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In Vivo Monitoring of Energy Metabolism with Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors
Jan-Ole Niemeier1, Pedro Barreto1, Bruce Morgan2
1Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (IBBP), University of Münster, Münster, Germany;
Annual Review of Plant Biology
|March 5, 2026
Summary
Fluorescent biosensors are revolutionizing the study of plant energy metabolism by enabling live monitoring of metabolites. This technology helps bridge gaps in understanding complex in vivo processes and offers potential for modification.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Biochemistry
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Energy metabolism is fundamental to all organisms, but in vivo understanding remains incomplete.
- Complexity arises from multi-scale processes and dynamic shifts during development and environmental changes.
- Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors offer novel ways to monitor metabolites in real-time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in plant energy metabolism research using fluorescent protein biosensing.
- To highlight emerging concepts and challenges in the field.
- To discuss the potential of biosensing tools for understanding and modifying plant energy metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing genetically encoded fluorescent protein biosensors for in vivo metabolite monitoring.
- Reviewing current literature on plant energy metabolism and biosensing applications.
- Analyzing the multi-scale nature of energy metabolism from enzymes to organs.
Main Results:
- Fluorescent biosensors are bridging critical knowledge gaps in energy metabolism.
- Biosensing tools are driving shifts in established paradigms of energy metabolism.
- Live monitoring enables tracking of metabolites across different biological scales.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescent protein biosensing is a powerful tool for advancing plant energy metabolism research.
- Further innovations in biosensing are needed to fully unlock its potential.
- This technology holds promise for understanding and engineering plant energy metabolism in vivo.
