An update on genetically encoded lipid biosensors

Abstract

Specific lipid species play central roles in cell biology. Their presence or enrichment in individual membranes can control properties or direct protein localization and/or activity. Therefore, probes to detect and observe these lipids in intact cells are essential tools in the cell biologist’s freezer box. Herein, we discuss genetically encoded lipid biosensors, which can be expressed as fluorescent protein fusions to track lipids in living cells. We provide a state-of-the-art list of the most widely available and reliable biosensors and highlight new probes (circa 2018–2021). Notably, we focus on advances in biosensors for phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, and PI 3-kinase lipid products.