Visualizing molecular diffusion through passive permeability barriers in cells: conventional and novel approaches.

Visualizing molecular diffusion through passive permeability barriers in cells: conventional and novel approaches.
Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2013 May 31;
Authors: Lin YC, Phua SC, Lin B, Inoue T
Abstract
Diffusion barriers are universal solutions for cells to achieve distinct organizations, compositions, and activities within a limited space. The influence of diffusion barriers on the spatiotemporal dynamics of signaling molecules often determines cellular physiology and functions. Over the years, the passive permeability barriers in various subcellular locales have been characterized using elaborate analytical techniques. In this review, we will summarize the current state of knowledge on the various passive permeability barriers present in mammalian cells. We will conclude with a description of several conventional techniques and one new approach based on chemically inducible diffusion trap (CIDT) for probing permeable barriers.
PMID: 23731778 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Current Opinion in Chemical Biology - May 31, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Lin YC, Phua SC, Lin B, Inoue T Tags: Curr Opin Chem Biol Source Type: research