1
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Kim H, Jung SO, Lee S, Lee Y. Bioluminescent Systems for Theranostic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7563. [PMID: 39062805 PMCID: PMC11277111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147563] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence, the light produced by biochemical reactions involving luciferases in living organisms, has been extensively investigated for various applications. It has attracted particular interest as an internal light source for theranostic applications due to its safe and efficient characteristics that overcome the limited penetration of conventional external light sources. Recent advancements in protein engineering technologies and protein delivery platforms have expanded the application of bioluminescence to a wide range of theranostic areas, including bioimaging, biosensing, photodynamic therapy, and optogenetics. This comprehensive review presents the fundamental concepts of bioluminescence and explores its recent applications across diverse fields. Moreover, it discusses future research directions based on the current status of bioluminescent systems for further expansion of their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemin Kim
- Department of Cosmetics Engineering, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (S.O.J.); (S.L.); (Y.L.)
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2
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Kuchimaru T. Emerging Synthetic Bioluminescent Reactions for Non-Invasive Imaging of Freely Moving Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7338. [PMID: 39000448 PMCID: PMC11242611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is an indispensable technique for visualizing the dynamics of diverse biological processes in mammalian animal models, including cancer, viral infections, and immune responses. However, a critical scientific challenge remains: non-invasively visualizing homeostatic and disease mechanisms in freely moving animals to understand the molecular basis of exercises, social behavior, and other phenomena. Classical BLI relies on prolonged camera exposure to accumulate the limited number of photons that traveled from deep tissues in anesthetized or constrained animals. Recent advancements in synthetic bioluminescence reactions, utilizing artificial luciferin-luciferase pairs, have considerably increased the number of detectable photons from deep tissues, facilitating high-speed BLI to capture moving objects. In this review, I provide an overview of emerging synthetic bioluminescence reactions that enable the non-invasive imaging of freely moving animals. This approach holds the potential to uncover unique physiological processes that are inaccessible with current methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kuchimaru
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
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3
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Townsend KM, Prescher JA. Recent advances in bioluminescent probes for neurobiology. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024204. [PMID: 38390217 PMCID: PMC10883388 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescence is a popular modality for imaging in living organisms. The platform relies on enzymatically (luciferase) generated light via the oxidation of small molecule luciferins. Since no external light is needed for photon production, there are no concerns with background autofluorescence or photobleaching over time-features that have historically limited other optical readouts. Bioluminescence is thus routinely used for longitudinal tracking across whole animals. Applications in the brain, though, have been more challenging due to a lack of sufficiently bioavailable, bright, and easily multiplexed probes. Recent years have seen the development of designer luciferase and luciferin pairs that address these issues, providing more sensitive and real-time readouts of biochemical features relevant to neurobiology. This review highlights many of the advances in bioluminescent probe design, with a focus on the small molecule light emitter, the luciferin. Specific efforts to improve luciferin pharmacokinetics and tissue-penetrant emission are covered, in addition to applications that such probes have enabled. The continued development of improved bioluminescent probes will aid in illuminating critical neurochemical processes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Townsend
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Chemistry, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Chemistry, Irvine, California, United States
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Irvine, California, United States
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irvine, California, United States
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4
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Moon SW, Min SK. Gaussian Process Regression-Based Near-Infrared d-Luciferin Analogue Design Using Mutation-Controlled Graph-Based Genetic Algorithm. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1522-1532. [PMID: 38365605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00870] [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: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Molecular discovery is central to the field of chemical informatics. Although optimization approaches have been developed that target-specific molecular properties in combination with machine learning techniques, optimization using databases of limited size is challenging for efficient molecular design. We present a molecular design method with a Gaussian process regression model and a graph-based genetic algorithm (GB-GA) from a data set comprising a small number of compounds by introducing mutation probability control in the genetic algorithm to enhance the optimization capability and speed up the convergence to the optimal solution. In addition, we propose reducing the number of parameters in the conventional GB-GA focusing on efficient molecular design from a small database. We generated a target-specific database by combining active learning and iterative design in the evolutionary methodologies and chose Gaussian process regression as the prediction model for molecular properties. We show that the proposed scheme is more efficient for optimization toward the target properties from goal-directed benchmarks with several drug-like molecules compared to the conventional GB-GA method. Finally, we provide a demonstration whereby we designed D-luciferin analogues with near-infrared fluorescence for bioimaging, which is desirable for effective in vivo light sources, from a small-size data set.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Wook Moon
- Departmet of Chemistry, School of Natural Science, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, South Korea
| | - Seung Kyu Min
- Departmet of Chemistry, School of Natural Science, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, South Korea
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5
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Nishihara R, Dokainish HM, Kihara Y, Ashiba H, Sugita Y, Kurita R. Pseudo-Luciferase Activity of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein for Cypridina Luciferin. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:283-290. [PMID: 38435535 PMCID: PMC10906034 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Enzymatic reactions that involve a luminescent substrate (luciferin) and enzyme (luciferase) from luminous organisms enable a luminescence detection of target proteins and cells with high specificity, albeit that conventional assay design requires a prelabeling of target molecules with luciferase. Here, we report a luciferase-independent luminescence assay in which the target protein directly catalyzes the oxidative luminescence reaction of luciferin. The SARS-CoV-2 antigen (spike) protein catalyzes the light emission of Cypridina luciferin, whereas no such catalytic function was observed for salivary proteins. This selective luminescence reaction is due to the enzymatic recognition of the 3-(1-guanidino)propyl group in luciferin at the interfaces between the units of the spike protein, allowing a specific detection of the spike protein in human saliva without sample pretreatment. This method offers a novel platform to detect virus antigens simply and rapidly without genetic manipulation or antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Nishihara
- National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
- Japan
Science and Technology Agency (JST), PREST, 4-1-8, Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Hisham M. Dokainish
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Nishi 6 Kita12 Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- Theoretical
Molecular Science Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster
for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kihara
- National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
- Faculty
of
Pure and Applied Sciences, University of
Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ashiba
- National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Yuji Sugita
- Theoretical
Molecular Science Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster
for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Laboratory
for Biomolecular Function Simulation, RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-7-1 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Computational
Biophysics Research Team, RIKEN Center for
Computational Science, 6-7-1 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Ryoji Kurita
- National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
- Faculty
of
Pure and Applied Sciences, University of
Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
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6
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Navarro MX, Brennan CK, Love AC, Prescher JA. Caged luciferins enable rapid multicomponent bioluminescence imaging. Photochem Photobiol 2024; 100:67-74. [PMID: 37259257 PMCID: PMC10687313 DOI: 10.1111/php.13814] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence is a sensitive technique for imaging biological features over time. Historically, though, the modality has been challenging to employ for multiplexed tracking due to a lack of resolvable luciferase-luciferin pairs. Recent years have seen the development of numerous orthogonal probes for multi-parameter imaging. While successful, generating such tools often requires complex syntheses and lengthy enzyme evolution campaigns. This work showcases an alternative strategy for multiplexed bioluminescence that takes advantage of already-orthogonal caged luciferins and established uncaging enzymes. These probes generate unique bioluminescent signals that can be distinguished via a linear unmixing algorithm. Caged luciferins enabled two- and three-component imaging on the minutes time scale. We further showed that the tools can be used in conjunction with endogenous enzymes for multiplexed studies. Collectively, this approach lowers the barrier to multicomponent bioluminescence imaging and can be readily adopted by the broader community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana X. Navarro
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
| | - Caroline K. Brennan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
| | - Anna C. Love
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
| | - Jennifer A. Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92716 (USA)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, 101 Theory, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
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7
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Caldwell DR, Townsend KM, Kolbaba-Kartchner B, Hadjian T, Ivanic J, Love AC, Malvar B, Mills J, Prescher JA, Schnermann MJ. Expedient Synthesis and Characterization of π-Extended Luciferins. J Org Chem 2023:10.1021/acs.joc.3c01920. [PMID: 38096133 PMCID: PMC11323054 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging enables the sensitive tracking of cell populations and the visualization of biological processes in living systems. Bioluminescent luciferase/luciferin pairs with far-red and near-infrared emission benefit from the reduced competitive absorption by blood and tissue while also facilitating multiplexing strategies. Luciferins with extended π-systems, such as AkaLumine and recently reported CouLuc-1 and -3, can be used for bioluminescence imaging in this long wavelength regime. Existing synthetic routes to AkaLumine and similar π-extended compounds require a multistep sequence to install the thiazoline heterocycle. Here we detail the development of a two-step strategy for accessing these molecules via a Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction and cysteine condensation sequence from readily available aldehyde starting materials. We detail an improved synthesis of AkaLumine, as well as the corresponding two-carbon homologues, Tri- and Tetra-AkaLumine. We then extended this approach to prepare coumarin- and naphthalene-derived luciferins. These putative luciferins were tested against a panel of luciferases to identify capable emitters. Of these, an easily prepared naphthalene derivative exhibits photon emission on par with that of the broadly used Akaluc/AkaLumine pair with similar emission maxima. Overall, this chemistry provides efficient access to several bioluminescent probes for a variety of imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald R Caldwell
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Katherine M Townsend
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Bethany Kolbaba-Kartchner
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- The Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Tanya Hadjian
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Joseph Ivanic
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Anna C Love
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Beatrice Malvar
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Jeremy Mills
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- The Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Martin J Schnermann
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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8
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Chang CH, Fontaine DM, Gómez S, Branchini BR, Anderson JC. Synthesis and Bioluminescence of 'V'-Shaped Firefly Luciferin Analogues Based on A Novel Benzobisthiazole Core. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202302204. [PMID: 37743319 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202302204] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The design of π-extended conjugation 'V'-shaped red shifted bioluminescent D-luciferin analogues based on a novel benzobisthiazole core is described. The divergent synthetic route allowed access to a range of amine donor substituents through an SN Ar reaction. In spectroscopic studies, the 'V'-shaped luciferins exhibited narrower optical band gaps, more red-shifted absorption and emission spectra than D-luciferin. Their bioluminescence characteristics were recorded against four different luciferases (PpyLuc, FlucRed, CBR2 and PLR3). With native luciferase PpyLuc, the 'V'-shaped luciferins demonstrated more red-shifted emissions than D-luciferin (λbl =561 nm) by 60 to 80 nm. In addition, the benzobisthiazole luciferins showed a wide range of bioluminescence spectra from the visible light region (λbl =500 nm) to the nIR window (>650 nm). The computational results validate the design concept which can be used as a guide for further novel D-luciferin analogues based upon other 'V'-shaped heterocyclic cores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hao Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | | | - Sandra Gómez
- Departamento de Quimica Fisica, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, 37008, Spain
| | - Bruce R Branchini
- Department of Chemistry, Connecticut College, New London, CT-06320, USA
| | - James C Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
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9
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Chang MS, Lee CY, Liu ES, Chao H, Wu HY, Chang YY, Liu YL, Chen YT, Su YC, Wang YT, Cheng TL, Yen CH, Lin CW, Huang HK, Lin WW. A Low-Cost, Sensitive Reporter System Using Membrane-Tethered Horseradish Peroxidase for Efficient Gene Expression Analysis. Anal Chem 2023; 95:14341-14349. [PMID: 37715702 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02684] [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: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Reporter gene assays are essential for high-throughput analysis, such as drug screening or determining downstream signaling activation/inhibition. However, use of this technology has been hampered by the high cost of the substrate (e.g., d-Luciferin (d-Luc)) in the most common firefly luciferase (FLuc) reporter gene assay. Although alternate luciferase is available worldwide, its substrate has remained expensive, and a more affordable option is still in demand. Here, we present a membrane-tethered horseradish peroxidase (mHRP), a new reporter system composed of a cell membrane expressing HRP that can preserve its enzymatic function on the cell surface, facilitates contact with HRP substrates (e.g., ABTS and