Single-molecule fluorescence imaging of membrane-bound proteins for studies of cell signal transduction.

Fluorescence imaging of single molecules is becoming a powerful tool to examine biological processes at the molecular level. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), it has been possible to study the dynamic behavior of single molecules on living cell membranes. Herein, we briefly review the application of TIRFM-based single-molecule imaging in studies of membrane receptors involved in signal transduction. Furthermore, we discuss several examples of our own research on growth factor receptors, including TGF-β receptors, HER2, and EGFR, and speculate possible applications of this technique to investigate other cellular events occurring on or near the plasma-membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]