New biosensor illuminates physiological signals in living animals - Insights on Science, Law, and Technology Transfer

Over the years, we have witnessed an array of scientific breakthroughs that have significantly enriched our understanding of the complex dynamics of life. Among these advancements, the development of biosensors has revolutionized the science of monitoring physiological signals. Recently, a remarkable stride in this field has been made by Eric Schreiter and Luke Lavis, two Janelia group leaders. In 2021, they reported a novel approach that ingeniously combines Schreiter’s engineered protein biosensors and Lavis’s bright, fluorescent Janelia Fluor dyes.

Biosensors, for those who are new to the concept, are analytical devices that leverage biological molecules to detect and measure an analyte. These devices have proven to be tremendously valuable in various fields, including environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and food safety. Schreiter’s engineered protein biosensors, in particular, have been lauded for their ability to detect and measure a diverse range of physiological signals. On the other hand, Lavis’s Janelia Fluor dyes are renowned for their exceptional brightness and photostability, which has transformed the field of fluorescence microscopy. The combination of these two technologies opens up a new frontier in live animal physiological signal monitoring, providing an unprecedented level of detail and accuracy.

The engineered protein biosensors, designed by Schreiter, work by binding to specific molecules within a living organism. When these molecules interact with the biosensor, it results in conformational changes in the protein structure, allowing them to emit light. The intensity of this emitted light is directly proportional to the concentration of the target molecule, thereby presenting a real-time, quantitative measure of physiological signals.

In complement, Lavis’s Janelia Fluor dyes take this emitted light and amplify it, making it brighter and more easily detectable. This amplification is crucial, particularly in the context of in vivo imaging, where the emitted signals often have to compete with the natural autofluorescence of tissues and cells. With the Janelia Fluor dyes, these signals become remarkably vivid, enabling researchers to monitor and measure them with unparalleled precision.

This hybrid approach not only enhances the visibility of physiological signals but also extends the range of detectable signals. The use of various Janelia Fluor dyes, each with its unique spectra, can be paired with different protein biosensors to probe a wide array of molecular events. This versatility makes the combined approach a powerful tool for studying complex physiological processes in living organisms.

As we look deeper into the intricacies of life, the importance of precision and accuracy cannot be overstated. By bridging the gap between biosensing and fluorescence microscopy, Schreiter and Lavis’s innovation has the potential to usher in a new era in the study of physiology. This breakthrough holds considerable promise for a range of applications, from basic biological research to drug discovery and disease diagnostics.

The combination of Schreiter’s engineered protein biosensors and Lavis’s Janelia Fluor dyes represents a significant leap forward in our ability to monitor and understand physiological signals in living organisms. As we continue to harness the power of technology transfer in science and law, innovations like these serve as a beacon, illuminating the path forward and expanding the horizons of our knowledge. The future of biosensing is bright, and it’s getting brighter.