SERS-fluorescence bimodal nanoprobes for in vitro imaging of the fatty acid responsive receptor GPR120

G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), as a member of the rhodopsin family of G-protein-coupled receptors, has been shown to function as a sensor for dietary fat in the gustatory and digestive systems. Its specific role in the chemoreception of fatty acids, which is thought to be crucial in understanding the mechanism surrounding the control of fat intake and, accordingly, in the treatment of obesity, remains unclear. Here we report a novel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-fluorescence bimodal microscopic technique for detection and imaging of GPR120 in single living cells. CaMoO4:Eu3+@AuNR hybrid nanoparticles are synthesized and characterized as imaging probes. The biocompatibility and imaging capability of the probes are investigated using a model HEK293 cell line with an inducible GPR120 gene transfection. The cellular distribution of GPR120 is visualized by single-cell SERS and fluorescence imaging. A dose-dependent GPR120 response to linoleic acid treatment is revealed by SERS.