Single-cell analysis of G-protein signal transduction

J Biol Chem. 2015 Mar 13;290(11):6681-8. doi: 10.1074/jbc.R114.616391. Epub 2015 Jan 20.

Abstract

The growing use of fluorescent biosensors to directly probe the spatiotemporal dynamics of biochemical processes in living cells has revolutionized the study of intracellular signaling. In this review, we summarize recent developments in the use of biosensors to illuminate the molecular details of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways, which have long served as the model for our understanding of signal transduction, while also offering our perspectives on the future of this exciting field. Specifically, we highlight several ways in which biosensor-based single-cell analyses are being used to unravel many of the enduring mysteries that surround these diverse signaling pathways.

Keywords: Biosensor; Cell Signaling; Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET); G Protein; Live-cell Imaging; Signal Transduction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / instrumentation
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Single-Cell Analysis / instrumentation
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods*

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • GTP-Binding Proteins