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Vacek J, Zatloukalová M, Dorčák V, Cifra M, Futera Z, Ostatná V. Electrochemistry in sensing of molecular interactions of proteins and their behavior in an electric field. Mikrochim Acta 2023; 190:442. [PMID: 37847341 PMCID: PMC10582152 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-05999-2] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical methods can be used not only for the sensitive analysis of proteins but also for deeper research into their structure, transport functions (transfer of electrons and protons), and sensing their interactions with soft and solid surfaces. Last but not least, electrochemical tools are useful for investigating the effect of an electric field on protein structure, the direct application of electrochemical methods for controlling protein function, or the micromanipulation of supramolecular protein structures. There are many experimental arrangements (modalities), from the classic configuration that works with an electrochemical cell to miniaturized electrochemical sensors and microchip platforms. The support of computational chemistry methods which appropriately complement the interpretation framework of experimental results is also important. This text describes recent directions in electrochemical methods for the determination of proteins and briefly summarizes available methodologies for the selective labeling of proteins using redox-active probes. Attention is also paid to the theoretical aspects of electron transport and the effect of an external electric field on the structure of selected proteins. Instead of providing a comprehensive overview, we aim to highlight areas of interest that have not been summarized recently, but, at the same time, represent current trends in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Vacek
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 77515, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Martina Zatloukalová
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 77515, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Vlastimil Dorčák
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 77515, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Cifra
- Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Chaberska 1014/57, 18200, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Futera
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 1760, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Ostatná
- Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Kralovopolska 135, 61200, Brno, Czech Republic
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Kulbacka J, Choromańska A, Szewczyk A, Michel O, Baczyńska D, Sikora A, Rossowska J, Kulbacki M, Rembiałkowska N. Nanoelectropulse delivery for cell membrane perturbation and oxidation in human colon adenocarcinoma cells with drug resistance. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 150:108356. [PMID: 36566573 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108356] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ultrashort electric pulses in the nanosecond range (nsPEF) can affect extra- and intracellular lipid structures and can also alternate cell functioning reversibly and irreversibly. Several of the nsPEF effects are due to the abrupt rise in intracellular free calcium levels and calcium ions influx from the outside. Calcium is one of the most important factors in cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell death (apoptosis or necrosis). Manipulating calcium levels using electroporation can have different effects on normal and malignant cells. This study aimed to examine the impact of nsPEFs, combined with 1 mM Ca2+ in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines: sensitive- LoVo and drug resistant-LoVoDX. In this study 200 pulses of 10 ns and high voltage (12.5-50 kVcm-1) were used. Cell viability was determined by MTT and clonogenic assay. Proteasomal activity, GSH/GSSG assay, ROS production, and PALS-1 protein were evaluated as oxidative stress markers and protein damage. Cell morphology was visualized by AFM, SEM, and confocal microscopy imaging. The results revealed that nsPEF with 1 mM Ca2+ is cytotoxic, particularly for LoVoDX cells, and safe for normal cells. NsPEF provoked ROS release, altered cell polarity, and destabilized cell morphology. These results can be important for future protocols for colon adenocarcinoma using calcium nsPEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Choromańska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Szewczyk
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; Department of Animal Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Olga Michel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Baczyńska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Sikora
- Department of Nanometrology, Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems, Wroclaw, University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Rossowska
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Kulbacki
- Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology, Warsaw, Poland; DIVE IN AI, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Nina Rembiałkowska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Orlacchio R, Percherancier Y, Poulletier De Gannes F, Hurtier A, Lagroye I, Leveque P, Arnaud-Cormos D. In Vivo Functional Ultrasound (fUS) Real-Time Imaging and Dosimetry of Mice Brain Under Radiofrequency Exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 2022; 43:257-267. [PMID: 35485721 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22403] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to analyze in real-time the potential modifications induced by low-level continuous-wave and Global System for Mobile Communications radiofrequency (RF) exposure at 1.8 GHz on brain activation in anesthetized mice. A specific in vivo experimental setup consisting of a dipole antenna for the local exposure of the brain was fully characterized. A unique neuroimaging technique based on a functional ultrasound (fUS) probe was used to observe the areas of mice brain activation simultaneously to the RF exposure with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution (~100 μm, 1 ms) following manual whisker stimulation using a brush. Numerical and experimental dosimetry was carried out to characterize the exposure and to guarantee the validity of the biological results. Our results show that the fUS probe can be efficiently used during in vivo exposure without interference with the dipole. In addition, we conclude that exposure to brain-averaged specific absorption rate levels of 2 and 6 W/kg does not introduce significant changes in the time course of the evoked fUS response in the left barrel field cortex. The proposed technique represents a valuable instrument for providing new insights into the possible effects induced on brain activation under RF exposure. For the first time, brain activity under mobile phone exposure was evaluated in vivo with fUS imaging, paving the way for more realistic exposure configurations, i.e. awake mice and new signals such as the 5 G networks. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Orlacchio
- CNRS, XLIM, UMR 7252, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Delia Arnaud-Cormos
- CNRS, XLIM, UMR 7252, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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Havelka D, Zhernov I, Teplan M, Lánský Z, Chafai DE, Cifra M. Lab-on-chip microscope platform for electro-manipulation of a dense microtubules network. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2462. [PMID: 35165315 PMCID: PMC8844285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06255-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology is promising for the manipulation of biomolecular components and has potential applications in biomedicine and bionanotechnology. Microtubules, nanoscopic tubular structures self-assembled from protein tubulin, serve as important components in basic cellular processes as well as in engineered biomolecular nanosystems. Recent studies in cell-based models have demonstrated that PEF affects the cytoskeleton, including microtubules. However, the direct effects of PEF on microtubules are not clear. In this work, we developed a lab-on-a-chip platform integrated with a total internal reflection fluorescence microscope system to elucidate the PEF effects on a microtubules network mimicking the cell-like density of microtubules. The designed platform enables the delivery of short (microsecond-scale), high-field-strength (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\le$$\end{document}≤ 25 kV/cm) electric pulses far from the electrode/electrolyte interface. We showed that microsecond PEF is capable of overcoming the non-covalent microtubule bonding force to the substrate and translocating the microtubules. This microsecond PEF effect combined with macromolecular crowding led to aggregation of microtubules. Our results expand the toolbox of bioelectronics technologies and electromagnetic tools for the manipulation of biomolecular nanoscopic systems and contribute to the understanding of microsecond PEF effects on a microtubule cytoskeleton.
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Petrella RA, Levit SL, Fesmire CC, Tang C, Sano MB. Polymer Nanoparticles Enhance Irreversible Electroporation In Vitro. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2022; 69:2353-2362. [PMID: 35025737 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2022.3143084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Expanding the volume of an irreversible electroporation treatment typically necessitates an increase in pulse voltage, number, duration, or repetition. This study investigates the addition of polyethylenimine nanoparticles (PEI-NP) to pulsed electric field treatments, determining their combined effect on ablation size and voltages. U118 cells in an in vitro 3D cell culture model were treated with one of three pulse parameters (with and without PEI-NPs) which are representative of irreversible electroporation (IRE), high frequency irreversible electroporation (H-FIRE), or nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF). The size of the ablations were compared and mapped onto an electric field model to describe the electric field required to induce cell death. Analysis was conducted to determine the role of PEI-NPs in altering media conductivity, the potential for PEI-NP degradation following pulsed electric field treatment, and PEI-NP uptake. Results show there was a statistically significant increase in ablation diameter for IRE and H-FIRE pulses with PEI-NPs. There was no increase in ablation size for nsPEF with PEI-NPs. This all occurs with no change in cell media conductivity, no observable degradation of PEI-NPs, and moderate particle uptake. These results demonstrate the synergy of a combined cationic polymer nanoparticle and pulsed electric field treatment for the ablation of cancer cells. These results set the foundation for polymer nanoparticles engineered specifically for irreversible electroporation.
