title: A genetically-encoded chloride and pH sensor for dissociating ion dynamics in the nervous system.
abstract: Within the nervous system, intracellular Cl(-) and pH regulate fundamental processes including cell proliferation, metabolism, synaptic transmission, and network excitability. Cl(-) and pH are often co-regulated, and network activity results in the movement of both Cl(-) and H(+). Tools to accurately measure these ions are crucial for understanding their role under physiological and pathological conditions. Although genetically-encoded Cl(-) and pH sensors have been described previously, these either lack ion specificity or are unsuitable for neuronal use. Here we present ClopHensorN-a new genetically-encoded ratiometric Cl(-) and pH sensor that is optimized for the nervous system. We demonstrate the ability of ClopHensorN to dissociate and simultaneously quantify Cl(-) and H(+) concentrations under a variety of conditions. In addition, we establish the sensor's utility by characterizing activity-dependent ion dynamics in hippocampal neurons.
authors: Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Oxford, UK ; UCT/MRC Receptor Biology Unit, Division of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town Cape Town, South Africa.
authors: Joseph V
authors: JV
authors: Raimondo
authors: Bradley
authors: B
authors: Joyce
authors: Louise
authors: L
authors: Kay
authors: Theresa
authors: T
authors: Schlagheck
authors: Sarah E
authors: SE
authors: Newey
authors: Shankar
authors: S
authors: Srinivas
authors: Colin J
authors: CJ
authors: Akerman
keywords: chloride sensors; fluorescence microscopy; genetic reporters; intracellular chloride; intracellular pH; neural activity; pH sensors