Subcellular Protein Localization by Using a Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Amino Acid

Abstract

CouAA-lescence: A fluorescent amino acid (CouAA) was site-specifically incorporated into FtsZ, the bacterial tubulin homologue, in living cells. FtsZCouAA is seen at the cleavage furrow during cell division to form the Z-ring. These studies provide the first example of a fully functional protein to be visualized in vivo by using a genetically incorporated fluorescent amino acid.