Living Cell Sensors Illuminate Real-Time Protein Activity in Disease Research
Scientists have engineered living cells to produce a glowing amino acid that reveals protein changes as they occur. This breakthrough enables real-time observation of cellular processes in cancer models and human cells without disruptive techniques.
Breakthrough in Cellular Observation
Researchers at Rice University have developed a revolutionary method for tracking protein changes within living cells in real time, according to reports published in Nature Communications. The team engineered cells to autonomously produce and utilize a 21st amino acid that illuminates when specific protein modifications occur, providing unprecedented visibility into cellular processes.