TMB), and avoids the cell lysis process and the use of the high-priced luciferase substrate. An evaluation of the light signal sensitivity of mHRP compared to FLuc showed that both had comparable signal sensitivity. We also identified an extended substrate half-life of more than 5-fold that of d-Luc. Of note, this strategy provided a more stable detection signal, and the cell lysis process is not mandatory. Furthermore, with this strategy, we decreased the total amount of time taken for analysis and increased the time of detection limit of the reporter assay. Pricing analysis showed a one-third to one twenty-eighth price drop per single test of reporter assay. Given the convenience and stability of the mHRP reporter system, we believe that our strategy is suitable for use as an alternative to the luciferase reporter assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Shen Chang
- PhD Program in Life Science, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - En-Shuo Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan Chao
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yu Wu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yen Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ling Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Su
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
| | - Yeng-Tseng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Post Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
| | - Tian-Lu Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hung Yen
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wei Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Kai Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Wei Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Post Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80708 Taiwan
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10
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Wei J, Liu C, Liang W, Yang X, Han S. Advances in optical molecular imaging for neural visualization. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1250594. [PMID: 37671191 PMCID: PMC10475611 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1250594] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Iatrogenic nerve injury is a significant complication in surgery, which can negatively impact patients' quality of life. Currently, the main clinical neuroimaging methods, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and high-resolution ultrasonography, do not offer precise real-time positioning images for doctors during surgery. The clinical application of optical molecular imaging technology has led to the emergence of new concepts such as optical molecular imaging surgery, targeted surgery, and molecular-guided surgery. These advancements have made it possible to directly visualize surgical target areas, thereby providing a novel method for real-time identification of nerves during surgery planning. Unlike traditional white light imaging, optical molecular imaging technology enables precise positioning and identifies the cation of intraoperative nerves through the presentation of color images. Although a large number of experiments and data support its development, there are few reports on its actual clinical application. This paper summarizes the research results of optical molecular imaging technology and its ability to realize neural visualization. Additionally, it discusses the challenges neural visualization recognition faces and future development opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzheng Wei
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenkai Liang
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shufeng Han
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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11
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Beyond luciferase-luciferin system: Modification, improved imaging and biomedical application. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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12
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Chang CH, Gómez S, Fontaine DM, Fikas P, Branchini BR, Anderson JC. Bioluminescence, photophysical, computational and molecular docking studies of fully conformationally restricted enamine infraluciferin. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:2941-2949. [PMID: 36928464 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob00247k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
A new rationally designed fully rotationally restricted luciferin has been synthesised. This synthetic luciferin, based upon the structure of infraluciferin, has two intramolecular H-bonds to reduce degrees of freedom, an amine group to enhance ICT process, and an alkenyl group to increase π-conjugation. In the spectroscopic measurements and computational calculations, enamine luciferin showed more red-shifted absorption and fluorescence emission than LH2 and iLH2. With PpyWT luciferase enamine luciferin gave bioluminescence at 564 nm which is similar to LH2 at 561 nm. Further investigation by docking studies revealed that the emission wavelength of enamine luciferin might be attributed to the unwanted twisted structure caused by Asp531 within the enzyme. With mutant luciferase FlucRed, the major emission peak was shifted to 606 nm, a distinct shoulder above 700 nm, and 21% of its spectrum located in the nIR range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hao Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK.
| | - Sandra Gómez
- Departamento de Quimica Fisica, University of Salamanca, 37008, Spain
| | | | - Panagiotis Fikas
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK.
| | - Bruce R Branchini
- Department of Chemistry, Connecticut College, New London, CT 06320, USA
| | - James C Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK.
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13
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Practical Guidance for Developing Small-Molecule Optical Probes for In Vivo Imaging. Mol Imaging Biol 2023; 25:240-264. [PMID: 36745354 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-023-01800-1] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The WMIS Education Committee (2019-2022) reached a consensus that white papers on molecular imaging could be beneficial for practitioners of molecular imaging at their early career stages and other scientists who are interested in molecular imaging. With this consensus, the committee plans to publish a series of white papers on topics related to the daily practice of molecular imaging. In this white paper, we aim to provide practical guidance that could be helpful for optical molecular imaging, particularly for small molecule probe development and validation in vitro and in vivo. The focus of this paper is preclinical animal studies with small-molecule optical probes. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging, bioluminescence imaging, chemiluminescence imaging, image-guided surgery, and Cerenkov luminescence imaging are discussed in this white paper.
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14
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Afshari MJ, Li C, Zeng J, Cui J, Wu S, Gao M. Self-illuminating NIR-II bioluminescence imaging probe based on silver sulfide quantum dots. ACS NANO 2022; 16:16824-16832. [PMID: 36178795 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence (BL) imaging has emerged to tackle the potential challenges of fluorescence (FL) imaging including the autofluorescence background, inhomogeneous illumination over a wide imaging field, and the light-induced overheating effect. Taking advantage of the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) mechanism between a conventional luciferin compound and a suitable acceptor, the visible light of the former can be extended to photons with longer wavelengths emitting from the latter. Although BRET-based self-illuminating imaging probes have already been prepared, employing potentially cytotoxic elements as the acceptor with the emission wavelengths which hardly reach the first near-infrared (NIR-I) window, has limited their applications as safe and high performance in vivo imaging agents. Herein, we report a biocompatible, self-illuminating, and second near-infrared (NIR-II) emissive probe to address the cytotoxicity concerns as well as improve the penetration depth and spatiotemporal resolution of BL imaging. To this end, NanoLuc luciferase enzyme molecules were immobilized on the surface of silver sulfide quantum dots to oxidize its luciferin substrate and initiate a single-step BRET mechanism, resulting in NIR-II photons from the quantum dots. The resulting dual modality (BL/FL) probes were successfully applied to in vivo tumor imaging in mice, demonstrating that NIR-II BL signals could be easily detected from the tumor sites, giving rise to ∼2 times higher signal-to-noise ratios compared to those obtained under FL mode. The results indicated that nontoxic NIR-II emitting nanocrystals deserve more attention to be tailored to fill the growing demands of preparing appropriate agents for high quality BL imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Afshari
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Cang Li
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jianfeng Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jiabin Cui
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Shuwang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Mingyuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
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15
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Satalkar V, Benassi E, Mao Y, Pan X, Ran C, Chen X, Shao Y. Computational Investigation of Substituent Effects on the Fluorescence Wavelengths of Oxyluciferin Analogs. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2022; 431:114018. [PMID: 36407037 PMCID: PMC9673899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Oxyluciferin, which is the light emitter for firefly bioluminescence, has been subjected to extensive chemical modifications to tune its emission wavelength and quantum yield. However, the exact mechanisms for various electron-donating and withdrawing groups to perturb the photophysical properties of oxyluciferin analogs are still not fully understood. To elucidate the substituent effects on the fluorescence wavelength of oxyluciferin analogs, we applied the absolutely localized molecular orbitals (ALMO)-based frontier orbital analysis to assess various types of interactions (i.e. permanent electrostatics/exchange repulsion, polarization, occupied-occupied orbital mixing, virtual-virtual orbital mixing, and charge-transfer) between the oxyluciferin and substituent orbitals. We suggested two distinct mechanisms that can lead to red-shifted oxyluciferin emission wavelength, a design objective that can help increase the tissue penetration of bioluminescence emission. Within the first mechanism, an electron-donating group (such as an amino or dimethylamino group) can contribute its highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) to an out-of-phase combination with oxyluciferin's HOMO, thus raising the HOMO energy of the substituted analog and narrowing its HOMO-LUMO gap. Alternatively, an electron-withdrawing group (such as a nitro or cyano group) can participate in an in-phase virtual-virtual orbital mixing of fragment LUMOs, thus lowering the LUMO energy of the substituted analog. Such an ALMO-based frontier orbital analysis is expected to lead to intuitive principles for designing analogs of not only the oxyluciferin molecule, but also many other functional dyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vardhan Satalkar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Enrico Benassi
