Cellular application of genetically encoded sensors and impeders of AMPK

Unraveling the spatiotemporal dynamics of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling is necessary to bridge the gap between nutrient signaling and downstream function. Three genetically encoded Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based AMPK biosensors are available yielding insight into how AMPK-derived signal propagates throughout a cell in response to particular inputs. These findings, together with accumulating evidence obtained from biochemical techniques, promise to give a holistic understanding of the AMPK signaling. In this protocol, we describe the procedures and materials required for imaging intracellular AMPK activity in an organelle-specific manner, with a focus on ABKAR, a FRET-based biosensor. In addition, we introduce a novel AMPK inhibitor peptide that allows us to inhibit AMPK activity at specific subcellular compartments.