51
|
Mushnikov NV, Fomicheva A, Gomelsky M, Bowman GR. Inducible asymmetric cell division and cell differentiation in a bacterium. Nat Chem Biol 2019; 15:925-931. [PMID: 31406376 PMCID: PMC7439754 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-019-0340-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multicellular organisms achieve greater complexity through cell divisions that generate different cell types. We engineered a simple genetic circuit that induces asymmetric cell division and subsequent cell differentiation in Escherichia coli. The circuit involves a scaffolding protein, PopZ, that is stably maintained at a single cell pole over multiple asymmetric cell divisions. PopZ was functionalized to degrade the signaling molecule, c-di-GMP. By regulating synthesis of functionalized PopZ via small molecules or light, we can chemically or optogenetically control the relative abundance of two distinct cell types, characterized by either low or high c-di-GMP levels. Differences in c-di-GMP levels can be transformed into genetically programmable differences in protein complex assembly or gene expression, which in turn produce differential behavior or biosynthetic activities. This study shows emergence of complex biological phenomena from a simple genetic circuit and adds programmable bacterial cell differentiation to the genetic toolbox of synthetic biology and biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Gomelsky
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Grant R Bowman
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Gourinchas G, Etzl S, Winkler A. Bacteriophytochromes - from informative model systems of phytochrome function to powerful tools in cell biology. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 57:72-83. [PMID: 30878713 PMCID: PMC6625962 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophytochromes are a subfamily of the diverse light responsive phytochrome photoreceptors. Considering their preferential interaction with biliverdin IXα as endogenous cofactor, they have recently been used for creating optogenetic tools and engineering fluorescent probes. Ideal absorption characteristics for the activation of bacteriophytochrome-based systems in the therapeutic near-infrared window as well the availability of biliverdin in mammalian tissues have resulted in tremendous progress in re-engineering bacteriophytochromes for diverse applications. At the same time, both the structural analysis and the functional characterization of diverse naturally occurring bacteriophytochrome systems have unraveled remarkable differences in signaling mechanisms and have so far only touched the surface of the evolutionary diversity within the family of bacteriophytochromes. This review highlights recent findings and future challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Gourinchas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Etzl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Winkler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Stabel R, Stüven B, Hansen JN, Körschen HG, Wachten D, Möglich A. Revisiting and Redesigning Light-Activated Cyclic-Mononucleotide Phosphodiesterases. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:3029-3045. [PMID: 31301407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As diffusible second messengers, cyclic nucleoside monophosphates (cNMPs) relay and amplify molecular signals in myriad cellular pathways. The triggering of downstream physiological responses often requires defined cNMP gradients in time and space, generated through the concerted action of nucleotidyl cyclases and phosphodiesterases (PDEs). In an approach denoted optogenetics, sensory photoreceptors serve as genetically encoded, light-responsive actuators to enable the noninvasive, reversible, and spatiotemporally precise control of manifold cellular processes, including cNMP metabolism. Although nature provides efficient photoactivated nucleotidyl cyclases, light-responsive PDEs are scarce. Through modular recombination of a bacteriophytochrome photosensor and the effector of human PDE2A, we previously generated the light-activated, cNMP-specific PDE LAPD. By pursuing parallel design strategies, we here report a suite of derivative PDEs with enhanced amplitude and reversibility of photoactivation. Opposite to LAPD, far-red light completely reverts prior activation by red light in several PDEs. These improved PDEs thus complement photoactivated nucleotidyl cyclases and extend the sensitivity of optogenetics to red and far-red light. More generally, our study informs future efforts directed at designing bacteriophytochrome photoreceptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stabel
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Birthe Stüven
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; Institute of Innate Immunity, Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Heinz G Körschen
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; Research Center for Bio-Macromolecules, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Fomicheva A, Zhou C, Sun QQ, Gomelsky M. Engineering Adenylate Cyclase Activated by Near-Infrared Window Light for Mammalian Optogenetic Applications. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:1314-1324. [PMID: 31145854 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Light in the near-infrared optical window (NIRW) penetrates deep through mammalian tissues, including the skull and brain tissue. Here we engineered an adenylate cyclase (AC) activated by NIRW light (NIRW-AC) and suitable for mammalian applications. To accomplish this goal, we constructed fusions of several bacteriophytochrome photosensory and bacterial AC modules using guidelines for designing chimeric homodimeric bacteriophytochromes. One engineered NIRW-AC, designated IlaM5, has significantly higher activity at 37 °C, is better expressed in mammalian cells, and can mediate cAMP-dependent photoactivation of gene expression in mammalian cells, in favorable contrast to the NIRW-ACs engineered earlier. The ilaM5 gene expressed from an AAV vector was delivered into the ventral basal thalamus region of the mouse brain, resulting in the light-controlled suppression of the cAMP-dependent wave pattern of the sleeping brain known as spindle oscillations. Reversible spindle oscillation suppression was observed in sleeping mice exposed to light from an external light source. This study confirms the robustness of principles of homodimeric bacteriophytochrome engineering, describes a NIRW-AC suitable for mammalian optogenetic applications, and demonstrates the feasibility of controlling brain activity via NIRW-ACs using transcranial irradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Fomicheva
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - Chen Zhou
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - Qian-Quan Sun
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - Mark Gomelsky
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Armbruster CR, Lee CK, Parker-Gilham J, de Anda J, Xia A, Zhao K, Murakami K, Tseng BS, Hoffman LR, Jin F, Harwood CS, Wong GCL, Parsek MR. Heterogeneity in surface sensing suggests a division of labor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations. eLife 2019; 8:e45084. [PMID: 31180327 PMCID: PMC6615863 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The second messenger signaling molecule cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) drives the transition between planktonic and biofilm growth in many bacterial species. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has two surface sensing systems that produce c-di-GMP in response to surface adherence. Current thinking in the field is that once cells attach to a surface, they uniformly respond by producing c-di-GMP. Here, we describe how the Wsp system generates heterogeneity in surface sensing, resulting in two physiologically distinct subpopulations of cells. One subpopulation has elevated c-di-GMP and produces biofilm matrix, serving as the founders of initial microcolonies. The other subpopulation has low c-di-GMP and engages in surface motility, allowing for exploration of the surface. We also show that this heterogeneity strongly correlates to surface behavior for descendent cells. Together, our results suggest that after surface attachment, P. aeruginosa engages in a division of labor that persists across generations, accelerating early biofilm formation and surface exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Calvin K Lee
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- California NanoSystems InstituteUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | | | - Jaime de Anda
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- California NanoSystems InstituteUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Aiguo Xia
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Kun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chemical Science and EngineeringTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Keiji Murakami
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical SciencesTokushima University Graduate SchoolTokushimaJapan
| | - Boo Shan Tseng
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NevadaLas VegasUnited States
| | - Lucas R Hoffman
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Fan Jin
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the MicroscaleUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Institute of Synthetic BiologyShenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | | | - Gerard CL Wong
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- California NanoSystems InstituteUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Integrative Microbiology Research CentreSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Omelina ES, Pindyurin AV. Optogenetic regulation of endogenous gene transcription in mammals. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2019. [DOI: 10.18699/vj19.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the rapid development of approaches aimed to precisely control transcription of exogenous genes in time and space, design of systems providing similar tight regulation of endogenous gene expression is much more challenging. However, finding ways to control the activity of endogenous genes is absolutely necessary for further progress in safe and effective gene therapies and regenerative medicine. In addition, such systems are of particular interest for genetics, molecular and cell biology. An ideal system should ensure tunable and reversible spatio-temporal control over transcriptional activity of a gene of interest. Although there are drug-inducible systems for transcriptional regulation of endogenous genes, optogenetic approaches seem to be the most promising for the gene therapy applications, as they are noninvasive and do not exhibit toxicity in comparison with druginducible systems. Moreover, they are not dependent on chemical inducer diffusion rate or pharmacokinetics and exhibit fast activation-deactivation switching. Among optogenetic tools, long-wavelength light-controlled systems are more preferable for use in mammalian tissues in comparison with tools utilizing shorter wavelengths, since far-red/near-infrared light has the maximum penetration depth due to lower light scattering caused by lipids and reduced tissue autofluorescence at wavelengths above 700 nm. Here, we review such light-inducible systems, which are based on synthetic factors that can be targeted to any desired DNA sequence and provide activation or repression of a gene of interest. The factors include zinc finger proteins, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs), and the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these DNA targeting tools in the context of the light-inducible gene regulation systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - A. V. Pindyurin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, SB RAS; Novosibirsk State University
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Xu Z, You D, Tang LY, Zhou Y, Ye BC. Metabolic Engineering Strategies Based on Secondary Messengers (p)ppGpp and C-di-GMP To Increase Erythromycin Yield in Saccharopolyspora erythraea. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:332-345. [PMID: 30632732 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Secondary messengers (such as (p)ppGpp and c-di-GMP) were proved to play important roles in antibiotic biosynthesis in actinobacteria. In this study, we found that transcription levels of erythromycin-biosynthetic ( ery) genes were upregulated in nutrient limitation, which depended on (p)ppGpp in Saccharopolyspora erythraea. Further study demonstrated that the expression of ery genes and intracellular concentrations of (p)ppGpp showed synchronization during culture process. The erythromycin yield was significantly improved (about 200%) by increasing intracellular concentration of (p)ppGpp through introduction of C-terminally truncated (p)ppGpp synthetase RelA (1.43 kb of the N-terminal segment) from Streptomyces coelicolor into S. erythraea strain NRRL2338 (named as WT/pIB-P BAD- relA1-489). As the intracellular concentration of (p)ppGpp in an industrial erythromycin-high-producing strain E3 was greatly higher (about 10- to 100-fold) than WT strain, the applications of the above-described strategy did not work in E3 strain. Further research revealed that low concentration of 2-oxoglutarate in E3 strain exerted a "nitrogen-rich" pseudosignal, leading to the downregulation of nitrogen metabolism genes, which limited the use of nitrogen sources and thus the high intracellular (p)ppGpp concentration. Furthermore, the secondary messenger, c-di-GMP, was proved to be able to activate ery genes transcription by enhancing binding of BldD to promoters of ery genes. Overexpressing the diguanylate cyclase CdgB from S. coelicolor in S. erythraea increased the intracellular c-di-GMP concentration, and improved erythromycin production. These findings demonstrated that increasing the concentration of intracellular secondary messengers can activate ery genes transcription, and provided new strategies for designing metabolic engineering based on secondary messengers to improve antibiotics yield in actinobacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xu
- Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Lab of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Di You
- Lab of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Li-Ya Tang
- Lab of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Lab of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Bang-Ce Ye
- Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Lab of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Stüven B, Stabel R, Ohlendorf R, Beck J, Schubert R, Möglich A. Characterization and engineering of photoactivated adenylyl cyclases. Biol Chem 2019; 400:429-441. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Cyclic nucleoside monophosphates (cNMP) serve as universal second messengers in signal transduction across prokaryotes and eukaryotes. As signaling often relies on transiently formed microdomains of elevated second messenger concentration, means to precisely perturb the spatiotemporal dynamics of cNMPs are uniquely poised for the interrogation of the underlying physiological processes. Optogenetics appears particularly suited as it affords light-dependent, accurate control in time and space of diverse cellular processes. Several sensory photoreceptors function as photoactivated adenylyl cyclases (PAC) and hence serve as light-regulated actuators for the control of intracellular levels of 3′, 5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate. To characterize PACs and to refine their properties, we devised a test bed for the facile analysis of these photoreceptors. Cyclase activity is monitored in bacterial cells via expression of a fluorescent reporter, and programmable illumination allows the rapid exploration of multiple lighting regimes. We thus probed two PACs responding to blue and red light, respectively, and observed significant dark activity for both. We next engineered derivatives of the red-light-sensitive PAC with altered responses to light, with one variant, denoted DdPAC, showing enhanced response to light. These PAC variants stand to enrich the optogenetic toolkit and thus facilitate the detailed analysis of cNMP metabolism and signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birthe Stüven
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie , Universität Bayreuth , D-95447 Bayreuth , Germany
| | - Robert Stabel
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie , Universität Bayreuth , D-95447 Bayreuth , Germany
| | - Robert Ohlendorf
- Institut für Biologie , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , D-10115 Berlin , Germany
| | - Julian Beck
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie , Universität Bayreuth , D-95447 Bayreuth , Germany
| | - Roman Schubert
- Institut für Biologie , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , D-10115 Berlin , Germany
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie , Universität Bayreuth , D-95447 Bayreuth , Germany
- Institut für Biologie , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , D-10115 Berlin , Germany
- Research Center for Bio-Macromolecules , Universität Bayreuth , D-95447 Bayreuth , Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Universität Bayreuth , D-95447 Bayreuth , Germany
- North-Bavarian NMR Center , Universität Bayreuth , D-95447 Bayreuth , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Mukherjee M, Hu Y, Tan CH, Rice SA, Cao B. Engineering a light-responsive, quorum quenching biofilm to mitigate biofouling on water purification membranes. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaau1459. [PMID: 30539145 PMCID: PMC6286168 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau1459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Quorum quenching (QQ) has been reported to be a promising approach for membrane biofouling control. Entrapment of QQ bacteria in porous matrices is required to retain them in continuously operated membrane processes and to prevent uncontrollable biofilm formation by the QQ bacteria on membrane surfaces. It would be more desirable if the formation and dispersal of biofilms by QQ bacteria could be controlled so that the QQ bacterial cells are self-immobilized, but the QQ biofilm itself still does not compromise membrane performance. In this study, we engineered a QQ bacterial biofilm whose growth and dispersal can be modulated by light through a dichromatic, optogenetic c-di-GMP gene circuit in which the bacterial cells sense near-infrared (NIR) light and blue light to adjust its biofilm formation by regulating the c-di-GMP level. We also demonstrated the potential application of the engineered light-responsive QQ biofilm in mitigating biofouling of water purification forward osmosis membranes. The c-di-GMP-targeted optogenetic approach for controllable biofilm development we have demonstrated here should prove widely applicable for designing other controllable biofilm-enabled applications such as biofilm-based biocatalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Mukherjee
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yidan Hu
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chuan Hao Tan
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Scott A. Rice
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- iThree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bin Cao
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Liu Z, Zhang J, Jin J, Geng Z, Qi Q, Liang Q. Programming Bacteria With Light-Sensors and Applications in Synthetic Biology. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2692. [PMID: 30467500 PMCID: PMC6236058 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Photo-receptors are widely present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, which serves as the foundation of tuning cell behaviors with light. While practices in eukaryotic cells have been relatively established, trials in bacterial cells have only been emerging in the past few years. A number of light sensors have been engineered in bacteria cells and most of them fall into the categories of two-component and one-component systems. Such a sensor toolbox has enabled practices in controlling synthetic circuits at the level of transcription and protein activity which is a major topic in synthetic biology, according to the central dogma. Additionally, engineered light sensors and practices of tuning synthetic circuits have served as a foundation for achieving light based real-time feedback control. Here, we review programming bacteria cells with light, introducing engineered light sensors in bacteria and their applications, including tuning synthetic circuits and achieving feedback controls over microbial cell culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zedao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jizhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zilong Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Bjarnsholt T, Buhlin K, Dufrêne YF, Gomelsky M, Moroni A, Ramstedt M, Rumbaugh KP, Schulte T, Sun L, Åkerlund B, Römling U. Biofilm formation - what we can learn from recent developments. J Intern Med 2018; 284:332-345. [PMID: 29856510 PMCID: PMC6927207 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although biofilms have been observed early in the history of microbial research, their impact has only recently been fully recognized. Biofilm infections, which contribute to up to 80% of human microbial infections, are associated with common human disorders, such as diabetes mellitus and poor dental hygiene, but also with medical implants. The associated chronic infections such as wound infections, dental caries and periodontitis significantly enhance morbidity, affect quality of life and can aid development of follow-up diseases such as cancer. Biofilm infections remain challenging to treat and antibiotic monotherapy is often insufficient, although some rediscovered traditional compounds have shown surprising efficiency. Innovative anti-biofilm strategies include application of anti-biofilm small molecules, intrinsic or external stimulation of production of reactive molecules, utilization of materials with antimicrobial properties and dispersion of biofilms by digestion of the extracellular matrix, also in combination with physical biofilm breakdown. Although basic principles of biofilm formation have been deciphered, the molecular understanding of the formation and structural organization of various types of biofilms has just begun to emerge. Basic studies of biofilm physiology have also resulted in an unexpected discovery of cyclic dinucleotide second messengers that are involved in interkingdom crosstalk via specific mammalian receptors. These findings even open up new venues for exploring novel anti-biofilm strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Bjarnsholt
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Costerton Biofilm Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K Buhlin
- Department of Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Facial Diagnostics and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Y F Dufrêne
- Institute of Life Sciences, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - M Gomelsky
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - A Moroni
- Department of Biology and CNR-Istituto di Biofisica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - M Ramstedt
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - K P Rumbaugh
- Departments of Surgery & Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - T Schulte
- Department of Medicine Solna, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L Sun
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Åkerlund
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Unit of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - U Römling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Type 1 Does the Two-Step: Type 1 Secretion Substrates with a Functional Periplasmic Intermediate. J Bacteriol 2018; 200:JB.00168-18. [PMID: 29866808 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00168-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have evolved several secretion strategies for polling and responding to environmental flux and insult. Of these, the type 1 secretion system (T1SS) is known to secrete an array of biologically diverse proteins-from small, <10-kDa bacteriocins to gigantic adhesins with a mass >1 MDa. For the last several decades, T1SSs have been characterized as a one-step translocation strategy whereby the secreted substrate is transported directly into the extracellular environment from the cytoplasm with no periplasmic intermediate. Recent phylogenetic, biochemical, and genetic evidences point to a distinct subgroup of T1SS machinery linked with a bacterial transglutaminase-like cysteine proteinase (BTLCP), which uses a two-step secretion mechanism. BTLCP-linked T1SSs transport a class of repeats-in-toxin (RTX) adhesins that are critical for biofilm formation. The prototype of this RTX adhesin group, LapA of Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1, uses a novel N-terminal retention module to anchor the adhesin at the cell surface as a secretion intermediate threaded through the outer membrane-localized TolC-like protein LapE. This secretion intermediate is posttranslationally cleaved by the BTLCP family LapG protein to release LapA from its cognate T1SS pore. Thus, the secretion of LapA and related RTX adhesins into the extracellular environment appears to be a T1SS-mediated two-step process that involves a periplasmic intermediate. In this review, we contrast the T1SS machinery and substrates of the BLTCP-linked two-step secretion process with those of the classical one-step T1SS to better understand the newly recognized and expanded role of this secretion machinery.
Collapse
|
63
|
Pilizota T, Yang YT. "Do It Yourself" Microbial Cultivation Techniques for Synthetic and Systems Biology: Cheap, Fun, and Flexible. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1666. [PMID: 30105008 PMCID: PMC6077191 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of inexpensive 3D printing technology, open-source platforms for electronic prototyping and single-board computers, "Do it Yourself" (DIY) approaches to the cultivation of microbial cultures are becoming more feasible, user-friendly, and thus wider spread. In this perspective, we survey some of these approaches, as well as add-on solutions to commercial instruments for synthetic and system biology applications. We discuss different cultivation designs, including capabilities and limitations. Our intention is to encourage the reader to consider the DIY solutions. Overall, custom cultivation devices offer controlled growth environments with in-line monitoring of, for example, optical density, fluorescence, pH, and dissolved oxygen, all at affordable prices. Moreover, they offer a great degree of flexibility for different applications and requirements and are fun to design and construct. We include several illustrative examples, such as gaining optogenetic control and adaptive laboratory evolution experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teuta Pilizota
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ya-Tang Yang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Hughes RM. A compendium of chemical and genetic approaches to light-regulated gene transcription. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:453-474. [PMID: 30040498 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1487382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
On-cue regulation of gene transcription is an invaluable tool for the study of biological processes and the development and integration of next-generation therapeutics. Ideal reagents for the precise regulation of gene transcription should be nontoxic to the host system, highly tunable, and provide a high level of spatial and temporal control. Light, when coupled with protein or small molecule-linked photoresponsive elements, presents an attractive means of meeting the demands of an ideal system for regulating gene transcription. In this review, we cover recent developments in the burgeoning field of light-regulated gene transcription, covering both genetically encoded and small-molecule based strategies for optical regulation of transcription during the period 2012 till present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Hughes
- a Department of Chemistry , East Carolina University , Greenville , NC , USA
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Abstract
Sensory photoreceptors underpin light-dependent adaptations of organismal physiology, development, and behavior in nature. Adapted for optogenetics, sensory photoreceptors become genetically encoded actuators and reporters to enable the noninvasive, spatiotemporally accurate and reversible control by light of cellular processes. Rooted in a mechanistic understanding of natural photoreceptors, artificial photoreceptors with customized light-gated function have been engineered that greatly expand the scope of optogenetics beyond the original application of light-controlled ion flow. As we survey presently, UV/blue-light-sensitive photoreceptors have particularly allowed optogenetics to transcend its initial neuroscience applications by unlocking numerous additional cellular processes and parameters for optogenetic intervention, including gene expression, DNA recombination, subcellular localization, cytoskeleton dynamics, intracellular protein stability, signal transduction cascades, apoptosis, and enzyme activity. The engineering of novel photoreceptors benefits from powerful and reusable design strategies, most importantly light-dependent protein association and (un)folding reactions. Additionally, modified versions of these same sensory photoreceptors serve as fluorescent proteins and generators of singlet oxygen, thereby further enriching the optogenetic toolkit. The available and upcoming UV/blue-light-sensitive actuators and reporters enable the detailed and quantitative interrogation of cellular signal networks and processes in increasingly more precise and illuminating manners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aba Losi
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences , University of Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A-43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Kevin H Gardner
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center , New York , New York 10031 , United States.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York , New York , New York 10031 , United States.,Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Biology , The Graduate Center of the City University of New York , New York , New York 10016 , United States
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie , Universität Bayreuth , 95447 Bayreuth , Germany.,Research Center for Bio-Macromolecules , Universität Bayreuth , 95447 Bayreuth , Germany.,Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , Universität Bayreuth , 95447 Bayreuth , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Synthetic far-red light-mediated CRISPR-dCas9 device for inducing functional neuronal differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E6722-E6730. [PMID: 29967137 PMCID: PMC6055150 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1802448115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed an optogenetic far-red light (FRL)-activated CRISPR-dCas9 system (FACE) that is orthogonal, fine-tunable, reversible, and has robust endogenous gene-activation profiles upon stimulation with FRL, with deep tissue penetration capacity, low brightness, short illumination time, and negligible phototoxicity. The FACE device is biocompatible and meets the criteria for safe medical application in humans, providing a robust differentiation strategy for mass production of functional neural cells from induced pluripotent stem cells simply by utilizing a beam of FRL. This optogenetic device has expanded the optogenetic toolkit for precise mammalian genome engineering in many areas of basic and translational research that require precise spatiotemporal control of cellular behavior, which may in turn boost the clinical progress of optogenetics-based precision therapy. The ability to control the activity of CRISPR-dCas9 with precise spatiotemporal resolution will enable tight genome regulation of user-defined endogenous genes for studying the dynamics of transcriptional regulation. Optogenetic devices with minimal phototoxicity and the capacity for deep tissue penetration are extremely useful for precise spatiotemporal control of cellular behavior and for future clinic translational research. Therefore, capitalizing on synthetic biology and optogenetic design principles, we engineered a far-red light (FRL)-activated CRISPR-dCas9 effector (FACE) device that induces transcription of exogenous or endogenous genes in the presence of FRL stimulation. This versatile system provides a robust and convenient method for precise spatiotemporal control of endogenous gene expression and also has been demonstrated to mediate targeted epigenetic modulation, which can be utilized to efficiently promote differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into functional neurons by up-regulating a single neural transcription factor, NEUROG2. This FACE system might facilitate genetic/epigenetic reprogramming in basic biological research and regenerative medicine for future biomedical applications.
Collapse
|
67
|
Huang Y, Xia A, Yang G, Jin F. Bioprinting Living Biofilms through Optogenetic Manipulation. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:1195-1200. [PMID: 29664610 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we present a new strategy for microprinting dense bacterial communities with a prescribed organization on a substrate. Unlike conventional bioprinting techniques that require bioinks, through optogenetic manipulation, we directly manipulated the behaviors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to allow these living bacteria to autonomically form patterned biofilms following prescribed illumination. The results showed that through optogenetic manipulation, patterned bacterial communities with high spatial resolution (approximately 10 μm) could be constructed in 6 h. Thus, optogenetic manipulation greatly increases the range of available bioprinting techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajia Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Aiguo Xia
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Fan Jin
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Using Light-Activated Enzymes for Modulating Intracellular c-di-GMP Levels in Bacteria. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1657:169-186. [PMID: 28889294 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7240-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Signaling pathways involving second messenger c-di-GMP regulate various aspects of bacterial physiology and behavior. We describe the use of a red light-activated diguanylate cyclase (c-di-GMP synthase) and a blue light-activated c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase (hydrolase) for manipulating intracellular c-di-GMP levels in bacterial cells. We illustrate the application of these enzymes in regulating several c-di-GMP-dependent phenotypes, i.e., motility and biofilm phenotypes in E. coli and chemotactic behavior in the alphaproteobacterium Azospirillum brasilense. We expect these light-activated enzymes to be also useful in regulating c-di-GMP-dependent processes occurring at the fast timescale, for spatial control of bacterial populations, as well as for analyzing c-di-GMP-dependent phenomena at the single-cell level.
Collapse
|
69
|
Hu Y, Wu Y, Mukherjee M, Cao B. A near-infrared light responsive c-di-GMP module-based AND logic gate in Shewanella oneidensis. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 53:1646-1648. [PMID: 28098272 DOI: 10.1039/c6cc08584a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A novel, biofilm-based AND logic gate was constructed in Shewanella oneidensis through a near-infrared (NIR) light responsive c-di-GMP module. The logic gate was demonstrated in microbial fuel cells with isopropyl β-d-thiogalactoside (IPTG) and NIR light as the inputs and electrical signals as the output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Hu
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Yichao Wu
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551 and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798.
| | - Manisha Mukherjee
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551 and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798.
| | - Bin Cao
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551 and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798.
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Gomelsky M. Photoactivated cells link diagnosis and therapy. Sci Transl Med 2018; 9:9/387/eaan3936. [PMID: 28446687 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aan3936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A semiautonomous system enables implanted photoactivated cells to produce glucose-lowering hormones and maintain glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice (Shao et al, this issue).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gomelsky
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Stabel R, Stüven B, Ohlendorf R, Möglich A. Primer-Aided Truncation for the Creation of Hybrid Proteins. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1596:287-304. [PMID: 28293894 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6940-1_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Proteins frequently display modular architecture with several domains and segments connected by linkers. Proper protein functionality hinges on finely orchestrated interactions among these constituent elements. The underlying modularity lends itself to the engineering of hybrid proteins via modular rewiring; novel properties can thus be obtained, provided the linkers connecting the individual elements are conducive to productive interactions. As a corollary, the process of protein engineering often encompasses the generation and screening of multiple linker variants. To aid these steps, we devised the PATCHY method (primer-aided truncation for the creation of hybrid proteins) to readily generate hybrid gene libraries of predefined composition. We applied PATCHY to the mechanistic characterization of hybrid receptors that possess blue-light-regulated histidine kinase activity. Comprehensive sampling of linker composition revealed that catalytic activity and response to light are primarily functions of linker length. Variants with linkers of 7n residues mostly have light-repressed activity but those with 7n + 1 residues mostly have inverted, light-induced activity. We further probed linker length in the context of single residue exchanges that also lead to an inversion of the signal response. As in the original context, activity is only observed for certain periodic linker lengths. Taken together, these results provide mechanistic insight into signaling strategies employed by sensory photoreceptors and sensor histidine kinases. PATCHY represents an adequate and facile method to efficiently generate and probe hybrid gene libraries and to thereby identify key determinants for proper function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stabel
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Birthe Stüven
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Robert Ohlendorf
- Institut für Biologie, Biophysikalische Chemie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany. .,Institut für Biologie, Biophysikalische Chemie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Scarbath-Evers LK, Jähnigen S, Elgabarty H, Song C, Narikawa R, Matysik J, Sebastiani D. Structural heterogeneity in a parent ground-state structure of AnPixJg2 revealed by theory and spectroscopy. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 19:13882-13894. [PMID: 28513754 DOI: 10.1039/c7cp01218g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the red absorbing, dark stable state (Pr state) of the second GAF domain of the cyanobacteriochrome AnPixJ (AnPixJg2) by a molecular dynamics simulation of 1 μs duration. Our results reveal two distinct conformational isoforms of the chromophore, from which only one was known from crystallographic experiments. The interconversion between both isoforms is accompanied by alterations in the hydrogen bond pattern between the chromophore and the protein and the solvation structure of the chromophore binding pocket. The existence of sub-states in the Pr form of AnPixJg2 is supported by the results from experimental 13C MAS NMR spectroscopy. Our finding is consistent with the observation of structural heterogeneity in other cyanobacteriochromes and phytochromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Katharina Scarbath-Evers
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
73
|
Abstract
Optogenetics is a technology wherein researchers combine light and genetically engineered photoreceptors to control biological processes with unrivaled precision. Near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths (>700 nm) are desirable optogenetic inputs due to their low phototoxicity and spectral isolation from most photoproteins. The bacteriophytochrome photoreceptor 1 (BphP1), found in several purple photosynthetic bacteria, senses NIR light and activates transcription of photosystem promoters by binding to and inhibiting the transcriptional repressor PpsR2. Here, we examine the response of a library of output promoters to increasing levels of Rhodopseudomonas palustris PpsR2 expression, and we identify that of Bradyrhizobium sp. BTAi1 crtE as the most strongly repressed in Escherichia coli. Next, we optimize Rps. palustris bphP1 and ppsR2 expression in a strain engineered to produce the required chromophore biliverdin IXα in order to demonstrate NIR-activated transcription. Unlike a previously engineered bacterial NIR photoreceptor, our system does not require production of a second messenger, and it exhibits rapid response dynamics. It is also the most red-shifted bacterial optogenetic tool yet reported by approximately 50 nm. Accordingly, our BphP1-PpsR2 system has numerous applications in bacterial optogenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas T. Ong
- Department of Bioengineering, ‡Department of Biosciences, Rice University, 6100
Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Evan J. Olson
- Department of Bioengineering, ‡Department of Biosciences, Rice University, 6100
Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Jeffrey J. Tabor
- Department of Bioengineering, ‡Department of Biosciences, Rice University, 6100
Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Wang Y, Wang M, Dong K, Ye H. Engineering Mammalian Designer Cells for the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases. Biotechnol J 2017; 13:e1700160. [PMID: 29144600 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology applies engineering principles to biological systems and has significantly advanced the design of synthetic gene circuits that can reprogram cell activities to perform new functions. The ability to engineer mammalian designer cells with robust therapeutic behaviors has brought new opportunities for treating metabolic diseases. In this review, the authors highlight the most recent advances in the development of synthetic designer cells uploaded with open- or closed-loop gene circuits for the treatment of metabolic disorders including diabetes, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and obesity, and discuss the current technologies and future perspectives in applying these designer cells for clinical applications. In the future, more and more rationally designed cells will be constructed and revolutionized to treat a number of metabolic disorders in an intelligent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Meiyan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Kaili Dong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haifeng Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Wang H, Yang YT. Mini Photobioreactors for in Vivo Real-Time Characterization and Evolutionary Tuning of Bacterial Optogenetic Circuit. ACS Synth Biol 2017; 6:1793-1796. [PMID: 28532145 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The current standard protocols for characterizing the optogenetic circuit of bacterial cells using flow cytometry in light tubes and light exposure of culture plates are tedious, labor-intensive, and cumbersome. In this work, we engineer a bioreactor with working volume of ∼10 mL for in vivo real-time optogenetic characterization of E. coli with a CcaS-CcaR light-sensing system. In the bioreactor, optical density measurements, reporter protein fluorescence detection, and light input stimuli are provided by four light-emitting diode sources and two photodetectors. Once calibrated, the device can cultivate microbial cells and record their growth and gene expression without human intervention. We measure gene expression during cell growth with different organic substrates (glucose, succinate, acetate, pyruvate) as carbon sources in minimal medium and demonstrate evolutionary tuning of the optogenetic circuit by serial dilution passages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsinkai Wang
- Department of Electrical
Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ya-Tang Yang
- Department of Electrical
Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, R.O.C
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Optogenetic Manipulation of Cyclic Di-GMP (c-di-GMP) Levels Reveals the Role of c-di-GMP in Regulating Aerotaxis Receptor Activity in Azospirillum brasilense. J Bacteriol 2017; 199:JB.00020-17. [PMID: 28264994 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00020-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial chemotaxis receptors provide the sensory inputs that inform the direction of navigation in changing environments. Recently, we described the bacterial second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) as a novel regulator of a subclass of chemotaxis receptors. In Azospirillum brasilense, c-di-GMP binds to a chemotaxis receptor, Tlp1, and modulates its signaling function during aerotaxis. Here, we further characterize the role of c-di-GMP in aerotaxis using a novel dichromatic optogenetic system engineered for manipulating intracellular c-di-GMP levels in real time. This system comprises a red/near-infrared-light-regulated diguanylate cyclase and a blue-light-regulated c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase. It allows the generation of transient changes in intracellular c-di-GMP concentrations within seconds of irradiation with appropriate light, which is compatible with the time scale of chemotaxis signaling. We provide experimental evidence that binding of c-di-GMP to the Tlp1 receptor activates its signaling function during aerotaxis, which supports the role of transient changes in c-di-GMP levels as a means of adjusting the response of A. brasilense to oxygen gradients. We also show that intracellular c-di-GMP levels in A. brasilense change with carbon metabolism. Our data support a model whereby c-di-GMP functions to imprint chemotaxis receptors with a record of recent metabolic experience, to adjust their contribution to the signaling output, thus allowing the cells to continually fine-tune chemotaxis sensory perception to their metabolic state.IMPORTANCE Motile bacteria use chemotaxis to change swimming direction in response to changes in environmental conditions. Chemotaxis receptors sense environmental signals and relay sensory information to the chemotaxis machinery, which ultimately controls the swimming pattern of cells. In bacteria studied to date, differential methylation has been known as a mechanism to control the activity of chemotaxis receptors and modulates their contribution to the overall chemotaxis response. Here, we used an optogenetic system to perturb intracellular concentrations of the bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP to show that in some chemotaxis receptors, c-di-GMP functions in a similar feedback loop to connect the metabolic status of the cells to the sensory activity of chemotaxis receptors.
Collapse
|
77
|
Optogenetic Module for Dichromatic Control of c-di-GMP Signaling. J Bacteriol 2017; 199:JB.00014-17. [PMID: 28320886 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00014-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many aspects of bacterial physiology and behavior, including motility, surface attachment, and the cell cycle, are controlled by cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP)-dependent signaling pathways on the scale of seconds to minutes. Interrogation of such processes in real time requires tools for introducing rapid and reversible changes in intracellular c-di-GMP levels. Inducing the expression of genes encoding c-di-GMP-synthetic (diguanylate cyclases) and -degrading (c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase) enzymes by chemicals may not provide adequate temporal control. In contrast, light-controlled diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases can be quickly activated and inactivated. A red/near-infrared-light-regulated diguanylate cyclase, BphS, was engineered previously, yet a complementary light-activated c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase has been lacking. In search of such a phosphodiesterase, we investigated two homologous proteins from Allochromatium vinosum and Magnetococcus marinus, designated BldP, which contain C-terminal EAL-BLUF modules, where EAL is a c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase domain and BLUF is a blue light sensory domain. Characterization of the BldP proteins in Escherichia coli and in vitro showed that they possess light-activated c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase activities. Interestingly, light activation in both enzymes was dependent on oxygen levels. The truncated EAL-BLUF fragment from A. vinosum BldP lacked phosphodiesterase activity, whereas a similar fragment from M. marinus BldP, designated EB1, possessed such activity that was highly (>30-fold) upregulated by light. Following light withdrawal, EB1 reverted to the inactive ground state with a half-life of ∼6 min. Therefore, the blue-light-activated phosphodiesterase EB1 can be used in combination with the red/near-infrared-light-regulated diguanylate cyclase BphS for the bidirectional regulation of c-di-GMP-dependent processes in E. coli as well as other bacterial and nonbacterial cells.IMPORTANCE Regulation of motility, attachment to surfaces, the cell cycle, and other bacterial processes controlled by the c-di-GMP signaling pathways occur at a fast (seconds-to-minutes) pace. Interrogation of these processes at high temporal and spatial resolution using chemicals is difficult or impossible, while optogenetic approaches may prove useful. We identified and characterized a robust, blue-light-activated c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase (hydrolase) that complements a previously engineered red/near-infrared-light-regulated diguanylate cyclase (c-di-GMP synthase). These two enzymes form a dichromatic module for manipulating intracellular c-di-GMP levels in bacterial and nonbacterial cells.
Collapse
|
78
|
Angerer V, Schwenk P, Wallner T, Kaever V, Hiltbrunner A, Wilde A. The protein Slr1143 is an active diguanylate cyclase in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and interacts with the photoreceptor Cph2. Microbiology (Reading) 2017. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Angerer
- Institute for Biology III, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Schwenk
- Institute for Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Wallner
- Institute for Biology III, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volkhard Kaever
- Research Core Unit Metabolomics, Hannover Medical School, 30623 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Hiltbrunner
- Institute for Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annegret Wilde
- Institute for Biology III, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Wang C, Zhang Q, Wang X, Chang H, Zhang S, Tang Y, Xu J, Qi R, Cheng Y. Dynamic Modulation of Enzyme Activity by Near-Infrared Light. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201700968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Changping Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology; School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology; School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology; School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Hong Chang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology; School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Sanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Yuankai Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Ruijuan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology; School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Wang C, Zhang Q, Wang X, Chang H, Zhang S, Tang Y, Xu J, Qi R, Cheng Y. Dynamic Modulation of Enzyme Activity by Near-Infrared Light. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017; 56:6767-6772. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201700968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Changping Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology; School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology; School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology; School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Hong Chang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology; School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Sanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Yuankai Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Ruijuan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology; School of Life Sciences; East China Normal University; Shanghai China
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Shao J, Xue S, Yu G, Yu Y, Yang X, Bai Y, Zhu S, Yang L, Yin J, Wang Y, Liao S, Guo S, Xie M, Fussenegger M, Ye H. Smartphone-controlled optogenetically engineered cells enable semiautomatic glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice. Sci Transl Med 2017; 9:9/387/eaal2298. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aal2298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
82
|
An open-hardware platform for optogenetics and photobiology. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35363. [PMID: 27805047 PMCID: PMC5096413 DOI: 10.1038/srep35363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In optogenetics, researchers use light and genetically encoded photoreceptors to control biological processes with unmatched precision. However, outside of neuroscience, the impact of optogenetics has been limited by a lack of user-friendly, flexible, accessible hardware. Here, we engineer the Light Plate Apparatus (LPA), a device that can deliver two independent 310 to 1550 nm light signals to each well of a 24-well plate with intensity control over three orders of magnitude and millisecond resolution. Signals are programmed using an intuitive web tool named Iris. All components can be purchased for under $400 and the device can be assembled and calibrated by a non-expert in one day. We use the LPA to precisely control gene expression from blue, green, and red light responsive optogenetic tools in bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells and simplify the entrainment of cyanobacterial circadian rhythm. The LPA dramatically reduces the entry barrier to optogenetics and photobiology experiments.
Collapse
|
83
|
MacDonald IC, Deans TL. Tools and applications in synthetic biology. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 105:20-34. [PMID: 27568463 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Advances in synthetic biology have enabled the engineering of cells with genetic circuits in order to program cells with new biological behavior, dynamic gene expression, and logic control. This cellular engineering progression offers an array of living sensors that can discriminate between cell states, produce a regulated dose of therapeutic biomolecules, and function in various delivery platforms. In this review, we highlight and summarize the tools and applications in bacterial and mammalian synthetic biology. The examples detailed in this review provide insight to further understand genetic circuits, how they are used to program cells with novel functions, and current methods to reliably interface this technology in vivo; thus paving the way for the design of promising novel therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Cody MacDonald
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Tara L Deans
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Schirmer T. C-di-GMP Synthesis: Structural Aspects of Evolution, Catalysis and Regulation. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:3683-701. [PMID: 27498163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cellular levels of the second messenger cyclic di-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) are determined by the antagonistic activities of diguanylate cyclases and specific phosphodiesterases. In a given bacterial organism, there are often multiple variants of the two enzymes, which are tightly regulated by a variety of external and internal cues due to the presence of specialized sensory or regulatory domains. Dependent on the second messenger level, specific c-di-GMP receptors then control fundamental cellular processes, such as bacterial life style, biofilm formation, and cell cycle control. Here, I review the large body of data on structure-function relationships in diguanylate cyclases. Although the catalytic GGDEF domain is related to the respective domain of adenylate cyclases, the catalyzed intermolecular condensation reaction of two GTP molecules requires the formation of a competent GGDEF dimer with the two substrate molecules juxtaposed. This prerequisite appears to constitute the basis for GGDEF regulation with signal-induced changes within the homotypic dimer of the input domain (PAS, GAF, HAMP, etc.), which are structurally coupled with the arrangement of the GGDEF domains via a rigid coiled-coil linker. Alternatively, phosphorylation of a Rec input domain can drive GGDEF dimerization. Both mechanisms allow modular combination of input and output function that appears advantageous for evolution and rationalizes the striking similarities in domain architecture found in diguanylate cyclases and histidine kinases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Schirmer
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Rockwell NC, Martin SS, Lagarias JC. Identification of Cyanobacteriochromes Detecting Far-Red Light. Biochemistry 2016; 55:3907-19. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C. Rockwell
- Department of Molecular and
Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Shelley S. Martin
- Department of Molecular and
Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - J. Clark Lagarias
- Department of Molecular and
Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Braguy J, Zurbriggen MD. Synthetic strategies for plant signalling studies: molecular toolbox and orthogonal platforms. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 87:118-38. [PMID: 27227549 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Plants deploy a wide array of signalling networks integrating environmental cues with growth, defence and developmental responses. The high level of complexity, redundancy and connection between several pathways hampers a comprehensive understanding of involved functional and regulatory mechanisms. The implementation of synthetic biology approaches is revolutionizing experimental biology in prokaryotes, yeasts and animal systems and can likewise contribute to a new era in plant biology. This review gives an overview on synthetic biology approaches for the development and implementation of synthetic molecular tools and techniques to interrogate, understand and control signalling events in plants, ranging from strategies for the targeted manipulation of plant genomes up to the spatiotemporally resolved control of gene expression using optogenetic approaches. We also describe strategies based on the partial reconstruction of signalling pathways in orthogonal platforms, like yeast, animal and in vitro systems. This allows a targeted analysis of individual signalling hubs devoid of interconnectivity with endogenous interacting components. Implementation of the interdisciplinary synthetic biology tools and strategies is not exempt of challenges and hardships but simultaneously most rewarding in terms of the advances in basic and applied research. As witnessed in other areas, these original theoretical-experimental avenues will lead to a breakthrough in the ability to study and comprehend plant signalling networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justine Braguy
- Institute of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätstrasse 1, Building 26.12.U1.25, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Institute of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätstrasse 1, Building 26.12.U1.25, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Structural insight into photoactivation of an adenylate cyclase from a photosynthetic cyanobacterium. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:6659-64. [PMID: 27247413 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1517520113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic-AMP is one of the most important second messengers, regulating many crucial cellular events in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and precise spatial and temporal control of cAMP levels by light shows great promise as a simple means of manipulating and studying numerous cell pathways and processes. The photoactivated adenylate cyclase (PAC) from the photosynthetic cyanobacterium Oscillatoria acuminata (OaPAC) is a small homodimer eminently suitable for this task, requiring only a simple flavin chromophore within a blue light using flavin (BLUF) domain. These domains, one of the most studied types of biological photoreceptor, respond to blue light and either regulate the activity of an attached enzyme domain or change its affinity for a repressor protein. BLUF domains were discovered through studies of photo-induced movements of Euglena gracilis, a unicellular flagellate, and gene expression in the purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides, but the precise details of light activation remain unknown. Here, we describe crystal structures and the light regulation mechanism of the previously undescribed OaPAC, showing a central coiled coil transmits changes from the light-sensing domains to the active sites with minimal structural rearrangement. Site-directed mutants show residues essential for signal transduction over 45 Å across the protein. The use of the protein in living human cells is demonstrated with cAMP-dependent luciferase, showing a rapid and stable response to light over many hours and activation cycles. The structures determined in this study will assist future efforts to create artificial light-regulated control modules as part of a general optogenetic toolkit.
Collapse
|
88
|
A bacterial phytochrome-based optogenetic system controllable with near-infrared light. Nat Methods 2016; 13:591-7. [PMID: 27159085 PMCID: PMC4927390 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.3864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Light-mediated control of protein-protein interactions to regulate metabolic pathways is an important approach of optogenetics. Here, we report the first optogenetic system based on a reversible light-induced binding between a bacterial phytochrome BphP1 and its natural partner PpsR2 from Rhodopseudomonas palustris bacteria. We extensively characterized the BphP1–PpsR2 interaction both in vitro and in mammalian cells, and then used it to translocate target proteins to specific cellular compartments, such as plasma membrane and nucleus. Applying this approach we achieved a light-control of cell morphology resulting in the substantial increase of cell area. We next demonstrated the light-induced gene expression with the 40-fold contrast in cultured cells, 32-fold subcutaneously and 5.7-fold in deep tissues in mice. The unique characteristics of the BphP1–PpsR2 optogenetic system are its sensitivity to 740–780 nm near-infrared light, ability to utilize an endogenous biliverdin chromophore in eukaryotes including mammals, and spectral compatibility with blue-light optogenetic systems.
Collapse
|
89
|
Bacterial Signal Transduction by Cyclic Di-GMP and Other Nucleotide Second Messengers. J Bacteriol 2016; 198:15-26. [PMID: 26055111 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00331-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The first International Symposium on c-Di-GMP Signaling in Bacteria (22 to 25 March 2015, Harnack-Haus, Berlin, Germany)brought together 131 molecular microbiologists from 17 countries to discuss recent progress in our knowledge of bacterial nucleotide second messenger signaling. While the focus was on signal input, synthesis, degradation, and the striking diversity of the modes of action of the current second messenger paradigm, i.e., cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP), “classics” like cAMP and (p)ppGpp were also presented, in novel facets, and more recent “newcomers,” such as c-di-AMP and c-AMP-GMP, made an impressive appearance. A number of clear trends emerged during the 30 talks, on the 71 posters, and in the lively discussions, including (i)c-di-GMP control of the activities of various ATPases and phosphorylation cascades, (ii) extensive cross talk between c-di-GMP and other nucleotide second messenger signaling pathways, and (iii) a stunning number of novel effectors for nucleotide second messengers that surprisingly include some long-known master regulators of developmental pathways. Overall, the conference made it amply clear that second messenger signaling is currently one of the most dynamic fields within molecular microbiology,with major impacts in research fields ranging from human health to microbial ecology.
Collapse
|
90
|
Brockman IM, Prather KLJ. Dynamic metabolic engineering: New strategies for developing responsive cell factories. Biotechnol J 2015; 10:1360-9. [PMID: 25868062 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201400422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering strategies have enabled improvements in yield and titer for a variety of valuable small molecules produced naturally in microorganisms, as well as those produced via heterologous pathways. Typically, the approaches have been focused on up- and downregulation of genes to redistribute steady-state pathway fluxes, but more recently a number of groups have developed strategies for dynamic regulation, which allows rebalancing of fluxes according to changing conditions in the cell or the fermentation medium. This review highlights some of the recently published work related to dynamic metabolic engineering strategies and explores how advances in high-throughput screening and synthetic biology can support development of new dynamic systems. Dynamic gene expression profiles allow trade-offs between growth and production to be better managed and can help avoid build-up of undesired intermediates. The implementation is more complex relative to static control, but advances in screening techniques and DNA synthesis will continue to drive innovation in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene M Brockman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kristala L J Prather
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Castillo-Hair SM, Igoshin OA, Tabor JJ. How to train your microbe: methods for dynamically characterizing gene networks. Curr Opin Microbiol 2015; 24:113-23. [PMID: 25677419 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gene networks regulate biological processes dynamically. However, researchers have largely relied upon static perturbations, such as growth media variations and gene knockouts, to elucidate gene network structure and function. Thus, much of the regulation on the path from DNA to phenotype remains poorly understood. Recent studies have utilized improved genetic tools, hardware, and computational control strategies to generate precise temporal perturbations outside and inside of live cells. These experiments have, in turn, provided new insights into the organizing principles of biology. Here, we introduce the major classes of dynamical perturbations that can be used to study gene networks, and discuss technologies available for creating them in a wide range of microbial pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Oleg A Igoshin
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States; Department of Biosciences, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States; Center for Theoretical Biophysics, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Tabor
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States; Department of Biosciences, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
|
93
|
Sharma IM, Petchiappan A, Chatterji D. Quorum sensing and biofilm formation in mycobacteria: Role of c-di-GMP and methods to study this second messenger. IUBMB Life 2014; 66:823-34. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.1339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Indra Mani Sharma
- Molecular Biophysics Unit; Indian Institute of Science; Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - Anushya Petchiappan
- Molecular Biophysics Unit; Indian Institute of Science; Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - Dipankar Chatterji
- Molecular Biophysics Unit; Indian Institute of Science; Bangalore Karnataka India
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
Schmidl SR, Sheth RU, Wu A, Tabor JJ. Refactoring and optimization of light-switchable Escherichia coli two-component systems. ACS Synth Biol 2014; 3:820-31. [PMID: 25250630 DOI: 10.1021/sb500273n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Light-switchable proteins enable unparalleled control of molecular biological processes in live organisms. Previously, we have engineered red/far-red and green/red photoreversible two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) with transcriptional outputs in E. coli and used them to characterize and control synthetic gene circuits with exceptional quantitative, temporal, and spatial precision. However, the broad utility of these light sensors is limited by bulky DNA encoding, incompatibility with commonly used ligand-responsive transcription factors, leaky output in deactivating light, and less than 10-fold dynamic range. Here, we compress the four genes required for each TCS onto two streamlined plasmids and replace all chemically inducible and evolved promoters with constitutive, engineered versions. Additionally, we systematically optimize the expression of each sensor histidine kinase and response regulator, and redesign both pathway output promoters, resulting in low leakiness and 72- and 117-fold dynamic range, respectively. These second-generation light sensors can be used to program the expression of more genes over a wider range and can be more easily combined with additional plasmids or moved to different host strains. This work demonstrates that bacterial TCSs can be optimized to function as high-performance sensors for scientific and engineering applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian R. Schmidl
- Department of Bioengineering and ‡Department of
Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Ravi U. Sheth
- Department of Bioengineering and ‡Department of
Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Andrew Wu
- Department of Bioengineering and ‡Department of
Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Jeffrey J. Tabor
- Department of Bioengineering and ‡Department of
Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Survival strategies in the aquatic and terrestrial world: the impact of second messengers on cyanobacterial processes. Life (Basel) 2014; 4:745-69. [PMID: 25411927 PMCID: PMC4284465 DOI: 10.3390/life4040745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Second messengers are intracellular substances regulated by specific external stimuli globally known as first messengers. Cells rely on second messengers to generate rapid responses to environmental changes and the importance of their roles is becoming increasingly realized in cellular signaling research. Cyanobacteria are photooxygenic bacteria that inhabit most of Earth's environments. The ability of cyanobacteria to survive in ecologically diverse habitats is due to their capacity to adapt and respond to environmental changes. This article reviews known second messenger-controlled physiological processes in cyanobacteria. Second messengers used in these systems include the element calcium (Ca2+), nucleotide-based guanosine tetraphosphate or pentaphosphate (ppGpp or pppGpp, represented as (p)ppGpp), cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP), cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP), and cyclic dimeric AMP (c-di-AMP), and the gaseous nitric oxide (NO). The discussion focuses on processes central to cyanobacteria, such as nitrogen fixation, light perception, photosynthesis-related processes, and gliding motility. In addition, we address future research trajectories needed to better understand the signaling networks and cross talk in the signaling pathways of these molecules in cyanobacteria. Second messengers have significant potential to be adapted as technological tools and we highlight possible novel and practical applications based on our understanding of these molecules and the signaling networks that they control.
Collapse
|
96
|
Abstract
Bacteriophytochromes sense light in the near-infrared window, the spectral region where absorption by mammalian tissues is minimal, and their chromophore, biliverdin IXα, is naturally present in animal cells. These properties make bacteriophytochromes particularly attractive for optogenetic applications. However, the lack of understanding of how light-induced conformational changes control output activities has hindered engineering of bacteriophytochrome-based optogenetic tools. Many bacteriophytochromes function as homodimeric enzymes, in which light-induced conformational changes are transferred via α-helical linkers to the rigid output domains. We hypothesized that heterologous output domains requiring homodimerization can be fused to the photosensory modules of bacteriophytochromes to generate light-activated fusions. Here, we tested this hypothesis by engineering adenylate cyclases regulated by light in the near-infrared spectral window using the photosensory module of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides bacteriophytochrome BphG1 and the adenylate cyclase domain from Nostoc sp. CyaB1. We engineered several light-activated fusion proteins that differed from each other by approximately one or two α-helical turns, suggesting that positioning of the output domains in the same phase of the helix is important for light-dependent activity. Extensive mutagenesis of one of these fusions resulted in an adenylate cyclase with a sixfold photodynamic range. Additional mutagenesis produced an enzyme with a more stable photoactivated state. When expressed in cholinergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans, the engineered adenylate cyclase affected worm behavior in a light-dependent manner. The insights derived from this study can be applied to the engineering of other homodimeric bacteriophytochromes, which will further expand the optogenetic toolset.
Collapse
|