Genetically Encoded Metabolic Sensors to Study Retina Metabolism

Dysfunctional retinal metabolism has been shown to contribute to retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and inherited retinal degeneration (IRD). Data indicates that metabolism in the retina is complex and involves intricate interactions between cell types, including the exchange of metabolites between photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. To understand these interactions on a single cell level, cell-type specific expression of genetically encoded metabolic sensors can be used to reach a spatial and temporal resolution that is superior to other techniques. These sensors comprise a metabolite binding site and a fluorescent reporter protein. The binding of the metabolite leads to changes in the emission of the fluorophore which can be detected by specialized microscopy. The usage of such sensors together with other techniques in the normal and diseased retina will not only help to resolve metabolic interactions between cells and fluxes of metabolites but also enhance our understanding of pathophysiological changes in the retina.