Genetically-encoded photosensitizer KillerRed

- Light-induced production of reactive oxygen species
- Direct expression in cells, easy targeting to various subcellular compartments
- No exogenous chemical compounds required for chromophore maturation
- Not toxic before activation by green or orange light irradiation
- Recommended for selective light-induced protein inactivation and cell killing

Recommended antibodies, filter sets, and activating parameters

KillerRed can be recognized using Anti-KillerRed antibody (Cat.# AB961) available from Evrogen.

Before light activation, KillerRed can be detected using TRITC filter set or similar. Recommended Omega Optical filter sets are QMAX-Red and XF174.

KillerRed phototoxicity is induced by green or orange light irradiation at 540-590 nm and depends on light intensity irradiation time and KillerRed concentration and localization. Arc-lamp irradiation or LEDs light is strongly recommended; laser-light irradiation in confocal mode is much less efficient.

In CALI, mild illumination of KillerRed-tagged protein for a limited time results in precise inactivation of this protein only. Upon more prolonged and intensive irradiation, KillerRed can be effectively used for damaging the organelles and killing the target cells. Light intensity and irradiation time should be individually determined for particular biological system and instrumentation.

KillerRed-mediated ROS production is accompanied by profound KillerRed photobleaching. The resulting cell events (cell fate after irradiation, effect on protein localization) can be monitored using another fluorescent reporter, for example a green fluorescent protein. We recommend that you use TurboGFP for cell and organelle, or TagGFP2 for protein labeling.