Abstract
Simple Summary
Spatially and temporally defined H2O2 signatures are essential parts of various signaling pathways. Therefore, monitoring H2O2 dynamics with high spatio-temporal resolution is significantly important to understand how this ubiquitous signaling molecule can control diverse cellular responses. In this study, we designed and characterized a Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based genetically encoded H2O2 sensor that provides a powerful tool to monitor the spatio-temporal dynamics of H2O2 fluxes. We have used this sensor to monitor the flux of H2O2 in live cells under stress conditions. Using this sensor, real-time information of the H2O2 level can be obtained non-invasively and would help to understand the adverse effect of H2O2 on cell physiology and its role in redox signaling.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) serves fundamental regulatory functions in metabolism beyond the role as damage signal. During stress conditions, the level of H2O2 increases in the cells and causes oxidative stress, which interferes with normal cell growth in plants and animals. The H2O2 also acts as a central signaling molecule and regulates numerous pathways in living cells. To better understand the generation of H2O2 in environmental responses and its role in cellular signaling, there is a need to study the flux of H2O2 at high spatio-temporal resolution in a real-time fashion. Herein, we developed a genetically encoded Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based nanosensor (FLIP-H2O2) by sandwiching the regulatory domain (RD) of OxyR between two fluorescent moieties, namely ECFP and mVenus. This nanosensor was pH stable, highly selective to H2O2, and showed insensitivity to other oxidants like superoxide anions, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite. The FLIP-H2O2 demonstrated a broad dynamic range and having a binding affinity (Kd) of 247 mu M. Expression of sensor protein in living bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells showed the localization of the sensor in the cytosol. The flux of H2O2 was measured in these live cells using the FLIP-H2O2 under stress conditions or by externally providing the ligand. Time-dependent FRET-ratio changes were recorded, which correspond to the presence of H2O2. Using this sensor, real-time information of the H2O2 level can be obtained non-invasively. Thus, this nanosensor would help to understand the adverse effect of H2O2 on cell physiology and its role in redox signaling.