OptoBinder Binds and Releases Actin Molecules within a Cell (VIDEO)

Princeton University, Engineering School

Caption

This time-lapse movie shows a new tool called an OptoBinder that can latch onto and release molecules in response to light. In this case, a fluorescent OptoBinder is attaching to actin, a component of cells key to their structure and shape. The OptoBinder strongly binds to actin in the dark, but releases its hold in the presence of blue light (indicated by blue box at top right).

Credit

Agnieszka Gil et al.

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