A Ratiometric Fluorescent Biosensor Reveals Dynamic Regulation of Long-Chain Fatty Acyl-CoA Esters Metabolism

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2021 Jun 14;60(25):13996-14004. doi: 10.1002/anie.202101731. Epub 2021 May 11.

Abstract

Despite increasing awareness of the biological impacts of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters (LCACoAs), our knowledge about the subcellular distribution and regulatory functions of these acyl-CoA molecules is limited by a lack of methods for detecting LCACoAs in living cells. Here, we report development of a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor that enables ratiometric quantification of LCACoAs in living cells and subcellular compartments. We demonstrate how this FadR-cpYFP fusion "LACSer sensor" undergoes LCACoA-induced conformational changes reflected in easily detectable fluorescence responses, and show proof-of-concept for real-time monitoring of LCACoAs in human cells. Subsequently, we applied LACSer in scientific studies investigating how disruption of ACSL enzymes differentially reduces cytosolic and mitochondrial LCACoA levels, and show how genetic disruption of an acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) alters mitochondrial accumulation of LCACoAs.

Keywords: LC acyl-CoA metabolism; biosensors; cell imaging; long-chain fatty acyl-CoA; protein engineering.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyl Coenzyme A / chemistry
  • Acyl Coenzyme A / metabolism*
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Esters / chemistry
  • Esters / metabolism*
  • Fluorescence*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans

Substances

  • Acyl Coenzyme A
  • Esters