Mechanisms and Applications of Photocatalytic Proximity Labeling.

Authors

Enze Gong, Yalan Xie, Wei Qin

Published in

Chemical & biomedical imaging. Volume 4. Issue 9. Pages 1915-1932. Sep 28, 2026. Epub Apr 10, 2026.

Abstract

Photocatalytic proximity labeling (PPL) is a light-controlled technique for spatially and temporally precise mapping of biomolecular interactions. This review classifies PPL platforms into small-molecule catalysts (transition metal complexes and organic chromophores) and genetically encoded photosensitizers, detailing their mechanisms and biological applicationsfrom subcellular proteomics, cell-cell interface tagging to in vivo labeling. We compare PPL with enzyme-catalyzed methods, highlighting its advantages in spatiotemporal control, minimal genetic manipulation, and suitability for primary cells. Current challenges in PPL are also discussed. As PPL methodologies continue to evolve from mechanistic innovation toward essential biological problem-solving, they hold great promise for elucidating dynamic interaction networks with unprecedented resolution in living systems.

PMID:
42819378
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 02 Oct 2026.

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