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Real Time Monitoring of Intracellular Bile Acid Dynamics Using a Genetically Encoded FRET-based Bile Acid Sensor
Published on: January 4, 2016
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Using Biosensors to Study Free Fatty Acid Receptor Pharmacology and Function
1Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK. Brian.Hudson@Glasgow.ac.uk.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|October 21, 2016
Summary
Biosensor technologies are revolutionizing the study of free fatty acid (FFA) receptors, a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family. These advanced tools enable real-time analysis of cellular functions, aiding in the discovery of new drug targets.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cellular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The free fatty acid (FFA) receptor family, a class of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), presents significant potential as therapeutic drug targets.
- However, the intricate pharmacology of these receptors poses challenges for drug development.
- Studying GPCRs has been historically difficult due to the complexity of their functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application of biosensor technologies in understanding GPCR pharmacology.
- To specifically investigate how biosensors can elucidate the complex pharmacology of the FFA receptor family.
- To highlight the role of real-time cellular function analysis in advancing GPCR research.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing genetically encoded biosensors (fluorescent/bioluminescent) that report on receptor activity through light emission.
- Employing non-genetically encoded biosensors to monitor global cellular changes, such as intracellular mass redistribution.
- Applying these biosensor technologies for real-time assessment of biological functions in living cells.
Main Results:
- Biosensor technologies significantly enhance the ability to study GPCR pharmacology and function in real time.
- Genetically encoded sensors provide stimulus-dependent changes in light output, reflecting receptor activation.
- Non-genetically encoded sensors offer insights into broader cellular responses to receptor activation.
Conclusions:
- Biosensor technologies are powerful tools for dissecting GPCR pharmacology.
- These technologies are crucial for advancing the study of challenging receptor families like the FFAs.
- The application of biosensors facilitates the uncovering of novel drug targets within the FFA receptor family.
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