A quantum-dot based protein module for in vivo monitoring of protease activity through fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Here, we present a new generation of nanoscale probes for in vivo monitoring of protease activity by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The approach is based on a genetically programmable protein module carrying a fluorescently labeled, protease-specific sequence that can self-assemble onto quantum dots. The protein module was used for real-time detection of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 protease (HIV-1 Pr) activity as well as quantitative assessment of inhibitor efficiency.