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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Measurement of 3-Dimensional cAMP Distributions in Living Cells using 4-Dimensional (x, y, z, and λ) Hyperspectral FRET Imaging and Analysis

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Published on: October 27, 2020

"cAMP sponge": a buffer for cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate.

Konstantinos Lefkimmiatis¹, Mary Pat Moyer, Silvana Curci

¹VA Boston Healthcare System and the Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Massachusetts, United States of America.

|November 6, 2009

Summary

Researchers developed a "cAMP sponge," a genetically encoded buffer, to precisely measure cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling. This new tool helps uncover the complex roles of cAMP in cellular functions.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Cell Signaling
Biochemistry

Background:

Intracellular buffers are crucial for studying calcium signaling.
No equivalent tool existed for cyclic AMP (cAMP) research.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a genetically encoded buffer for cyclic AMP (cAMP).
To investigate the biological functions of cAMP and its compartmentalization.

Main Methods:

Engineered a cAMP buffer using the regulatory subunit of protein kinase A (PKA).
Localized the buffer to the cytosol and quantified expression using mCherry.
Validated cAMP binding and signal suppression in living cells using FRET sensors.

Main Results:

The "cAMP sponge" selectively bound cAMP in vitro and in situ.
Suppressed agonist-induced cAMP signals and PKA activation in cells.
Demonstrated utility in studying gap junction-mediated cAMP transfer.

Conclusions:

The cAMP sponge is a valuable addition to the cAMP research toolkit.
Enables the study of unique biological functions of cAMP.
Provides insights into compartmentalized cAMP signaling events.