A DNA-based voltmeter for organelles

Nat Nanotechnol. 2021 Jan;16(1):96-103. doi: 10.1038/s41565-020-00784-1. Epub 2020 Nov 2.

Abstract

The role of membrane potential in most intracellular organelles remains unexplored because of the lack of suitable tools. Here, we describe Voltair, a fluorescent DNA nanodevice that reports the absolute membrane potential and can be targeted to organelles in live cells. Voltair consists of a voltage-sensitive fluorophore and a reference fluorophore for ratiometry, and acts as an endocytic tracer. Using Voltair, we could measure the membrane potential of different organelles in situ in live cells. Voltair can potentially guide the rational design of biocompatible electronics and enhance our understanding of how membrane potential regulates organelle biology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Electrophysiology / instrumentation
  • Electrophysiology / methods
  • Endocytosis
  • Equipment Design
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Membranes / chemistry
  • Lysosomes / chemistry
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Molecular Biology / instrumentation*
  • Molecular Biology / methods*
  • Organelles / chemistry*
  • Time-Lapse Imaging

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • DNA