Orientation-based FRET sensor for real-time imaging of cellular forces.

ABSTRACT: Mechanical stress is an unmapped source of free energy in cells. Mapping the stress fields in a heterogeneous time-dependent environment like that found in cells requires probes that are specific for different proteins and respond to biologically relevant forces with minimal disturbance to the host system. To meet these goals, we have designed a genetically encoded stress sensor with minimal volume and high sensitivity and dynamic range. The new FRET-based sensor, called cpstFRET, is designed to be modulated by the angles between the donor and acceptor rather than the distance between them. Relative to other probes, it is physically smaller and exhibits a greater dynamic range and sensitivity and expresses well. For in vivo testing, we measured stress gradients in time and space in non-ery

SUBMITTER: Meng F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3367834 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature