Open AccessEngineering and Characterization of an Enhanced Fluorescent Protein Voltage Sensor
Author(s) -
Dimitar Dimitrov,
You He,
Hiroki Mutoh,
Bradley J. Baker,
Lawrence B. Cohen,
Walther Akemann,
Thomas Knöpfel
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0000440
Subject(s) - biosensor , fluorescence , microbiology and biotechnology , membrane , protein subcellular localization prediction , membrane protein , fluorescent protein , green fluorescent protein , biology , biophysics , membrane potential , subcellular localization , protein engineering , chemistry , biochemistry , enzyme , gene , cytoplasm , physics , quantum mechanics
Background Fluorescent proteins have been used to generate a variety of biosensors to optically monitor biological phenomena in living cells. Among this class of genetically encoded biosensors, reporters for membrane potential have been a particular challenge. The use of presently known voltage sensor proteins is limited by incorrect subcellular localization and small or absent voltage responses in mammalian cells. Results Here we report on a fluorescent protein voltage sensor with superior targeting to the mammalian plasma membrane and high responsiveness to membrane potential signaling in excitable cells. Conclusions and Significance This biosensor, which we termed VSFP2.1, is likely to lead to new methods of monitoring electrically active cells with cell type specificity, non-invasively and in large numbers, simultaneously.