Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors to Explore AMPK Signaling and Energy Metabolism

Maintenance of energy homeostasis is a basic requirement for cell survival. Different mechanisms have evolved to cope with spatial and temporal mismatch between energy-providing and -consuming processes. Among these, signaling by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is one of the key players, regulated by and itself regulating cellular adenylate levels. Further understanding its complex cellular function requires deeper insight into its activation patterns in space and time at a single cell level. This may become possible with an increasing number of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors, mostly based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer, which have been engineered to monitor metabolic parameters and kinase activities. Here, we review basic principles of biosensor design and function and the advantages and limitations of their use and provide an overview on existing FRET biosensors to monitor AMPK activation, ATP concentration, and ATP/ADP ratios, together with other key metabolites and parameters of energy metabolism.