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Kalra AP, Eakins BB, Vagin SI, Wang H, Patel SD, Winter P, Aminpour M, Lewis JD, Rezania V, Shankar K, Scholes GD, Tuszynski JA, Rieger B, Meldrum A. A Nanometric Probe of the Local Proton Concentration in Microtubule-Based Biophysical Systems. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:517-523. [PMID: 34962401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c04487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We show a double-functional fluorescence sensing paradigm that can retrieve nanometric pH information on biological structures. We use this method to measure the extent of protonic condensation around microtubules, which are protein polymers that play many roles crucial to cell function. While microtubules are believed to have a profound impact on the local cytoplasmic pH, this has been hard to show experimentally due to the limitations of conventional sensing techniques. We show that subtle changes in the local electrochemical surroundings cause a double-functional sensor to transform its spectrum, thus allowing a direct measurement of the protonic concentration at the microtubule surface. Microtubules concentrate protons by as much as one unit on the pH scale, indicating a charge storage role within the cell via the localized ionic condensation. These results confirm the bioelectrical significance of microtubules and reveal a sensing concept that can deliver localized biochemical information on intracellular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarat P Kalra
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States of America
| | - Boden B Eakins
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, 9107-116 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2 V4, Canada
| | - Sergei I Vagin
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85747 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Sahil D Patel
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States of America
| | - Philip Winter
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Maral Aminpour
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, 9107-116 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2 V4, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - John D Lewis
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Vahid Rezania
- Department of Physical Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Karthik Shankar
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, 9107-116 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2 V4, Canada
| | - Gregory D Scholes
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States of America
| | - Jack A Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Bernhard Rieger
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85747 Garching bei München, Germany
| | - Alkiviathes Meldrum
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
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Chafai DE, Cifra M. Electro-Modulation of Tubulin Properties and Function. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2430:61-70. [PMID: 35476325 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1983-4_4] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules composed of tubulin heterodimers represent highly dynamic structures. These structures are essential for basic cellular functions, such as cell division. Microtubules can grow or shrink in response to environmental signals, principally chemical cues. Here, we provide an alternative-physical-strategy to modulate tubulin properties and its self-assembly process. The conformation and electrical properties of tubulin subunits are modulated by nanosecond electropulse signals. The formed structures of electrically treated tubulin are tightly linked to the degree of conformational and electrical properties changes induced by nanosecond electropulses. This strategy opens a new way for controlling the self-assembly process in biomolecules as well as in bioinspired materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djamel Eddine Chafai
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Michal Cifra
- Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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Průša J, Ayoub AT, Chafai DE, Havelka D, Cifra M. Electro-opening of a microtubule lattice in silico. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1488-1496. [PMID: 33815687 PMCID: PMC7985272 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of the structure and function of biomaterials is essential for advancing bio-nanotechnology and biomedicine. Microtubules (MTs) are self-assembled protein polymers that are essential for fundamental cellular processes and key model compounds for the design of active bio-nanomaterials. In this in silico study, a 0.5 μs-long all-atom molecular dynamics simulation of a complete MT with approximately 1.2 million atoms in the system indicated that a nanosecond-scale intense electric field can induce the longitudinal opening of the cylindrical shell of the MT lattice, modifying the structure of the MT. This effect is field-strength- and temperature-dependent and occurs on the cathode side. A model was formulated to explain the opening on the cathode side, which resulted from an electric-field-induced imbalance between electric torque on tubulin dipoles and cohesive forces between tubulin heterodimers. Our results open new avenues for electromagnetic modulation of biological and artificial materials through action on noncovalent molecular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Průša
- Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18251, Czech Republic
| | - Ahmed Taha Ayoub
- Biomolecular Simulation Center, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11777, Egypt
| | - Djamel Eddine Chafai
- Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18251, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Havelka
- Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18251, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Cifra
- Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18251, Czech Republic
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Kalra AP, Eakins BB, Patel SD, Ciniero G, Rezania V, Shankar K, Tuszynski JA. All Wired Up: An Exploration of the Electrical Properties of Microtubules and Tubulin. ACS NANO 2020; 14:16301-16320. [PMID: 33213135 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are hollow, cylindrical polymers of the protein α, β tubulin, that interact mechanochemically with a variety of macromolecules. Due to their mechanically robust nature, microtubules have gained attention as tracks for precisely directed transport of nanomaterials within lab-on-a-chip devices. Primarily due to the unusually negative tail-like C-termini of tubulin, recent work demonstrates that these biopolymers are also involved in a broad spectrum of intracellular electrical signaling. Microtubules and their electrostatic properties are discussed in this Review, followed by an evaluation of how these biopolymers respond mechanically to electrical stimuli, through microtubule migration, electrorotation and C-termini conformation changes. Literature focusing on how microtubules act as nanowires capable of intracellular ionic transport, charge storage, and ionic signal amplification is reviewed, illustrating how these biopolymers attenuate ionic movement in response to electrical stimuli. The Review ends with a discussion on the important questions, challenges, and future opportunities for intracellular microtubule-based electrical signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarat P Kalra
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2M9, Canada
| | - Boden B Eakins
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, 9107-116 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2 V4, Canada
| | - Sahil D Patel
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, 9107-116 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2 V4, Canada
| | - Gloria Ciniero
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Vahid Rezania
- Department of Physical Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Karthik Shankar
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, 9107-116 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2 V4, Canada
| | - Jack A Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Torino 10129, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada
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