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Kleinboehl EW, Laoharawee K, Lahr WS, Jensen JD, Peterson JJ, Bell JB, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Development and testing of a versatile genome editing application reporter (V-GEAR) system. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101253. [PMID: 38764780 PMCID: PMC11101715 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 and novel cas fusion proteins leveraging specific DNA targeting ability combined with deaminases or reverse transcriptases have revolutionized genome editing. However, their efficacy heavily relies upon protein variants, targeting single guide RNAs, and surrounding DNA sequence context within the targeted loci. This necessitates the need for efficient and rapid screening methods to evaluate these editing reagents and designs. Existing plasmid-based reporters lack flexibility, being fixed to specific DNA sequences, hindering direct comparisons between various editing approaches. To address this, we developed the versatile genome editing application reporter (V-GEAR) system. V-GEAR comprises genes detectable after desired editing via base editing, prime editing, or homology-directed repair within relevant genomic contexts. It employs a detectable synthetic cell surface protein (RQR8) followed by a customizable target sequence resembling genomic regions of interest. These genes allow for reliable identification of corrective editing and cell enrichment. We validated the V-GEAR system with base editors, prime editors, and Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair. Furthermore, the V-GEAR system offers versatility by allowing transient screening or stable integration at the AAVS1 safe harbor loci, rapidly achieved through immunomagnetic isolation. This innovative system enables direct comparisons among editing technologies, accelerating the development and testing of genome editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan W. Kleinboehl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Walker S. Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jacob D. Jensen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Joseph J. Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jason B. Bell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Beau R. Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Branden S. Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Tyagi S, Higerd-Rusli GP, Akin EJ, Baker CA, Liu S, Dib-Hajj FB, Waxman SG, Dib-Hajj SD. Real-time imaging of axonal membrane protein life cycles. Nat Protoc 2024:10.1038/s41596-024-00997-x. [PMID: 38831222 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The construction of neuronal membranes is a dynamic process involving the biogenesis, vesicular packaging, transport, insertion and recycling of membrane proteins. Optical imaging is well suited for the study of protein spatial organization and transport. However, various shortcomings of existing imaging techniques have prevented the study of specific types of proteins and cellular processes. Here we describe strategies for protein tagging and labeling, cell culture and microscopy that enable the real-time imaging of axonal membrane protein trafficking and subcellular distribution as they progress through some stages of their life cycle. First, we describe a process for engineering membrane proteins with extracellular self-labeling tags (either HaloTag or SNAPTag), which can be labeled with fluorescent ligands of various colors and cell permeability, providing flexibility for investigating the trafficking and spatiotemporal regulation of multiple membrane proteins in neuronal compartments. Next, we detail the dissection, transfection and culture of dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons in microfluidic chambers, which physically compartmentalizes cell bodies and distal axons. Finally, we describe four labeling and imaging procedures that utilize these enzymatically tagged proteins, flexible fluorescent labels and compartmentalized neuronal cultures to study axonal membrane protein anterograde and retrograde transport, the cotransport of multiple proteins, protein subcellular localization, exocytosis and endocytosis. Additionally, we generated open-source software for analyzing the imaging data in a high throughput manner. The experimental and analysis workflows provide an approach for studying the dynamics of neuronal membrane protein homeostasis, addressing longstanding challenges in this area. The protocol requires 5-7 days and expertise in cell culture and microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidharth Tyagi
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Restoration of Nervous System Function, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Grant P Higerd-Rusli
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Restoration of Nervous System Function, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Akin
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Restoration of Nervous System Function, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Christopher A Baker
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Restoration of Nervous System Function, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shujun Liu
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Restoration of Nervous System Function, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fadia B Dib-Hajj
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Restoration of Nervous System Function, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Restoration of Nervous System Function, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Sulayman D Dib-Hajj
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Restoration of Nervous System Function, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
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3
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Barbosa A, Azevedo NF, Goeres DM, Cerqueira L. Ecology of Legionella pneumophila biofilms: The link between transcriptional activity and the biphasic cycle. Biofilm 2024; 7:100196. [PMID: 38601816 PMCID: PMC11004079 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been considerable discussion regarding the environmental life cycle of Legionella pneumophila and its virulence potential in natural and man-made water systems. On the other hand, the bacterium's morphogenetic mechanisms within host cells (amoeba and macrophages) have been well documented and are linked to its ability to transition from a non-virulent, replicative state to an infectious, transmissive state. Although the morphogenetic mechanisms associated with the formation and detachment of the L. pneumophila biofilm have also been described, the capacity of the bacteria to multiply extracellularly is not generally accepted. However, several studies have shown genetic pathways within the biofilm that resemble intracellular mechanisms. Understanding the functionality of L. pneumophila cells within a biofilm is fundamental for assessing the ecology and evaluating how the biofilm architecture influences L. pneumophila survival and persistence in water systems. This manuscript provides an overview of the biphasic cycle of L. pneumophila and its implications in associated intracellular mechanisms in amoeba. It also examines the molecular pathways and gene regulation involved in L. pneumophila biofilm formation and dissemination. A holistic analysis of the transcriptional activities in L. pneumophila biofilms is provided, combining the information of intracellular mechanisms in a comprehensive outline. Furthermore, this review discusses the techniques that can be used to study the morphogenetic states of the bacteria within biofilms, at the single cell and population levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Barbosa
- LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE – Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno F. Azevedo
- LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE – Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Darla M. Goeres
- LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE – Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- The Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Laura Cerqueira
- LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE – Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
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Chen H, Yan G, Wen MH, Brooks KN, Zhang Y, Huang PS, Chen TY. Advancements and Practical Considerations for Biophysical Research: Navigating the Challenges and Future of Super-resolution Microscopy. CHEMICAL & BIOMEDICAL IMAGING 2024; 2:331-344. [PMID: 38817319 PMCID: PMC11134610 DOI: 10.1021/cbmi.4c00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The introduction of super-resolution microscopy (SRM) has significantly advanced our understanding of cellular and molecular dynamics, offering a detailed view previously beyond our reach. Implementing SRM in biophysical research, however, presents numerous challenges. This review addresses the crucial aspects of utilizing SRM effectively, from selecting appropriate fluorophores and preparing samples to analyzing complex data sets. We explore recent technological advancements and methodological improvements that enhance the capabilities of SRM. Emphasizing the integration of SRM with other analytical methods, we aim to overcome inherent limitations and expand the scope of biological insights achievable. By providing a comprehensive guide for choosing the most suitable SRM methods based on specific research objectives, we aim to empower researchers to explore complex biological processes with enhanced precision and clarity, thereby advancing the frontiers of biophysical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Guangjie Yan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Meng-Hsuan Wen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Kameron N. Brooks
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Yuteng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Pei-San Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Tai-Yen Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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Ithurbide S, de Silva RT, Brown HJ, Shinde V, Duggin IG. A vector system for single and tandem expression of cloned genes and multi-colour fluorescent tagging in Haloferax volcanii. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001461. [PMID: 38787390 PMCID: PMC11165654 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Archaeal cell biology is an emerging field expected to identify fundamental cellular processes, help resolve the deep evolutionary history of cellular life, and contribute new components and functions in biotechnology and synthetic biology. To facilitate these, we have developed plasmid vectors that allow convenient cloning and production of proteins and fusion proteins with flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid linkers in the model archaeon Haloferax volcanii. For protein subcellular localization studies using fluorescent protein (FP) tags, we created vectors incorporating a range of codon-optimized fluorescent proteins for N- or C-terminal tagging, including GFP, mNeonGreen, mCherry, YPet, mTurquoise2 and mScarlet-I. Obtaining functional fusion proteins can be challenging with proteins involved in multiple interactions, mainly due to steric interference. We demonstrated the use of the new vector system to screen for improved function in cytoskeletal protein FP fusions, and identified FtsZ1-FPs that are functional in cell division and CetZ1-FPs that are functional in motility and rod cell development. Both the type of linker and the type of FP influenced the functionality of the resulting fusions. The vector design also facilitates convenient cloning and tandem expression of two genes or fusion genes, controlled by a modified tryptophan-inducible promoter, and we demonstrated its use for dual-colour imaging of tagged proteins in H. volcanii cells. These tools should promote further development and applications of archaeal molecular and cellular biology and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solenne Ithurbide
- The Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Roshali T. de Silva
- The Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Hannah J. Brown
- The Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Vinaya Shinde
- The Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Iain G. Duggin
- The Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
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6
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Moriya A, Otsuka K, Naoi R, Terahata M, Takeda K, Kondo S, Adachi-Yamada T. Creation of Knock-In Alleles of Insulin Receptor Tagged by Fluorescent Proteins mCherry or EYFP in Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster. Zoolog Sci 2024; 41:230-243. [PMID: 38587918 DOI: 10.2108/zs230075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The insulin/insulin-like growth factor-like signaling (IIS) pathway is highly conserved across metazoans and regulates numerous physiological functions, including development, metabolism, fecundity, and lifespan. The insulin receptor (InR), a crucial membrane receptor in the IIS pathway, is known to be ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, albeit at generally low levels, and its subcellular localization remains incompletely characterized. In this study, we employed CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis in the fruit fly Drosophila to create knock-in alleles of InR tagged with fluorescent proteins (InR::mCherry or InR::EYFP). By inserting the coding sequence of the fluorescent proteins mCherry or EYFP near the end of the coding sequence of the endogenous InR gene, we could trace the natural InR protein through their fluorescence. As an example, we investigated epithelial cells of the male accessory gland (AG), an internal reproductive organ, and identified two distinct patterns of InR::mCherry localization. In young AG, InR::mCherry accumulated on the basal plasma membrane between cells, whereas in mature AG, it exhibited intracellular localization as multiple puncta, indicating endocytic recycling of InR during cell growth. In the AG senescence accelerated by the mutation of Diuretic hormone 31 (Dh31), the presence of InR::mCherry puncta was more pronounced compared to the wild type. These findings raise expectations for the utility of the newly created InR::mCherry/EYFP alleles for studying the precise expression levels and subcellular localization of InR. Furthermore, this fluorescently tagged allele approach can be extended to investigate other membrane receptors with low abundance, facilitating the direct examination of their true expression and localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayano Moriya
