51
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Lim WK, Kaur P, Huang H, Jo RS, Ramamoorthy A, Ng LF, Suresh J, Maisha FI, Mathuru AS, Tolwinski NS. Optogenetic approaches for understanding homeostatic and degenerative processes in Drosophila. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5865-5880. [PMID: 34232330 PMCID: PMC8260576 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03836-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many organs and tissues have an intrinsic ability to regenerate from a dedicated, tissue-specific stem cell pool. As organisms age, the process of self-regulation or homeostasis begins to slow down with fewer stem cells available for tissue repair. Tissues become more fragile and organs less efficient. This slowdown of homeostatic processes leads to the development of cellular and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we highlight the recent use and future potential of optogenetic approaches to study homeostasis. Optogenetics uses photosensitive molecules and genetic engineering to modulate cellular activity in vivo, allowing precise experiments with spatiotemporal control. We look at applications of this technology for understanding the mechanisms governing homeostasis and degeneration as applied to widely used model organisms, such as Drosophila melanogaster, where other common tools are less effective or unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Kin Lim
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prameet Kaur
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huanyan Huang
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Li Fang Ng
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jahnavi Suresh
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Ajay S Mathuru
- Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
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52
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Rich A, Glotzer M. Small GTPases modulate intrinsic and extrinsic forces that control epithelial folding in Drosophila embryos. Small GTPases 2021; 12:416-428. [PMID: 33985411 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2021.1926879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial folding is a common means to execute morphogenetic movements. The gastrulating Drosophila embryo offers many examples of epithelial folding events, including the ventral, cephalic, and dorsal furrows. Each of these folding events is associated with changes in intracellular contractility and/or cytoskeleton structures that autonomously promote epithelial folding. Here, we review accumulating evidence that suggests the progression and final form of ventral, cephalic, and dorsal furrows are also influenced by the behaviour of cells neighbouring these folds. We further discuss the prevalence and importance of junctional rearrangements during epithelial folding events, suggesting adherens junction components are prime candidates to modulate the transmission of the intercellular forces that influence folding events. Finally, we discuss how recently developed methods that enable precise spatial and/or temporal control of protein activity allow direct testing of molecular models of morphogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Rich
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael Glotzer
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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53
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Tavosanis G. Dendrite enlightenment. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 69:222-230. [PMID: 34134010 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal dendrites acquire complex morphologies during development. These are not just the product of cell-intrinsic developmental programs; rather they are defined in close interaction with the cellular environment. Thus, to understand the molecular cascades that yield appropriate morphologies, it is essential to investigate them in vivo, in the actual complex tissue environment encountered by the differentiating neuron in the developing animal. Particularly, genetic approaches have pointed to factors controlling dendrite differentiation in vivo. These suggest that localized and transient molecular cascades might underlie the formation and stabilization of dendrite branches with neuron type-specific characteristics. Here, I highlight the need for studies of neuronal dendrite differentiation in the animal, the challenges provided by such an approach, and the promising pathways that have recently opened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Tavosanis
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1/99, Bonn, 53127, Germany; LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Str. 3, Bonn, 53115, Germany.
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54
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Garabedian MV, Good MC. OptoLRP6 Illuminates Wnt Signaling in Early Embryo Development. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167053. [PMID: 34015280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mikael V Garabedian
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, United States
| | - Matthew C Good
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, United States.
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55
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Ho C, Morsut L. Novel synthetic biology approaches for developmental systems. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1051-1064. [PMID: 33979593 PMCID: PMC8185972 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, developmental systems are investigated with increasing technological power. Still, open questions remain, especially concerning self-organization capacity and its control. Here, we present three areas where synthetic biology tools are used in top-down and bottom-up approaches for studying and constructing developmental systems. First, we discuss how synthetic biology tools can improve stem cell-based organoid models. Second, we discuss recent studies employing user-defined perturbations to study embryonic patterning in model species. Third, we present "toy models" of patterning and morphogenesis using synthetic genetic circuits in non-developmental systems. Finally, we discuss how these tools and approaches can specifically benefit the field of embryo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Ho
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leonardo Morsut
- Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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56
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Oh TJ, Fan H, Skeeters SS, Zhang K. Steering Molecular Activity with Optogenetics: Recent Advances and Perspectives. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000180. [PMID: 34028216 PMCID: PMC8218620 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics utilizes photosensitive proteins to manipulate the localization and interaction of molecules in living cells. Because light can be rapidly switched and conveniently confined to the sub-micrometer scale, optogenetics allows for controlling cellular events with an unprecedented resolution in time and space. The past decade has witnessed an enormous progress in the field of optogenetics within the biological sciences. The ever-increasing amount of optogenetic tools, however, can overwhelm the selection of appropriate optogenetic strategies. Considering that each optogenetic tool may have a distinct mode of action, a comparative analysis of the current optogenetic toolbox can promote the further use of optogenetics, especially by researchers new to this field. This review provides such a compilation that highlights the spatiotemporal accuracy of current optogenetic systems. Recent advances of optogenetics in live cells and animal models are summarized, the emerging work that interlinks optogenetics with other research fields is presented, and exciting clinical and industrial efforts to employ optogenetic strategy toward disease intervention are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teak-Jung Oh
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Huaxun Fan
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Savanna S Skeeters
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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57
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Poddar H, Heyes DJ, Schirò G, Weik M, Leys D, Scrutton NS. A guide to time-resolved structural analysis of light-activated proteins. FEBS J 2021; 289:576-595. [PMID: 33864718 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Dynamical changes in protein structures are essential for protein function and occur over femtoseconds to seconds timescales. X-ray free electron lasers have facilitated investigations of structural dynamics in proteins with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. Light-activated proteins are attractive targets for time-resolved structural studies, as the reaction chemistry and associated protein structural changes can be triggered by short laser pulses. Proteins with different light-absorbing centres have evolved to detect light and harness photon energy to bring about downstream chemical and biological output responses. Following light absorption, rapid chemical/small-scale structural changes are typically localised around the chromophore. These localised changes are followed by larger structural changes propagated throughout the photoreceptor/photocatalyst that enables the desired chemical and/or biological output response. Time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) and solution scattering techniques enable direct visualisation of early chemical change in light-activated proteins on timescales previously inaccessible, whereas scattering gives access to slower timescales associated with more global structural change. Here, we review how advances in time-resolved SFX and solution scattering techniques have uncovered mechanisms of photochemistry and its coupling to output responses. We also provide a prospective on how these time-resolved structural approaches might impact on other photoreceptors/photoenzymes that have not yet been studied by these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshwardhan Poddar
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Derren J Heyes
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Giorgio Schirò
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - Martin Weik
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - David Leys
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Nigel S Scrutton
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, UK
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58
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Interrogating biological systems using visible-light-powered catalysis. Nat Rev Chem 2021; 5:322-337. [PMID: 37117838 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-021-00265-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Light-powered catalysis has found broad utility as a chemical transformation strategy, with widespread impact on energy, environment, drug discovery and human health. A noteworthy application impacting human health is light-induced sensitization of cofactors for photodynamic therapy in cancer treatment. The clinical adoption of this photosensitization approach has inspired the search for other photochemical methods, such as photoredox catalysis, to influence biological discovery. Over the past decade, light-mediated catalysis has enabled the discovery of valuable synthetic transformations, propelling it to become a highly utilized chemical synthesis strategy. The reaction components required to achieve a photoredox reaction are identical to photosensitization (catalyst, light source and substrate), making it ideally suited for probing biological environments. In this Review, we discuss the therapeutic application of photosensitization and advancements made in developing next-generation catalysts. We then highlight emerging uses of photoredox catalytic methods for protein bioconjugation and probing complex cellular environments in living cells.
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59
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Kitajima K, Kawahira N, Lee SW, Tamura K, Morishita Y, Ohtsuka D. Light-induced local gene expression in primary chick cell culture system. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:189-198. [PMID: 33733477 PMCID: PMC8252662 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability to manipulate gene expression at a specific region in a tissue or cell culture system is critical for analysis of target gene function. For chick embryos/cells, several gene introduction/induction methods have been established such as those involving retrovirus, electroporation, sonoporation, and lipofection. However, these methods have limitations in the accurate induction of localized gene expression. Here we demonstrate the effective application of a recently developed light‐dependent gene expression induction system (LightOn system) using the Neurospora crassa photoreceptor Vivid fused with a Gal4 DNA binding domain and p65 activation domain (GAVPO) that alters its activity in response to light stimulus in a primary chicken cell culture system. We show that the gene expression level and induction specificity in this system are strongly dependent on the light irradiation conditions. Especially, the irradiation interval is an important parameter for modulating gene expression; for shorter time intervals, higher induction specificity can be achieved. Further, by adjusting light irradiation conditions, the expression level in primary chicken cells can be regulated in a multiple step manner, in contrast to the binary expression seen for gene disruption or introduction (i.e., null or overexpression). This result indicates that the light‐dependent expression control method can be a useful technique in chick models to examine how gene function is affected by gradual changes in gene expression levels. We applied this light induction system to regulate Sox9 expression in cultures of chick limb mesenchyme cells and showed that induced SOX9 protein could modulate expression of downstream genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Kitajima
- Department of Ecological Developmental Adaptability Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Research Fellow (DC2) of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Naofumi Kawahira
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sang-Woo Lee
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koji Tamura
- Department of Ecological Developmental Adaptability Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Morishita
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.,Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO) Program, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ohtsuka
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
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60
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Christie JM, Zurbriggen MD. Optogenetics in plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:3108-3115. [PMID: 33064858 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The last two decades have witnessed the emergence of optogenetics; a field that has given researchers the ability to use light to control biological processes at high spatiotemporal and quantitative resolutions, in a reversible manner with minimal side-effects. Optogenetics has revolutionized the neurosciences, increased our understanding of cellular signalling and metabolic networks and resulted in variety of applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. However, implementing optogenetics in plants has been less straightforward, given their dependency on light for their life cycle. Here, we highlight some of the widely used technologies in microorganisms and animal systems derived from plant photoreceptor proteins and discuss strategies recently implemented to overcome the challenges for using optogenetics in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Christie
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Institute of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, University of Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, 40225, Germany
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61
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Light Control of Gene Expression Dynamics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33398817 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The progress in live-cell imaging technologies has revealed diverse dynamic patterns of transcriptional activity in various contexts. The discovery raised a next question of whether the gene expression patterns play causative roles in triggering specific biological events or not. Here, we introduce optogenetic methods that realize optical control of gene expression dynamics in mammalian cells and would be utilized for answering the question, by referring the past, the present, and the future.
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62
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Du W, Bhojwani A, Hu JK. FACEts of mechanical regulation in the morphogenesis of craniofacial structures. Int J Oral Sci 2021; 13:4. [PMID: 33547271 PMCID: PMC7865003 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-020-00110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, organs undergo distinct and programmed morphological changes as they develop into their functional forms. While genetics and biochemical signals are well recognized regulators of morphogenesis, mechanical forces and the physical properties of tissues are now emerging as integral parts of this process as well. These physical factors drive coordinated cell movements and reorganizations, shape and size changes, proliferation and differentiation, as well as gene expression changes, and ultimately sculpt any developing structure by guiding correct cellular architectures and compositions. In this review we focus on several craniofacial structures, including the tooth, the mandible, the palate, and the cranium. We discuss the spatiotemporal regulation of different mechanical cues at both the cellular and tissue scales during craniofacial development and examine how tissue mechanics control various aspects of cell biology and signaling to shape a developing craniofacial organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Du
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arshia Bhojwani
- School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jimmy K Hu
- School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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63
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Schneider N, Wieland FG, Kong D, Fischer AAM, Hörner M, Timmer J, Ye H, Weber W. Liquid-liquid phase separation of light-inducible transcription factors increases transcription activation in mammalian cells and mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/1/eabd3568. [PMID: 33523844 PMCID: PMC7775772 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd3568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Light-inducible gene switches represent a key strategy for the precise manipulation of cellular events in fundamental and applied research. However, the performance of widely used gene switches is limited due to low tissue penetrance and possible phototoxicity of the light stimulus. To overcome these limitations, we engineer optogenetic synthetic transcription factors to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation in close spatial proximity to promoters. Phase separation of constitutive and optogenetic synthetic transcription factors was achieved by incorporation of intrinsically disordered regions. Supported by a quantitative mathematical model, we demonstrate that engineered transcription factor droplets form at target promoters and increase gene expression up to fivefold. This increase in performance was observed in multiple mammalian cells lines as well as in mice following in situ transfection. The results of this work suggest that the introduction of intrinsically disordered domains is a simple yet effective means to boost synthetic transcription factor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Schneider
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franz-Georg Wieland
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Physics, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Straße 3, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modelling (FDM), University of Freiburg, Ernst-Zermelo-Str. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Deqiang Kong
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, 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
| | - Alexandra A M Fischer
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 21a, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Hörner
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Timmer
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Physics, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Straße 3, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Haifeng Ye
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, 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
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 21a, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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64
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Sui L, Dahmann C. Increased lateral tension is sufficient for epithelial folding in Drosophila. Development 2020; 147:147/23/dev194316. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.194316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The folding of epithelial sheets is important for tissues, organs and embryos to attain their proper shapes. Epithelial folding requires subcellular modulations of mechanical forces in cells. Fold formation has mainly been attributed to mechanical force generation at apical cell sides, but several studies indicate a role of mechanical tension at lateral cell sides in this process. However, whether lateral tension increase is sufficient to drive epithelial folding remains unclear. Here, we have used optogenetics to locally increase mechanical force generation at apical, lateral or basal sides of epithelial Drosophila wing disc cells, an important model for studying morphogenesis. We show that optogenetic recruitment of RhoGEF2 to apical, lateral or basal cell sides leads to local accumulation of F-actin and increase in mechanical tension. Increased lateral tension, but not increased apical or basal tension, results in sizeable fold formation. Our results stress the diversification of folding mechanisms between different tissues and highlight the importance of lateral tension increase for epithelial folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Sui
- Institute of Genetics, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Dahmann
- Institute of Genetics, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
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65
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Luo Q. A brief introduction to biophotonic techniques and methods. SCIENCE CHINA LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:1771-1775. [PMID: 33355887 PMCID: PMC7756128 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1858-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qingming Luo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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66
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Verbič A, Praznik A, Jerala R. A guide to the design of synthetic gene networks in mammalian cells. FEBS J 2020; 288:5265-5288. [PMID: 33289352 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to harness natural and synthetic biological parts and engineering them in new combinations and systems, producing novel therapies, diagnostics, bioproduction systems, and providing information on the mechanism of function of biological systems. Engineering cell function requires the rewiring or de novo construction of cell information processing networks. Using natural and synthetic signal processing elements, researchers have demonstrated a wide array of signal sensing, processing and propagation modules, using transcription, translation, or post-translational modification to program new function. The toolbox for synthetic network design is ever-advancing and has still ample room to grow. Here, we review the diversity of synthetic gene networks, types of building modules, techniques of regulation, and their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anže Verbič
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Arne Praznik
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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67
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Cells into tubes: Molecular and physical principles underlying lumen formation in tubular organs. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 143:37-74. [PMID: 33820625 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tubular networks, such as the vascular and respiratory systems, transport liquids and gases in multicellular organisms. The basic units of these organs are tubes formed by single or multiple cells enclosing a luminal cavity. The formation and maintenance of correctly sized and shaped lumina are fundamental steps in organogenesis and are essential for organismal homeostasis. Therefore, understanding how cells generate, shape and maintain lumina is crucial for understanding normal organogenesis as well as the basis of pathological conditions. Lumen formation involves polarized membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics, and the influence of intracellular as well as extracellular mechanical forces, such as cortical tension, luminal pressure or blood flow. Various tissue culture and in vivo model systems, ranging from MDCK cell spheroids to tubular organs in worms, flies, fish, and mice, have provided many insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying lumenogenesis and revealed key factors that regulate the size and shape of cellular tubes. Moreover, the development of new experimental and imaging approaches enabled quantitative analyses of intracellular dynamics and allowed to assess the roles of cellular and tissue mechanics during tubulogenesis. However, how intracellular processes are coordinated and regulated across scales of biological organization to generate properly sized and shaped tubes is only beginning to be understood. Here, we review recent insights into the molecular, cellular and physical mechanisms underlying lumen formation during organogenesis. We discuss how these mechanisms control lumen formation in various model systems, with a special focus on the morphogenesis of tubular organs in Drosophila.
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Hongdusit A, Liechty ET, Fox JM. Optogenetic interrogation and control of cell signaling. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 66:195-206. [PMID: 33053496 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Signaling networks control the flow of information through biological systems and coordinate the chemical processes that constitute cellular life. Optogenetic actuators - genetically encoded proteins that undergo light-induced changes in activity or conformation - are useful tools for probing signaling networks over time and space. They have permitted detailed dissections of cellular proliferation, differentiation, motility, and death, and enabled the assembly of synthetic systems with applications in areas as diverse as photography, chemical synthesis, and medicine. In this review, we provide a brief introduction to optogenetic systems and describe their application to molecular-level analyses of cell signaling. Our discussion highlights important research achievements and speculates on future opportunities to exploit optogenetic systems in the study and assembly of complex biochemical networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akarawin Hongdusit
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Evan T Liechty
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jerome M Fox
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
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Carrasco-López C, García-Echauri SA, Kichuk T, Avalos JL. Optogenetics and biosensors set the stage for metabolic cybergenetics. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 65:296-309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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70
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Chu CW, Masak G, Yang J, Davidson LA. From biomechanics to mechanobiology: Xenopus provides direct access to the physical principles that shape the embryo. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 63:71-77. [PMID: 32563783 PMCID: PMC9972463 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Features of amphibian embryos that have served so well to elucidate the genetics of vertebrate development also enable detailed analysis of the physics that shape morphogenesis and regulate development. Biophysical tools are revealing how genes control mechanical properties of the embryo. The same tools that describe and control mechanical properties are being turned to reveal how dynamic mechanical information and feedback regulate biological programs of development. In this review we outline efforts to explore the various roles of mechanical cues in guiding cilia biology, axonal pathfinding, goblet cell regeneration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions in neural crest, and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transitions in heart progenitors. These case studies reveal the power of Xenopus experimental embryology to expose pathways integrating mechanical cues with programs of development, organogenesis, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wen Chu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Geneva Masak
- Integrated Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Lance A Davidson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; Integrative Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
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71
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Wong M, Gilmour D. Getting back on track: exploiting canalization to uncover the mechanisms of developmental robustness. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 63:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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72
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Campinho P, Vilfan A, Vermot J. Blood Flow Forces in Shaping the Vascular System: A Focus on Endothelial Cell Behavior. Front Physiol 2020; 11:552. [PMID: 32581842 PMCID: PMC7291788 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelium is the cell monolayer that lines the interior of the blood vessels separating the vessel lumen where blood circulates, from the surrounding tissues. During embryonic development, endothelial cells (ECs) must ensure that a tight barrier function is maintained whilst dynamically adapting to the growing vascular tree that is being formed and remodeled. Blood circulation generates mechanical forces, such as shear stress and circumferential stretch that are directly acting on the endothelium. ECs actively respond to flow-derived mechanical cues by becoming polarized, migrating and changing neighbors, undergoing shape changes, proliferating or even leaving the tissue and changing identity. It is now accepted that coordinated changes at the single cell level drive fundamental processes governing vascular network morphogenesis such as angiogenic sprouting, network pruning, lumen formation, regulation of vessel caliber and stability or cell fate transitions. Here we summarize the cell biology and mechanics of ECs in response to flow-derived forces, discuss the latest advances made at the single cell level with particular emphasis on in vivo studies and highlight potential implications for vascular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Campinho
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Andrej Vilfan
- Department of Living Matter Physics, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Julien Vermot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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73
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An Optogenetic Method to Study Signal Transduction in Intestinal Stem Cell Homeostasis. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:3159-3176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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74
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Ollech D, Pflästerer T, Shellard A, Zambarda C, Spatz JP, Marcq P, Mayor R, Wombacher R, Cavalcanti-Adam EA. An optochemical tool for light-induced dissociation of adherens junctions to control mechanical coupling between cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:472. [PMID: 31980653 PMCID: PMC6981158 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14390-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The cadherin-catenin complex at adherens junctions (AJs) is essential for the formation of cell-cell adhesion and epithelium integrity; however, studying the dynamic regulation of AJs at high spatio-temporal resolution remains challenging. Here we present an optochemical tool which allows reconstitution of AJs by chemical dimerization of the force bearing structures and their precise light-induced dissociation. For the dimerization, we reconstitute acto-myosin connection of a tailless E-cadherin by two ways: direct recruitment of α-catenin, and linking its cytosolic tail to the transmembrane domain. Our approach enables a specific ON-OFF switch for mechanical coupling between cells that can be controlled spatially on subcellular or tissue scale via photocleavage. The combination with cell migration analysis and traction force microscopy shows a wide-range of applicability and confirms the mechanical contribution of the reconstituted AJs. Remarkably, in vivo our tool is able to control structural and functional integrity of the epidermal layer in developing Xenopus embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Ollech
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Applied Physics Department, Science for Life Laboratory and KTH Royal Technical University, Tomtebodavägen 23A, S-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tim Pflästerer
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adam Shellard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Chiara Zambarda
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim Pius Spatz
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philippe Marcq
- PMMH, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Richard Wombacher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Elisabetta Ada Cavalcanti-Adam
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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75
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Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Development: Insights from Drosophila. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010188. [PMID: 31888080 PMCID: PMC6982143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication mediates a plethora of cellular decisions and behaviors that are crucial for the correct and robust development of multicellular organisms. Many of these signals are encoded in secreted hormones or growth factors that bind to and activate cell surface receptors, to transmit the cue intracellularly. One of the major superfamilies of cell surface receptors are the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). For nearly half a century RTKs have been the focus of intensive study due to their ability to alter fundamental aspects of cell biology, such as cell proliferation, growth, and shape, and because of their central importance in diseases such as cancer. Studies in model organisms such a Drosophila melanogaster have proved invaluable for identifying new conserved RTK pathway components, delineating their contributions, and for the discovery of conserved mechanisms that control RTK-signaling events. Here we provide a brief overview of the RTK superfamily and the general mechanisms used in their regulation. We further highlight the functions of several RTKs that govern distinct cell-fate decisions in Drosophila and explore how their activities are developmentally controlled.
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76
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Rogers KW, Müller P. Optogenetic approaches to investigate spatiotemporal signaling during development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 137:37-77. [PMID: 32143750 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Embryogenesis is coordinated by signaling pathways that pattern the developing organism. Many aspects of this process are not fully understood, including how signaling molecules spread through embryonic tissues, how signaling amplitude and dynamics are decoded, and how multiple signaling pathways cooperate to pattern the body plan. Optogenetic approaches can be used to address these questions by providing precise experimental control over a variety of biological processes. Here, we review how these strategies have provided new insights into developmental signaling and discuss how they could contribute to future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Rogers
- Systems Biology of Development Group, Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- Systems Biology of Development Group, Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany; Modeling Tumorigenesis Group, Translational Oncology Division, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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