Biliproteins: versatile fluorescent, photochromic and radiationless molecular probes

Biliproteins represent a diverse class of highly pigmented proteins that utilize light energy throughout the visible and near infrared (NIR) region of the light spectrum. By exploiting and/or genetically altering the double bond regiospecificity of the ferredoxin-dependent bilin reductases, in combination with (semi)synthesis of novel linear tetrapyrrole precursors and directed evolution of apophytochrome genes, we seek to develop new-biliprotein reagents with novel chemical proteins and biochemical functions. Among the target applications of our studies include: NIR emitting fluorescent proteins, gene-based fluorescent labels, light-regulated gene expression delivery systems, designer biliproteins, and FRET-based approaches to study protein-protein interactions.