Towards Developing an Optimal Fluorescent Protein-Based Extracellular Glucose Biosensor

Optogenetics, or the process of controlling biological processes through light and specialized proteins, is a revolutionary technology that allows for remarkable scientific advancement. Metabolic processes in the brain, and the role of glucose, are under-studied, despite their connections to a wide range of debilitating diseases. Some fluorescent protein-based biosensors are available presently for optogenetic applications, but they are far from ideal. The goal of this project is to develop an optimal fluorescent protein-based biosensor that can be used to explore the role of glucose in brain metabolism. Developing an optimized glucose biosensor would allow for real-time manipulation of metabolic activity in the brain, with the end goal of learning more about the mechanisms underlying metabolism and the ways in which it is disrupted. This research would contribute to the foundation of knowledge of brain metabolism and, hopefully, lead to the development of therapeutic applications in the future.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nafissa Ismail

Student:

Partner:

The University of Tokyo

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: