Research resource: Monitoring endoplasmic reticulum membrane integrity in β-cells at the single-cell level

Mol Endocrinol. 2015 Mar;29(3):473-80. doi: 10.1210/me.2014-1260. Epub 2015 Jan 13.

Abstract

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane integrity is an emerging target for human chronic diseases associated with ER stress. Despite the underlying importance of compromised ER membrane integrity in disease states, the entire process leading to ER membrane permeabilization and cell death is still not clear due to technical limitations. Here we describe a novel method for monitoring ER membrane integrity at the single-cell level in real time. Using a β-cell line expressing ER-targeted redox sensitive green fluorescent protein, we could identify a β-cell population undergoing ER membrane permeabilization induced by palmitate and could monitor cell fate and ER stress of these cells at the single-cell level. Our method could be used to develop a novel therapeutic modality targeting the ER membrane for ER-associated disorders, including β-cell death in diabetes, neurodegeneration, and Wolfram syndrome.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / drug effects
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism*
  • Intracellular Membranes / drug effects
  • Intracellular Membranes / metabolism*
  • Membrane Lipids / chemistry
  • Mice
  • Palmitates / pharmacology
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods*

Substances

  • Membrane Lipids
  • Palmitates
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins