Discovering Cell-Based Sensors for EGF Detection

Ever wondered how scientists keep an eye on cellular interactions? One fascinating approach involves using live cells as tiny detectors. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a serious role in cancer development, so tracking its activity is crucial. Traditional lab methods have drawbacks, but now, there's a clever new tool: live cell-based sensors.These sensors use a nifty trick called conditional protein trans-cleavage reaction (CPC). Basically, when EGF shows up, it triggers a reaction that moves a fluorescent signal to the mitochondria. This gives a quick, clear readout of EGF's presence. The sensor demonstrated superb sensitivity and speed. Plus, it could tell the difference between activators and blockers of the receptor (like transforming growth factor-α and Cetuximab). But here's where it gets really interesting. Scientists didn't stop at just detecting EGF. They expanded the sensors' capabilities to monitor what happens next. By using Ca²⁺-detecting sensor cells, they could track the signaling cascade initiated by EGF. This opens up avenues for studying how cells communicate and respond to different signals.