Utilizing redox-sensitive GFP fusions to detect in vivo redox changes in a genetically engineered prokaryote

Redox Biol. 2019 Sep:26:101280. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101280. Epub 2019 Jul 20.

Abstract

Understanding the in vivo redox biology of cells is a complex albeit important biological problem. Studying redox processes within living cells without physical disruption or chemical modifications is essential in determining the native redox states of cells. In this study, the previously characterized reduction-oxidation sensitive green fluorescent protein (roGFP2) was used to elucidate the redox changes of the genetically engineered Escherichia coli strain, SHuffle. SHuffle cells were demonstrated to be under constitutive oxidative stress and responding transcriptionally in an OxyR-dependent manner. Using roGFP2 fused to either glutathione (GSH)- or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)- sensitive proteins (glutaredoxin 1 or Orp1), the cytosolic redox state of both wild type and SHuffle cells based on GSH/GSSG and H2O2 pools was measured. These probes open the path to in vivo studies of redox changes and genetic selections in prokaryotic hosts.

Keywords: Disulfide bond formation; Redox; SHuffle; roGFP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism
  • Molecular Imaging
  • Oxidation-Reduction*
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Prokaryotic Cells / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Hydrogen Peroxide