Subcellular imaging in vivo: the next GFP revolution

Abstract

The use of fluorescent proteins to differentially label cancer cells in the nucleus and cytoplasm and high-powered imaging technology have been used to visualize the nuclear-cytoplasmic dynamics of cancer-cell in vivo. Nuclear-cytoplasmic dynamics have been imaged in cancer cells trafficking in both blood vessels and lymphatic vessels as well as during seeding on organs and interacting with stroma in the live animal. Fluorescent proteins have also been used to color code the phases of the cell cycle which can now be followed in vivo. This technology has furthered our understanding of the spread of cancer at the subcellular level. Fluorescent proteins thereby provide the basis for the new field of in vivo cell biology.