Quantitative measurement of Ca(2+)-dependent calmodulin-target binding by Fura-2 and CFP and YFP FRET imaging in living cells

Biochemistry. 2011 May 31;50(21):4685-96. doi: 10.1021/bi200287x. Epub 2011 May 4.

Abstract

Calcium dynamics and its linked molecular interactions cause a variety of biological responses; thus, exploiting techniques for detecting both concurrently is essential. Here we describe a method for measuring the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and protein-protein interactions within the same cell, using Fura-2 and superenhanced cyan and yellow fluorescence protein (seCFP and seYFP, respectively) FRET imaging techniques. Concentration-independent corrections for bleed-through of Fura-2 into FRET cubes across different time points and [Ca(2+)](i) values allowed for an effective separation of Fura-2 cross-talk signals and seCFP and seYFP cross-talk signals, permitting calculation of [Ca(2+)](i) and FRET with high fidelity. This correction approach was particularly effective at lower [Ca(2+)](i) levels, eliminating bleed-through signals that resulted in an artificial enhancement of FRET. By adopting this correction approach combined with stepwise [Ca(2+)](i) increases produced in living cells, we successfully elucidated steady-state relationships between [Ca(2+)](i) and FRET derived from the interaction of seCFP-tagged calmodulin (CaM) and the seYFP-fused CaM binding domain of myosin light chain kinase. The [Ca(2+)](i) versus FRET relationship for voltage-gated sodium, calcium, and TRPC6 channel CaM binding domains (IQ domain or CBD) revealed distinct sensitivities for [Ca(2+)](i). Moreover, the CaM binding strength at basal or subbasal [Ca(2+)](i) levels provided evidence of CaM tethering or apoCaM binding in living cells. Of the ion channel studies, apoCaM binding was weakest for the TRPC6 channel, suggesting that more global Ca(2+) and CaM changes rather than the local CaM-channel interface domain may be involved in Ca(2+)CaM-mediated regulation of this channel. This simultaneous Fura-2 and CFP- and YFP-based FRET imaging system will thus serve as a simple but powerful means of quantitatively elucidating cellular events associated with Ca(2+)-dependent functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calmodulin / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • Fura-2 / metabolism*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Calmodulin
  • Cyan Fluorescent Protein
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • yellow fluorescent protein, Bacteria
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Calcium
  • Fura-2