Cell Biology and Metabolism Branch, 18 Library Drive, NICHD, NIH Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5430 USA. jlippin@helix.nih.gov
Since the advent of the green fluorescent protein, the subcellular localization, mobility, transport routes and binding interactions of proteins can be studied in living cells. Live cell imaging, in combination with photobleaching, energy transfer or fluorescence correlation spectroscopy are providing unprecedented insights into the movement of proteins and their interactions with cellular components. Remarkably, these powerful techniques are accessible to non-specialists using commercially available microscope systems.