Single-cell NF-kappaB dynamics reveal digital activation and analogue information processing

Rapid prototyping of arrayed microfluidic systems in polystyrene for cell-based assays

Microfluidic cell-based systems have enabled the study of cellular phenomena with improved spatiotemporal control of the microenvironment and at increased throughput. While poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) has emerged as the most popular material in microfluidics research, it has specific limitations that prevent microfluidic platforms from achieving their full potential. We present here a complete process, ranging from mold design to embossing and bonding, that describes the fabrication of polystyrene (PS) microfluidic devices with similar cost and time expenditures as PDMS-based devices. Emphasis was placed on creating methods that can compete with PDMS fabrication methods in terms of robustness, complexity, and time requirements. To achieve this goal, several improvements were made to remove critical bottlenecks in existing PS embossing methods. First, traditional lithographic techniques were adapted to fabricate bulk epoxy molds capable of resisting high temperatures and pressures. Second, a method was developed to emboss through-holes in a PS layer, enabling creation of large arrays of independent microfluidic systems on a single device without need to manually create access ports. Third, thermal bonding of PS layers was optimized in order to achieve quality bonding over large arrays of microsystems. The choice of materials and methods was validated for biological function in two different cell-based applications to demonstrate the versatility of our streamlined fabrication process.

Multiscale computational modeling reveals a critical role for TNF-α receptor 1 dynamics in tuberculosis granuloma formation

Multiple immune factors control host responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, including the formation of granulomas, which are aggregates of immune cells whose function may reflect success or failure of the host to contain infection. One such factor is TNF-α. TNF-α has been experimentally characterized to have the following activities in M. tuberculosis infection: macrophage activation, apoptosis, and chemokine and cytokine production. Availability of TNF-α within a granuloma has been proposed to play a critical role in immunity to M. tuberculosis. However, in vivo measurement of a TNF-α concentration gradient and activities within a granuloma are not experimentally feasible. Further, processes that control TNF-α concentration and activities in a granuloma remain unknown. We developed a multiscale computational model that includes molecular, cellular, and tissue scale events that occur during granuloma formation and maintenance in lung. We use our model to identify processes that regulate TNF-α concentration and cellular behaviors and thus influence the outcome of infection within a granuloma. Our model predicts that TNF-αR1 internalization kinetics play a critical role in infection control within a granuloma, controlling whether there is clearance of bacteria, excessive inflammation, containment of bacteria within a stable granuloma, or uncontrolled growth of bacteria. Our results suggest that there is an interplay between TNF-α and bacterial levels in a granuloma that is controlled by the combined effects of both molecular and cellular scale processes. Finally, our model elucidates processes involved in immunity to M. tuberculosis that may be new targets for therapy.

Illuminating intracellular signaling and molecules for single cell analysis

Fluorescent and bioluminescent proteins are now widely used for detection of small molecules and various intracellular events ranging from protein conformational change to cell death in living cells. To analyze the dynamics of molecular processes in real time at the level of single cells, engineered protein-based probes with higher sensitivity and selectivity are required. The probes can be entirely genetically encoded and can comprise fusions of different proteins or domains. This review specifically examines basic concepts of designing genetically encoded fluorescent and bioluminescent probes developed in the past decade, highlighting some potential applications for basic research and for drug discovery.

Origins of regulated cell-to-cell variability

Single-cell measurements and lineage-tracing experiments are revealing that phenotypic cell-to-cell variability is often the result of deterministic processes, despite the existence of intrinsic noise in molecular networks. In most cases, this determinism represents largely uncharacterized molecular regulatory mechanisms, which places the study of cell-to-cell variability in the realm of molecular cell biology. Further research in the field will be important to advance quantitative cell biology because it will provide new insights into the mechanisms by which cells coordinate their intracellular activities in the spatiotemporal context of the multicellular environment.

Light control of plasma membrane recruitment using the Phy-PIF system

The ability to control the activity of intracellular signaling processes in live cells would be an extraordinarily powerful tool. Ideally, such an intracellular input would be (i) genetically encoded, (ii) able to be turned on and off in defined temporal or spatial patterns, (iii) fast to switch between on and off states, and (iv) orthogonal to other cellular processes. The light-gated interaction between fragments of two plant proteins--termed Phy and PIF--satisfies each of these constraints. In this system, Phy can be switched between two conformations using red and infrared light, while PIF only binds one of these states. This chapter describes known constraints for designing genetic constructs using Phy and PIF and provides protocols for expressing these constructs in mammalian cells, purifying the small molecule chromophore required for the system's light responsivity, and measuring light-gated binding by microscopy.

Reporting from the field: genetically encoded fluorescent reporters uncover signaling dynamics in living biological systems

Real-time visualization of a wide range of biochemical processes in living systems is being made possible through the development and application of genetically encoded fluorescent reporters. These versatile biosensors have proven themselves tailor-made to the study of signal transduction, and in this review, we discuss some of the unique insights that they continue to provide regarding the spatial organization and dynamic regulation of intracellular signaling networks. In addition, we explore the more recent push to expand the scope of biological phenomena that can be monitored using these reporters, while also considering the potential to integrate this highly adaptable technology with a number of emerging techniques that may significantly broaden our view of how networks of biochemical processes shape larger biological phenomena.

FGF-1 induces ATP release from spinal astrocytes in culture and opens pannexin and connexin hemichannels

Spinal astrocytes are coupled by connexin (Cx) gap junctions and express pannexin 1 (Px1) and purinergic receptors. Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1), which is released in spinal cord injury, activated spinal astrocytes in culture, induced secretion of ATP, and permeabilized them to relatively large fluorescent tracers [ethidium (Etd) and lucifer yellow (LY)] through "hemichannels" (HCs). HCs can be formed by connexins or pannexins; they can open to extracellular space or can form gap junction (GJ) channels, one HC from each cell. (Pannexins may not form gap junctions in mammalian tissues, but they do in invertebrates). HC types were differentiated pharmacologically and by Px1 knockdown with siRNA and by use of astrocytes from Cx43 knockout mice. Permeabilization was reduced by apyrase (APY), an ATPase, and by P2X(7) receptor antagonists, implicating secretion of ATP and autocrine and/or paracrine action. Increased permeability of cells exposed to FGF-1 or ATP for 2 h was mediated largely by Px1 HCs activated by P2X(7) receptors. After a 7-h treatment, the permeability was mediated by both Cx43 and Px1 HCs. FGF-1 also caused reduction in gap junctional communication. Botulinum neurotoxin A, a blocker of vesicular release, reduced permeabilization when given 30 min before FGF-1 application, but not when given 1 h after FGF-1. We infer that ATP is initially released from vesicles and then it mediates continued release by action on P2X(7) receptors and opening of HCs. These changes in HCs and gap junction channels may promote inflammation and deprive neurons of astrocyte-mediated protection in spinal cord trauma and neurodegenerative disease.

Theoretical modeling techniques and their impact on tumor immunology

Currently, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in industrial nations. While conventional cancer treatment usually results in the patient suffering from severe side effects, immunotherapy is a promising alternative. Nevertheless, some questions remain unanswered with regard to using immunotherapy to treat cancer hindering it from being widely established. To help rectify this deficit in knowledge, experimental data, accumulated from a huge number of different studies, can be integrated into theoretical models of the tumor-immune system interaction. Many complex mechanisms in immunology and oncology cannot be measured in experiments, but can be analyzed by mathematical simulations. Using theoretical modeling techniques, general principles of tumor-immune system interactions can be explored and clinical treatment schedules optimized to lower both tumor burden and side effects. In this paper, we aim to explain the main mathematical and computational modeling techniques used in tumor immunology to experimental researchers and clinicians. In addition, we review relevant published work and provide an overview of its impact to the field.

Becoming self-aware: the thymic education of regulatory T cells

The generation of Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells in the thymus is essential for immune homeostasis. In the past several years, substantial progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms by which a minor portion of developing thymocytes are selected to become Treg cells. Although previously controversial, recent data support the importance of TCR specificity as a primary determinant for selecting self-reactive thymocytes to become Treg cells in a multi-step process involving cytokines, co-stimulatory molecules, and a variety of antigen-presenting cells. Importantly, the antigenic niche for Treg cell development appears to be typically quite small, implying the recognition of tissue-specific, rather than ubiquitous, self-antigens. Finally, it appears that an NF-κB transcription factor, c-Rel, may be the link between TCR recognition and the induction of Foxp3 expression, which is required for the function and stability of the natural Treg cell population.

Oscillatory control of signalling molecules

The emergence of biological function from the dynamic control of cellular signalling molecules is a fundamental process in biology. Key questions include: How do cells decipher noisy environmental cues, encode these signals to control fate decisions and propagate information through tissues? Recent advances in systems biology, and molecular and cellular biology, exemplified by analyses of signalling via the transcription factor Nuclear Factor kappaB (NF-κB), reveal a critical role of oscillatory control in the regulation of these biological functions. The emerging view is that the oscillatory dynamics of signalling molecules and the epigenetically regulated specificity for target genes contribute to robust regulation of biological function at different levels of cellular organisation through frequency-dependent information encoding.

Systems biology approaches to dissect mammalian innate immunity

Advances in experimental tools have allowed for the systematic identification of components and biological processes as well as quantification of their activities over time. Together with computational analysis, these measurement and perturbation technologies have given rise to the field of systems biology, which seeks to discover, analyze and model the interactions of physical components in a biological system. Although in its infancy, recent application of this approach has resulted in novel insights into the machinery that regulates and modifies innate immune cell functions. Here, we summarize contributions that have been made through the unbiased interrogation of the mammalian innate immune system, emphasizing the importance of integrating orthogonal datasets into models. To enable application of approaches more broadly, however, a concerted effort across the immunology community to develop reagent and tool platforms will be required.

Understanding the temporal codes of intra-cellular signals

The health of organisms and cells depends on appropriate responses to diverse internal and external cues, stimuli, or challenges, such as changes in hormone or cytokine levels, or exposure to a pathogen. Cellular responses must be tailored to the identity and intensity of the stimulus and therefore intra-cellular signals must carry information about both. However, signaling mediators often form intricate networks that react to multiple stimuli yet manage to produce stimulus-specific responses. The multi-functionality ('functional pleiotropism') of signaling nodes suggests that biological networks have evolved ways of passing physiologically relevant stimulus information through shared channels. Increasing evidence supports the notion that this is achieved in part through temporal regulation of signaling mediators' activities. The present challenge is to identify the features of temporal activity profile that represent information about a given stimulus and understand how cells read the temporal codes to control their responses.

Cutting edge: TCR ligation triggers digital activation of NF-kappaB

TCR-mediated activation of the transcription factor NF-κB is required for T cell proliferation, survival, and effector differentiation. Although this pathway is the subject of intense study, it is not known whether TCR signaling to NF-κB is digital (switch-like) or analog in nature. Through analysis of the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα and the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunit RelA, we show that TCR-directed NF-κB activation is digital. Furthermore, digitization occurs well upstream of the IκB kinase complex, as protein kinase C translocation to the immunologic synapse and activation-associated aggregation of Bcl10 and Malt1 also demonstrate both digital behavior and high correlation with RelA nuclear translocation. Thus, similar to the TCR-to-MAPK signaling cascade, analog Ag inputs are converted to digital activation outputs to NF-κB at an early step downstream of TCR ligation.

High-throughput, single-cell NF-κB dynamics

Single cells in a population often respond differently to perturbations in the environment. Live-cell microscopy has enabled scientists to observe these differences at the single-cell level. Some advantages of live-cell imaging over population-based methods include better time resolution, higher sensitivity, automation, and richer datasets. One specific area where live-cell microscopy has made a significant impact is the field of NF-κB signaling dynamics, and recent efforts have focused on making live-cell imaging of these dynamics more high-throughput. We highlight the major aspects of increasing throughput and describe a current system that can monitor, image and analyze the NF-κB activation of thousands of single cells in parallel.

NF-kappaB: much learned, much to learn

Although NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) was discovered less than 25 years ago, it is one of the most well-studied transcription factors. It plays critical roles in various immune and cellular processes, and its dysregulation is a major driver of cancer and inflammatory pathology. A new book published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, NF-kappaB: A Network Hub Controlling Immunity, Inflammation, and Cancer, provides a series of excellent reviews on the architecture, regulation, and pathophysiological roles of NF-kappaB signaling by some of the leading investigators in the field.