Visualizing Cell Proximity with Genetically Encoded Bioluminescent Reporters

摘要: Cell–cell interactions underlie diverse physiological processes ranging from immune function to cell migration. Dysregulated cellular crosstalk also potentiates numerous pathologies, including infections and metastases. Despite their ubiquity in organismal biology, cell–cell are difficult examine tissues whole animals without invasive procedures. Here, we report a strategy noninvasively image proximity using engineered bioluminescent probes. These tools comprise “split” fragments of Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) fused the leucine zipper domains Fos Jun. When cells secreting draw near one another, Jun drive assembly functional, light-emitting Gluc. Photon production thus provides readout on distance between two types. We used split visualize over time vitro macroscopic models Further application these live organisms will refine our understanding ce...