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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
In Vivo Biosensor Tracks Non-apoptotic Caspase Activity in Drosophila
Published on: November 27, 2016
In vivo monitoring of caspase activation using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based fluorescent probe
Yoshifumi Yamaguchi1, Erina Kuranaga2, Yu-Ichiro Nakajima3
1Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; PRESTO, JST, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Caspases, which constitute a family of cysteine proteases, are highly conserved in multicellular organisms and function as a central player in apoptosis. The detection of apoptosis is intrinsically difficult because dying cells are rapidly removed from tissues by phagocytosis. Thus, the development of a method for detecting caspase activation is critical for the in vivo study of apoptosis. In this chapter, we describe a genetically encoded fluorescent probe for live imaging of caspase activation.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel fluorescent probe for live imaging of caspase activation, crucial for studying apoptosis. This method overcomes challenges in detecting programmed cell death in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Caspases are essential cysteine proteases in multicellular organisms, playing a key role in apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- Detecting apoptosis in vivo is challenging due to the rapid phagocytosis of dying cells.
- There is a critical need for methods to detect caspase activation for accurate in vivo apoptosis studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a genetically encoded fluorescent probe for the live imaging of caspase activation.
- To provide a tool for overcoming the difficulties in detecting apoptosis in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Development of a genetically encoded fluorescent probe.
- Utilizing live imaging techniques to visualize caspase activation.
Main Results:
- The developed probe enables real-time visualization of caspase activation.
- The method facilitates the study of apoptosis in living systems.
Conclusions:
- The genetically encoded fluorescent probe is a valuable tool for in vivo apoptosis research.
- This imaging method enhances the ability to study caspase activity and programmed cell death.
