The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) is a class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in metabolism. Presently, its visualization is limited to genetic manipulation, antibody detection or the use of probes that stimulate receptor activation. Herein, we present LUXendin645, a far-red fluorescent GLP1R antagonistic peptide label. LUXendin645 produces intense and specific membrane labeling throughout live and fixed tissue. GLP1R signaling can additionally be evoked when the receptor is allosterically modulated in the presence of LUXendin645. Using LUXendin645 and LUXendin651, we describe islet, brain and hESC-derived β-like cell GLP1R expression patterns, reveal higher-order GLP1R organization including membrane nanodomains, and track single receptor subpopulations. We furthermore show that the LUXendin backbone can be optimized for intravital two-photon imaging by installing a red fluorophore. Thus, our super-resolution compatible labeling probes allow visualization of endogenous GLP1R, and provide insight into class B GPCR distribution and dynamics both in vitro and in vivo.

Sulfonylureas are widely prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Through their actions on ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channels, sulfonylureas boost insulin release from the pancreatic beta cell mass to restore glucose homeostasis. A limitation of these compounds is the elevated risk of developing hypoglycemia and cardiovascular disease, both potentially fatal complications. Here, we describe the design and development of a photoswitchable sulfonylurea, JB253, which reversibly and repeatedly blocks K_ATP channel activity following exposure to violet-blue light. Using in situ imaging and hormone assays, we further show that JB253 bestows light sensitivity upon rodent and human pancreatic beta cell function. Thus, JB253 enables the optical control of insulin release and may offer a valuable research tool for the interrogation of K_ATP channel function in health and T2DM.

Background: Aberrant sympathetic nerve activity exacerbates cardiovascular risk in hypertension and diabetes, which are common comorbidities, yet clinically sympathetic nerve activity remains poorly controlled. The hypertensive diabetic state is associated with increased reflex sensitivity and tonic drive from the peripheral chemoreceptors, the cause of which is unknown. We have previously shown hypertension to be critically dependent on the carotid body (CB) input in spontaneously hypertensive rat, a model that also exhibits a number of diabetic traits. CB overstimulation by insulin and leptin has been similarly implicated in the development of increased sympathetic nerve activity in metabolic syndrome and obesity. Thus, we hypothesized that in hypertensive diabetic state (spontaneously hypertensive rat), the CB is sensitized by altered metabolic signaling causing excessive sympathetic activity levels and dysfunctional reflex regulation. Methods: Using a hypothesis-free RNA-seq approach, we investigated potential molecular targets implicated in energy metabolism mediating CB sensitization and its regulation of sympathetic outflow in experimental hypertension. Identified targets were characterized using molecular and functional techniques assessing peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity in situ and in vivo. Results: We discovered GLP1R (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) expression in the CBs of rat and human and showed that its decreased expression is linked to sympathetic hyperactivity in rats with cardiometabolic disease. We demonstrate GLP1R to be localized to CB chemosensory cells, while targeted administration of GLP1R agonist to the CB lowered its basal discharge and attenuated chemoreflex-evoked blood pressure and sympathetic responses. Importantly, hyperglycemia-induced peripheral chemoreflex sensitization and associated basal sympathetic overactivity were abolished by GLP1R activation in the CB suggesting a role in a homeostatic response to high blood glucose. Conclusions: We show that GLP1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) modulates the peripheral chemoreflex acting on the CB, supporting this organ as a multimodal receptor. Our findings pinpoint CBs as potential targets for ameliorating excessive sympathetic activity using GLP1R agonists in the hypertensive-diabetic condition.

Optical investigations of nanometer distances between proteins, their subunits, or other biomolecules have been the exclusive prerogative of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy for decades. In this work, we show that MINFLUX fluorescence nanoscopy measures intramolecular distances down to 1 nanometer—and in planar projections down to 1 angstrom—directly, linearly, and with angstrom precision. Our method was validated by quantifying well-characterized 1- to 10-nanometer distances in polypeptides and proteins. Moreover, we visualized the orientations of immunoglobulin subunits, applied the method in human cells, and revealed specific configurations of a histidine kinase PAS domain dimer. Our results open the door for examining proximities and interactions by direct position measurements at the intramacromolecular scale.