Monitoring ß cell energy state: a new FRET toolkit – betaFRET

Genetically encoded sensors based on Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) hold the promise of being game-changers in our understanding of intracellular physiology. We have developed and tested AMPfret, the first nano-sensor capable of faithfully reporting energy states in vivo by measuring ATP/ADP and ATP/AMP concentration ratios at physiological levels. The betaFRET project aims at the development of an innovative AMPfret toolkit with sensors targeted to specific sub cellular sites, and an efficient FRET analysis pipeline to closely monitor intracellular energy state. It will further apply this technology to insulin-secreting cells under different stress and culture conditions, including their micro-encapsulation, with the ultimate goal of supporting microcapsule-based cell replacement strategies for treating diabetes. In general, this technology will provide essential bricks for major potential innovations in synthetic biology and regenerative medicine.