The New Era of Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Technology

Abhijit      De

doi:10.2174/138920111795163922

Abstract

Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay is a comparatively new cell-based assay technology that is assuming more prominent roles in the field of studying protein-protein interactions, protein dimerization and signal transduction. In the last few years BRET related research has gained significant momentum in terms of adding versatility in the assay format as well as a variety of new applications where it has been suitably used. Beyond the scope of quantitative measurement of protein-protein interactions and protein dimerization, molecular imaging applications based on BRET assays have broaden its scope as a great tool for high-throughput screening (HTS) of pharmacologically important compounds. This article will highlight the landmarks in BRET research, with those which have significant contributions towards making it an attractive single format assay that shuttles between in vitro and in vivo measurements.

Keywords: Bioluminescence, fluorescence, resonance energy transfer, renilla luciferase, coelenterazine, protein-protein interaction, non-invasive imaging, luciferase reporter genes, cooled charged couple device (CCD), multiplexed use of bioluminescence imaging (BLI), ion influx, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), energy transfer efficiency, signal transduction pathways, FRET, spectral resolution