The Scripps Research Institute

Chester Chamberlain

Dennis R Burton

Vadim Kraynov

Klaus M Hahn

Alexei Toutchkine

Steven J Bark

Rajeev Muthyala

The invention provides peptide synthons having protected functional groups for attachment of desired moieties (e.g. functional molecules or probes). Also provided are peptide conjugates prepared from such synthons, and synthon and conjugate preparation methods including procedures for identifying the optimum probe attachment site. Biosensors are provided having environmentally sensitive dyes that can locate specific biomolecules within living cells and detect chemical and physiological changes in those biomolecules as the living cell is moving, metabolizing and reacting to its environment. Methods are included for detecting GTP activation of a Rho GTPase protein using polypeptide biosensors. When the biosensor binds GTP-activated Rho GTPase protein, the environmentally sensitive dye emits a signal of a different lifetime, intensity or wavelength than when not bound. New fluorophores whose fluorescence responds to environmental changes are also provided that have improved detection and attachment properties, and that can be used in living cells, or in vitro.

Labeled peptides, proteins and antibodies and processes and intermediates useful for their preparation

The invention provides peptide synthons having protected functional groups for attachment of desired moieties (e.g. functional molecules or probes). Also provided are peptide conjugates prepared from such synthons, and synthon and conjugate preparation methods including procedures for identifying optimum probe attachment sites. Biosensors are provided having functional molecules that can locate and bind to specific biomolecules within living cells. Biosensors can detect chemical and physiological changes in those biomolecules as living cells are moving, metabolizing and reacting to its environment. Methods are included for detecting GTP activation of a Rho GTPase protein using polypeptide biosensors. When the biosensor binds GTP-activated Rho GTPase protein, an environmentally sensitive dye emits a signal of a different lifetime, intensity or wavelength than when not bound. New fluorophores whose fluorescence responds to environmental changes are also provided that have improved detection and attachment properties, and that can be used in living cells, or in vitro.

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Cambridge, MA, United States of America

Chester Chamberlain