FAP-tags® are a new class of small genetically encoded reporters that exhibit fluorescence only in the presence of micromolar concentrations of particular nontoxic soluble fluorogens. FAP-tags® allow the user to turn the fluorescent signal on and off by adding or removing fluorogen, or to change the signal wavelength by substituting one fluorogen for another.
When used in conjunction with membrane-impermeable fluorogens, FAP-tags® have proved particularly useful in live-cell assays that monitor the translocation of membrane proteins to or from the cell surface. The technology can be used to measure GPCR internalization (agonist and antagonist), selectivity, and resensitization.
SpectraGenetics offers a large set of FAP-tag GPCR products including FAP-tagged GPCRs and validated cell lines.