET pair and its application to monitor NIR-FRET labeled- iron-binding transferrin protein internalization in cancerous cells based on the reduction of donor fluorophore lifetime.


Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 12:00. Seminar Room

Hosted by Prof. Turgut Durduran