Cellular viability depends on timely and efficient management of protein misfolding. Here we describe a method for visualizing the different potential fates of a misfolded protein: refolding, degradation, or sequestration in inclusions. We demonstrate the use of a folding sensor, Ubc9ts, for monitoring proteostasis and aggregation quality control in live cells using 4D microscopy.
Spokoini, R., Shamir, M., Keness, A., Kaganovich, D. 4D Imaging of Protein Aggregation in Live Cells. J. Vis. Exp. (74), e50083, doi:10.3791/50083 (2013).