Fluorescent molecular probes have become valuable tools in protein research; however, the current methods for using these probes are less suitable for analysing specific populations of proteins in their native environment. In this study, we address this gap by developing a unimolecular fluorescent probe that combines the properties of small-molecule-based probes and cross-reactive sensor arrays (the so-called chemical ‘noses/tongues’). On the one hand, the probe can detect different proteins by generating unique identification (ID) patterns, akin to cross-reactive arrays. On the other hand, its unimolecular scaffold and selective binding enable this ID-generating probe to identify combinations of specific protein families within complex mixtures and to discriminate among isoforms in living cells, where macroscopic arrays cannot access. The ability to recycle the molecular device and use it to track several binding interactions simultaneously further demonstrates how this approach could expand the fluorescent toolbox currently used to detect and image proteins.

中文翻译：

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产生模式的荧光分子探针对蛋白质的识别

荧光分子探针已成为蛋白质研究中的重要工具。但是，当前使用这些探针的方法不太适合在其天然环境中分析特定的蛋白质种群。在这项研究中，我们通过开发一种结合了基于小分子的探针和交叉反应传感器阵列（所谓的化学“鼻子/舌头”）特性的单分子荧光探针来解决这一空白。一方面，该探针可以通过产生类似于交叉反应阵列的独特识别（ID）模式来检测不同的蛋白质。另一方面，它的单分子支架和选择性结合使这种产生ID的探针能够识别复杂混合物中特定蛋白质家族的组合，并能够区分宏观阵列无法进入的活细胞中的同工型。