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Updated: Sep 27, 2025
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Glutamine Flux Imaging Using Genetically Encoded Sensors
Published on: July 31, 2014
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An update on genetically encoded lipid biosensors.
Gerald R V Hammond1, Morgan M C Ricci1, Claire C Weckerly1
1Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.
Molecular Biology of the Cell
|April 14, 2022
Summary
Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors allow researchers to track specific lipids in living cells. This review highlights reliable probes for studying cell membrane properties and protein activity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Specific lipid species are crucial for cell membrane properties, protein localization, and activity.
- Observing lipid dynamics in intact cells requires effective detection tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genetically encoded lipid biosensors for tracking lipids in living cells.
- To provide an updated list of reliable biosensors and highlight recent advancements (2018-2021).
- To focus on biosensors for phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, and PI 3-kinase lipid products.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of genetically encoded fluorescent protein fusions.
- Compilation and review of existing and novel lipid biosensors.
Main Results:
- Genetically encoded biosensors offer a powerful method for visualizing lipid dynamics in real-time.
- An updated catalog of widely available and reliable lipid biosensors is presented.
- Recent advances include new probes for key signaling lipids like phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidic acid.
Conclusions:
- Lipid biosensors are essential tools for understanding cell biology.
- Advancements in biosensor technology facilitate the study of lipid signaling pathways.
- These tools are critical for investigating membrane properties and protein regulation.
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