Use of Microfluidics for Study of FOXO3 Translocation Dynamics

Methods Mol Biol. 2025:2871:155-161. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4217-7_14.

Abstract

Microfluidics has emerged as a novel tool in the study of cellular dynamics, offering a precise control of cell microenvironment and real-time analysis of intracellular processes. This chapter explores the application of microfluidic technology in the translocation dynamics of the forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) transcription factor. FOXO3 is regulator of cellular homeostasis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress responses. By integrating microfluidic devices with live cell imaging techniques, we achieve fine-tuned manipulation of extracellular conditions, including pharmacological treatments, to observe their effects on FOXO3 localization at single-cell resolution. Microfluidic devices provide a versatile and precise platform for studying dynamic cellular processes such as FOXO3-GFP translocation. This methodology allows for the real-time observation and quantification of protein translocation in response to various stimuli, enhancing our understanding of cellular signaling mechanisms.

Keywords: FOXO3; Fluorescence microscopy; Live cell imaging; Microfluidics.

MeSH terms

  • Forkhead Box Protein O3* / genetics
  • Forkhead Box Protein O3* / metabolism
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation
  • Microfluidics / methods
  • Protein Transport*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods

Substances

  • Forkhead Box Protein O3
  • FOXO3 protein, human
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins