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A Label-free Technique for the Spatio-temporal Imaging of Single Cell Secretions
Published on: November 23, 2015
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Lactate biosensors for spectrally and spatially multiplexed fluorescence imaging
Yusuke Nasu1,2, Abhi Aggarwal3,4, Giang N T Le5,6
1Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. nasu@chem.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp.
Nature Communications
|October 27, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed new genetically encoded biosensors to track L-lactate (a key metabolite) in cells and living animals. These high-performance tools enable better understanding of L-lactate
Area of Science:
- Metabolic signaling
- Molecular imaging
- Mammalian physiology
Background:
- L-lactate is a crucial metabolite and signaling molecule in mammals.
- Current limitations in L-lactate biosensors hinder research on its dynamics.
- Need for advanced tools to study inter- and intra-cellular L-lactate transport and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate novel, high-performance genetically encoded biosensors for L-lactate.
- To enable spectrally and functionally orthogonal detection of extracellular and intracellular L-lactate.
- To facilitate advanced imaging of L-lactate dynamics in various biological contexts.
Main Methods:
- Development of a green fluorescent extracellular L-lactate biosensor (eLACCO2.1).
- Development of a red fluorescent intracellular L-lactate biosensor (R-iLACCO1).
- Demonstration of multiplexed imaging in cultured cells and in vivo imaging in mice.
Main Results:
- eLACCO2.1 shows excellent membrane localization and fluorescence response.
- R-iLACCO1 exhibits superior fluorescence responses compared to existing intracellular biosensors.
- Successful spectrally and spatially multiplexed imaging of L-lactate dynamics was achieved.
- In vivo imaging demonstrated the capability to monitor extracellular and intracellular L-lactate in mice.
Conclusions:
- The developed biosensors (eLACCO2.1 and R-iLACCO1) represent a significant advancement for L-lactate research.
- These tools overcome previous limitations, enabling detailed investigation of L-lactate metabolism and signaling.
- The biosensors facilitate real-time monitoring of L-lactate dynamics in complex biological systems.
