[FRAP, FLIP, FRET, BRET, FLIM, PRIM...new techniques for a colourful life].
Cell and tissue imaging provides scientists with wonderful tools, thanks to a fruitful dialog between chemistry, optical, mechanical, computational sciences and biology. Confocal microscopy, videomicroscopy together with a new generation of fluorochromes (especially those derived from green fluorescent protein, GFP) and image analysis software allow to visualize life in all its dimensions (space and time). Cell imaging also allows to quantify biological processes at the cellular level, to analyse both stoechiometry and dynamics of molecular interactions involved in cell and tissue regulations. Entering the new era of post-genomics requires a better knowledge of advantages and limitations of these new approaches.
Trugnan
Germain
G
Inserm U.538 et Plate-forme d'imagerie cellulaire, IFR 65, CHU Saint-Antoine, 27, rue de Chaligny, 75012 Paris, France. trugnan@st-antoine.inserm.fr
Fontanges
Philippe
P
Delautier
Danièle
D
Ait-Slimane
Tounsia
T
D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D023281:Genomics / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D018715:Microscopy, Video; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D012984:Software