A team has developed new biosensors with which the ratio of NADPH to NADP+ can be measured in living cells in real time for the first time. The team’s observations provide new insights into the evolution of the most important protective function of cells, cellular detoxification. NADP is involved in many reactions in the cell in which electrons are transferred between different substances.

For the new sensors, the scientists used genetic engineering methods to modify a previously developed fluorescent molecule, which contains parts of a luminescent jellyfish protein, in such a way that it specifically recognizes NADPH and NADP+. Among other things, they discovered that the “NADP charge” is very robust and is recharged particularly efficiently by cellular metabolism when required.

They also observed NADP charge cycles, i.e., oscillations of the cell battery during cell division, and an influence of photosynthesis and the availability of oxygen on the NADP battery. Another important finding was that the detoxification of reactive oxygen species — e.g., hydrogen peroxide — takes place primarily via the glutathione present in the cells (a tripeptide that is present in the cell in comparatively high concentrations), regardless of whether in yeast, plant, or mammalian cells. (Image credit: University of Münster)

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Topics:
Medical Sensors Biosensors

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    This article first appeared in the February, 2025 issue of Medical Design Briefs Magazine (Vol. 15 No. 2).

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