Electroporation-mediated delivery of protein biosensors for metabolic imaging in differentiated myotubes

Abstract

Understanding skeletal muscle metabolism involves real-time monitoring of key cellular parameters, such as calcium ions (Ca2+), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and intracellular temperature. Fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors are used for live-cell imaging of these signals with high spatiotemporal resolution. Differentiated myotubes are in vitro models used for physiological muscle metabolism research. However, efficient transfection of FP-based biosensors into these cells is challenging. Here, we developed an electroporation-based strategy for delivering recombinant protein biosensors into fully differentiated myotubes. Biosensors for Ca2+, ATP, cAMP, and temperature were recombinantly produced using Escherichia coli and introduced into myotubes using electroporation. Electroporation conditions were optimised to maximise delivery efficiency, preserve cell viability, and minimise cellular damage. We established a robust intracellular delivery system that effectively demonstrated Ca2+, ATP, and temperature dynamics. Furthermore, we achieved the successful co-delivery of two biosensors that enabled dual imaging of Ca2+ and cAMP in response to stimulation.