Aequorin: Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{DISPLAYTITLE:Aequorin}} | ||
'''Aequorin''' is a [[calcium-binding protein]] | == Introduction == | ||
[[File:Aequorin_1EJ3.png|thumb|right|300px|Structure of Aequorin]] | |||
'''Aequorin''' is a [[calcium-binding protein]] originally isolated from the [[jellyfish]] ''[[Aequorea victoria]]''. It is a [[bioluminescent protein]] that emits light upon binding with [[calcium ions]]. This property makes aequorin a valuable tool in [[biological research]] for measuring calcium concentrations in [[cells]] and [[tissues]]. | |||
==Structure== | == Discovery and Structure == | ||
Aequorin is composed of | Aequorin was first discovered by [[Osamu Shimomura]] in the 1960s. The protein is composed of 196 [[amino acids]] and contains a [[chromophore]] that is responsible for its luminescent properties. The chromophore is a complex of [[coelenterazine]], a [[luciferin]], and [[oxygen]]. | ||
==Mechanism of Action== | == Mechanism of Action == | ||
Aequorin | Aequorin emits light through a chemical reaction that occurs when calcium ions bind to the protein. This binding induces a conformational change in aequorin, leading to the oxidation of coelenterazine and the release of [[blue light]] with a peak wavelength of approximately 469 nm. This luminescent reaction is highly specific to calcium ions, making aequorin an excellent indicator for calcium signaling in [[biological systems]]. | ||
==Applications== | == Applications in Research == | ||
Aequorin is used | Aequorin is widely used in [[cell biology]] and [[neuroscience]] to study calcium dynamics. It can be introduced into cells via [[microinjection]] or [[transfection]] with [[recombinant DNA]] techniques. Researchers use aequorin to monitor calcium levels in response to various stimuli, such as [[neurotransmitters]], [[hormones]], and [[pharmacological agents]]. | ||
== | == Advantages and Limitations == | ||
Aequorin | Aequorin offers several advantages, including high specificity for calcium ions and minimal interference with cellular processes. However, its use is limited by the need for coelenterazine, which must be supplied externally, and the relatively low intensity of its luminescent signal compared to other calcium indicators like [[fluorescent dyes]]. | ||
==Related | == Related Proteins == | ||
Aequorin is part of a family of calcium-binding proteins that includes [[calmodulin]] and [[troponin]]. These proteins play crucial roles in calcium signaling and regulation in various [[organisms]]. | |||
== Related Pages == | |||
* [[Bioluminescence]] | * [[Bioluminescence]] | ||
* [[Calcium signaling]] | * [[Calcium signaling]] | ||
* [[Osamu Shimomura]] | * [[Osamu Shimomura]] | ||
* [[Aequorea victoria]] | |||
[[Category:Bioluminescent proteins]] | [[Category:Bioluminescent proteins]] | ||
[[Category:Calcium | [[Category:Calcium-binding proteins]] | ||
[[Category:Biochemistry]] | [[Category:Biochemistry]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:46, 13 February 2025
Introduction[edit]
Aequorin is a calcium-binding protein originally isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria. It is a bioluminescent protein that emits light upon binding with calcium ions. This property makes aequorin a valuable tool in biological research for measuring calcium concentrations in cells and tissues.
Discovery and Structure[edit]
Aequorin was first discovered by Osamu Shimomura in the 1960s. The protein is composed of 196 amino acids and contains a chromophore that is responsible for its luminescent properties. The chromophore is a complex of coelenterazine, a luciferin, and oxygen.
Mechanism of Action[edit]
Aequorin emits light through a chemical reaction that occurs when calcium ions bind to the protein. This binding induces a conformational change in aequorin, leading to the oxidation of coelenterazine and the release of blue light with a peak wavelength of approximately 469 nm. This luminescent reaction is highly specific to calcium ions, making aequorin an excellent indicator for calcium signaling in biological systems.
Applications in Research[edit]
Aequorin is widely used in cell biology and neuroscience to study calcium dynamics. It can be introduced into cells via microinjection or transfection with recombinant DNA techniques. Researchers use aequorin to monitor calcium levels in response to various stimuli, such as neurotransmitters, hormones, and pharmacological agents.
Advantages and Limitations[edit]
Aequorin offers several advantages, including high specificity for calcium ions and minimal interference with cellular processes. However, its use is limited by the need for coelenterazine, which must be supplied externally, and the relatively low intensity of its luminescent signal compared to other calcium indicators like fluorescent dyes.
Related Proteins[edit]
Aequorin is part of a family of calcium-binding proteins that includes calmodulin and troponin. These proteins play crucial roles in calcium signaling and regulation in various organisms.
