Shelby Phelps

Abstract The duality of nitrate is nowhere best exemplified than in human physiology — a detrimental pollutant but also a protective nutrient and signaling ion — particularly as connected to reactive nitrogen oxides. Aside from limited insights into nitrate uptake and storage, foundational nitrate biology has lagged. Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors can address this gap with real-time imaging. However, imaging technologies for mammalian cell applications remain rare.

Abstract Inarguably, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) family is an exemplary model for protein engineering, accessing a range of unparalleled functions and utility in biology. The first variant to recognize and provide an optical output of chloride in living cells was serendipitously uncovered more than 25 years ago.