#Abstract
The project involves characterization of noncovalent complexes formed between fluorogenic dyes and proteins. These binding interactions cause the fluorogenic dyes to “light up”, i.e. become fluorescent. Various combinations of the dyes and proteins give rise to the full range of visible colors. Some proteins are highly selective for binding to a particular dye, whereas others are more promiscuous, giving rise to the ability to generate several different fluorescence colors from the same protein. Experiments will include (a) determination of equilibrium dissociation constants (KD), which are a measure of the affinity between the dye and protein; (b) fluorescence quantum yield measurements, which relates to how efficiently the dye emits fluorescence relative to the absorbance of photons; and (c) photostability measurements, which indicate how many times a dye-protein complex can absorb and emit light before undergoing an irreversible chemical reaction that eliminates its ability to fluoresce. Several dyes and proteins are currently available in the Armitage lab and the Molecular Biosensor and Imaging Center so the project is ready to commence at any time. In addition to the experimental work, calculations will be done in collaboration with Prof. David Yaron of the Chemistry Department to relate structural properties of the dyes to their optical (light absorption and emission) properties.
