Intracellular Thermometry at the Micro-/Nanoscale and its Potential Application to Study Protein Aggregation Related to Neurodegenerative Diseases

Temperature is a fundamental physical parameter that influences biological processes in living cells. Hence, intracellular temperature mapping can be used to derive useful information reflective of thermodynamic properties and cellular behaviour. Herein, existing publications on different thermometry systems, focusing on those that employ fluorescence-based techniques, are reviewed. From developments based on fluorescent proteins and inorganic molecules to metal nanoclusters and fluorescent polymers, the general findings of intracellular measurements from different research groups are discussed. Furthermore, the contradiction of mitochondrial thermogenesis and nuclear-cytoplasmic temperature differences to current thermodynamic understanding are highlighted. Lastly, intracellular thermometry is proposed as a tool to quantify the energy flow and cost associated with amyloid-beta 42 (A beta 42) aggregation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Automated summary

Temperature is a crucial factor influencing biological processes in living cells, and intracellular temperature mapping can provide valuable insights into thermodynamic properties and cellular behavior. This review focuses on various thermometry systems, particularly those utilizing fluorescence-based techniques, discussing findings from intracellular measurements and highlighting discrepancies in current thermodynamic understanding related to mitochondrial thermogenesis and nuclear-cytoplasmic temperature differences. Additionally, intracellular thermometry is proposed as a tool for quantifying the energy flow and costs associated with A beta 42 aggregation in Alzheimer's disease.