Fluorescent small-molecule probes of biochemistry at the plasma membrane

The function of cellular membranes remains a critical area of study. Advances in molecular biology and biochemistry have helped to define the plasma membrane as a dynamic and heterogeneous structure. Probes capable of resolving molecular interactions and biochemical changes within the membrane are becoming a necessary tool for cell biology studies. We review current examples that apply small molecule fluorophores to label either lipids or proteins to study the plasma membrane. We discuss probes of the lipid environment itself, as well as labeling strategies for membrane proteins and membrane receptors.