- Graduate Course in Life Science, Graduate School of Science, Gakushuin University, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
| | - Kei Otsuka
- Graduate Course in Life Science, Graduate School of Science, Gakushuin University, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
| | - Riku Naoi
- Graduate Course in Life Science, Graduate School of Science, Gakushuin University, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
| | - Mayu Terahata
- Graduate Course in Life Science, Graduate School of Science, Gakushuin University, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
| | - Koji Takeda
- Graduate Course in Life Science, Graduate School of Science, Gakushuin University, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
| | - Shu Kondo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan
| | - Takashi Adachi-Yamada
- Graduate Course in Life Science, Graduate School of Science, Gakushuin University, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan,
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
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Chae SJ, Kim DW, Igoshin OA, Lee S, Kim JK. Beyond microtubules: The cellular environment at the endoplasmic reticulum attracts proteins to the nucleus, enabling nuclear transport. iScience 2024; 27:109235. [PMID: 38439967 PMCID: PMC10909898 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
All proteins are translated in the cytoplasm, yet many, including transcription factors, play vital roles in the nucleus. While previous research has concentrated on molecular motors for the transport of these proteins to the nucleus, recent observations reveal perinuclear accumulation even in the absence of an energy source, hinting at alternative mechanisms. Here, we propose that structural properties of the cellular environment, specifically the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), can promote molecular transport to the perinucleus without requiring additional energy expenditure. Specifically, physical interaction between proteins and the ER impedes their diffusion and leads to their accumulation near the nucleus. This result explains why larger proteins, more frequently interacting with the ER membrane, tend to accumulate at the perinucleus. Interestingly, such diffusion in a heterogeneous environment follows Chapman's law rather than the popular Fick's law. Our findings suggest a novel protein transport mechanism arising solely from characteristics of the intracellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Joo Chae
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Mathematics Group, Pioneer Research Center for Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Wook Kim
- Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Oleg A. Igoshin
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Seunggyu Lee
- Biomedical Mathematics Group, Pioneer Research Center for Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
- Division of Applied Mathematical Sciences, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Kyoung Kim
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Mathematics Group, Pioneer Research Center for Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
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Kurtović K, Schmidt V, Nehasilová M, Vosolsobě S, Petrášek J. Rediscovering Chara as a model organism for molecular and evo-devo studies. PROTOPLASMA 2024; 261:183-196. [PMID: 37880545 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-023-01900-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Chara has been used as a model for decades in the field of plant physiology, enabling the investigation of fundamental physiological processes. In electrophysiological studies, Chara has been utilized thanks to its large internodal cells that can be easily manipulated. Additionally, Chara played a pioneering role in elucidating the presence and function of the cytoskeleton in cytoplasmic streaming, predating similar findings in terrestrial plants. Its representation considerably declined following the establishment and routine application of genetic transformation techniques in Arabidopsis. Nevertheless, the recent surge in evo-devo studies can be attributed to the whole genome sequencing of the Chara braunii, which has shed light on ancestral traits prevalent in land plants. Surprisingly, the Chara braunii genome encompasses numerous genes that were previously regarded as exclusive to land plants, suggesting their acquisition prior to the colonization of terrestrial habitats. This review summarizes the established methods used to study Chara, while incorporating recent molecular data, to showcase its renewed importance as a model organism in advancing plant evolutionary developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Kurtović
- Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Vojtěch Schmidt
- Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Nehasilová
- Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Vosolsobě
- Department of Experimental Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Petrášek
- Institute of Experimental Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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Zak K, Antonescu CN. Doxycycline-inducible Expression of Proteins at Near-endogenous Levels in Mammalian Cells Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System. Bio Protoc 2023; 13:e4846. [PMID: 37900104 PMCID: PMC10603196 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of a protein within a cell critically depends on its interaction with other proteins as well as its subcellular localization. The expression of mutants of a particular protein that have selective perturbation of specific protein interaction motifs is a very useful strategy for resolving a protein's mechanism of action in a cellular process. In addition, expression of fluorescent protein fusions is a key strategy for determining the subcellular localization of a protein. These strategies require tight regulation to avoid potential alterations in protein interactions or localizations that can result from protein overexpression. Previous work led to the development of a Sleeping Beauty transposon system that allows doxycycline-inducible expression of protein mutants or fusions; titration of doxycycline allows expression of protein fusions or mutants at near endogenous levels. When used in combination with siRNA gene silencing, this strategy allows for knockdown-rescue experiments to assess the function of specific protein mutants. In this protocol, we describe the use of this Sleeping Beauty strategy for expression of eGFP fusion or mutant proteins in ARPE-19 and MDA-MB-231 cells. This includes design of expression plasmids, transfection, and selection to obtain stable engineered cells, as well as doxycycline treatment for controlled induction of protein expression, either alone or in combination with siRNA silencing for knockdown-rescue experiments. This strategy is advantageous as it allows rapid generation of stable cells for controlled protein expression, suitable for functional studies that require knockdown-rescue as well as various forms of live cell fluorescence imaging. Key features • Highly versatile doxycycline-inducible expression system that can be used in various mammalian cell lines. • Stable integration of transgene allows for sustained and stable expression. • Titration of doxycycline levels allows expression of transgene at near endogenous levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Zak
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
- Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Costin N. Antonescu
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
- Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
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10
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Mazzotta E, Grants I, Villalobos-Hernandez E, Chaudhuri S, McClain JL, Seguella L, Kendig DM, Blakeney BA, Murthy SK, Schneider R, Leven P, Wehner S, Harzman A, Grider JR, Gulbransen BD, Christofi FL. BQ788 reveals glial ET B receptor modulation of neuronal cholinergic and nitrergic pathways to inhibit intestinal motility: Linked to postoperative ileus. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2550-2576. [PMID: 37198101 PMCID: PMC11085045 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE ET-1 signalling modulates intestinal motility and inflammation, but the role of ET-1/ETB receptor signalling is poorly understood. Enteric glia modulate normal motility and inflammation. We investigated whether glial ETB signalling regulates neural-motor pathways of intestinal motility and inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We studied ETB signalling using: ETB drugs (ET-1, SaTX, BQ788), activity-dependent stimulation of neurons (high K+ -depolarization, EFS), gliotoxins, Tg (Ednrb-EGFP)EP59Gsat/Mmucd mice, cell-specific mRNA in Sox10CreERT2 ;Rpl22-HAflx or ChATCre ;Rpl22-HAflx mice, Sox10CreERT2 ::GCaMP5g-tdT, Wnt1Cre2 ::GCaMP5g-tdT mice, muscle tension recordings, fluid-induced peristalsis, ET-1 expression, qPCR, western blots, 3-D LSM-immunofluorescence co-labelling studies in LMMP-CM and a postoperative ileus (POI) model of intestinal inflammation. KEY RESULTS In the muscularis externa ETB receptor is expressed exclusively in glia. ET-1 is expressed in RiboTag (ChAT)-neurons, isolated ganglia and intra-ganglionic varicose-nerve fibres co-labelled with peripherin or SP. ET-1 release provides activity-dependent glial ETB receptor modulation of Ca2+ waves in neural evoked glial responses. BQ788 reveals amplification of glial and neuronal Ca2+ responses and excitatory cholinergic contractions, sensitive to L-NAME. Gliotoxins disrupt SaTX-induced glial-Ca2+ waves and prevent BQ788 amplification of contractions. The ETB receptor is linked to inhibition of contractions and peristalsis. Inflammation causes glial ETB up-regulation, SaTX-hypersensitivity and glial amplification of ETB signalling. In vivo BQ788 (i.p., 1 mg·kg-1 ) attenuates intestinal inflammation in POI. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Enteric glial ET-1/ETB signalling provides dual modulation of neural-motor circuits to inhibit motility. It inhibits excitatory cholinergic and stimulates inhibitory nitrergic motor pathways. Amplification of glial ETB receptors is linked to muscularis externa inflammation and possibly pathogenic mechanisms of POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvio Mazzotta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Iveta Grants
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Samhita Chaudhuri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jonathon L McClain
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Derek M Kendig
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Bryan A Blakeney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Srinivasa K Murthy
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Patrick Leven
- Department of Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sven Wehner
- Department of Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alan Harzman
- Department of GI Surgery, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - John R Grider
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Brian D Gulbransen
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Fedias L Christofi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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11
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Aalikhani M, Alikhani M, Khajeniazi S, Khosravi A, Bazi Z, Kianmehr A. Positive effect of miR-2392 on fibroblast to cardiomyocyte-like cell fate transition: an in silico and in vitro study. Gene 2023; 879:147598. [PMID: 37393060 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Somatic cell fate transition is now gained great importance in tissue regeneration. Currently, research is focused on heart tissue regeneration by reprogramming diverse cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Here, we examined the possible effect of miRNAs on the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells. METHODS First heart-specific miRNAs were identified by comparing the gene expression profiles of heart tissue to other body tissues using bioinformatic techniques. After identifying heart-specific miRNAs, their cellular and molecular functions were studied using the miRWalk and miRBase databases. Then the candidate miRNA was cloned into a lentiviral vector. Following, human dermal fibroblasts were cultured and treated with compounds forskolin, valproic acid, and CHIR99021. After 24 h, the lentivector harboring miRNA gene was transfected into the cells to initiate the transdifferentiation process. Finally, after a two-week treatment period, the efficiency of transdifferentiation was examined by inspecting the appearance of the cells and measuring the expression levels of cardiac genes and proteins using RT-qPCR and immunocytochemistry techniques. RESULTS Nine miRNAs were identified with higher expression in the heart. The miR-2392 was nominated as the candidate miRNA due to its function and specific expression in the heart. This miRNA has a direct connection with genes involved in cell growth and differentiation; e.g., MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways. According to in vitro results cardiac genes and proteins demonstrated an increase in expression in the fibroblasts that simultaneously received the three chemicals and miR-2392. CONCLUSION Considering the ability of miR-2392 to induce the expression of cardiac genes and proteins in fibroblast cells, it can induce fibroblasts to differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Therefore, miR-2392 could be further optimized for cardiomyocyte regeneration, tissue repair, and drug design studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Aalikhani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Alikhani
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safoura Khajeniazi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ayyoob Khosravi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Zahra Bazi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Anvarsadat Kianmehr
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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12
