Assessment of Intracellular GTP Levels Using Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Sensors

Abstract

Changes in intracellular GTP levels, even incremental ones, profoundly affect the activity of several GTP-binding proteins ultimately resulting in alteration of several basal cellular phenotypes including cell motility, invasion, and tumorigenesis. However, until recently, no tools were available for GTP quantification in live cells. Therefore, in the current chapter, we describe the methodology for the quantitative assessment of spatiotemporal changes in GTP levels in the cells using genetically encoded fluorescent ratiometric GTP sensors termed GEVALs for GTP evaluators.

Keywords: Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP); Guanosine tri-phosphate (GTP); Inosine Monophosphate Dehydrogenase (IMPDH2); RAC1; RHOA; Ratiometric Sensors.