Labeling Acetylcholine Receptors in Live Cells Using Rhodamine {alpha}-Bungarotoxin for Imaging.

INTRODUCTIONThe eukaryotic cell has evolved to compartmentalize its functions and transport various metabolites among cellular compartments. Therefore, in cell biology, the study of organization and structure/function relationships is of great importance. Integral membrane protein receptors can be studied using specifically fluoresceinated but still functional hormones or toxins that bind to specific receptors. α-bungarotoxin binds with high affinity to the α-subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor of the neuromuscular junction. In this article, acetylcholine receptors are labeled with α-bungarotoxin conjugated to rhodamine.