A comparison of Prx- and OxyR-based H2O2 probes expressed in S. cerevisiae

Genetically encoded fluorescent H2O2 probes continue to advance the field of redox biology. Here, we compare the previously established peroxiredoxin-based H2O2 probe roGFP2-Tsa2 Delta CR with the newly described OxyR-based H2O2 probe HyPer7, using yeast as the model system. Although not as sensitive as roGFP2-Tsa2 Delta CR, HyPer7 is much improved relative to earlier HyPer versions, most notably by ratiometric pH stability. The most striking difference between the two probes is the dynamics of intracellular probe reduction. HyPer7 is rapidly reduced, predominantly by the thioredoxin system, whereas roGFP2-Tsa2 Delta CR is reduced more slowly, predominantly by the glutathione system. We discuss the pros and cons of each probe and suggest that future side-by-side measurements with both probes may provide information on the relative activity of the two major cellular reducing systems.

Automated summary

Genetically encoded fluorescent H2O2 probes have advanced the field of redox biology. A comparison between the HyPer7 and roGFP2-Tsa2 Delta CR probes in yeast as a model system revealed significant differences in the dynamics of intracellular probe reduction, with HyPer7 being rapidly reduced by the thioredoxin system and roGFP2-Tsa2 Delta CR being reduced more slowly by the glutathione system. Future side-by-side measurements with both probes may provide insights into the relative activity of the two major cellular reducing systems.