Fluorescent Probes to Visualize Lipid Messengers

Abstract

Fluorescence imaging could be the most powerful technique available for observing spatial and temporal dynamics of molecular processes in living cells, if fluorescent probes for the relevant molecular processes become available. We have been developing fluorescent probes for a variety of cellular signaling processes, including second messengers and protein phosphorylations. Using the probes, we have visualized spatial and temporal dynamics of these molecular events in single living cells. The present fluorescent probes are becoming an indispensable tool for understanding the complex mechanism of the signal transduction in living cells. In this review, fluorescent probes to visualize subcellular dynamics of lipid messngers are described.