Award Abstract #0619631
Development of a Bioluminescence Ratio Imaging Microscope (BRIM) to Visualize Biosensors for Signal Transduction Events in Living Cells in Real Time

NSF Org:	DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure
Initial Amendment Date:	August 8, 2006
Latest Amendment Date:	August 8, 2006
Award Number:	0619631
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Robyn E. Hannigan DBI Division of Biological Infrastructure BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date:	October 1, 2006
Expires:	September 30, 2009 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$404286
Investigator(s):	Albrecht von Arnim vonarnim@utk.edu (Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	University of Tennessee Knoxville 1 CIRCLE PARK KNOXVILLE, TN 37996 865/974-3466
NSF Program(s):	EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):
Program Reference Code(s):	BIOT, 9184, 9150
Program Element Code(s):	9150, 1189

ABSTRACT

This award is for the development of a Bioluminescence Ratio Imaging Microscope (BRIM). The BRIM will simultaneously record and image single luminescent photons at two different wavelengths in microscopic specimens that have bioluminescent reporters such as luciferases and aequorin photoproteins. BRIM follows the investigators' previous development of the Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) technique. However, the BRET luminescence sensor lacks spectrally resolved microscopic imaging with low-light single-photon sensitivity. Genetically encoded bioluminescent reporters form the basis for powerful and sensitive sensors to record gene expression, dynamic protein-protein interactions, and transient changes in intracellular calcium concentration. These bioluminescent reporters will be detected and imaged with the BRIM.

This development project addresses the need for minimally invasive biosensors that can record signal transduction events in living cells in real time. The prototype BRIM system will be available to collaborating researchers at other institutions. The award will provide research training for a graduate student and for undergraduate research interns in an interdisciplinary team of biomedical engineers and molecular cell biologists.

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH

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Woo JC; Howell MH; von Arnim AG.  "Structure function studies on the active site of the coelenterazine-dependent luciferase from Renilla.,"  Protein Science,  v.17,  2008,  p. 725.


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