1
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Morikawa K, Nagasaki A, Sun L, Kawase E, Ebihara T, Shirayoshi Y. Optogenetic control of early embryos labeling using photoactivatable Cre recombinase 3.0. FEBS Open Bio 2024. [PMID: 39223831 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Establishing a highly efficient photoactivatable Cre recombinase PA-Cre3.0 can allow spatiotemporal control of Cre recombinase activity. This technique may help to elucidate cell lineages, as well as facilitate gene and cell function analysis during development. This study examined the blue light-mediated optical regulation of Cre-loxP recombination using PA-Cre3.0 transgenic early mouse pre-implantation embryos. We found that inducing PA-Cre3.0 expression in the heterozygous state did not show detectable recombination activation with blue light. Conversely, in homozygous embryos, DNA recombination by PA-Cre3.0 was successfully induced by blue light and resulted in the activation of the red fluorescent protein reporter gene, while almost no leaks of Cre recombination activity were detected in embryos without light illumination. Thus, we characterize the conditions under which the PA-Cre3.0 system functions efficiently in early mouse embryos. These results are expected to provide a new optogenetic tool for certain biological studies, such as developmental process analysis and lineage tracing in early mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumi Morikawa
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akira Nagasaki
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Lue Sun
- Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Eihachiro Kawase
- Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Ebihara
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Shirayoshi
- Division of Regenerative Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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2
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Huang J, Fussenegger M. Programming mammalian cell behaviors by physical cues. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00208-7. [PMID: 39179464 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, the field of synthetic biology has witnessed remarkable progress, driving advances in both research and practical applications. One pivotal area of development involves the design of transgene switches capable of precisely regulating specified outputs and controlling cell behaviors in response to physical cues, which encompass light, magnetic fields, temperature, mechanical forces, ultrasound, and electricity. In this review, we delve into the cutting-edge progress made in the field of physically controlled protein expression in engineered mammalian cells, exploring the diverse genetic tools and synthetic strategies available for engineering targeting cells to sense these physical cues and generate the desired outputs accordingly. We discuss the precision and efficiency limitations inherent in these tools, while also highlighting their immense potential for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Huang
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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3
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Elsaid R, Mikdache A, Diabangouaya P, Gros G, Hernández PP. A noninvasive photoactivatable split-Cre recombinase system for genome engineering in zebrafish. iScience 2024; 27:110476. [PMID: 39129833 PMCID: PMC11315165 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The cyclic recombinase (Cre)/loxP recombination system is a powerful technique for in vivo cell labeling and tracking. However, achieving high spatiotemporal precision in cell tracking using this system is challenging due to the requirement for reliable tissue-specific promoters. In contrast, light-inducible systems offer superior regional confinement, tunability, and non-invasiveness compared to conventional lineage-tracing methods. Here, we took advantage of the unique strengths of the zebrafish to develop an easy-to-use highly efficient, genetically encoded, magnets-based, light-inducible transgenic Cre/loxP system. We demonstrate that our system does not exhibit phototoxicity or leakiness in the dark, and it enables efficient and robust Cre/loxP recombination in various tissues and cell types at different developmental stages through noninvasive illumination with blue light. Our newly developed tool is expected to open novel opportunities for light-controlled tracking of cell fate and migration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy Elsaid
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, 26 Rue d’Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Aya Mikdache
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, 26 Rue d’Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Patricia Diabangouaya
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, 26 Rue d’Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Gwendoline Gros
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, 26 Rue d’Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Pedro P. Hernández
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, 26 Rue d’Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
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4
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Vanhecke D, Bugada V, Steiner R, Polić B, Buch T. Refined tamoxifen administration in mice by encouraging voluntary consumption of palatable formulations. Lab Anim (NY) 2024; 53:205-214. [PMID: 39080504 PMCID: PMC11291282 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-024-01409-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Drug administration in preclinical rodent models is essential for research and the development of novel therapies. Compassionate administration methods have been developed, but these are mostly incompatible with water-insoluble drugs such as tamoxifen or do not allow for precise timing or dosing of the drugs. For more than two decades, tamoxifen has been administered by oral gavage or injection to CreERT2-loxP gene-modified mouse models to spatiotemporally control gene expression, with the numbers of such inducible models steadily increasing in recent years. Animal-friendly procedures for accurately administering tamoxifen or other water-insoluble drugs would, therefore, have an important impact on animal welfare. On the basis of a previously published micropipette feeding protocol, we developed palatable formulations to encourage voluntary consumption of tamoxifen. We evaluated the acceptance of the new formulations by mice during training and treatment and assessed the efficacy of tamoxifen-mediated induction of CreERT2-loxP-dependent reporter genes. Both sweetened milk and syrup-based formulations encouraged mice to consume tamoxifen voluntarily, but only sweetened milk formulations were statistically noninferior to oral gavage or intraperitoneal injections in inducing CreERT2-mediated gene expression. Serum concentrations of tamoxifen metabolites, quantified using an in-house-developed cell assay, confirmed the lower efficacy of syrup- as compared to sweetened milk-based formulations. We found dosing with a micropipette to be more accurate than oral gavage or injection, with the added advantage that the method requires little training for the experimenter. The new palatable solutions encourage voluntary consumption of tamoxifen without loss of efficacy compared to oral gavage or injections and thus represent a refined administration method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Vanhecke
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Viola Bugada
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regula Steiner
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University and University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bojan Polić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Thorsten Buch
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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5
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Yang H, Chen W. Protease-Responsive Toolkit for Conditional Targeted Protein Degradation. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:2073-2080. [PMID: 38889440 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BioPROTACs are heterobifunctional proteins designed for targeted protein degradation. While they offer a potential therapeutic avenue for modulating disease-related proteins, the current strategies are static in nature and lack the ability to modulate protein degradation dynamically. Here, we introduce a synthetic framework for dynamic fine-tuning of target protein levels using protease control switches. The idea is to utilize proteases as an interfacing layer between exogenous inputs and protein degradation by modulating the recruitment of target proteins to E3 ligase by separating the two binding domains on bioPROTACs. By decoupling the external inputs from the primary protease layer, new conditional degradation phenotypes can be readily adapted with minimal modifications to the design. We demonstrate the adaptability of this approach using two highly efficient "bioPROTAC" systems: AdPROM and IpaH9.8-based Ubiquibodies. Using the TEV protease as the transducer, we can interface small-molecule and optogenetic inputs for conditional targeted protein degradation. Our findings highlight the potential of bioPROTACs with protease-responsive linkers as a versatile tool for conditional targeted protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hopen Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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6
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Johansson A, Khalilnezhad A, Takizawa H, Mizuno H, Suda T, Umemoto T. Mobilization dynamics of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells during hematopoietic regeneration. Exp Hematol 2024; 138:104281. [PMID: 39009278 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2024.104281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Under stress hematopoiesis, previous studies have suggested the migration of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from bone marrow (BM) to extramedullary sites such as the spleen. However, there is little direct evidence of HSC migration from the BM to the spleen. Here, we induced myeloablation via 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and showed direct evidence of HSC migration from BM to spleen during hematopoietic regeneration via a photoconvertible fluorophore. Moreover, during steady state, HSCs preferentially migrated to BM rather than spleen, but during hematopoietic regeneration, HSCs preferred spleen as a migration site equivalently or greater. Furthermore, in the early phase, HSCs egressed from BM through the attenuated HSC retention. However, HSCs in the late phase gained significantly enhanced cell-autonomous motility, which was independent of chemotaxis. Collectively, HSC mobilization from BM, before the migration to the spleen, was dynamically changed from passive to active events during hematopoietic regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alban Johansson
- Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Engineering, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, Japan; Laboratory of Stem Cell Stress, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ahad Khalilnezhad
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Hitoshi Takizawa
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Stress, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, Japan; Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Mizuno
- Laboratory of Multi-dimensional imaging, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Toshio Suda
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, Japan; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Terumasa Umemoto
- Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Engineering, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto, Japan.
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7
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Bae J, Kim J, Choi J, Lee H, Koh M. Split Proteins and Reassembly Modules for Biological Applications. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400123. [PMID: 38530024 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Split systems, modular entities enabling controlled biological processes, have become instrumental in biological research. This review highlights their utility across applications like gene regulation, protein interaction identification, and biosensor development. Covering significant progress over the last decade, it revisits traditional split proteins such as GFP, luciferase, and inteins, and explores advancements in technologies like Cas proteins and base editors. We also examine reassembly modules and their applications in diverse fields, from gene regulation to therapeutic innovation. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on the recent evolution of split systems in biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Bae
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghoon Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Integrative Institute of Basic Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongdoo Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwiyeong Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseob Koh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
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8
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Grady CJ, Castellanos Franco EA, Schossau J, Ashbaugh RC, Pelled G, Gilad AA. A putative design for the electromagnetic activation of split proteins for molecular and cellular manipulation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1355915. [PMID: 38605993 PMCID: PMC11007078 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1355915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to manipulate cellular function using an external stimulus is a powerful strategy for studying complex biological phenomena. One approach to modulate the function of the cellular environment is split proteins. In this method, a biologically active protein or an enzyme is fragmented so that it reassembles only upon a specific stimulus. Although many tools are available to induce these systems, nature has provided other mechanisms to expand the split protein toolbox. Here, we show a novel method for reconstituting split proteins using magnetic stimulation. We found that the electromagnetic perceptive gene (EPG) changes conformation due to magnetic field stimulation. By fusing split fragments of a certain protein to both termini of the EPG, the fragments can be reassembled into a functional protein under magnetic stimulation due to conformational change. We show this effect with three separate split proteins: NanoLuc, APEX2, and herpes simplex virus type-1 thymidine kinase. Our results show, for the first time, that reconstitution of split proteins can be achieved only with magnetic fields. We anticipate that this study will be a starting point for future magnetically inducible split protein designs for cellular perturbation and manipulation. With this technology, we can help expand the toolbox of the split protein platform and allow better elucidation of complex biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor J. Grady
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Jory Schossau
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Ryan C. Ashbaugh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Galit Pelled
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Assaf A. Gilad
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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9
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Yu J, Shin J, Yu J, Kim J, Yu D, Heo WD. Programmable RNA base editing with photoactivatable CRISPR-Cas13. Nat Commun 2024; 15:673. [PMID: 38253589 PMCID: PMC10803366 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44867-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas13 is widely used for programmable RNA interference, imaging, and editing. In this study, we develop a light-inducible Cas13 system called paCas13 by fusing Magnet with fragment pairs. The most effective split site, N351/C350, was identified and found to exhibit a low background and high inducibility. We observed significant light-induced perturbation of endogenous transcripts by paCas13. We further present a light-inducible base-editing system, herein called the padCas13 editor, by fusing ADAR2 to catalytically inactive paCas13 fragments. The padCas13 editor enabled reversible RNA editing under light and was effective in editing A-to-I and C-to-U RNA bases, targeting disease-relevant transcripts, and fine-tuning endogenous transcripts in mammalian cells in vitro. The padCas13 editor was also used to adjust post-translational modifications and demonstrated the ability to activate target transcripts in a mouse model in vivo. We therefore present a light-inducible RNA-modulating technique based on CRISPR-Cas13 that enables target RNAs to be diversely manipulated in vitro and in vivo, including through RNA degradation and base editing. The approach using the paCas13 system can be broadly applicable to manipulating RNA in various disease states and physiological processes, offering potential additional avenues for research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghye Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongpil Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihwan Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Daseuli Yu
- Life Science Research Institute, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Do Heo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for the BioCentury (KIB), KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Devarajan A. Optically Controlled CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre Recombinase for Spatiotemporal Gene Editing: A Review. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:25-44. [PMID: 38134336 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 and Cre recombinase, two tools extensively used for genome interrogation, have catalyzed key breakthroughs in our understanding of complex biological processes and diseases. However, the immense complexity of biological systems and off-target effects hinder clinical applications, necessitating the development of platforms to control gene editing over spatial and temporal dimensions. Among the strategies developed for inducible control, light is particularly attractive as it is noninvasive and affords high spatiotemporal resolution. The principles for optical control of Cas9 and Cre recombinase are broadly similar and involve photocaged enzymes and small molecules, engineered split- and single-chain constructs, light-induced expression, and delivery by light-responsive nanocarriers. Few systems enable spatiotemporal control with a high dynamic range without loss of wild-type editing efficiencies. Such systems posit the promise of light-activatable systems in the clinic. While the prospect of clinical applications is palpably exciting, optimization and extensive preclinical validation are warranted. Judicious integration of optically activated CRISPR and Cre, tailored for the desired application, may help to bridge the "bench-to-bedside" gap in therapeutic gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archit Devarajan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhauri, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India - 462066
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11
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Hong Y, Wu S, Wei G. Adverse effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the reproductive system: A comprehensive review of fertility and potential harmful interactions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166258. [PMID: 37579804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have caused ubiquitous environmental pollution and raised widespread concern about their potential toxicity to human health, especially in the reproductive system. Moreover, infertility affects >15 % of couples worldwide, and the birth rate is decreasing. Environmental factors are some of the most important causes of infertility. However, little is known about the effects of MPs and NPs on the testes and ovaries. These particles can enter the body primarily via ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, target the reproductive system in a size-dependent manner and disturb germ cell and other somatic cell development. Our study systematically reviewed the adverse effects of plastic particles on reproductive function and offers valuable insights into the different stages of germ cells and the potential mechanisms. Moreover, the synergistic reproductive toxicity of these particles and carried contaminants was summarized. Given the limited research scale, a shift toward innovative technologies and the adoption of multiple omics are recommended for advancing related studies. Further study is needed to explore the reproductive toxicity of MPs and NPs based on their size, polymer type, shape, and carried toxins, establish effective protective measures, and develop precision medicine for targeted reproductive damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Hong
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Shengde Wu
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China.
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
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12
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Joest EF, Tampé R. Design principles for engineering light-controlled antibodies. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1501-1517. [PMID: 37507295 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Engineered antibodies are essential tools for research and advanced pharmacy. In the development of therapeutics, antibodies are excellent candidates as they offer both target recognition and modulation. Thanks to the latest advances in biotechnology, light-activated antibody fragments can be constructed to control spontaneous antigen interaction with high spatiotemporal precision. To implement conditional antigen binding, several optogenetic and optochemical engineering concepts have recently been developed. Here, we highlight the various strategies and discuss the features of opto-conditional antibodies. Each concept offers intrinsic advantages beneficial to different applications. In summary, the novel design approaches constitute a complementary toolset to promote current and upcoming antibody technologies with ultimate precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike F Joest
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany.
| | - Robert Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany.
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13
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Tague N, Andreani V, Fan Y, Timp W, Dunlop MJ. Comprehensive Screening of a Light-Inducible Split Cre Recombinase with Domain Insertion Profiling. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2834-2842. [PMID: 37788288 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Splitting proteins with light- or chemically inducible dimers provides a mechanism for post-translational control of protein function. However, current methods for engineering stimulus-responsive split proteins often require significant protein engineering expertise and the laborious screening of individual constructs. To address this challenge, we use a pooled library approach that enables rapid generation and screening of nearly all possible split protein constructs in parallel, where results can be read out by using sequencing. We perform our method on Cre recombinase with optogenetic dimers as a proof of concept, resulting in comprehensive data on the split sites throughout the protein. To improve the accuracy in predicting split protein behavior, we develop a Bayesian computational approach to contextualize errors inherent to experimental procedures. Overall, our method provides a streamlined approach for achieving inducible post-translational control of a protein of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Tague
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Virgile Andreani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yunfan Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Winston Timp
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Mary J Dunlop
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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14
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Fang J, Wang J, Wang Y, Liu X, Chen B, Zou W. Ribo-On and Ribo-Off tools using a self-cleaving ribozyme allow manipulation of endogenous gene expression in C. elegans. Commun Biol 2023; 6:816. [PMID: 37542105 PMCID: PMC10403566 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05184-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigating gene function relies on the efficient manipulation of endogenous gene expression. Currently, a limited number of tools are available to robustly manipulate endogenous gene expression between "on" and "off" states. In this study, we insert a 63 bp coding sequence of T3H38 ribozyme into the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of C. elegans endogenous genes using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, which reduces the endogenous gene expression to a nearly undetectable level and generated loss-of-function phenotypes similar to that of the genetic null animals. To achieve conditional knockout, a cassette of loxP-flanked transcriptional termination signal and ribozyme is inserted into the 3' UTR of endogenous genes, which eliminates gene expression spatially or temporally via the controllable expression of the Cre recombinase. Conditional endogenous gene turn-on can be achieved by either injecting morpholino, which blocks the ribozyme self-cleavage activity or using the Cre recombinase to remove the loxP-flanked ribozyme. Together, our results demonstrate that these ribozyme-based tools can efficiently manipulate endogenous gene expression both in space and time and expand the toolkit for studying the functions of endogenous genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 322000, Yiwu, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 322000, Yiwu, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuzhi Wang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 322000, Yiwu, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofan Liu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 322000, Yiwu, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baohui Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems & Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic & Developmental Disorders, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wei Zou
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 322000, Yiwu, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China.
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15
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Nagasawa Y, Ueda HH, Kawabata H, Murakoshi H. LOV2-based photoactivatable CaMKII and its application to single synapses: Local Optogenetics. Biophys Physicobiol 2023; 20:e200027. [PMID: 38496236 PMCID: PMC10941968 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v20.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques offer a high spatiotemporal resolution to manipulate cellular activity. For instance, Channelrhodopsin-2 with global light illumination is the most widely used to control neuronal activity at the cellular level. However, the cellular scale is much larger than the diffraction limit of light (<1 μm) and does not fully exploit the features of the "high spatial resolution" of optogenetics. For instance, until recently, there were no optogenetic methods to induce synaptic plasticity at the level of single synapses. To address this, we developed an optogenetic tool named photoactivatable CaMKII (paCaMKII) by fusing a light-sensitive domain (LOV2) to CaMKIIα, which is a protein abundantly expressed in neurons of the cerebrum and hippocampus and essential for synaptic plasticity. Combining photoactivatable CaMKII with two-photon excitation, we successfully activated it in single spines, inducing synaptic plasticity (long-term potentiation) in hippocampal neurons. We refer to this method as "Local Optogenetics", which involves the local activation of molecules and measurement of cellular responses. In this review, we will discuss the characteristics of LOV2, the recent development of its derivatives, and the development and application of paCaMKII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Nagasawa
- Supportive Center for Brain Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Hiromi H Ueda
- Supportive Center for Brain Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Haruka Kawabata
- Supportive Center for Brain Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Hideji Murakoshi
- Supportive Center for Brain Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
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16
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Tague N, Andreani V, Fan Y, Timp W, Dunlop MJ. Comprehensive screening of a light-inducible split Cre recombinase with domain insertion profiling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.26.542511. [PMID: 37293111 PMCID: PMC10245967 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Splitting proteins with light- or chemically-inducible dimers provides a mechanism for post-translational control of protein function. However, current methods for engineering stimulus-responsive split proteins often require significant protein engineering expertise and laborious screening of individual constructs. To address this challenge, we use a pooled library approach that enables rapid generation and screening of nearly all possible split protein constructs in parallel, where results can be read out using sequencing. We perform our method on Cre recombinase with optogenetic dimers as a proof of concept, resulting in comprehensive data on split sites throughout the protein. To improve accuracy in predicting split protein behavior, we develop a Bayesian computational approach to contextualize errors inherent to experimental procedures. Overall, our method provides a streamlined approach for achieving inducible post-translational control of a protein of interest.
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17
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Ding J, Lu J, Zhang Q, Xu Y, Song B, Wu Y, Shi H, Chu B, Wang H, He Y. Camouflage Nanoparticles Enable in Situ Bioluminescence-Driven Optogenetic Therapy of Retinoblastoma. ACS NANO 2023; 17:7750-7764. [PMID: 37022677 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic therapy has emerged as a promising technique for the treatment of ocular diseases; however, most optogenetic tools rely on external blue light to activate the photoswitch, whose relatively strong phototoxicity may induce retinal damage. Herein, we present the demonstration of camouflage nanoparticle-based vectors for in situ bioluminescence-driven optogenetic therapy of retinoblastoma. In biomimetic vectors, the photoreceptor CRY2 and its interacting partner CIB1 plasmid are camouflaged with folic acid ligands and luciferase NanoLuc-modified macrophage membranes. To conduct proof-of-concept research, this study employs a mouse model of retinoblastoma. In comparison to external blue light irradiation, the developed system enables an in situ bioluminescence-activated apoptotic pathway to inhibit tumor growth with greater therapeutic efficacy, resulting in a significant reduction in ocular tumor size. Furthermore, unlike external blue light irradiation, which causes retinal damage and corneal neovascularization, the camouflage nanoparticle-based optogenetic system maintains retinal structural integrity while avoiding corneal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Ding
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jianping Lu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Bin Song
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuqi Wu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Haoliang Shi
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Binbin Chu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Houyu Wang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yao He
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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18
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Yang B, Liu C, Ju X, Wu B, Wang Z, Dong F, Yu Y, Hou X, Fang M, Gao F, Guo X, Gui Y, Ding Q, Li W. A tissue specific-infection mouse model of SARS-CoV-2. Cell Discov 2023; 9:43. [PMID: 37080957 PMCID: PMC10117269 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00536-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models play crucial roles in the rapid development of vaccines/drugs for the prevention and therapy of COVID-19, but current models have some deficits when studying the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 on some special tissues or organs. Here, we generated a human ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 NF/F knockin mouse line that constitutively expresses human ACE2 and specifically expresses SARS-CoV-2 N gene induced by Cre-recombinase. By crossing with Cre transgenic lines allowing for lung-specific and constitutive expression, we generated lung-specific (Sftpc-hACE2-NF/F) and constitutive SARS-CoV-2 N (EIIa-hACE2-NF/F) expressing mice. Upon intranasal infection with a SARS-CoV-2 GFP/ΔN strain which can only replicate in SARS-CoV-2 N expressed cells, we demonstrated that both the Sftpc-hACE2-NF/F and EIIa-hACE2-NF/F mice support viral replication. Consistent with our design, viral replication was limited to the lung tissues in Sftpc-hACE2-NF/F mice, while the EIIa-hACE2-NF/F mice developed infections in multiple tissues. Furthermore, our model supports different SARS-CoV-2 variants infection, and it can be successfully used to evaluate the effects of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (Ab1F11) and antiviral drugs (Molnupiravir). Finally, to test the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male reproduction, we generated Sertoli cell-specific SARS-CoV-2 N expressed mice by crossing with AMH-Cre transgenic line. We found that SARS-CoV-2 GFP/ΔN strain could infect Sertoli cells, led to spermatogenic defects due to the destruction of blood-testis barrier. Overall, combining with different tissue-specific Cre transgenic lines, the human ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 NF/F line enables us to evaluate antivirals in vivo and study the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 on some special tissues or organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Ju
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuangfei Wang
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Fucheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanying Yu
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Hou
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Min Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qiang Ding
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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19
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Single-Cell Labeling Strategies to Dissect Neuronal Structures and Local Functions. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020321. [PMID: 36829594 PMCID: PMC9953318 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The brain network consists of ten billion neurons and is the most complex structure in the universe. Understanding the structure of complex brain networks and neuronal functions is one of the main goals of modern neuroscience. Since the seminal invention of Golgi staining, single-cell labeling methods have been among the most potent approaches for dissecting neuronal structures and neural circuits. Furthermore, the development of sparse single-cell transgenic methods has enabled single-cell gene knockout studies to examine the local functions of various genes in neural circuits and synapses. Here, we review non-transgenic single-cell labeling methods and recent advances in transgenic strategies for sparse single neuronal labeling. These methods and strategies will fundamentally contribute to the understanding of brain structure and function.
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20
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Nagasaki SC, Fukuda TD, Yamada M, Suzuki YIII, Kakutani R, Guy AT, Imayoshi I. Enhancement of Vivid-based photo-activatable Gal4 transcription factor in mammalian cells. Cell Struct Funct 2023; 48:31-47. [PMID: 36529516 PMCID: PMC10721950 DOI: 10.1247/csf.22074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gal4/UAS system is a versatile tool to manipulate exogenous gene expression of cells spatially and temporally in many model organisms. Many variations of light-controllable Gal4/UAS system are now available, following the development of photo-activatable (PA) molecular switches and integration of these tools. However, many PA-Gal4 transcription factors have undesired background transcription activities even in dark conditions, and this severely attenuates reliable light-controlled gene expression. Therefore, it is important to develop reliable PA-Gal4 transcription factors with robust light-induced gene expression and limited background activity. By optimization of synthetic PA-Gal4 transcription factors, we have validated configurations of Gal4 DNA biding domain, transcription activation domain and blue light-dependent dimer formation molecule Vivid (VVD), and applied types of transcription activation domains to develop a new PA-Gal4 transcription factor we have named eGAV (enhanced Gal4-VVD transcription factor). Background activity of eGAV in dark conditions was significantly lower than that of hGAVPO, a commonly used PA-Gal4 transcription factor, and maximum light-induced gene expression levels were also improved. Light-controlled gene expression was verified in cultured HEK293T cells with plasmid-transient transfections, and in mouse EpH4 cells with lentivirus vector-mediated transduction. Furthermore, light-controlled eGAV-mediated transcription was confirmed in transfected neural stem cells and progenitors in developing and adult mouse brain and chick spinal cord, and in adult mouse hepatocytes, demonstrating that eGAV can be applied to a wide range of experimental systems and model organisms.Key words: optogenetics, Gal4/UAS system, transcription, gene expression, Vivid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji C. Nagasaki
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tomonori D. Fukuda
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mayumi Yamada
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Research Center for Dynamic Living Systems, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yusuke III Suzuki
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Research Center for Dynamic Living Systems, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ryo Kakutani
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Adam T. Guy
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Laboratory of Science Communication, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Itaru Imayoshi
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Research Center for Dynamic Living Systems, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Laboratory of Deconstruction of Stem Cells, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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21
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Lan TH, He L, Huang Y, Zhou Y. Optogenetics for transcriptional programming and genetic engineering. Trends Genet 2022; 38:1253-1270. [PMID: 35738948 PMCID: PMC10484296 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics combines genetics and biophotonics to enable noninvasive control of biological processes with high spatiotemporal precision. When engineered into protein machineries that govern the cellular information flow as depicted in the central dogma, multiple genetically encoded non-opsin photosensory modules have been harnessed to modulate gene transcription, DNA or RNA modifications, DNA recombination, and genome engineering by utilizing photons emitting in the wide range of 200-1000 nm. We present herein generally applicable modular strategies for optogenetic engineering and highlight latest advances in the broad applications of opsin-free optogenetics to program transcriptional outputs and precisely manipulate the mammalian genome, epigenome, and epitranscriptome. We also discuss current challenges and future trends in opsin-free optogenetics, which has been rapidly evolving to meet the growing needs in synthetic biology and genetics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien-Hung Lan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lian He
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yun Huang
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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22
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Li H, Wu Y, Qiu Y, Li X, Guan Y, Cao X, Liu M, Zhang D, Huang S, Lin L, Hui L, Ma X, Liu M, Zhang X, Wang L, Li D. Stable Transgenic Mouse Strain with Enhanced Photoactivatable Cre Recombinase for Spatiotemporal Genome Manipulation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201352. [PMID: 36266974 PMCID: PMC9731692 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic genome engineering is a powerful technology for high-resolution spatiotemporal genetic manipulation, especially for in vivo studies. It is difficult to generate stable transgenic animals carrying a tightly regulated optogenetic system, as its long-term expression induces high background activity. Here, the generation of an enhanced photoactivatable Cre recombinase (ePA-Cre) transgenic mouse strain with stringent light responsiveness and high recombination efficiency is reported. Through serial optimization, ePA-Cre is developed to generate a transgenic mouse line that exhibits 175-fold induction upon illumination. Efficient light-dependent recombination is detected in embryos and various adult tissues of ePA-Cre mice crossed with the Ai14 tdTomato reporter. Importantly, no significant background Cre activity is detected in the tested tissues except the skin. Moreover, efficient light-inducible cell ablation is achieved in ePA-Cre mice crossed with Rosa26-LSL-DTA mice. In conclusion, ePA-Cre mice offer a tightly inducible, highly efficient, and spatiotemporal-specific genome engineering tool for multiple applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian HospitalShanghai201499China
| | - Yingyin Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Yuhao Qiu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Xinru Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Yuting Guan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Xiya Cao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Meizhen Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Sijie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education)Institute of Brain Functional GenomicsEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200062China
| | - Longnian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education)Institute of Brain Functional GenomicsEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200062China
| | - Lijian Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyCAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Xueyun Ma
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian HospitalShanghai201499China
| | - Liren Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
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23
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Williams JD, Voziyanova E, Voziyanov Y. The bacteriophage lambda integrase catalytic domain can be modified to act with the regulatory domain as a recombination-competent binary recombinase. J Biol Chem 2022; 299:102721. [PMID: 36410432 PMCID: PMC9791396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Site-specific recombinase Int mediates integration of the bacteriophage λ genome into the Escherichia coli chromosome. Integration occurs once the Int tetramer, assisted by the integration host factor IHF, forms the intasome, a higher order structure, within which Int, a heterobivalent protein, interacts with two nonhomologous DNA sequences: the core recombination sites and the accessory arm sites. The binding to these sites is mediated by the catalytic C-terminal domain (CTD) and the regulatory N-terminal domain (NTD) of Int, respectively. Within Int, the NTD can activate or inhibit the recombination activity of the CTD depending on whether the NTD is bound to the arm sites. The CTD alone cannot mediate recombination, and even when the NTD and the CTD are mixed together as individual polypeptides, the NTD cannot trigger recombination in the CTD. In this work, we set to determine what modifications can unlock the recombination activity in the CTD alone and how the CTD can be modified to respond to recombination-triggering signals from the NTD. For this, we performed a series of genetic analyses, which showed that a single mutation that stabilizes the CTD on DNA, E174K, allows the CTD to recombine the core DNA sequences. When the NTD is paired with the CTD (E174K) that also bears a short polypeptide from the C terminus of the NTD, the resulting binary Int can recombine arm-bearing substrates. Our results provide insights into the molecular basis of the regulation of the Int activity and suggest how binary recombinases of the integrase type can be engineered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe D Williams
- School of Biosciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana, USA
| | - Eugenia Voziyanova
- School of Biosciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana, USA
| | - Yuri Voziyanov
- School of Biosciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana, USA.
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Pavlov VA, Tracey KJ. Bioelectronic medicine: Preclinical insights and clinical advances. Neuron 2022; 110:3627-3644. [PMID: 36174571 PMCID: PMC10155266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system maintains homeostasis and health. Homeostatic disruptions underlying the pathobiology of many diseases can be controlled by bioelectronic devices targeting CNS and peripheral neural circuits. New insights into the regulatory functions of the nervous system and technological developments in bioelectronics drive progress in the emerging field of bioelectronic medicine. Here, we provide an overview of key aspects of preclinical research, translation, and clinical advances in bioelectronic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin A Pavlov
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
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25
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A red light-responsive photoswitch for deep tissue optogenetics. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:1672-1679. [PMID: 35697806 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Red light penetrates deep into mammalian tissues and has low phototoxicity, but few optogenetic tools that use red light have been developed. Here we present MagRed, a red light-activatable photoswitch that consists of a red light-absorbing bacterial phytochrome incorporating a mammalian endogenous chromophore, biliverdin and a photo-state-specific binder that we developed using Affibody library selection. Red light illumination triggers the binding of the two components of MagRed and the assembly of split-proteins fused to them. Using MagRed, we developed a red light-activatable Cre recombinase, which enables light-activatable DNA recombination deep in mammalian tissues. We also created red light-inducible transcriptional regulators based on CRISPR-Cas9 that enable an up to 378-fold activation (average, 135-fold induction) of multiple endogenous target genes. MagRed will facilitate optogenetic applications deep in mammalian organisms in a variety of biological research areas.
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A doxycycline- and light-inducible Cre recombinase mouse model for optogenetic genome editing. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6442. [PMID: 36307419 PMCID: PMC9616875 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33863-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The experimental need to engineer the genome both in time and space, has led to the development of several photoactivatable Cre recombinase systems. However, the combination of inefficient and non-intentional background recombination has prevented thus far the wide application of these systems in biological and biomedical research. Here, we engineer an optimized photoactivatable Cre recombinase system that we refer to as doxycycline- and light-inducible Cre recombinase (DiLiCre). Following extensive characterization in cancer cell and organoid systems, we generate a DiLiCre mouse line, and illustrated the biological applicability of DiLiCre for light-induced mutagenesis in vivo and positional cell-tracing by intravital microscopy. These experiments illustrate how newly formed HrasV12 mutant cells follow an unnatural movement towards the interfollicular dermis. Together, we develop an efficient photoactivatable Cre recombinase mouse model and illustrate how this model is a powerful genome-editing tool for biological and biomedical research.
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27
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Ohlendorf R, Möglich A. Light-regulated gene expression in Bacteria: Fundamentals, advances, and perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1029403. [PMID: 36312534 PMCID: PMC9614035 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1029403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous photoreceptors and genetic circuits emerged over the past two decades and now enable the light-dependent i.e., optogenetic, regulation of gene expression in bacteria. Prompted by light cues in the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, gene expression can be up- or downregulated stringently, reversibly, non-invasively, and with precision in space and time. Here, we survey the underlying principles, available options, and prominent examples of optogenetically regulated gene expression in bacteria. While transcription initiation and elongation remain most important for optogenetic intervention, other processes e.g., translation and downstream events, were also rendered light-dependent. The optogenetic control of bacterial expression predominantly employs but three fundamental strategies: light-sensitive two-component systems, oligomerization reactions, and second-messenger signaling. Certain optogenetic circuits moved beyond the proof-of-principle and stood the test of practice. They enable unprecedented applications in three major areas. First, light-dependent expression underpins novel concepts and strategies for enhanced yields in microbial production processes. Second, light-responsive bacteria can be optogenetically stimulated while residing within the bodies of animals, thus prompting the secretion of compounds that grant health benefits to the animal host. Third, optogenetics allows the generation of precisely structured, novel biomaterials. These applications jointly testify to the maturity of the optogenetic approach and serve as blueprints bound to inspire and template innovative use cases of light-regulated gene expression in bacteria. Researchers pursuing these lines can choose from an ever-growing, versatile, and efficient toolkit of optogenetic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ohlendorf
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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28
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Ko H, Yoon SP. Optogenetic neuromodulation with gamma oscillation as a new strategy for Alzheimer disease: a narrative review. JOURNAL OF YEUNGNAM MEDICAL SCIENCE 2022; 39:269-277. [PMID: 35152662 PMCID: PMC9580057 DOI: 10.12701/jyms.2021.01683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid hypothesis has been considered a major explanation of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. However, failure of phase III clinical trials with anti-amyloid-beta monoclonal antibodies reveals the need for other therapeutic approaches to treat Alzheimer disease. Compared to its relatively short history, optogenetics has developed considerably. The expression of microbial opsins in cells using genetic engineering allows specific control of cell signals or molecules. The application of optogenetics to Alzheimer disease research or clinical approaches is increasing. When applied with gamma entrainment, optogenetic neuromodulation can improve Alzheimer disease symptoms. Although safety problems exist with optogenetics such as the use of viral vectors, this technique has great potential for use in Alzheimer disease. In this paper, we review the historical applications of optogenetic neuromodulation with gamma entrainment to investigate the mechanisms involved in Alzheimer disease and potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneol Ko
- Medical Course, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Sang-Pil Yoon
- Department of Anatomy, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
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29
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Nanobody-based RFP-dependent Cre recombinase for selective anterograde tracing in RFP-expressing transgenic animals. Commun Biol 2022; 5:979. [PMID: 36114373 PMCID: PMC9481622 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03944-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractTransgenic animals expressing fluorescent proteins are widely used to label specific cells and proteins. By using a split Cre recombinase fused with mCherry-binding nanobodies or designed ankyrin repeat proteins, we created Cre recombinase dependent on red fluorescent protein (RFP) (Cre-DOR). Functional binding units for monomeric RFPs are different from those for polymeric RFPs. We confirmed selective target RFP-dependent gene expression in the mouse cerebral cortex using stereotaxic injection of adeno-associated virus vectors. In estrogen receptor-beta (Esr2)-mRFP1 mice and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (Grpr)-mRFP1 rats, we confirmed that Cre-DOR can be used for selective tracing of the neural projection from RFP-expressing specific neurons. Cellular localization of RFPs affects recombination efficiency of Cre-DOR, and light and chemical-induced nuclear translocation of an RFP-fused protein can modulate Cre-DOR efficiency. Our results provide a method for manipulating gene expression in specific cells expressing RFPs and expand the repertory of nanobody-based genetic tools.
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Skeeters SS, Camp T, Fan H, Zhang K. The expanding role of split protein complementation in opsin-free optogenetics. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 65:102236. [PMID: 35609383 PMCID: PMC9308681 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of signaling mechanisms helps interpret fundamental biological processes and restore cell behavior from pathological conditions. Signaling outcome depends not only on the activity of each signaling component but also on their dynamic interaction in time and space, which remains challenging to probe by biochemical and cell-based assays. Opsin-based optogenetics has transformed neural science research with its spatiotemporal modulation of the activity of excitable cells. Motivated by this advantage, opsin-free optogenetics extends the power of light to a larger spectrum of signaling molecules. This review summarizes commonly used opsin-free optogenetic strategies, presents a historical overview of split protein complementation, and highlights the adaptation of split protein recombination as optogenetic sensors and actuators.
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Efficient spatially targeted gene editing using a near-infrared activatable protein-conjugated nanoparticle for brain applications. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4135. [PMID: 35840564 PMCID: PMC9287341 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial control of gene expression is critical to modulate cellular functions and deconstruct the function of individual genes in biological processes. Light-responsive gene-editing formulations have been recently developed; however, they have shown limited applicability in vivo due to poor tissue penetration, limited cellular transfection and the difficulty in evaluating the activity of the edited cells. Here, we report a formulation composed of upconversion nanoparticles conjugated with Cre recombinase enzyme through a photocleavable linker, and a lysosomotropic agent that facilitates endolysosomal escape. This formulation allows in vitro spatial control in gene editing after activation with near-infrared light. We further demonstrate the potential of this formulation in vivo through three different paradigms: (i) gene editing in neurogenic niches, (ii) gene editing in the ventral tegmental area to facilitate monitoring of edited cells by precise optogenetic control of reward and reinforcement, and (iii) gene editing in a localized brain region via a noninvasive administration route (i.e., intranasal). Spatial control of gene expression allows precise control over biological processes. Here, the authors develop an efficient light-responsive formulation based on upconversion nanoparticles, and demonstrate on-demand genetic manipulation in deep brain tissue.
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Ren H, Yin A, Wu P, Zhou H, Zhou J, Yu Y, Lu H. Establishment of a Cre-loxP System Based on a Leaky LAC4 Promoter and an Unstable panARS Element in Kluyveromyces marxianus. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061240. [PMID: 35744758 PMCID: PMC9227491 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Cre-loxP system produces structural variations, such as deletion, duplication, inversion and translocation, at specific loci and induces chromosomal rearrangements in the genome. To achieve chromosomal rearrangements in Kluyveromyces marxianus, the positions and sequences of centromeres were identified in this species for the first time. Next, a Cre-loxP system was established in K. marxianus. In this system, the Cre recombinase was expressed from a leaky LAC4 promoter in a plasmid to alleviate the cytotoxicity of Cre, and the unstable plasmid contained a panARS element to facilitate the clearance of the plasmid from the cells. By using LAC4 as a reporter gene, the recombination frequencies between loxP sites or loxPsym sites were 99% and 73%, respectively. A K. marxianus strain containing 16 loxPsym sites in the genome was constructed. The recombination frequency of large-scale chromosomal rearrangements between 16 loxPsym sites was up to 38.9%. Our study provides valuable information and tools for studying chromosomal structures and functions in K. marxianus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (H.R.); (A.Y.); (P.W.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Anqi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (H.R.); (A.Y.); (P.W.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Pingping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (H.R.); (A.Y.); (P.W.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Huanyu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (H.R.); (A.Y.); (P.W.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jungang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (H.R.); (A.Y.); (P.W.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (H.R.); (A.Y.); (P.W.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai 200438, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (H.L.)
| | - Hong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; (H.R.); (A.Y.); (P.W.); (H.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai 200438, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (H.L.)
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Guan N, Gao X, Ye H. Engineering of optogenetic devices for biomedical applications in mammalian synthetic biology. ENGINEERING BIOLOGY 2022; 6:35-49. [PMID: 36969102 PMCID: PMC9996731 DOI: 10.1049/enb2.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene- and cell-based therapies are the next frontiers in the field of medicine. Both are transformative and innovative therapies; however, a lack of safety data limits the translation of such promising technologies to the clinic. Improving the safety and promoting the clinical translation of these therapies can be achieved by tightly regulating the release and delivery of therapeutic outputs. In recent years, the rapid development of optogenetic technology has provided opportunities to develop precision-controlled gene- and cell-based therapies, in which light is introduced to precisely and spatiotemporally manipulate the behaviour of genes and cells. This review focuses on the development of optogenetic tools and their applications in biomedicine, including photoactivated genome engineering and phototherapy for diabetes and tumours. The prospects and challenges of optogenetic tools for future clinical applications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningzi Guan
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering LaboratoryBiomedical Synthetic Biology Research CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory BiologyInstitute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xianyun Gao
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering LaboratoryBiomedical Synthetic Biology Research CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory BiologyInstitute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Haifeng Ye
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering LaboratoryBiomedical Synthetic Biology Research CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory BiologyInstitute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
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34
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Jang A, Lehtinen MK. Experimental approaches for manipulating choroid plexus epithelial cells. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:36. [PMID: 35619113 PMCID: PMC9134666 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells are crucial for the function of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) in the developing and mature brain. The ChP is considered the primary source and regulator of CSF, secreting many important factors that nourish the brain. It also performs CSF clearance functions including removing Amyloid beta and potassium. As such, the ChP is a promising target for gene and drug therapy for neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders in the central nervous system (CNS). This review describes the current successful and emerging experimental approaches for targeting ChP epithelial cells. We highlight methodological strategies to specifically target these cells for gain or loss of function in vivo. We cover both genetic models and viral gene delivery systems. Additionally, several lines of reporters to access the ChP epithelia are reviewed. Finally, we discuss exciting new approaches, such as chemical activation and transplantation of engineered ChP epithelial cells. We elaborate on fundamental functions of the ChP in secretion and clearance and outline experimental approaches paving the way to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahram Jang
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Maria K Lehtinen
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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35
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Kasatkina LA, Verkhusha VV. Transgenic mice encoding modern imaging probes: Properties and applications. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110845. [PMID: 35613592 PMCID: PMC9183799 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern biology is increasingly reliant on optical technologies, including visualization and longitudinal monitoring of cellular processes. The major limitation here is the availability of animal models to track the molecules and cells in their natural environment in vivo. Owing to the integrity of the studied tissue and the high stability of transgene expression throughout life, transgenic mice encoding fluorescent proteins and biosensors represent unique tools for in vivo studies in norm and pathology. We review the strategies for targeting probe expression in specific tissues, cell subtypes, or cellular compartments. We describe the application of transgenic mice expressing fluorescent proteins for tracking protein expression patterns, apoptotic events, tissue differentiation and regeneration, neurogenesis, tumorigenesis, and cell fate mapping. We overview the possibilities of functional imaging of secondary messengers, neurotransmitters, and ion fluxes. Finally, we provide the rationale and perspectives for the use of transgenic imaging probes in translational research and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila A Kasatkina
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland.
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36
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Koganezawa Y, Umetani M, Sato M, Wakamoto Y. History-dependent physiological adaptation to lethal genetic modification under antibiotic exposure. eLife 2022; 11:e74486. [PMID: 35535492 PMCID: PMC9090333 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic modifications, such as gene deletion and mutations, could lead to significant changes in physiological states or even cell death. Bacterial cells can adapt to diverse external stresses, such as antibiotic exposure, but can they also adapt to detrimental genetic modification? To address this issue, we visualized the response of individual Escherichia coli cells to deletion of the antibiotic resistance gene under chloramphenicol (Cp) exposure, combining the light-inducible genetic recombination and microfluidic long-term single-cell tracking. We found that a significant fraction (∼40%) of resistance-gene-deleted cells demonstrated a gradual restoration of growth and stably proliferated under continuous Cp exposure without the resistance gene. Such physiological adaptation to genetic modification was not observed when the deletion was introduced in 10 hr or more advance before Cp exposure. Resistance gene deletion under Cp exposure disrupted the stoichiometric balance of ribosomal large and small subunit proteins (RplS and RpsB). However, the balance was gradually recovered in the cell lineages with restored growth. These results demonstrate that bacterial cells can adapt even to lethal genetic modifications by plastically gaining physiological resistance. However, the access to the resistance states is limited by the environmental histories and the timings of genetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Koganezawa
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoMeguro-kuJapan
| | - Miki Umetani
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoMeguro-kuJapan
- Research Center for Complex Systems Biology, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Moritoshi Sato
- Research Center for Complex Systems Biology, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yuichi Wakamoto
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoMeguro-kuJapan
- Research Center for Complex Systems Biology, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of TokyoTokyoJapan
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37
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Zhu D, Johnson HJ, Chen J, Schaffer DV. Optogenetic Application to Investigating Cell Behavior and Neurological Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:811493. [PMID: 35273478 PMCID: PMC8902366 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.811493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells reside in a dynamic microenvironment that presents them with regulatory signals that vary in time, space, and amplitude. The cell, in turn, interprets these signals and accordingly initiates downstream processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and self-organization. Conventional approaches to perturb and investigate signaling pathways (e.g., agonist/antagonist addition, overexpression, silencing, knockouts) are often binary perturbations that do not offer precise control over signaling levels, and/or provide limited spatial or temporal control. In contrast, optogenetics leverages light-sensitive proteins to control cellular signaling dynamics and target gene expression and, by virtue of precise hardware control over illumination, offers the capacity to interrogate how spatiotemporally varying signals modulate gene regulatory networks and cellular behaviors. Recent studies have employed various optogenetic systems in stem cell, embryonic, and somatic cell patterning studies, which have addressed fundamental questions of how cell-cell communication, subcellular protein localization, and signal integration affect cell fate. Other efforts have explored how alteration of signaling dynamics may contribute to neurological diseases and have in the process created physiologically relevant models that could inform new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on emerging applications within the expanding field of optogenetics to study gene regulation, cell signaling, neurodevelopment, and neurological disorders, and we comment on current limitations and future directions for the growth of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Zhu
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Hunter J. Johnson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Jun Chen
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - David V. Schaffer
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: David V. Schaffer
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Lusk SJ, McKinney A, Hunt PJ, Fahey PG, Patel J, Chang A, Sun JJ, Martinez VK, Zhu PJ, Egbert JR, Allen G, Jiang X, Arenkiel BR, Tolias AS, Costa-Mattioli M, Ray RS. A CRISPR toolbox for generating intersectional genetic mouse models for functional, molecular, and anatomical circuit mapping. BMC Biol 2022; 20:28. [PMID: 35086530 PMCID: PMC8796356 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01227-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The functional understanding of genetic interaction networks and cellular mechanisms governing health and disease requires the dissection, and multifaceted study, of discrete cell subtypes in developing and adult animal models. Recombinase-driven expression of transgenic effector alleles represents a significant and powerful approach to delineate cell populations for functional, molecular, and anatomical studies. In addition to single recombinase systems, the expression of two recombinases in distinct, but partially overlapping, populations allows for more defined target expression. Although the application of this method is becoming increasingly popular, its experimental implementation has been broadly restricted to manipulations of a limited set of common alleles that are often commercially produced at great expense, with costs and technical challenges associated with production of intersectional mouse lines hindering customized approaches to many researchers. Here, we present a simplified CRISPR toolkit for rapid, inexpensive, and facile intersectional allele production. RESULTS Briefly, we produced 7 intersectional mouse lines using a dual recombinase system, one mouse line with a single recombinase system, and three embryonic stem (ES) cell lines that are designed to study the way functional, molecular, and anatomical features relate to each other in building circuits that underlie physiology and behavior. As a proof-of-principle, we applied three of these lines to different neuronal populations for anatomical mapping and functional in vivo investigation of respiratory control. We also generated a mouse line with a single recombinase-responsive allele that controls the expression of the calcium sensor Twitch-2B. This mouse line was applied globally to study the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) on calcium release in the ovarian follicle. CONCLUSIONS The lines presented here are representative examples of outcomes possible with the successful application of our genetic toolkit for the facile development of diverse, modifiable animal models. This toolkit will allow labs to create single or dual recombinase effector lines easily for any cell population or subpopulation of interest when paired with the appropriate Cre and FLP recombinase mouse lines or viral vectors. We have made our tools and derivative intersectional mouse and ES cell lines openly available for non-commercial use through publicly curated repositories for plasmid DNA, ES cells, and transgenic mouse lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah J Lusk
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew McKinney
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick J Hunt
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul G Fahey
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jay Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andersen Chang
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jenny J Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vena K Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ping Jun Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeremy R Egbert
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Genevera Allen
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Neurological Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaolong Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- McNair Medical Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andreas S Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Russell S Ray
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- McNair Medical Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
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Abstract
Optogenetics combines light and genetics to enable precise control of living cells, tissues, and organisms with tailored functions. Optogenetics has the advantages of noninvasiveness, rapid responsiveness, tunable reversibility, and superior spatiotemporal resolution. Following the initial discovery of microbial opsins as light-actuated ion channels, a plethora of naturally occurring or engineered photoreceptors or photosensitive domains that respond to light at varying wavelengths has ushered in the next chapter of optogenetics. Through protein engineering and synthetic biology approaches, genetically-encoded photoswitches can be modularly engineered into protein scaffolds or host cells to control a myriad of biological processes, as well as to enable behavioral control and disease intervention in vivo. Here, we summarize these optogenetic tools on the basis of their fundamental photochemical properties to better inform the chemical basis and design principles. We also highlight exemplary applications of opsin-free optogenetics in dissecting cellular physiology (designated "optophysiology"), and describe the current progress, as well as future trends, in wireless optogenetics, which enables remote interrogation of physiological processes with minimal invasiveness. This review is anticipated to spark novel thoughts on engineering next-generation optogenetic tools and devices that promise to accelerate both basic and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States.,Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Lian He
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Yun Huang
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
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40
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Shen Y, Luchetti A, Fernandes G, Do Heo W, Silva AJ. The emergence of molecular systems neuroscience. Mol Brain 2022; 15:7. [PMID: 34983613 PMCID: PMC8728933 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00885-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systems neuroscience is focused on how ensemble properties in the brain, such as the activity of neuronal circuits, gives rise to internal brain states and behavior. Many of the studies in this field have traditionally involved electrophysiological recordings and computational approaches that attempt to decode how the brain transforms inputs into functional outputs. More recently, systems neuroscience has received an infusion of approaches and techniques that allow the manipulation (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics) and imaging (e.g., two-photon imaging, head mounted fluorescent microscopes) of neurons, neurocircuits, their inputs and outputs. Here, we will review novel approaches that allow the manipulation and imaging of specific molecular mechanisms in specific cells (not just neurons), cell ensembles and brain regions. These molecular approaches, with the specificity and temporal resolution appropriate for systems studies, promise to infuse the field with novel ideas, emphases and directions, and are motivating the emergence of a molecularly oriented systems neuroscience, a new discipline that studies how the spatial and temporal patterns of molecular systems modulate circuits and brain networks, and consequently shape the properties of brain states and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Shen
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alessandro Luchetti
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Giselle Fernandes
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Won Do Heo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Alcino J Silva
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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41
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di Pietro F, Herszterg S, Huang A, Bosveld F, Alexandre C, Sancéré L, Pelletier S, Joudat A, Kapoor V, Vincent JP, Bellaïche Y. Rapid and robust optogenetic control of gene expression in Drosophila. Dev Cell 2021; 56:3393-3404.e7. [PMID: 34879263 PMCID: PMC8693864 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering gene function requires the ability to control gene expression in space and time. Binary systems such as the Gal4/UAS provide a powerful means to modulate gene expression and to induce loss or gain of function. This is best exemplified in Drosophila, where the Gal4/UAS system has been critical to discover conserved mechanisms in development, physiology, neurobiology, and metabolism, to cite a few. Here we describe a transgenic light-inducible Gal4/UAS system (ShineGal4/UAS) based on Magnet photoswitches. We show that it allows efficient, rapid, and robust activation of UAS-driven transgenes in different tissues and at various developmental stages in Drosophila. Furthermore, we illustrate how ShineGal4 enables the generation of gain and loss-of-function phenotypes at animal, organ, and cellular levels. Thanks to the large repertoire of UAS-driven transgenes, ShineGal4 enriches the Drosophila genetic toolkit by allowing in vivo control of gene expression with high temporal and spatial resolutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia di Pietro
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Anqi Huang
- Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Floris Bosveld
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Lucas Sancéré
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Pelletier
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Amina Joudat
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Varun Kapoor
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Yohanns Bellaïche
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France.
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42
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Bekdash R, Quejada JR, Ueno S, Kawano F, Morikawa K, Klein AD, Matsumoto K, Lee TC, Nakanishi K, Chalan A, Lee TM, Liu R, Homma S, Lin CS, Yelshanskaya MV, Sobolevsky AI, Goda K, Yazawa M. GEM-IL: A highly responsive fluorescent lactate indicator. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2021; 1:100092. [PMID: 35475001 PMCID: PMC9017230 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2021.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lactate metabolism has been shown to have increasingly important implications in cellular functions as well as in the development and pathophysiology of disease. The various roles as a signaling molecule and metabolite have led to interest in establishing a new method to detect lactate changes in live cells. Here we report our development of a genetically encoded metabolic indicator specifically for probing lactate (GEM-IL) based on superfolder fluorescent proteins and mutagenesis. With improvements in its design, specificity, and sensitivity, GEM-IL allows new applications compared with the previous lactate indicators, Laconic and Green Lindoblum. We demonstrate the functionality of GEM-IL to detect differences in lactate changes in human oncogenic neural progenitor cells and mouse primary ventricular myocytes. The development and application of GEM-IL show promise for enhancing our understanding of lactate dynamics and roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramsey Bekdash
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, BB1108/BB1109D, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jose R. Quejada
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, BB1108/BB1109D, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shunnosuke Ueno
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, BB1108/BB1109D, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Fuun Kawano
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, BB1108/BB1109D, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kumi Morikawa
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, BB1108/BB1109D, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alison D. Klein
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, BB1108/BB1109D, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kenji Matsumoto
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tetz C. Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Koki Nakanishi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Amy Chalan
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, BB1108/BB1109D, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Teresa M. Lee
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rui Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shunichi Homma
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chyuan-Sheng Lin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Transgenic Mouse Shared Resource, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Maria V. Yelshanskaya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alexander I. Sobolevsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Keisuke Goda
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Masayuki Yazawa
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, BB1108/BB1109D, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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43
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Self-organization of human dorsal-ventral forebrain structures by light induced SHH. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6768. [PMID: 34799555 PMCID: PMC8604999 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26881-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Organizing centers secrete morphogens that specify the emergence of germ layers and the establishment of the body's axes during embryogenesis. While traditional experimental embryology tools have been instrumental in dissecting the molecular aspects of organizers in model systems, they are impractical in human in-vitro model systems to dissect the relationships between signaling and fate along embryonic coordinates. To systematically study human embryonic organizer centers, we devised a collection of optogenetic ePiggyBac vectors to express a photoactivatable Cre-loxP recombinase, that allows the systematic induction of organizer structures by shining blue-light on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We used a light stimulus to geometrically confine SHH expression in neuralizing hESCs. This led to the self-organization of mediolateral neural patterns. scRNA-seq analysis established that these structures represent the dorsal-ventral forebrain, at the end of the first month of development. Here, we show that morphogen light-stimulation is a scalable tool that induces self-organizing centers.
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44
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Landhuis E. An expanding molecular toolbox untangles neural circuits. Nature 2021; 599:335-337. [PMID: 34754087 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-021-03054-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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45
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de Lima JGS, Lanza DCF. 2A and 2A-like Sequences: Distribution in Different Virus Species and Applications in Biotechnology. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112160. [PMID: 34834965 PMCID: PMC8623073 DOI: 10.3390/v13112160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
2A is an oligopeptide sequence that mediates a ribosome “skipping” effect and can mediate a co-translation cleavage of polyproteins. These sequences are widely distributed from insect to mammalian viruses and could act by accelerating adaptive capacity. These sequences have been used in many heterologous co-expression systems because they are versatile tools for cleaving proteins of biotechnological interest. In this work, we review and update the occurrence of 2A/2A-like sequences in different groups of viruses by screening the sequences available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Interestingly, we reported the occurrence of 2A-like for the first time in 69 sequences. Among these, 62 corresponded to positive single-stranded RNA species, six to double stranded RNA viruses, and one to a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus. The importance of these sequences for viral evolution and their potential in biotechnological applications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana G. S. de Lima
- Applied Molecular Biology Lab—LAPLIC, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59064-720, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59064-720, Brazil
| | - Daniel C. F. Lanza
- Applied Molecular Biology Lab—LAPLIC, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59064-720, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59064-720, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-84-3215-3416; Fax: +55-84-3215-3415
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46
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Kishi K, Koyama H, Oka S, Kato A, Sato M, Fujimori T. Repetitive short-pulsed illumination efficiently activates photoactivatable-Cre as continuous illumination in embryonic stem cells and pre-implantation embryos of transgenic mouse. GENESIS (NEW YORK, N.Y. : 2000) 2021; 59:e23457. [PMID: 34687271 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The Cre-loxP system has been widely used for specific DNA recombination which induces gene inactivation or expression. Recently, photoactivatable-Cre (PA-Cre) proteins have been developed as a tool for spatiotemporal control of the enzymatic activity of Cre recombinase. Here, we generated transgenic mice bearing a PA-Cre gene and systematically investigated the conditions of photoactivation for the PA-Cre in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from the transgenic mice and in a simple mathematical model. Cre-mediated DNA recombination was induced in 16% of the PA-Cre ESCs by 6 hr continuous illumination. We show that repetitive pulsed illumination efficiently induced DNA recombination with low light energy as efficient as continuous illumination in the ESCs (96 ± 15% of continuous illumination when pulse cycle was 2 s), which was also supported by a minimal mathematical model. DNA recombination by the PA-Cre was also successfully induced in the transgenic mouse pre-implantation embryos under the developed conditions. These results suggest that strategies based on repetitive pulsed illumination are efficient for the activation of photoactivatable Cre and, possibly other photo-switchable proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Kishi
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (JST-CREST), Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Koyama
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Sanae Oka
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Azusa Kato
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Moritoshi Sato
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1, Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Fujimori
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan.,Japan Science and Technology Agency, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (JST-CREST), Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
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47
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A light tunable differentiation system for the creation and control of consortia in yeast. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5829. [PMID: 34611168 PMCID: PMC8492667 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial microbial consortia seek to leverage division-of-labour to optimize function and possess immense potential for bioproduction. Co-culturing approaches, the preferred mode of generating a consortium, remain limited in their ability to give rise to stable consortia having finely tuned compositions. Here, we present an artificial differentiation system in budding yeast capable of generating stable microbial consortia with custom functionalities from a single strain at user-defined composition in space and in time based on optogenetically-driven genetic rewiring. Owing to fast, reproducible, and light-tunable dynamics, our system enables dynamic control of consortia composition in continuous cultures for extended periods. We further demonstrate that our system can be extended in a straightforward manner to give rise to consortia with multiple subpopulations. Our artificial differentiation strategy establishes a novel paradigm for the creation of complex microbial consortia that are simple to implement, precisely controllable, and versatile to use.
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48
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Zhou Q, Jiao L, Li W, Hu Z, Li Y, Zhang H, Yang M, Xu L, Yan Y. A Novel Cre/ lox-Based Genetic Tool for Repeated, Targeted and Markerless Gene Integration in Yarrowia lipolytica. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910739. [PMID: 34639080 PMCID: PMC8509416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The unconventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is extensively applied in bioproduction fields owing to its excellent metabolite and protein production ability. Nonetheless, utilization of this promising host is still restricted by the limited availability of precise and effective gene integration tools. In this study, a novel and efficient genetic tool was developed for targeted, repeated, and markerless gene integration based on Cre/lox site-specific recombination system. The developed tool required only a single selection marker and could completely excise the unnecessary sequences. A total of three plasmids were created and seven rounds of marker-free gene integration were examined in Y. lipolytica. All the integration efficiencies remained above 90%, and analysis of the protein production and growth characteristics of the engineered strains confirmed that genome modification via the novel genetic tool was feasible. Further work also confirmed that the genetic tool was effective for the integration of other genes, loci, and strains. Thus, this study significantly promotes the application of the Cre/lox system and presents a powerful tool for genome engineering in Y. lipolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Li Xu
- Correspondence: (L.X.); (Y.Y.)
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49
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Davis L, Radman I, Goutou A, Tynan A, Baxter K, Xi Z, O'Shea JM, Chin JW, Greiss S. Precise optical control of gene expression in C. elegans using improved genetic code expansion and Cre recombinase. eLife 2021; 10:67075. [PMID: 34350826 PMCID: PMC8448529 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic strategies for optically controlling gene expression may enable the precise spatiotemporal control of genes in any combination of cells that cannot be targeted with specific promoters. We develop an improved genetic code expansion system in Caenorhabditis elegans and use it to create a photoactivatable Cre recombinase. We laser-activate Cre in single neurons within a bilaterally symmetric pair to selectively switch on expression of a loxP-controlled optogenetic channel in the targeted neuron. We use the system to dissect, in freely moving animals, the individual contributions of the mechanosensory neurons PLML/PLMR to the C. elegans touch response circuit, revealing distinct and synergistic roles for these neurons. We thus demonstrate how genetic code expansion and optical targeting can be combined to break the symmetry of neuron pairs and dissect behavioural outputs of individual neurons that cannot be genetically targeted. Animal behaviour and movement emerges from the stimulation of nerve cells that are connected together like a circuit. Researchers use various tools to investigate these neural networks in model organisms such as roundworms, fruit flies and zebrafish. The trick is to activate some nerve cells, but not others, so as to isolate their specific role within the neural circuit. One way to do this is to switch genes on or off in individual cells as a way to control their neuronal activity. This can be achieved by building a photocaged version of the enzyme Cre recombinase which is designed to target specific genes. The modified Cre recombinase contains an amino acid (the building blocks of proteins) that inactivates the enzyme. When the cell is illuminated with UV light, a part of the amino acid gets removed allowing Cre recombinase to turn on its target gene. However, cells do not naturally produce these photocaged amino acids. To overcome this, researchers can use a technology called genetic code expansion which provides cells with the tools they need to build proteins containing these synthetic amino acids. Although this technique has been used in live animals, its application has been limited due to the small amount of proteins it produces. Davis et al. therefore set out to improve the efficiency of genetic code expansion so that it can be used to study single nerve cells in freely moving roundworms. In the new system, named LaserTAC, individual cells are targeted with UV light that ‘uncages’ the Cre recombinase enzyme so it can switch on a gene for a protein that controls neuronal activity. Davis et al. used this approach to stimulate a pair of neurons sensitive to touch to see how this impacted the roundworm’s behaviour. This revealed that individual neurons within this pair contribute to the touch response in different ways. However, input from both neurons is required to produce a robust reaction. These findings show that the LaserTAC system can be used to manipulate gene activity in single cells, such as neurons, using light. It allows researchers to precisely control in which cells and when a given gene is switched on or off. Also, with the improved efficiency of the genetic code expansion, this technology could be used to modify proteins other than Cre recombinase and be applied to other artificial amino acids that have been developed in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd Davis
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Inja Radman
- Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Angeliki Goutou
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ailish Tynan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kieran Baxter
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Zhiyan Xi
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jack M O'Shea
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jason W Chin
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Greiss
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Chen Y, Rong F. Advances in the creation of animal models of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 26:491-496. [PMID: 34238137 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2021.1945244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a disease caused by a phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor biosynthesis class A (PIG-A) mutation in hematopoietic stem cells. There are three theories about the possible mechanism of the pathogenesis of PNH: immune escape, anti-apoptotic mechanism, and secondary gene mutation. There has been little gain in the knowledge regarding its pathogenesis during the last decade owing to the lack of representative cell lines and animal models. There have been recent reports about the successful creation of PNH mouse and PNH rhesus macaque models. The detection of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchor protein (GPI-AP)-deficient cells and/or fluorescently labeled variant of aerolysin (FLAER) test, estimation of erythrocyte life span, and hemolysis-related experiments demonstrated that these animal models of PNH had GPI-AP-deficient blood cells with shortened lifespans and increased sensitivity to complement-activated hemolysis. However, there were no clinical manifestations such as hemolysis and thrombosis in these animal models. This suggested that the PIG-A mutation is one of the several conditions required for PNH, but it alone is not enough to cause PNH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu Rong
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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