Mitochondria are crucial for maintaining calcium balance in cells, but their calcium dynamics are challenging to study due to pH changes in the mitochondrial matrix, and the lack of cyan-colored GECIs hinders the monitoring of calcium signals across different organelles and cell types. In this study, researchers used the bright cyan fluorescent protein mTurquoise2 to create a new GECI called TurCaMP. They found that the deprotonation of the chromophore is the key mechanism for TurCaMP’s calcium-dependent fluorescence changes, leading to the development of an inverse GECI with a strong basal fluorescence that is stable in the physiological pH range of 6 to 9. This new tool has the potential to accurately monitor mitochondrial calcium dynamics and open up new avenues for research in mitochondrial biology.Key Findings:
Applications: TurCaMPb’s distinct characteristics render it a crucial tool for investigating mitochondrial calcium signaling and its involvement in various cellular processes. It facilitates:
This research introduces TurCaMPb as an invaluable resource for probing mitochondrial calcium signaling and its role in cellular processes. Its unique properties make it perfect for accurate and multiplexed calcium dynamics monitoring, paving the way for new research directions in mitochondrial biology and related fields. The work entitled “ Exploring lysosomal biology: current approaches and methods ” was published on Biophysics Reports (published on January, 2024).
Biophysics Reports
Experimental study
Cells
A bright cyan fluorescence calcium indicator for mitochondrial calcium with minimal interference from physiological pH fluctuations
2-Jun-2024