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Prasad PK, Eizenshtadt N, Goliand I, Fellus-Alyagor L, Oren R, Golani O, Motiei L, Margulies D. Chemically programmable bacterial probes for the recognition of cell surface proteins. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100669. [PMID: 37334185 PMCID: PMC10275978 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Common methods to label cell surface proteins (CSPs) involve the use of fluorescently modified antibodies (Abs) or small-molecule-based ligands. However, optimizing the labeling efficiency of such systems, for example, by modifying them with additional fluorophores or recognition elements, is challenging. Herein we show that effective labeling of CSPs overexpressed in cancer cells and tissues can be obtained with fluorescent probes based on chemically modified bacteria. The bacterial probes (B-probes) are generated by non-covalently linking a bacterial membrane protein to DNA duplexes appended with fluorophores and small-molecule binders of CSPs overexpressed in cancer cells. We show that B-probes are exceptionally simple to prepare and modify because they are generated from self-assembled and easily synthesized components, such as self-replicating bacterial scaffolds and DNA constructs that can be readily appended, at well-defined positions, with various types of dyes and CSP binders. This structural programmability enabled us to create B-probes that can label different types of cancer cells with distinct colors, as well as generate very bright B-probes in which the multiple dyes are spatially separated along the DNA scaffold to avoid self-quenching. This enhancement in the emission signal enabled us to label the cancer cells with greater sensitivity and follow the internalization of the B-probes into these cells. The potential to apply the design principles underlying B-probes in therapy or inhibitor screening is also discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragati K. Prasad
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Noa Eizenshtadt
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Inna Goliand
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Liat Fellus-Alyagor
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Roni Oren
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Ofra Golani
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Leila Motiei
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - David Margulies
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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13
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Shi Y, Kopparapu N, Ohler L, Dickinson DJ. Efficient and rapid fluorescent protein knock-in with universal donors in mouse embryonic stem cells. Development 2023; 150:dev201367. [PMID: 37129004 PMCID: PMC10233722 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent protein (FP) tagging is a key method for observing protein distribution, dynamics and interaction with other proteins in living cells. However, the typical approach using overexpression of tagged proteins can perturb cell behavior and introduce localization artifacts. To preserve native expression, fluorescent proteins can be inserted directly into endogenous genes. This approach has been widely used in yeast for decades, and more recently in invertebrate model organisms with the advent of CRISPR/Cas9. However, endogenous FP tagging has not been widely used in mammalian cells due to inefficient homology-directed repair. Recently, the CRISPaint system used non-homologous end joining for efficient integration of FP tags into native loci, but it only allows C-terminal knock-ins. Here, we have enhanced the CRISPaint system by introducing new universal donors for N-terminal insertion and for multi-color tagging with orthogonal selection markers. We adapted the procedure for mouse embryonic stem cells, which can be differentiated into diverse cell types. Our protocol is rapid and efficient, enabling live imaging in less than 2 weeks post-transfection. These improvements increase the versatility and applicability of FP knock-in in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Nitya Kopparapu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Lauren Ohler
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Daniel J. Dickinson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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14
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Lang O, Srivastava D, Pugh BF, Lai WK. GenoPipe: identifying the genotype of origin within (epi)genomic datasets. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.14.532660. [PMID: 36993164 PMCID: PMC10055126 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Confidence in experimental results is critical for discovery. As the scale of data generation in genomics has grown exponentially, experimental error has likely kept pace despite the best efforts of many laboratories. Technical mistakes can and do occur at nearly every stage of a genomics assay (i.e., cell line contamination, reagent swapping, tube mislabelling, etc.) and are often difficult to identify post-execution. However, the DNA sequenced in genomic experiments contains certain markers (e.g., indels) encoded within and can often be ascertained forensically from experimental datasets. We developed the Genotype validation Pipeline (GenoPipe), a suite of heuristic tools that operate together directly on raw and aligned sequencing data from individual high-throughput sequencing experiments to characterize the underlying genome of the source material. We demonstrate how GenoPipe validates and rescues erroneously annotated experiments by identifying unique markers inherent to an organism’s genome (i.e., epitope insertions, gene deletions, and SNPs).
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15
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Ntefidou M, Eklund DM, Le Bail A, Schulmeister S, Scherbel F, Brandl L, Dörfler W, Eichstädt C, Bannmüller A, Ljung K, Kost B. Physcomitrium patens PpRIC, an ancestral CRIB-domain ROP effector, inhibits auxin-induced differentiation of apical initial cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112130. [PMID: 36790931 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
RHO guanosine triphosphatases are important eukaryotic regulators of cell differentiation and behavior. Plant ROP (RHO of plant) family members activate specific, incompletely characterized downstream signaling. The structurally simple land plant Physcomitrium patens is missing homologs of key animal and flowering plant RHO effectors but contains a single CRIB (CDC42/RAC interactive binding)-domain-containing RIC (ROP-interacting CRIB-containing) protein (PpRIC). Protonemal P. patens filaments elongate based on regular division and PpROP-dependent tip growth of apical initial cells, which upon stimulation by the hormone auxin differentiate caulonemal characteristics. PpRIC interacts with active PpROP1, co-localizes with this protein at the plasma membrane at the tip of apical initial cells, and accumulates in the nucleus. Remarkably, PpRIC is not required for tip growth but is targeted to the nucleus to block caulonema differentiation downstream of auxin-controlled gene expression. These observations establish functions of PpRIC in mediating crosstalk between ROP and auxin signaling, which contributes to the maintenance of apical initial cell identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ntefidou
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - D Magnus Eklund
- Physiology and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aude Le Bail
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sylwia Schulmeister
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska Scherbel
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lisa Brandl
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Dörfler
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Chantal Eichstädt
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Bannmüller
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Karin Ljung
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Benedikt Kost
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
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16
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Heo P, Culver JA, Miao J, Pincet F, Mariappan M. The Get1/2 insertase forms a channel to mediate the insertion of tail-anchored proteins into the ER. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111921. [PMID: 36640319 PMCID: PMC9932932 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tail-anchored (TA) proteins contain a single C-terminal transmembrane domain (TMD) that is captured by the cytosolic Get3 in yeast (TRC40 in humans). Get3 delivers TA proteins to the Get1/2 complex for insertion into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. How Get1/2 mediates insertion of TMDs of TA proteins into the membrane is poorly understood. Using bulk fluorescence and microfluidics assays, we show that Get1/2 forms an aqueous channel in reconstituted bilayers. We estimate the channel diameter to be ∼2.5 nm wide, corresponding to the circumference of two Get1/2 complexes. We find that the Get3 binding can seal the Get1/2 channel, which dynamically opens and closes. Our mutation analysis further shows that the Get1/2 channel activity is required to release TA proteins from Get3 for insertion into the membrane. Hence, we propose that the Get1/2 channel functions as an insertase for insertion of TMDs and as a translocase for translocation of C-terminal hydrophilic segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Heo
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France; Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - Jacob A. Culver
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Nanobiology Institute, Yale University West Campus, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Jennifer Miao
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Nanobiology Institute, Yale University West Campus, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Frederic Pincet
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Malaiyalam Mariappan
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Nanobiology Institute, Yale University West Campus, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
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17
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Deane DT, Cope TA, Schulz AM, Bennett ET, Hughes RM. Design, Heterologous Expression, and Application of an Immobilized Protein Kinase. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:204-211. [PMID: 36379001 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase A (PKA) is a biologically important enzyme for cell regulation, often referred to as the "central kinase". An immobilized PKA that retains substrate specificity and activity would be a useful tool for laboratory scientists, enabling targeted phosphorylation without interference from downstream kinase contamination or kinase autophosphorylation in sensitive assays. Moreover, it might also provide the benefits of robustness and reusability that are often associated with immobilized enzyme preparations. In this work, we describe the creation of a recombinant PKA fusion protein that incorporates the HaloTag covalent immobilization system. We demonstrate that protein fusion design, including affinity tag placement, is critical for optimal heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. Furthermore, we demonstrate various applications of our immobilized PKA, including the phosphorylation of recombinant PKA substrates, such as vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, and endogenous PKA substrates in a cell lysate. This immobilized PKA also possesses robust activity and reusability over multiple trials. This work holds promise as a generalizable strategy for the production and application of immobilized protein kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalton T Deane
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, United States
| | - Thomas A Cope
- University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Anna M Schulz
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, United States
| | - Edward T Bennett
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - Robert M Hughes
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, United States
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18
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Sharma M, Klösgen RB, Bennewitz B. Fluorescent Protein-Based Approaches for Subcellular Protein Localization in Plants. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2564:203-211. [PMID: 36107343 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2667-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent proteins (FPs) remarkably advanced the study of cellular biology of plants. The most common application is their use as reporter proteins to determine the subcellular localization of a protein of interest (POI) by endogenous expression of a suitable FP-POI fusion construct in plant cells. In this chapter we describe three approaches, namely, particle bombardment, protoplast transformation, and Agrobacterium infiltration, to transiently express such fusion constructs in plant cells of different species. These approaches are versatile and can be utilized for diverse fluorescent protein-based applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Sharma
- Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Ralf Bernd Klösgen
- Institute of Biology-Plant Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bationa Bennewitz
- Institute of Biology-Plant Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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19
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Chiu DC, Baskin JM. Organelle-Selective Membrane Labeling through Phospholipase D-Mediated Transphosphatidylation. JACS AU 2022; 2:2703-2713. [PMID: 36590261 PMCID: PMC9795463 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The specialized functions of eukaryotic organelles have motivated chemical approaches for their selective tagging and visualization. Here, we develop chemoenzymatic tools using metabolic labeling of abundant membrane lipids for selective visualization of organelle compartments. Synthetic choline analogues with three N-methyl substituents replaced with 2-azidoethyl and additional alkyl groups enabled the generation of corresponding derivatives of phosphatidylcholine (PC), a ubiquitous and abundant membrane phospholipid. Subsequent bioorthogonal tagging via the strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) with a single cyclooctyne-fluorophore reagent enabled differential labeling of the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi complex, mitochondria, and lysosomes depending upon the substitution pattern at the choline ammonium center. Key to the success of this strategy was the harnessing of both the organic cation transporter OCT1 to enable cytosolic delivery of these cationic metabolic probes and endogenous phospholipase D enzymes for rapid, one-step metabolic conversion of the choline analogues to the desired lipid products. Detailed analysis of the trafficking kinetics of both the SPAAC-tagged fluorescent PC analogues and their non-fluorescent, azide-containing precursors revealed that the latter exhibit time-dependent differences in organelle selectivity, suggesting their use as probes for visualizing intracellular lipid transport pathways. By contrast, the stable localizations of the fluorescent PC analogues will allow applications not only for organelle-selective imaging but also for local modulation of physiological events with organelle-level precision by tethering of bioactive small molecules, via click chemistry, within defined subcellular membrane environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Din-Chi Chiu
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United
States
- Weill
Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Jeremy M. Baskin
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United
States
- Weill
Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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20
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Ma H, Wereley ST, Linnes JC, Kinzer-Ursem TL. Measurement of Protein-Protein Interaction Dynamics Using Microfluidics and Particle Diffusometry. Anal Chem 2022; 94:15655-15662. [PMID: 36316007 PMCID: PMC9671124 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The measurement and optimization of protein-protein interactions are critical in the design of biotherapeutics, biomolecular sensing elements, and functional protein-based biomaterials among other biomolecular sciences and engineering. Current gold standard assays require specifically designed core facilities, equipment, and expertise to implement the measurement, making it inconvenient for most labs unless implemented routinely. We developed a new method aiming at measuring protein binding kinetics based on microfluidics and particle diffusometry (PD), which only needs very general lab equipment, including a fluorescence microscope, a syringe pump, and a simple microchannel fabricated on a glass slide. Protein binding pairs are immobilized on two kinds of nanoparticles with different diameters using widely available conjugation chemistries. The two diluted particle suspensions are injected using a syringe pump into a Y-junction microchannel, where they bind and form particle complexes with increasing size, thereby decreasing particles' Brownian motion amplitude and diffusivity, which can be detected by PD. By taking images at a series of specific points along the microchannel, the particle diffusivity is measured at different time points after the introduction of protein-protein binding. These data are then used to quantify the protein binding kinetic constant. This label-free particle-based method is simple to operate and as accurate as the current gold standard. We demonstrate the feasibility of this accessible method by quantifying the streptavidin-biotin association constant (1.74 ± 0.51 × 107 M-1 s-1), which compares well with previously published results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ma
- Weldon
School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana47907, United States
| | - Steven T. Wereley
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering and Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana47907, United States
| | - Jacqueline C. Linnes
- Weldon
School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana47907, United States
| | - Tamara L. Kinzer-Ursem
- Weldon
School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana47907, United States
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21
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Hirschi S, Ward TR, Meier WP, Müller DJ, Fotiadis D. Synthetic Biology: Bottom-Up Assembly of Molecular Systems. Chem Rev 2022; 122:16294-16328. [PMID: 36179355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The bottom-up assembly of biological and chemical components opens exciting opportunities to engineer artificial vesicular systems for applications with previously unmet requirements. The modular combination of scaffolds and functional building blocks enables the engineering of complex systems with biomimetic or new-to-nature functionalities. Inspired by the compartmentalized organization of cells and organelles, lipid or polymer vesicles are widely used as model membrane systems to investigate the translocation of solutes and the transduction of signals by membrane proteins. The bottom-up assembly and functionalization of such artificial compartments enables full control over their composition and can thus provide specifically optimized environments for synthetic biological processes. This review aims to inspire future endeavors by providing a diverse toolbox of molecular modules, engineering methodologies, and different approaches to assemble artificial vesicular systems. Important technical and practical aspects are addressed and selected applications are presented, highlighting particular achievements and limitations of the bottom-up approach. Complementing the cutting-edge technological achievements, fundamental aspects are also discussed to cater to the inherently diverse background of the target audience, which results from the interdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology. The engineering of proteins as functional modules and the use of lipids and block copolymers as scaffold modules for the assembly of functionalized vesicular systems are explored in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring the controlled assembly of these components into increasingly complex vesicular systems. Finally, all descriptions are presented in the greater context of engineering valuable synthetic biological systems for applications in biocatalysis, biosensing, bioremediation, or targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Hirschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas R Ward
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang P Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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22
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Kim YT, Oh H, Seo MJ, Lee DH, Shin J, Bong S, Heo S, Hapsari ND, Jo K. 21 Fluorescent Protein-Based DNA Staining Dyes. Molecules 2022; 27:5248. [PMID: 36014487 PMCID: PMC9412447 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent protein-DNA-binding peptides or proteins (FP-DBP) are a powerful means to stain and visualize large DNA molecules on a fluorescence microscope. Here, we constructed 21 kinds of FP-DBPs using various colors of fluorescent proteins and two DNA-binding motifs. From the database of fluorescent proteins (FPbase.org), we chose bright FPs, such as RRvT, tdTomato, mNeonGreen, mClover3, YPet, and mScarlet, which are four to eight times brighter than original wild-type GFP. Additionally, we chose other FPs, such as mOrange2, Emerald, mTurquoise2, mStrawberry, and mCherry, for variations in emitting wavelengths. For DNA-binding motifs, we used HMG (high mobility group) as an 11-mer peptide or a 36 kDa tTALE (truncated transcription activator-like effector). Using 21 FP-DBPs, we attempted to stain DNA molecules and then analyzed fluorescence intensities. Most FP-DBPs successfully visualized DNA molecules. Even with the same DNA-binding motif, the order of FP and DBP affected DNA staining in terms of brightness and DNA stretching. The DNA staining pattern by FP-DBPs was also affected by the FP types. The data from 21 FP-DBPs provided a guideline to develop novel DNA-binding fluorescent proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurie Tehee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapogu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Hyesoo Oh
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapogu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Myung Jun Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapogu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Dong Hyeun Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapogu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Jieun Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapogu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Serang Bong
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapogu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Sujeong Heo
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapogu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Natalia Diyah Hapsari
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapogu, Seoul 04107, Korea
- Chemistry Education Program, Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta 55282, Indonesia
| | - Kyubong Jo
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapogu, Seoul 04107, Korea
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23
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Oliinyk OS, Baloban M, Clark CL, Carey E, Pletnev S, Nimmerjahn A, Verkhusha VV. Single-domain near-infrared protein provides a scaffold for antigen-dependent fluorescent nanobodies. Nat Methods 2022; 19:740-750. [PMID: 35606446 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01467-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Small near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent proteins (FPs) are much needed as protein tags for imaging applications. We developed a 17 kDa NIR FP, called miRFP670nano3, which brightly fluoresces in mammalian cells and enables deep-brain imaging. By exploring miRFP670nano3 as an internal tag, we engineered 32 kDa NIR fluorescent nanobodies, termed NIR-Fbs, whose stability and fluorescence strongly depend on the presence of specific intracellular antigens. NIR-Fbs allowed background-free visualization of endogenous proteins, detection of viral antigens, labeling of cells expressing target molecules and identification of double-positive cell populations with bispecific NIR-Fbs against two antigens. Applying NIR-Fbs as destabilizing fusion partners, we developed molecular tools for directed degradation of targeted proteins, controllable protein expression and modulation of enzymatic activities. Altogether, NIR-Fbs enable the detection and manipulation of a variety of cellular processes based on the intracellular protein profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena S Oliinyk
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikhail Baloban
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Charles L Clark
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Erin Carey
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sergei Pletnev
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Axel Nimmerjahn
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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24
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Reiche MA, Aaron JS, Boehm U, DeSantis MC, Hobson CM, Khuon S, Lee RM, Chew TL. When light meets biology - how the specimen affects quantitative microscopy. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274812. [PMID: 35319069 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence microscopy images should not be treated as perfect representations of biology. Many factors within the biospecimen itself can drastically affect quantitative microscopy data. Whereas some sample-specific considerations, such as photobleaching and autofluorescence, are more commonly discussed, a holistic discussion of sample-related issues (which includes less-routine topics such as quenching, scattering and biological anisotropy) is required to appropriately guide life scientists through the subtleties inherent to bioimaging. Here, we consider how the interplay between light and a sample can cause common experimental pitfalls and unanticipated errors when drawing biological conclusions. Although some of these discrepancies can be minimized or controlled for, others require more pragmatic considerations when interpreting image data. Ultimately, the power lies in the hands of the experimenter. The goal of this Review is therefore to survey how biological samples can skew quantification and interpretation of microscopy data. Furthermore, we offer a perspective on how to manage many of these potential pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Reiche
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Jesse S Aaron
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Ulrike Boehm
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Michael C DeSantis
- Light Microscopy Facility, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147,USA
| | - Chad M Hobson
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Satya Khuon
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Rachel M Lee
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Teng-Leong Chew
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.,Light Microscopy Facility, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147,USA
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25
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Hare PJ, LaGree TJ, Byrd BA, DeMarco AM, Mok WWK. Single-Cell Technologies to Study Phenotypic Heterogeneity and Bacterial Persisters. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2277. [PMID: 34835403 PMCID: PMC8620850 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic persistence is a phenomenon in which rare cells of a clonal bacterial population can survive antibiotic doses that kill their kin, even though the entire population is genetically susceptible. With antibiotic treatment failure on the rise, there is growing interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial phenotypic heterogeneity and antibiotic persistence. However, elucidating these rare cell states can be technically challenging. The advent of single-cell techniques has enabled us to observe and quantitatively investigate individual cells in complex, phenotypically heterogeneous populations. In this review, we will discuss current technologies for studying persister phenotypes, including fluorescent tags and biosensors used to elucidate cellular processes; advances in flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and microfluidics that contribute high-throughput and high-content information; and next-generation sequencing for powerful insights into genetic and transcriptomic programs. We will further discuss existing knowledge gaps, cutting-edge technologies that can address them, and how advances in single-cell microbiology can potentially improve infectious disease treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J. Hare
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; (P.J.H.); (T.J.L.); (B.A.B.); (A.M.D.)
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Travis J. LaGree
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; (P.J.H.); (T.J.L.); (B.A.B.); (A.M.D.)
| | - Brandon A. Byrd
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; (P.J.H.); (T.J.L.); (B.A.B.); (A.M.D.)
- School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Angela M. DeMarco
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; (P.J.H.); (T.J.L.); (B.A.B.); (A.M.D.)
| | - Wendy W. K. Mok
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; (P.J.H.); (T.J.L.); (B.A.B.); (A.M.D.)
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26
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Computerized fluorescence microscopy of microbial cells. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:189. [PMID: 34617135 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03159-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The upgrading of fluorescence microscopy by the introduction of computer technologies has led to the creation of a new methodology, computerized fluorescence microscopy (CFM). CFM improves subjective visualization and combines it with objective quantitative analysis of the microscopic data. CFM has opened up two fundamentally new opportunities for studying microorganisms. The first is the quantitative measurement of the fluorescence parameters of the targeted fluorophores in association with certain structures of individual cells. The second is the expansion of the boundaries of visualization/resolution of intracellular components beyond the "diffraction limit" of light microscopy into the nanometer range. This enables to obtain unique information about the localization and dynamics of intracellular processes at the molecular level. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate the potential of CFM in the study of fundamental aspects of the structural and functional organization of microbial cells. The basics of computer processing and analysis of digital images are briefly described. The fluorescent molecules used in CFM with an emphasis on fluorescent proteins are characterized. The main methods of super-resolution microscopy (nanoscopy) are presented. The capabilities of various CFM methods for exploring microbial cells at the subcellular level are illustrated by the examples of various studies on yeast and bacteria.
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27
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Morrow CS, Porter TJ, Moore DL. Fluorescent tagging of endogenous proteins with CRISPR/Cas9 in primary mouse neural stem cells. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100744. [PMID: 34430917 PMCID: PMC8369070 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although exogenous overexpression of a protein fused to a fluorescent tag can provide insight for the protein's function, it also can produce artifacts attributed to its upregulation and may not fully report the endogenous regulation of the protein of interest. To circumvent these issues, we adapted a protocol to label endogenous proteins with fluorescent tags in primary adult mouse neural stem cells in vitro. Here, we describe reagent construction, reagent delivery, and a screening strategy to isolate edited cells. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Morrow et al. (2020).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiaira J. Porter
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Darcie L. Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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28
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Boka AP, Mukherjee A, Mir M. Single-molecule tracking technologies for quantifying the dynamics of gene regulation in cells, tissue and embryos. Development 2021; 148:272071. [PMID: 34490887 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
For decades, we have relied on population and time-averaged snapshots of dynamic molecular scale events to understand how genes are regulated during development and beyond. The advent of techniques to observe single-molecule kinetics in increasingly endogenous contexts, progressing from in vitro studies to living embryos, has revealed how much we have missed. Here, we provide an accessible overview of the rapidly expanding family of technologies for single-molecule tracking (SMT), with the goal of enabling the reader to critically analyse single-molecule studies, as well as to inspire the application of SMT to their own work. We start by overviewing the basics of and motivation for SMT experiments, and the trade-offs involved when optimizing parameters. We then cover key technologies, including fluorescent labelling, excitation and detection optics, localization and tracking algorithms, and data analysis. Finally, we provide a summary of selected recent applications of SMT to study the dynamics of gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan P Boka
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Apratim Mukherjee
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mustafa Mir
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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29
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Localization of Native Mms13 to the Magnetosome Chain of Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 Using Immunogold Electron Microscopy, Immunofluorescence Microscopy and Biochemical Analysis. CRYSTALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst11080874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) biomineralize intracellular magnetite (Fe3O4) crystals surrounded by a magnetosome membrane (MM). The MM contains membrane-specific proteins that control Fe3O4 mineralization in MTB. Previous studies have demonstrated that Mms13 is a critical protein within the MM. Mms13 can be isolated from the MM fraction of Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 and a Mms13 homolog, MamC, has been shown to control the size and shape of magnetite nanocrystals synthesized in-vitro. The objective of this study was to use several independent methods to definitively determine the localization of native Mms13 in M. magneticum AMB-1. Using Mms13-immunogold labeling and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we found that Mms13 is localized to the magnetosome chain of M. magneticum AMB-1 cells. Mms13 was detected in direct contact with magnetite crystals or within the MM. Immunofluorescence detection of Mms13 in M. magneticum AMB-1 cells by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed Mms13 localization along the length of the magnetosome chain. Proteins contained within the MM were resolved by SDS-PAGE for Western blot analysis and LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry) protein sequencing. Using Anti-Mms13 antibody, a protein band with a molecular mass of ~14 kDa was detected in the MM fraction only. This polypeptide was digested with trypsin, sequenced by LC-MS/MS and identified as magnetosome protein Mms13. Peptides corresponding to the protein’s putative MM domain and catalytic domain were both identified by LC-MS/MS. Our results (Immunogold TEM, Immunofluorescence CLSM, Western blot, LC-MS/MS), combined with results from previous studies, demonstrate that Mms13 and homolog proteins MamC and Mam12, are localized to the magnetosome chain in MTB belonging to the class Alphaproteobacteria. Because of their shared localization in the MM and highly conserved amino acid sequences, it is likely that MamC, Mam12, and Mms13 share similar roles in the biomineralization of Fe3O4 nanocrystals.
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30
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Bekku Y, Salzer JL. Dual Color, Live Imaging of Vesicular Transport in Axons of Cultured Sensory Neurons. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4067. [PMID: 34263008 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of neurons in afferent reception, integration, and generation of electrical activity relies on their strikingly polarized organization, characterized by distinct membrane domains. These domains have different compositions resulting from a combination of selective targeting and retention of membrane proteins. In neurons, most proteins are delivered from their site of synthesis in the soma to the axon via anterograde vesicular transport and undergo retrograde transport for redistribution and/or lysosomal degradation. A key question is whether proteins destined for the same domain are transported in separate vesicles for local assembly or whether these proteins are pre-assembled and co-transported in the same vesicles for delivery to their cognate domains. To assess the content of transport vesicles, one strategy relies on staining of sciatic nerves after ligation, which drives the accumulation of anterogradely and retrogradely transported vesicles on the proximal and distal side of the ligature, respectively. This approach may not permit confident assessment of the nature of the intracellular vesicles identified by staining, and analysis is limited to the availability of suitable antibodies. Here, we use dual color live imaging of proteins labeled with different fluorescent tags, visualizing anterograde and retrograde axonal transport of several proteins simultaneously. These proteins were expressed in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons cultured alone or with Schwann cells under myelinating conditions to assess whether glial cells modify the patterns of axonal transport. Advantages of this protocol are the dynamic identification of transport vesicles and characterization of their content for various proteins that is not limited by available antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Bekku
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - James L Salzer
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
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31
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Flaiz M, Ludwig G, Bengelsdorf FR, Dürre P. Production of the biocommodities butanol and acetone from methanol with fluorescent FAST-tagged proteins using metabolically engineered strains of Eubacterium limosum. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2021; 14:117. [PMID: 33971948 PMCID: PMC8111989 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-021-01966-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interest in using methanol as a substrate to cultivate acetogens increased in recent years since it can be sustainably produced from syngas and has the additional benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Eubacterium limosum is one of the few acetogens that can utilize methanol, is genetically accessible and, therefore, a promising candidate for the recombinant production of biocommodities from this C1 carbon source. Although several genetic tools are already available for certain acetogens including E. limosum, the use of brightly fluorescent reporter proteins is still limited. RESULTS In this study, we expanded the genetic toolbox of E. limosum by implementing the fluorescence-activating and absorption shifting tag (FAST) as a fluorescent reporter protein. Recombinant E. limosum strains that expressed the gene encoding FAST in an inducible and constitutive manner were constructed. Cultivation of these recombinant strains resulted in brightly fluorescent cells even under anaerobic conditions. Moreover, we produced the biocommodities butanol and acetone from methanol with recombinant E. limosum strains. Therefore, we used E. limosum cultures that produced FAST-tagged fusion proteins of the bifunctional acetaldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase or the acetoacetate decarboxylase, respectively, and determined the fluorescence intensity and product concentrations during growth. CONCLUSIONS The addition of FAST as an oxygen-independent fluorescent reporter protein expands the genetic toolbox of E. limosum. Moreover, our results show that FAST-tagged fusion proteins can be constructed without negatively impacting the stability, functionality, and productivity of the resulting enzyme. Finally, butanol and acetone can be produced from methanol using recombinant E. limosum strains expressing genes encoding fluorescent FAST-tagged fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Flaiz
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Gideon Ludwig
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank R Bengelsdorf
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter Dürre
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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32
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VirB, a key transcriptional regulator of virulence plasmid genes in Shigella flexneri, forms DNA-binding site dependent foci in the bacterial cytoplasm. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:JB.00627-20. [PMID: 33722845 PMCID: PMC8117518 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00627-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
VirB is a key regulator of genes located on the large virulence plasmid (pINV) in the bacterial pathogen Shigella flexneri VirB is unusual; it is not related to other transcriptional regulators, instead, it belongs to a family of proteins that primarily function in plasmid and chromosome partitioning; exemplified by ParB. Despite this, VirB does not function to segregate DNA, but rather counters transcriptional silencing mediated by the nucleoid structuring protein, H-NS. Since ParB localizes subcellularly as discrete foci in the bacterial cytoplasm, we chose to investigate the subcellular localization of VirB to gain novel insight into how VirB functions as a transcriptional anti-silencer. To do this, a GFP-VirB fusion that retains the regulatory activity of VirB and yet, does not undergo significant protein degradation in S. flexneri, was used. Surprisingly, discrete fluorescent foci were observed in live wild-type S. flexneri cells and an isogenic virB mutant using fluorescence microscopy. In contrast, foci were rarely observed (<10%) in pINV-cured cells or in cells expressing a GFP-VirB fusion carrying amino acid substitutions in the VirB DNA binding domain. Finally, the 25 bp VirB-binding site was demonstrated to be sufficient and necessary for GFP-VirB focus formation using a set of small surrogate plasmids. Combined, these data demonstrate that the VirB:DNA interactions required for the transcriptional anti-silencing activity of VirB on pINV are a prerequisite for the subcellular localization of VirB in the bacterial cytoplasm. The significance of these findings, in light of the anti-silencing activity of VirB, is discussed.ImportanceThis study reveals the subcellular localization of VirB, a key transcriptional regulator of virulence genes found on the large virulence plasmid (pINV) in Shigella. Fluorescent signals generated by an active GFP-VirB fusion form 2, 3, or 4 discrete foci in the bacterial cytoplasm, predominantly at the quarter cell position. These signals are completely dependent upon VirB interacting with its DNA binding site found either on the virulence plasmid or an engineered surrogate. Our findings: 1) provide novel insight into VirB:pINV interactions, 2) suggest that VirB may have utility as a DNA marker, and 3) raise questions about how and why this anti-silencing protein that controls virulence gene expression on pINV of Shigella spp. forms discrete foci/hubs within the bacterial cytoplasm.
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33
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Hardo G, Bakshi S. Challenges of analysing stochastic gene expression in bacteria using single-cell time-lapse experiments. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:67-79. [PMID: 33835126 PMCID: PMC8056041 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stochastic gene expression causes phenotypic heterogeneity in a population of genetically identical bacterial cells. Such non-genetic heterogeneity can have important consequences for the population fitness, and therefore cells implement regulation strategies to either suppress or exploit such heterogeneity to adapt to their circumstances. By employing time-lapse microscopy of single cells, the fluctuation dynamics of gene expression may be analysed, and their regulatory mechanisms thus deciphered. However, a careful consideration of the experimental design and data-analysis is needed to produce useful data for deriving meaningful insights from them. In the present paper, the individual steps and challenges involved in a time-lapse experiment are discussed, and a rigorous framework for designing, performing, and extracting single-cell gene expression dynamics data from such experiments is outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgeos Hardo
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Somenath Bakshi
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Goudeau J, Sharp CS, Paw J, Savy L, Leonetti MD, York AG, Updike DL, Kenyon C, Ingaramo M. Split-wrmScarlet and split-sfGFP: tools for faster, easier fluorescent labeling of endogenous proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2021; 217:iyab014. [PMID: 33693628 PMCID: PMC8049552 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We create and share a new red fluorophore, along with a set of strains, reagents and protocols, to make it faster and easier to label endogenous Caenorhabditis elegans proteins with fluorescent tags. CRISPR-mediated fluorescent labeling of C. elegans proteins is an invaluable tool, but it is much more difficult to insert fluorophore-size DNA segments than it is to make small gene edits. In principle, high-affinity asymmetrically split fluorescent proteins solve this problem in C. elegans: the small fragment can quickly and easily be fused to almost any protein of interest, and can be detected wherever the large fragment is expressed and complemented. However, there is currently only one available strain stably expressing the large fragment of a split fluorescent protein, restricting this solution to a single tissue (the germline) in the highly autofluorescent green channel. No available C. elegans lines express unbound large fragments of split red fluorescent proteins, and even state-of-the-art split red fluorescent proteins are dim compared to the canonical split-sfGFP protein. In this study, we engineer a bright, high-affinity new split red fluorophore, split-wrmScarlet. We generate transgenic C. elegans lines to allow easy single-color labeling in muscle or germline cells and dual-color labeling in somatic cells. We also describe a novel expression strategy for the germline, where traditional expression strategies struggle. We validate these strains by targeting split-wrmScarlet to several genes whose products label distinct organelles, and we provide a protocol for easy, cloning-free CRISPR/Cas9 editing. As the collection of split-FP strains for labeling in different tissues or organelles expands, we will post updates at doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3993663.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Goudeau
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Catherine S Sharp
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04672, USA
| | - Jonathan Paw
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Laura Savy
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Andrew G York
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Dustin L Updike
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04672, USA
| | - Cynthia Kenyon
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Maria Ingaramo
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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Elucidating Recombination Mediator Function Using Biophysical Tools. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10040288. [PMID: 33916151 PMCID: PMC8066028 DOI: 10.3390/biology10040288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary This review recapitulates the initial knowledge acquired with genetics and biochemical experiments on Recombination mediator proteins in different domains of life. We further address how recent in vivo and in vitro biophysical tools were critical to deepen the understanding of RMPs molecular mechanisms in DNA and replication repair, and unveiled unexpected features. For instance, in bacteria, genetic and biochemical studies suggest a close proximity and coordination of action of the RecF, RecR and RecO proteins in order to ensure their RMP function, which is to overcome the single-strand binding protein (SSB) and facilitate the loading of the recombinase RecA onto ssDNA. In contrary to this expectation, using single-molecule fluorescent imaging in living cells, we showed recently that RecO and RecF do not colocalize and moreover harbor different spatiotemporal behavior relative to the replication machinery, suggesting distinct functions. Finally, we address how new biophysics tools could be used to answer outstanding questions about RMP function. Abstract The recombination mediator proteins (RMPs) are ubiquitous and play a crucial role in genome stability. RMPs facilitate the loading of recombinases like RecA onto single-stranded (ss) DNA coated by single-strand binding proteins like SSB. Despite sharing a common function, RMPs are the products of a convergent evolution and differ in (1) structure, (2) interaction partners and (3) molecular mechanisms. The RMP function is usually realized by a single protein in bacteriophages and eukaryotes, respectively UvsY or Orf, and RAD52 or BRCA2, while in bacteria three proteins RecF, RecO and RecR act cooperatively to displace SSB and load RecA onto a ssDNA region. Proteins working alongside to the RMPs in homologous recombination and DNA repair notably belongs to the RAD52 epistasis group in eukaryote and the RecF epistasis group in bacteria. Although RMPs have been studied for several decades, molecular mechanisms at the single-cell level are still not fully understood. Here, we summarize the current knowledge acquired on RMPs and review the crucial role of biophysical tools to investigate molecular mechanisms at the single-cell level in the physiological context.
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Joshi KK, Matlack TL, Pyonteck S, Vora M, Menzel R, Rongo C. Biogenic amine neurotransmitters promote eicosanoid production and protein homeostasis. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e51063. [PMID: 33470040 PMCID: PMC7926251 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Metazoans use protein homeostasis (proteostasis) pathways to respond to adverse physiological conditions, changing environment, and aging. The nervous system regulates proteostasis in different tissues, but the mechanism is not understood. Here, we show that Caenorhabditis elegans employs biogenic amine neurotransmitters to regulate ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) proteostasis in epithelia. Mutants for biogenic amine synthesis show decreased poly-ubiquitination and turnover of a GFP-based UPS substrate. Using RNA-seq and mass spectrometry, we found that biogenic amines promote eicosanoid production from poly-unsaturated fats (PUFAs) by regulating expression of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Mutants for one of these P450s share the same UPS phenotype observed in biogenic amine mutants. The production of n-6 eicosanoids is required for UPS substrate turnover, whereas accumulation of n-6 eicosanoids accelerates turnover. Our results suggest that sensory neurons secrete biogenic amines to modulate lipid signaling, which in turn activates stress response pathways to maintain UPS proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishore K Joshi
- Department of GeneticsThe Waksman InstituteRutgers The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNJUSA
| | - Tarmie L Matlack
- Department of GeneticsThe Waksman InstituteRutgers The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNJUSA
| | - Stephanie Pyonteck
- Department of GeneticsThe Waksman InstituteRutgers The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNJUSA
| | - Mehul Vora
- Department of GeneticsThe Waksman InstituteRutgers The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNJUSA
| | - Ralph Menzel
- Institute of Biology and EcologyHumboldt University BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Christopher Rongo
- Department of GeneticsThe Waksman InstituteRutgers The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNJUSA
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Benedetti L. Optogenetic Tools for Manipulating Protein Subcellular Localization and Intracellular Signaling at Organelle Contact Sites. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e71. [PMID: 33657274 PMCID: PMC7954661 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular signaling processes are frequently based on direct interactions between proteins and organelles. A fundamental strategy to elucidate the physiological significance of such interactions is to utilize optical dimerization tools. These tools are based on the use of small proteins or domains that interact with each other upon light illumination. Optical dimerizers are particularly suitable for reproducing and interrogating a given protein-protein interaction and for investigating a protein's intracellular role in a spatially and temporally precise manner. Described in this article are genetic engineering strategies for the generation of modular light-activatable protein dimerization units and instructions for the preparation of optogenetic applications in mammalian cells. Detailed protocols are provided for the use of light-tunable switches to regulate protein recruitment to intracellular compartments, induce intracellular organellar membrane tethering, and reconstitute protein function using enhanced Magnets (eMags), a recently engineered optical dimerization system. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Genetic engineering strategy for the generation of modular light-activated protein dimerization units Support Protocol 1: Molecular cloning Basic Protocol 2: Cell culture and transfection Support Protocol 2: Production of dark containers for optogenetic samples Basic Protocol 3: Confocal microscopy and light-dependent activation of the dimerization system Alternate Protocol 1: Protein recruitment to intracellular compartments Alternate Protocol 2: Induction of organelles' membrane tethering Alternate Protocol 3: Optogenetic reconstitution of protein function Basic Protocol 4: Image analysis Support Protocol 3: Analysis of apparent on- and off-kinetics Support Protocol 4: Analysis of changes in organelle overlap over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Benedetti
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia
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38
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Sarrou I, Feiler CG, Falke S, Peard N, Yefanov O, Chapman H. C-phycocyanin as a highly attractive model system in protein crystallography: unique crystallization properties and packing-diversity screening. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2021; 77:224-236. [PMID: 33559611 PMCID: PMC7869899 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798320016071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The unique crystallization properties of the antenna protein C-phycocyanin (C-PC) from the thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus are reported and discussed. C-PC crystallizes in hundreds of significantly different conditions within a broad pH range and in the presence of a wide variety of precipitants and additives. Remarkably, the crystal dimensions vary from a few micrometres, as used in serial crystallography, to several hundred micrometres, with a very diverse crystal morphology. More than 100 unique single-crystal X-ray diffraction data sets were collected from randomly selected crystals and analysed. The addition of small-molecule additives revealed three new crystal packings of C-PC, which are discussed in detail. The high propensity of this protein to crystallize, combined with its natural blue colour and its fluorescence characteristics, make it an excellent candidate as a superior and highly adaptable model system in crystallography. C-PC can be used in technical and methods development approaches for X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques, and as a system for comprehending the fundamental principles of protein crystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iosifina Sarrou
- Centre for Free-Electron Laser Science, DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian G. Feiler
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Falke
- Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Universität Hamburg, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nolan Peard
- Centre for Free-Electron Laser Science, DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Oleksandr Yefanov
- Centre for Free-Electron Laser Science, DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henry Chapman
- Centre for Free-Electron Laser Science, DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Physics, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
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Schneider F, Colin-York H, Fritzsche M. Quantitative Bio-Imaging Tools to Dissect the Interplay of Membrane and Cytoskeletal Actin Dynamics in Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 11:612542. [PMID: 33505401 PMCID: PMC7829180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.612542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular function is reliant on the dynamic interplay between the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. This critical relationship is of particular importance in immune cells, where both the cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane work in concert to organize and potentiate immune signaling events. Despite their importance, there remains a critical gap in understanding how these respective dynamics are coupled, and how this coupling in turn may influence immune cell function from the bottom up. In this review, we highlight recent optical technologies that could provide strategies to investigate the simultaneous dynamics of both the cytoskeleton and membrane as well as their interplay, focusing on current and future applications in immune cells. We provide a guide of the spatio-temporal scale of each technique as well as highlighting novel probes and labels that have the potential to provide insights into membrane and cytoskeletal dynamics. The quantitative biophysical tools presented here provide a new and exciting route to uncover the relationship between plasma membrane and cytoskeletal dynamics that underlies immune cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Schneider
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Huw Colin-York
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Fritzsche
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot, United Kingdom
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40
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Jiang H, Cole PA. N-Terminal Protein Labeling with N-Hydroxysuccinimide Esters and Microscale Thermophoresis Measurements of Protein-Protein Interactions Using Labeled Protein. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e14. [PMID: 33484499 PMCID: PMC7839251 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein labeling strategies have been explored for decades to study protein structure, function, and regulation. Fluorescent labeling of a protein enables the study of protein-protein interactions through biophysical methods such as microscale thermophoresis (MST). MST measures the directed motion of a fluorescently labeled protein in response to microscopic temperature gradients, and the protein's thermal mobility can be used to determine binding affinity. However, the stoichiometry and site specificity of fluorescent labeling are hard to control, and heterogeneous labeling can generate inaccuracies in binding measurements. Here, we describe an easy-to-apply protocol for high-stoichiometric, site-specific labeling of a protein at its N-terminus with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters as a means to measure protein-protein interaction affinity by MST. This protocol includes guidelines for NHS ester labeling, fluorescent-labeled protein purification, and MST measurement using a labeled protein. As an example of the entire workflow, we additionally provide a protocol for labeling a ubiquitin E3 enzyme and testing ubiquitin E2-E3 enzyme binding affinity. These methods are highly adaptable and can be extended for protein interaction studies in various biological and biochemical circumstances. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Labeling a protein of interest at its N-terminus with NHS esters through stepwise reaction Alternate Protocol: Labeling a protein of interest at its N-terminus with NHS esters through a one-pot reaction Basic Protocol 2: Purifying the N-terminal fluorescent-labeled protein and determining its concentration and labeling efficiency Basic Protocol 3: Using MST to determine the binding affinity of an N-terminal fluorescent-labeled protein to a binding partner. Basic Protocol 4: NHS ester labeling of ubiquitin E3 ligase WWP2 and measurement of the binding affinity between WWP2 and an E2 conjugating enzyme by the MST binding assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjie Jiang
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Department of Medicine and Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns
Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Philip A. Cole
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Department of Medicine and Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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41
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Maresh ME, Salazar-Chaparro AF, Trader DJ. Methods for the discovery of small molecules to monitor and perturb the activity of the human proteasome. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:99-116. [PMID: 33275045 PMCID: PMC7857359 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulating protein production and degradation is critical to maintaining cellular homeostasis. The proteasome is a key player in keeping proteins at the proper levels. However, proteasome activity can be altered in certain disease states, such as blood cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Cancers often exhibit enhanced proteasomal activity, as protein synthesis is increased in these cells compared with normal cells. Conversely, neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by protein accumulation, leading to reduced proteasome activity. As a result, the proteasome has emerged as a target for therapeutic intervention. The potential of the proteasome as a therapeutic target has come from studies involving chemical stimulators and inhibitors, and the development of a suite of assays and probes that can be used to monitor proteasome activity with purified enzyme and in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E Maresh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, 575 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andres F Salazar-Chaparro
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, 575 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Darci J Trader
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, 575 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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42
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Abstract
The impacts of linkers on dynamics, expression, and activity of biomacromolecules are often overlooked. This may be due, in part, to the lack of facile methods for incorporation and analysis of linkers that vary iteratively in both length and sequence composition. The protaTETHER method addresses this gap by enabling the incorporation of focused linker libraries at potentially any region in a protein sequence. In this chapter, we describe the generation and incorporation of linkers in a PKAc-GFP fusion protein and provide methods for the application and evaluation of the protaTETHER process.
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43
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de Roo JJ, Staal FJ. Cell Signaling Pathway Reporters in Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cells. Cells 2020; 9:E2264. [PMID: 33050292 PMCID: PMC7599984 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) develop at several anatomical locations and are thought to undergo different niche regulatory cues originating from highly conserved cell signaling pathways, such as Wnt, Notch, TGF-β family, and Hedgehog signaling. Most insight into these pathways has been obtained by reporter models and loss- or gain of function experiments, yet results differ in many cases according to the approach. In this review, we discuss existing murine reporter models regarding these pathways, considering the genetic constructs and reporter proteins in the context of HSC studies; yet these models are relevant for all other stem cell systems. Lastly, we describe a multi-reporter model to properly study and understand the cross-pathway interaction and how reporter models are highly valuable tools to understand complex signaling dynamics in stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frank. J.T. Staal
- Department of Immunology, L3-Q, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
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44
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Hill BD, Prabhu P, Rizvi SM, Wen F. Yeast Intracellular Staining (yICS): Enabling High-Throughput, Quantitative Detection of Intracellular Proteins via Flow Cytometry for Pathway Engineering. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2119-2131. [PMID: 32603587 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The complexities of pathway engineering necessitate screening libraries to discover phenotypes of interest. However, this approach is challenging when desirable phenotypes cannot be directly linked to growth advantages or fluorescence. In these cases, the ability to rapidly quantify intracellular proteins in the pathway of interest is critical to expedite the clonal selection process. While Saccharomyces cerevisiae remains a common host for pathway engineering, current approaches for intracellular protein detection in yeast either have low throughput, can interfere with protein function, or lack the ability to detect multiple proteins simultaneously. To fill this need, we developed yeast intracellular staining (yICS) that enables fluorescent antibodies to access intracellular compartments of yeast cells while maintaining their cellular integrity for analysis by flow cytometry. Using the housekeeping proteins β actin and glyceraldehyde 3-phophate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as targets for yICS, we demonstrated for the first time successful antibody-based flow cytometric detection of yeast intracellular proteins with no modification. Further, yICS characterization of a recombinant d-xylose assimilation pathway showed 3-plexed, quantitative detection of the xylose reductase (XR), xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH), and xylulokinase (XK) enzymes each fused with a small (6-10 amino acids) tag, revealing distinct enzyme expression profiles between plasmid-based and genome-integrated expression approaches. As a result of its high-throughput and quantitative capability, yICS enabled rapid screening of a library created from CRISPR-mediated XDH integration into the yeast δ site, identifying rare (1%) clones that led to an 8.4-fold increase in XDH activity. These results demonstrate the utility of yICS for greatly accelerating pathway engineering efforts, as well as any application where the high-throughput and quantitative detection of intracellular proteins is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett D. Hill
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Ponnandy Prabhu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Syed M. Rizvi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Fei Wen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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45
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Marshall AP, Shirley JD, Carlson EE. Enzyme-targeted fluorescent small-molecule probes for bacterial imaging. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 57:155-165. [PMID: 32799037 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Molecular imaging methods to visualize myriad biochemical processes in bacteria have traditionally been dependent upon molecular biology techniques to incorporate fluorescent biomolecules (e.g., fusion proteins). Such methods have been instrumental in our understanding of how bacteria function but are not without drawbacks, including potential perturbation to native protein expression and function. To overcome these limitations, the use of fluorescent small-molecule probes has gained much attention. Here, we highlight examples from the recent literature that showcase the utility of small-molecule probes for the fluorescence imaging of bacterial cells, including electrophilic, metabolic, and enzyme-activated probes. Although the use of these types of compounds for bacterial imaging is still relatively new, the selected examples demonstrate the exciting potential of these critical tools in the exploration of bacterial physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Marshall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Joshua D Shirley
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Erin E Carlson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.
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46
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Yu CC(J, Barry NC, Wassie AT, Sinha A, Bhattacharya A, Asano S, Zhang C, Chen F, Hobert O, Goodman MB, Haspel G, Boyden ES. Expansion microscopy of C. elegans. eLife 2020; 9:e46249. [PMID: 32356725 PMCID: PMC7195193 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently developed expansion microscopy (ExM), which achieves nanoscale-precise imaging of specimens at ~70 nm resolution (with ~4.5x linear expansion) by isotropic swelling of chemically processed, hydrogel-embedded tissue. ExM of C. elegans is challenged by its cuticle, which is stiff and impermeable to antibodies. Here we present a strategy, expansion of C. elegans (ExCel), to expand fixed, intact C. elegans. ExCel enables simultaneous readout of fluorescent proteins, RNA, DNA location, and anatomical structures at resolutions of ~65-75 nm (3.3-3.8x linear expansion). We also developed epitope-preserving ExCel, which enables imaging of endogenous proteins stained by antibodies, and iterative ExCel, which enables imaging of fluorescent proteins after 20x linear expansion. We demonstrate the utility of the ExCel toolbox for mapping synaptic proteins, for identifying previously unreported proteins at cell junctions, and for gene expression analysis in multiple individual neurons of the same animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chieh (Jay) Yu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Nicholas C Barry
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Asmamaw T Wassie
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Anubhav Sinha
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Abhishek Bhattacharya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Shoh Asano
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Chi Zhang
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Fei Chen
- Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Miriam B Goodman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Gal Haspel
- Federated Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University-NewarkNewarkUnited States
- The Brain Research Institute, New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewarkUnited States
| | - Edward S Boyden
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
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47
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Zamora RA, Fuentes-Lemus E, Barrias P, Herrera-Morande A, Mura F, Guixé V, Castro-Fernandez V, Rojas T, López-Alarcón C, Aguirre P, Rivas-Aravena A, Aspée A. Free radicals derived from γ-radiolysis of water and AAPH thermolysis mediate oxidative crosslinking of eGFP involving Tyr-Tyr and Tyr-Cys bonds: the fluorescence of the protein is conserved only towards peroxyl radicals. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 150:40-52. [PMID: 32081747 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) is one of the most employed variants of fluorescent proteins. Nonetheless little is known about the oxidative modifications that this protein can undergo in the cellular milieu. The present work explored the consequences of the exposure of eGFP to free radicals derived from γ-radiolysis of water, and AAPH thermolysis. Results demonstrated that protein crosslinking was the major pathway of modification of eGFP towards these oxidants. As evidenced by HPLC-FLD and UPLC-MS, eGFP crosslinking would occur as consequence of a mixture of pathways including the recombination of two protein radicals, as well as secondary reactions between nucleophilic residues (e.g. lysine, Lys) with protein carbonyls. The first mechanism was supported by detection of dityrosine and cysteine-tyrosine bonds, whilst evidence of formation of protein carbonyls, along with Lys consumption, would suggest the formation and participation of Schiff bases in the crosslinking process. Despite of the degree of oxidative modifications elicited by peroxyl radicals (ROO•) generated from the thermolysis of AAPH, and free radicals generated from γ-radiolysis of water, that were evidenced at amino acidic level, only the highest dose of γ-irradiation (10 kGy) triggered significant changes in the secondary structure of eGFP. These results were accompanied by the complete loss of fluorescence arising from the chromophore unit of eGFP in γ-irradiation-treated samples, whereas it was conserved in ROO•-treated samples. These data have potential biological significance, as this fluorescent protein is widely employed to study interactions between cytosolic proteins; consequently, the formation of fluorescent eGFP dimers could act as artifacts in such experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A Zamora
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40 Correo 33, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Fuentes-Lemus
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40 Correo 33, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Barrias
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40 Correo 33, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Herrera-Morande
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40 Correo 33, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Mura
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40 Correo 33, Santiago, Chile
| | - Victoria Guixé
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Tomás Rojas
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40 Correo 33, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camilo López-Alarcón
- Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina Aguirre
- Comisión Chilena de Energía Nuclear, Departamento de Tecnología Nucleares, Nueva Bilbao 12501, Santiago, 7600713, Chile
| | - Andrea Rivas-Aravena
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Lota 2465, Providencia, Santiago, 7510157, Chile.
| | - Alexis Aspée
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40 Correo 33, Santiago, Chile.
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48
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Schumacher S, Grosser K, Voegele RT, Kassemeyer HH, Fuchs R. Identification and Characterization of Nep1-Like Proteins From the Grapevine Downy Mildew Pathogen Plasmopara viticola. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:65. [PMID: 32117400 PMCID: PMC7031652 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The obligate biotrophic oomycete Plasmopara viticola causes tremendous problems in viticulture by evoking grapevine downy mildew. P. viticola, like other plant pathogens, achieves infection by suppression of plant innate immunity by secretion of effector molecules into its host plant. An ever-expanding family of proteins with effector-like characteristics is formed by the "Necrosis and Ethylene inducing peptide 1 (Nep1)-like proteins" (NLPs). NLPs can be divided into two groups by their ability to induce necrosis. While cytotoxic NLPs may act as virulence factors for a necrotrophic or hemibiotrophic plant pathogen, the role of non-cytotoxic NLPs is so far unknown. In this study, we identified eight independent NLPs in P. viticola and selected three for functional analysis. While one was identified as a putative pseudo gene, two contain all so far described critical key elements for necrosis formation except for an N-terminal signal peptide. Further characterization revealed that none of the putative necrosis elicitors was able to actually induce necrosis, neither in several susceptible or resistant Vitis species nor in the dicot model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. This inability exists independently of the presence or absence of a signal peptide. However, any possible mechanism for the suppression of the ability to induce necrosis in planta was not detected. Interestingly, expression analysis of the presumed pseudo gene revealed remarkable differences between pure sporangia solution and sporangia in the presence of leaf material. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this kind of regulation that suggests an important function of so far nonfunctional "pseudo" NLP genes during the first hours of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schumacher
- Section of Phytopathology and Diagnosis, Department of Biology, State Institute for Viticulture and Enology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Grosser
- Section of Phytopathology and Diagnosis, Department of Biology, State Institute for Viticulture and Enology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Thomas Voegele
- Department of Phytopathology, Institute of Phytomedicine (360), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hanns-Heinz Kassemeyer
- Section of Phytopathology and Diagnosis, Department of Biology, State Institute for Viticulture and Enology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - René Fuchs
- Section of Phytopathology and Diagnosis, Department of Biology, State Institute for Viticulture and Enology, Freiburg, Germany
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Jin X, Hapsari ND, Lee S, Jo K. DNA binding fluorescent proteins as single-molecule probes. Analyst 2020; 145:4079-4095. [DOI: 10.1039/d0an00218f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
DNA binding fluorescent proteins are useful probes for a broad range of biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Jin
- Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated Biotechnology
- Sogang University
- Seoul
- Republic of Korea
| | - Natalia Diyah Hapsari
- Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated Biotechnology
- Sogang University
- Seoul
- Republic of Korea
- Chemistry Education Program
| | - Seonghyun Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated Biotechnology
- Sogang University
- Seoul
- Republic of Korea
| | - Kyubong Jo
- Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated Biotechnology
- Sogang University
- Seoul
- Republic of Korea
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50
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Liao P, Leung KP, Lung SC, Panthapulakkal Narayanan S, Jiang L, Chye ML. Subcellular Localization of Rice Acyl-CoA-Binding Proteins ACBP4 and ACBP5 Supports Their Non-redundant Roles in Lipid Metabolism. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:331. [PMID: 32265974 PMCID: PMC7105888 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs), conserved at the acyl-CoA-binding domain, can bind acyl-CoA esters as well as transport them intracellularly. Six ACBPs co-exist in each model plant, dicot Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) and monocot Oryza sativa (rice). Although Arabidopsis ACBPs have been studied extensively, less is known about the rice ACBPs. OsACBP4 is highly induced by salt treatment, but down-regulated following pathogen infection, while OsACBP5 is up-regulated by both wounding and pathogen treatment. Their differential expression patterns under various stress treatments suggest that they may possess non-redundant functions. When expressed from the CaMV35S promoter, OsACBP4 and OsACBP5 were subcellularly localized to different endoplasmic reticulum (ER) domains in transgenic Arabidopsis. As these plants were not stress-treated, it remains to be determined if OsACBP subcellular localization would change following treatment. Given that the subcellular localization of proteins may not be reliable if not expressed in the native plant, this study addresses OsACBP4:GFP and OsACBP5:DsRED expression from their native promoters to verify their subcellular localization in transgenic rice. The results indicated that OsACBP4:GFP was targeted to the plasma membrane besides the ER, while OsACBP5:DsRED was localized at the apoplast, in contrast to their only localization at the ER in transgenic Arabidopsis. Differences in tagged-protein localization in transgenic Arabidopsis and rice imply that protein subcellular localization studies are best investigated in the native plant. Likely, initial targeting to the ER in a non-native plant could not be followed up properly to the final destination(s) unless it occurred in the native plant. Also, monocot (rice) protein targeting may not be optimally processed in a transgenic dicot (Arabidopsis), perhaps arising from the different processing systems for routing between them. Furthermore, changes in the subcellular localization of OsACBP4:GFP and OsACBP5:DsRED were not detectable following salt and pathogen treatment, respectively. These results suggest that OsACBP4 is likely involved in the intracellular shuttling of acyl-CoA esters and/or other lipids between the plasma membrane and the ER, while OsACBP5 appears to participate in the extracellular transport of acyl-CoA esters and/or other lipids, suggesting that they are non-redundant proteins in lipid trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Liao
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, CUHK, New Territories, China
| | - King Pong Leung
- Centre for Cell and Development Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, China
| | - Shiu-Cheung Lung
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
| | | | - Liwen Jiang
- Centre for Cell and Development Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, China
| | - Mee-Len Chye
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, CUHK, New Territories, China
- *Correspondence: Mee-Len Chye,
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