Publications
iScienceDec 2024 |
27
(
12
),
111336
DOI:
10.1016/j.isci.2024.111336

Tracking fructose 1,6-bisphosphate dynamics in liver cancer cells using a fluorescent biosensor

Pérez-Chávez, Israel; Koberstein, John N; Pueyo, Julia Malo; Gilglioni, Eduardo H; Vertommen, Didier; Baeyens, Nicolas; Ezeriņa, Daria; Gurzov, Esteban N; Messens, Joris
Product Used
Genes
Abstract
HYlight is a genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor that ratiometrically monitors fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), a key glycolytic metabolite. Given the role of glucose in liver cancer metabolism, we expressed HYlight in human liver cancer cells and primary mouse hepatocytes. Through in vitro, in silico, and in cellulo experiments, we showed HYlight's ability to monitor FBP changes linked to glycolysis, not gluconeogenesis. HYlight's affinity for FBP was ∼1 μM and stable within physiological pH range. HYlight demonstrated weak binding to dihydroxyacetone phosphate, and its ratiometric response was influenced by both ionic strength and phosphate. Therefore, simulating cytosolic conditions in vitro was necessary to establish a reliable correlation between HYlight's cellular responses and FBP concentrations. FBP concentrations were found to be in the lower micromolar range, far lower than previous millimolar estimates. Altogether, this biosensor approach offers real-time monitoring of FBP concentrations at single-cell resolution, making it an invaluable tool for the understanding of cancer metabolism.
Product Used
Genes

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