Green Fluorescent Protein Biosensors Used to Detect Temperature in Thermal Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the one of the requirements to life. This property is occurring continuously in all living things. Specifically in warm blood animals, thermal homeostasis regulates body temperature. Scientists are interested in the measuring the heat generated from metabolic processes. However, it was not possible to measure the heat generated until researchers created a recombinant fusion protein. This kind of protein was created through genetic engineering a fusion gene, combining TIpA (a protein found in Salmonella) and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). TIpA can detect heat changes and attach to the region in the cell while GFP emits green fluorescence. By taking advantage of TIpA's behavior under different temperatures and GFP's ability to fluoresce, the researchers were able to differentiate between hot and cooler temperatures within the cell. According to Principal researcher Yasuo Mori, the next step of the research is to apply it to living model organisms.

Mechanism of TIpA in Hold and Cold Temperatures

Homeostasis is one of the fundamental processes that a living thing undergoes. To understand this process more can help human beings understand the building blocks on life. Sure, this study is only looking for temperature changes, however, I believe that with genetic engineering, other proteins can be developed to track other elements of homeostasis. By further understanding this  process, benefits could be seen to help people who have trouble regulating parts of homeostasis. One must also take into consideration that this is a very early study. But nonetheless, it has the potential to detail the steps taken within homeostasis and help scientists further understand this complex process.