Dissecting Signaling Pathways by the Use of Genetically-Encoded Biosensors: Dynamic Matters

Among biosensors, genetically-encoded FRET biosensors raised hope to dissect signaling pathways by monitoring enzymatic activities or second messengers levels in living cells and even in living and developing organisms. FRET (Froster resonance Energy Transfer) is a radiationless energy transfer from donor to acceptor fluorophore. For most genetically encoded donor/acceptor pair, this transfer can only occur if they are separated by a distance less than ~10 nm. A FRET based sensor is made up of an adapted bioreceptor tagged on both ends with appropriate fluorophores.