Novel platforms for development of optimized genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors

Harvard Medical School, Boston MA

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Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT Metabolism provides the energy and building blocks necessary for all cellular functions. A breakdown in metabolic function can give rise to devastating diseases, including cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. Yet, we have only a limited understanding of metabolic processes in individual living cells and tissues. The largest roadblock has been a general lack of tools for measuring metabolic transients that have high temporal and spatial resolution and also maintain the integrity of the cell. Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors (GEFBs) have begun to bridge this gap. However, many first- generation GEFBs are still tremendously challenging or impractical to use due to low signal-to- noise (SNR), suboptimal dynamic and sensing ranges, and dependence on pH. The inherent slowness of the current approach to optimizing GEFBs has significantly hindered progress in this area. The proposed research seeks to overcome this critical barrier in the field of metabolism by establishing two new methods that will dramatically accelerate the development of biosensors optimized for use in living cells: Aim 1) a high-throughput, high- content screen for rapid optimization of GEFBs; and Aim 2) a multiple cloning toolkit for quick construction of novel dimerization-dependent GEFBs. The results of this work will help drive significant progress in the field of metabolism, and the GEFBs generated using these methods will be broadly applicable in multiple cell types, including neurons, cardiac and skeletal myocytes, and pancreatic ? cells.