Optical sensors of heterotrimeric G protein signaling

FEBS J. 2021 Apr;288(8):2570-2584. doi: 10.1111/febs.15655. Epub 2020 Dec 26.

Abstract

Heterotrimeric G proteins are central mediators of cellular signal transduction. They receive, process, and transduce signals from G protein-coupled receptors to downstream effectors. Since their discovery, a number of optical sensors of G protein localisation and function have been developed and applied in living systems. In this minireview, we provide an overview of existing G protein-based sensors and the experimental approaches they utilise, with emphasis on live-cell imaging techniques. We outline recent advances, as well as identify current challenges and likely future directions in the field of G protein sensor development.

Keywords: BRET; FRET; G protein; G protein-coupled receptor; TIRF; imaging; optogenetics; polarization microscopy; sensor; single-molecule imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Imaging*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins