A genetically encoded fluorescent sensor enables sensitive and specific detection of IDH mutant associated oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate

D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2-HG) is an oncometabolite that accumulates due to mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 ( IDH1/2 ). D-2-HG may be used as a surrogate marker for IDH1/2 mutant cancers, yet simple and specific methods for D-2-HG detection are limited. Here, we present the development and characterization of a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor of D-2-HG (D2HGlo). D2HGlo responds to clinically relevant concentrations of D-2-HG, demonstrates exceptional selectivity and can quantify D-2-HG in various body fluids and glioma tumor supernatants. Additionally, analysis of tumor lysates using D2HGlo accurately predicted the IDH mutational status of gliomas. Collectively, these results suggest that D2HGlo may be an in vitro diagnostic device for the detection and monitoring of IDH mutant cancers through liquid biopsies. In addition to D2HGlo’s clinical utility, we also present preliminary findings for its adaptation to the cellular environment. To assess D-2-HG production in living immortalized glioma cells, we engineered D2HGlo sensors that localize to subcellular compartments, which yielded findings of elevated D-2-HG in the cytosol, mitochondria, and nucleus of IDH1 mutant cells.