Probing metabolism and viscosity of cancer cells using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Viscosity is an important physical property of a biological membrane, as it is one of the key parameters for the regulation of morphological and physiological state of living cells. Plasma membranes of tumor cells are known to have significant alterations in their composition, structure, and functional characteristics. Along with dysregulated metabolism of glucose and lipids, these specific membrane properties help tumor cells to adapt to the hostile microenvironment and develop resistance to drug therapies. Here, we demonstrate the use of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to sequentially image cellular metabolism and plasma membrane viscosity in live cancer cell culture. Metabolic assessments are performed by detecting fluorescence of endogenous metabolic cofactors, such as reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide NAD(P)H and oxidized flavins. Viscosity is measured using a fluorescent molecular rotor, a synthetic viscosity-sensitive dye, with a strong fluorescence lifetime dependence on the viscosity of the immediate environment. In combination, these techniques enable us to better understand the links between membrane state and metabolic profile of cancer cells and to visualize the changes induced by chemotherapy.
Date Issued
2021-07-01
Date Acceptance
2021-07-01
Citation
Jove-Journal of Visualized Experiments, 2021, (173), pp.1-22
ISSN
1940-087X
Publisher
MyJove Corporation
Start Page
1
End Page
22
Journal / Book Title
Jove-Journal of Visualized Experiments
Issue
173
Copyright Statement
© 2021 JoVE Journal of Visualized Experiments.
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000682796200067&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Grant Number
EP/I003983/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Science & Technology - Other Topics
MOLECULAR ROTORS
INTRACELLULAR PH
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN e62708
Date Publish Online
2021-07-31