The Use of pHluorins for Optical Measurements of Presynaptic Activity

Genetically encoded reporters for optical measurements of presynaptic activity hold significant promise for measurements of neurotransmission within intact or semi-intact neuronal networks. We have characterized pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein-based sensors (pHluorins) of synaptic vesicle cycling at nerve terminals. pHluorins have a pK ∼ 7.1, which make them ideal for tracking synaptic vesicle lumen pH upon cycling through the plasma membrane during action potentials. A theoretical analysis of the expected signals using this approach and guidelines for future reporter development are provided.