A near-infrared fluorescent probe for the ratiometric detection and living cell imaging of β-galactosidase.

β-Galactosidase (β-gal) has captured the attention of biologists, chemists, and medical researchers as an important biomarker for cell senescence and primary ovarian cancer. Therefore, many fluorescent probes with visible light emission have been developed for the detection and imaging of β-gal in living cells. However, near-infrared (NIR) ratiometric probes are more suitable for bioimaging because near-infrared light can effectively avoid the interference of autofluorescence and the ratiometric approach can improve sensitivity and accuracy of the detection.

Cytoplasmic retention of a nucleocytoplasmic protein TBC1D3 by microtubule network is required for enhanced EGFR signaling.

The hominoid oncogene TBC1D3 enhances epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and induces cell transformation. However, little is known regarding its spatio-temporal regulation and mechanism of tumorigenesis. In the current study, we identified the microtubule subunit β-tubulin as a potential interaction partner for TBC1D3 using affinity purification combined with mass spectrometry analysis.