Novel genetically encoded fluorescent probes enable real-time detection of potassium in vitro and in vivo

Changes in intra- and extracellular potassium ion (K⁺) concentrations control many important cellular processes and related biological functions. However, our current understanding of the spatiotemporal patterns of physiological and pathological K⁺ changes is severely limited by the lack of practicable detection methods. We developed K⁺-sensitive genetically encoded, Förster resonance energy transfer-(FRET) based probes, called GEPIIs, which enable quantitative real-time imaging of K⁺ dynamics. GEPIIs as purified biosensors are suitable to directly and precisely quantify K⁺ levels in different body fluids and cell growth media. GEPIIs expressed in cells enable time-lapse and real-time recordings of global and local intracellular K⁺ signals. Hitherto unknown Ca²⁺-triggered, organelle-specific K⁺ changes were detected in pancreatic beta cells. Recombinant GEPIIs also enabled visualization of extracellular K⁺ fluctuations in vivo with 2-photon microscopy. Therefore, GEPIIs are relevant for diverse K⁺ assays and open new avenues for live-cell K⁺ imaging.