Yeseo Kwon

Abstract Multiphoton microscopy serves as an essential tool for high-resolution imaging of the living mouse brain. To facilitate optical access to the brain during imaging, the cranial window surgery is commonly used. However, this procedure restricts physical access above the imaging area and hinders the direct delivery of imaging agents and drugs.

eLife assessment Hou and colleagues describe the the use of a previously characterized FRET sensor for use in determining γ-secretase activity in the brain of living mice. In an approach that targeted the sensor to neurons, they observe patterns of fluorescent sensor readout suggesting clustered regions of secretase activity.

Abstract γ-Secretase plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system. Our recent development of genetically encoded Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors has enabled the spatiotemporal recording of γ-secretase activity on a cell-by-cell basis in live neurons in culture. Nevertheless, how γ-secretase activity is regulated in vivo remains unclear.