Dissecting Redox Biology Using Fluorescent Protein Sensors

Area of Science:

• Redox biology
• Cellular imaging
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Fluorescent protein sensors have revolutionized the study of redox processes in living systems.
• Redox-sensitive yellow and green fluorescent protein variants (rxYFP and roGFPs) are key tools driving new insights in vivo.
• Rapid technical advancements in in vivo redox sensing have occurred within the last decade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expanding array of thiol redox sensor variants.
• To discuss their applications across diverse biological systems.
• To critically assess the interpretation and limitations of in vivo redox sensing data.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of fluorescent protein sensor development and application.
• Analysis of key findings enabled by in vivo redox sensing.
• Critical evaluation of sensor limitations and future directions.

Main Results:

• In vivo redox sensing has yielded five key findings that have reshaped our understanding of redox biology.
• Established fluorescent protein sensors, while valuable, present challenges for accurate in vivo interpretation.
• A growing range of sensor variants are being applied in various cells, tissues, and organisms.

Conclusions:

• Novel sensor variants hold promise for advancing mechanistic and integrated understanding of in vivo redox biology.
• Addressing technical and biological limitations is crucial for maximizing the utility of current redox sensors.
• Fluorescent protein sensors continue to revitalize redox biology through innovative in vivo applications.