Light-induced oxidant production by fluorescent proteins

Oxidants play an important role in the cell and are involved in many redox processes. Oxidant concentrations are maintained through coordinated production and removal systems. The dysregulation of oxidant homeostasis is a hallmark of many disease pathologies. The local oxidant microdomain is crucial for the initiation of many redox signaling events; however, methods to control oxidant product are limited. Some fluorescent proteins, including GFP, TagRFP, KillerRed, miniSOG, and their derivatives, generate oxidants in response to light. These genetically-encoded photosensitizers produce singlet oxygen and superoxide upon illumination and offer spatial and temporal control over oxidant production. In this review, we will examine the photosensitization properties of fluorescent proteins and their application to redox biology. Emerging concepts of selective oxidant species production via photosensitization and the impact of light on biological systems are discussed. [Display omitted] •Some fluorescent proteins generate large quantities of oxidants upon illumination.•Genetically-encoded photosensitizers produce singlet oxygen and superoxide.•The contribution of each oxidant species for an application is often overlooked.•Advancements and limitations to these tools are highlighted.