Improved calcium imaging in transgenic mice expressing a troponin C-based biosensor

Nat Methods. 2007 Feb;4(2):127-9. doi: 10.1038/nmeth1009. Epub 2007 Jan 28.

Abstract

Fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator proteins (FCIPs) are attractive tools for studying Ca(2+) dynamics in live cells. Here we describe transgenic mouse lines expressing a troponin C (TnC)-based biosensor. The biosensor is widely expressed in neurons and has improved Ca(2+) sensitivity both in vitro and in vivo. This allows FCIP-based two-photon Ca(2+) imaging of distinct neurons and their dendrites in vivo, and opens a new avenue for structure-function analysis of intact neuronal circuits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Brain / cytology
  • Brain / embryology
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Dendrites / metabolism
  • Female
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / chemistry
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Troponin C / genetics
  • Troponin C / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cyan Fluorescent Protein
  • Troponin C
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Calcium