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Action Potentials in Heart Cells

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Fluorescent Proteins II

Part of the book series: Springer Series on Fluorescence ((SS FLUOR,volume 12))

Abstract

Action potentials are a basic and fast communication mode within or in between neuronal and muscular cells in the human body. The rhythmic initiation and structured propagation of action potentials in the heart are most essential for a vital organism. The use of genetically encoded biosensors based on fluorescent proteins allows a non-invasive biocompatible way to read-out action potentials in cardiac myocytes. This comprises the physiological situation as well as pathophysiological models of the diseased heart. Although the approaches to design such biosensors date back to the time when the first fluorescent protein-based FRET sensors were constructed, it took 15 years until first reliable sensors became available. In this chapter, it is shown in cardiac myocytes how fluorescent protein-based action potential measurements can be used in pharmacological screening applications as well as in basic biomedical research. Potentials and limitations will be discussed and perspectives of possible future developments will be provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, Building 61, 66421, Homburg, Saarland, Germany

    Lars Kaestner, Qinghai Tian & Peter Lipp

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  1. Lars Kaestner
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  2. Qinghai Tian
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  3. Peter Lipp
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Correspondence to Lars Kaestner .

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    Gregor Jung

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Kaestner, L., Tian, Q., Lipp, P. (2011). Action Potentials in Heart Cells. In: Jung, G. (eds) Fluorescent Proteins II. Springer Series on Fluorescence, vol 12. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/4243_2011_28

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