Patent ID: 6682927
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for screening for translocation of a first protein of interest in vivo in a cell, comprising:(a) a total internal reflection member having a surface portion, with (b) a cell contacted to said surface portion by the plasma membrane of said cell, said cell containing said first protein of interest, said protein of interest having a fluorescent group conjugated thereto; (c) a light source operatively associated with said total internal reflection member and positioned for directing a source light into said member to produce an evanescent field adjacent said surface portion, with said evanescent field extending into a first portion of said cell adjacent said plasma membrane, said evanescent field being weaker in a second portion of said cell, said fluorescent group emitting light when in said first portion of said cell and emitting less light when in said second portion of said cell; and (d) a light detector operatively associated with said total internal reflection member and configured to detect emitted light from said cell, whereby the emission of more or less light from said cell indicates the translocation of said protein between said first and second portions of said cell.