Protein Labelling with Versatile Phosphorescent Metal Complexes for Live Cell Luminescence Imaging.
To take advantage of the luminescent properties of d(6) transition metal complexes to label proteins, versatile bifunctional ligands were prepared. Ligands that contain a 1,2,3-triazole heterocycle were synthesised using Cu(I) catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition "click" chemistry and were used to form phosphorescent Ir(III) and Ru(II) complexes. Their emission properties were readily tuned, by changing either the metal ion or the co-ligands. The complexes were tethered to the metalloprotein transferrin using several conjugation strategies. The Ir(III)/Ru(II)-protein conjugates could be visualised in cancer cells using live cell imaging for extended periods without significant photobleaching. These versatile phosphorescent protein-labelling agents could be widely applied to other proteins and biomolecules and are useful alternatives to conventional organic fluorophores for several applications.
School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010 (Australia).
Timothy U
TU
Connell
Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010 (Australia).
Janine L
JL
James
Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010 (Australia).
Anthony R
AR
White
School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010 (Australia). pauld@unimelb.edu.au.
Paul S
PS
Donnelly
D002384:Catalysis; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D057930:Click Chemistry; D056831:Coordination Complexes / Q000737:chemistry*; D061565:Cycloaddition Reaction; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D049449:Luminescence; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000379:methods*; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*
D056831:Coordination Complexes; D008024:Ligands; D011506:Proteins
click chemistry; iridium; phosphorescent metal complexes; protein labeling; ruthenium