Detecting protein-phospholipid interactions. Epidermal growth factor-induced activation of phospholipase D1b in situ.

Phospholipase D (PLD) proteins have been identified in secretory and endocytic vesicles, consistent with their proposed role in regulating membrane traffic. However, their sites of catalytic action remain obscure. We have developed here a novel, analytical approach to monitor PLD activation in intact cells employing lifetime imaging microscopy to measure fluorescence resonance energy transfer between protein and membrane phospholipid. Verification and application of this technique demonstrates a dispersed endosomal, epidermal growth factor-induced activation of the PLD1b isoform. Application of this approach will facilitate the spatial resolution of many protein-phospholipid interactions that are key events in the regulation of cellular processes.