Genetically Encoded FRET Biosensors to Illuminate Compartmentalised GPCR Signalling

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2018 Feb;39(2):148-157. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.09.005. Epub 2017 Oct 17.

Abstract

Genetically encoded Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors have been instrumental to our understanding of how intracellular signalling is organised and regulated within cells. In the last decade, the toolbox, dynamic range and applications of these sensors have expanded beyond basic cell biology applications. In particular, FRET biosensors have shed light onto the mechanisms that control the intracellular organisation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling and have allowed the visualisation of signalling events with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. Here we review the use of these sensors in the GPCR field and how it has already provided invaluable advances towards our understanding of the complexity of GPCR signalling.

Keywords: Förster resonance energy transfer biosensors; G protein-coupled receptor; compartmentalised signalling.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • Cell Compartmentation
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods*
  • Humans
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Single Molecule Imaging / methods*

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Recombinant Proteins