Intensiometric biosensors visualize the activity of multiple small GTPases in vivo

Nat Commun. 2019 Jan 14;10(1):211. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-08217-3.

Abstract

Ras and Rho small GTPases are critical for numerous cellular processes including cell division, migration, and intercellular communication. Despite extensive efforts to visualize the spatiotemporal activity of these proteins, achieving the sensitivity and dynamic range necessary for in vivo application has been challenging. Here, we present highly sensitive intensiometric small GTPase biosensors visualizing the activity of multiple small GTPases in single cells in vivo. Red-shifted sensors combined with blue light-controllable optogenetic modules achieved simultaneous monitoring and manipulation of protein activities in a highly spatiotemporal manner. Our biosensors revealed spatial dynamics of Cdc42 and Ras activities upon structural plasticity of single dendritic spines, as well as a broad range of subcellular Ras activities in the brains of freely behaving mice. Thus, these intensiometric small GTPase sensors enable the spatiotemporal dissection of complex protein signaling networks in live animals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Dendritic Spines / metabolism
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Female
  • HeLa Cells
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Humans
  • Intravital Microscopy / instrumentation
  • Intravital Microscopy / methods
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / analysis*
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Optogenetics / instrumentation
  • Optogenetics / methods*
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Single-Cell Analysis / instrumentation
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods*
  • Stereotaxic Techniques
  • Time-Lapse Imaging

Substances

  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins