Green genetically encoded IP3 biosensor for hierarchical analysis of its signaling network

Abstract

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) is a key second messenger that regulates diverse physiological processes. Visualization of IP3 dynamics in living cells is therefore important for understanding its signaling processes. In this study, we developed genetically encoded green fluorescent IP3 biosensors named Green iPenguins with distinct half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50) for IP3, enabling detection of IP3 signals over a range of concentrations. The biosensors displayed more than a 4-fold increase in fluorescence intensity upon IP3 and showed high specificity for IP3 over structurally related molecules. When expressed in HEK293T cells, the biosensors enabled visualization of IP3 dynamics involved in different signaling pathways. They were also compatible with dual-color imaging, allowing simultaneous monitoring of IP3 together with cAMP or Ca2+ signals. In addition, the hierarchical relationship between IP3 and Ca2+ signaling was visualized, providing insight into the temporal relationship between these two second messengers. The biosensors are expected to facilitate future studies of physiological processes involving IP3 signaling networks.