Institute of
bioorganic chemistry

Researchers from Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical medicine and IBCh RAS, in collaboration with Russian colleagues developed simple and robust sensors for detecting microchanges in intracellular pH. The sensors are based on unusual DNA structures - i-motifs, that are found in cancer- and neudegeneration-related genes. Given their intrinsic sensitivity to minor pH changes within the physiological range, such DNA structures can be used as core elements of biocompatible sensors. Using stopped-flow techniques and FRET-melting assays, i-motifs with fast responses to pH alterations were selected. For the leading fast sensor, the labeling scheme was optimized and intracellular calibration was performed. Due to its favorable kinetic characteristics, the sensor is potentially applicable for monitoring proton dynamics in the nucleus or pH-jumps observed upon neuron activation. The research was published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics. Learn more