A novel luminescent biosensor for rapid monitoring of IP3 by split-luciferase complementary assay

► A novel biosensor is designed based on mouse IP3R1 crystal structure. ► Designed sensor comprised of the IP3BD of human IP3R2 fused between complementary fragments of firefly luciferase. ► A biosensor is developed which converts the IP3BD conformational changes to light. ► A dose-response curve for IP3 release is obtained. ► The current biosensor facilitates a specific IP3 detector both in vitro and in living organisms.