Modified Aequorin Shows Increased Bioluminescence Activity
Abstract
Aequorin belongs to a unique class of photoproteins that emit light upon the binding of certain metals, calcium being the principal intracellular activator. This 'reporting function' of the metal-binding is instantaneous and is very easy to quantitate experimentally. The project objective was to develop a variety of recombinant forms of aequorin so they can be employed as metal biosensors. Three calcium-binding sites of aequorin were modified to examine their roles in the calcium-dependent luminescence as well as potentially binding other metal ions. Aequorins having Site 2 substitutions unexpectedly produce more light than wild-type aequorin.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 18, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA268774
Entities
People
- Douglas C. Prasher
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution