Tuning the Redox Properties of Heme-Based Biosensors

Abstract

Fluorescent sensors for redox reactions in biology are instrumental for deciphering the complex dynamics of metabolic pathways and bioenergetics. All current redox sensitive fluorescent proteins that were engineered to measure cellular redox levels are based on disulfide oxidation-reduction and therefore have a limited potential range ( ∼-240 to −330 mV). We are developing new sensors to extend the range to cover as much as possible of the biologically relevant −400 to +250 mV span. Our approach exploits de novo designed redox proteins (maquettes) with tunable redox potentials and the ability to transfer electrons to/from natural proteins, such as cytochrome c.