Analytical Sciences


Abstract − Analytical Sciences, 30(5), 539 (2014).

Split Luciferase Complementation for Analysis of Intracellular Signaling
Mitsuru HATTORI and Takeaki OZAWA
Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
Bioluminescent proteins such as luciferases are unique analytical tools with high sensitivity and wide dynamic ranges. However, applicability of the proteins has remained limited to reporter gene analysis. Split luciferase complementation technique is a new powerful strategy to detect protein–protein interactions and their related intracellular signaling in living cells. This review presents a summary of recent topics for the analysis of biological events using split luciferase complementation techniques. Different applications such as G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) screening, monitoring phosphorylations, protein–protein interactions, and pH differences in living tissues are described.