Fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy
Fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) is a spectroscopic technique that examines the interactions of fluorescent particles of different colours as they randomly diffuse through a microscopic detection volume over time, under steady conditions.
[1] Eigen and Rigler first introduced the fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) method in 1994.
The technique measures coincident green and red intensity fluctuations of distinct molecules that correlate if green and red labelled particles move together through a predefined confocal volume.
These fluorescent probes are excited and detected by two different laser light sources and detectors typically labeled as "green" and "red".
By combining FCCS with a confocal microscope, the technique's capabilities are highlighted, as it becomes possible to detect fluorescence molecules in femtoliter volumes within the nanomolar range, with a high signal-to-noise ratio, and at a microsecond time scale.
[4] The normalized cross-correlation function is defined for two fluorescent species, G and R, which are independent green and red channels, respectively:
In the absence of spectral bleed-through – when the fluorescence signal from an adjacent channel is visible in the channel being observed – the cross-correlation function is zero for non-interacting particles.
FCCS is mainly used to study bio-molecular interactions both in living cells and in vitro.
[5][2] It allows for measuring simple molecular stoichiometries and binding constants.
[3] It is one of the few techniques that can provide information about protein–protein interactions at a specific time and location within a living cell.
Unlike fluorescence resonance energy transfer, FCCS does not have a distance limit for interactions making it suitable for probing large complexes.
However, FCCS requires active diffusion of the complexes through the microscope focus on a relatively short time scale, typically seconds.
The mathematical function used to model cross-correlation curves in FCCS is slightly more complex compared to that used in FCS.
One of the primary differences is the effective superimposed observation volume, denoted as
The cross-correlation curve generated from diffusing doubly labelled fluorescent particles can be modelled in separate channels as follows:
In the ideal case, the cross-correlation function is proportional to the concentration of the doubly labeled fluorescent complex:
The cross-correlation amplitude is directly proportional to the concentration of double-labeled (red and green) species.
[4][6] FCCS measures the coincident green and red intensity fluctuations of distinct molecules that correlate if green and red labeled particles move together through a predefined confocal volume.
The FCCS setup typically includes a confocal microscope, two laser sources, and two detectors.
The confocal microscope is used to focus the laser beams and collect the fluorescence signals.
[6][7] Data analysis involves cross-correlating the signals to determine the degree of correlation between the two fluorescent probes.
This information can be used to extract data on the stoichiometry and binding constants of molecular complexes, as well as the timing and location of interactions within living cells.
[6] Fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) has several applications in the field of biophysics and biochemistry.
Fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) is a powerful technique that enables the investigation of interactions between various types of biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.
[8] FCCS is one of the few techniques that can provide information about protein-protein interactions at a specific time and location within a living cell.
FCCS can be used to study the dynamics of biomolecules in living cells, including their diffusion rates and localization.
[9] This can provide insights into the function and regulation of cellular processes.
Unlike Förster resonance energy transfer, FCCS does not have a distance limit for interactions making it suitable for probing large complexes.
However, FCCS requires active diffusion of the complexes through the microscope focus on a relatively short time scale, typically seconds.
FCCS allows for measuring simple molecular stoichiometries and binding constants.
