Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, substrates, and kits useful for analyzing the metabolic activity in cells, tissue, and animals and for screening test compounds for their effect on cytochrome P450 activity. In particular, a one-step and two-step methods using luminogenic molecules, e.g. luciferin or coelenterazines, that are cytochrome P450 substrates and that are also bioluminescent enzyme, e.g., luciferase, pro-substrates are provided. Upon addition of the luciferin derivative or other luminogenic molecule into a P450 reaction, the P450 enzyme metabolizes the molecule into a bioluminescent enzyme substrate, e.g., luciferin and/or luciferin derivative metabolite, in a P450 reaction. The resulting metabolite(s) serves as a substrate of the bioluminescent enzyme, e.g., luciferase, in a second light-generating reaction. Luminescent cytochrome P450 assays with low background signals and high sensitivity are disclosed and isoform selectivity is demonstrated.

Abstract: A sensitive bioluminescent assay to detect proteases including caspases, trypsin and tryptase is provided.

Abstract: A method of measuring the enzymatic activity of a luciferase includes contacting a luminogenic protein, such as a luciferase, with a protected luminophore to form a composition; and detecting light produced from the composition. The protected luminophore provides increased stability and improved signal-to-background ratios relative to the corresponding unmodified coelenterazine.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an improved method for measuring membrane potential using compounds of the formula I as potentiometric probes. These probes may be used in combination with other fluorescent indicators such as Indo-1, Fura-2, and Fluo-3, such probes may be used in microplate reading devices such as FLIPR™, fluorescent imaging plate reader, sold by Molecular Device Corp., of Sunnyvale, Calif.; flow cytometers; and fluorometers. Such probes are used to measure membrane potential in live cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to triphenylalkyl antibacterial compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods for their production and use. These compounds are effective in inhibiting the action of a bacterial histidine protein kinase and are thus useful as anti-infective agents against a variety of bacterial organisms, including organisms which are resistant to other known antibiotics.

Abstract: The invention relates to triphenylalkyl antibacterial compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods for their production and use. These compounds are effective in inhibiting the action of a bacterial histidine protein kinase and are thus useful as anti-infective agents against a variety of bacterial organisms, including organisms which are resistant to other known antibiotics.