Balancing mechanism of ATP synthesis and consumption in mammalian cells

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K18522
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Biophysics
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Yaginuma Hideyuki 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 生命システム研究センター, 研究員 (10733222)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: ATP / 蛍光イメージング / 代謝

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Until now, how synthesis and consumption of ATP is balanced inside mammalian cells is unclear. Recently, I invented an ATP indicator fluorescent protein “QUEEN”, which can be used to quantify ATP concentration in single cells. Here, I improved QUEEN and developed a method for usage in mammalian cells. The new version of QUEEN was optimized for measurement at 37 °C and was able to express and observe in mammalian cells. I compared QUEEN signal with another previous method and showed that ATP concentration measured by QUEEN is reliable indeed. I also developed a method to monitor the cell response to metabolic inhibitors. By applying this approach to several conditions and cell species, I aim to make clear the energy balance mechanism in the cells.

Free Research Field

細胞生物学