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Yuezhi Mao
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiaoliang Pan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Chongzhao Ran
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Yihan Shao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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Liu YJ. Understanding the complete bioluminescence cycle from a multiscale computational perspective: A review. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C: PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2022.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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17
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Bioluminescence Color-Tuning Firefly Luciferases: Engineering and Prospects for Real-Time Intracellular pH Imaging and Heavy Metal Biosensing. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12060400. [PMID: 35735548 PMCID: PMC9221268 DOI: 10.3390/bios12060400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Firefly luciferases catalyze the efficient production of yellow-green light under normal physiological conditions, having been extensively used for bioanalytical purposes for over 5 decades. Under acidic conditions, high temperatures and the presence of heavy metals, they produce red light, a property that is called pH-sensitivity or pH-dependency. Despite the demand for physiological intracellular biosensors for pH and heavy metals, firefly luciferase pH and metal sensitivities were considered drawbacks in analytical assays. We first demonstrated that firefly luciferases and their pH and metal sensitivities can be harnessed to estimate intracellular pH variations and toxic metal concentrations through ratiometric analysis. Using Macrolampis sp2 firefly luciferase, the intracellular pH could be ratiometrically estimated in bacteria and then in mammalian cells. The luciferases of Macrolampis sp2 and Cratomorphus distinctus fireflies were also harnessed to ratiometrically estimate zinc, mercury and other toxic metal concentrations in the micromolar range. The temperature was also ratiometrically estimated using firefly luciferases. The identification and engineering of metal-binding sites have allowed the development of novel luciferases that are more specific to certain metals. The luciferase of the Amydetes viviani firefly was selected for its special sensitivity to cadmium and mercury, and for its stability at higher temperatures. These color-tuning luciferases can potentially be used with smartphones for hands-on field analysis of water contamination and biochemistry teaching assays. Thus, firefly luciferases are novel color-tuning sensors for intracellular pH and toxic metals. Furthermore, a single luciferase gene is potentially useful as a dual bioluminescent reporter to simultaneously report intracellular ATP and/or luciferase concentrations luminometrically, and pH or metal concentrations ratiometrically, providing a useful tool for real-time imaging of intracellular dynamics and stress.
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18
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Yadav AK, Lee MC, Lucero MY, Su S, Reinhardt CJ, Chan J. Activity-Based NIR Bioluminescence Probe Enables Discovery of Diet-Induced Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment via Nitric Oxide. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:461-472. [PMID: 35505872 PMCID: PMC9052803 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.1c00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) plays a critical role in acute and chronic inflammation. NO's contributions to cancer are of particular interest due to its context-dependent bioactivities. For example, immune cells initially produce cytotoxic quantities of NO in response to the nascent tumor. However, it is believed that this fades over time and reaches a concentration that supports the tumor microenvironment (TME). These complex dynamics are further complicated by other factors, such as diet and oxygenation, making it challenging to establish a complete picture of NO's impact on tumor progression. Although many activity-based sensing (ABS) probes for NO have been developed, only a small fraction have been employed in vivo, and fewer yet are practical in cancer models where the NO concentration is <200 nM. To overcome this outstanding challenge, we have developed BL660-NO, the first ABS probe for NIR bioluminescence imaging of NO in cancer. Owing to the low intrinsic background, high sensitivity, and deep tissue imaging capabilities of our design, BL660-NO was successfully employed to visualize endogenous NO in cellular systems, a human liver metastasis model, and a murine breast cancer model. Importantly, its exceptional performance facilitated two dietary studies which examine the impact of fat intake on NO and the TME. BL660-NO provides the first direct molecular evidence that intratumoral NO becomes elevated in mice fed a high-fat diet, which became obese with larger tumors, compared to control animals on a low-fat diet. These results indicate that an inflammatory diet can increase NO production via recruitment of macrophages and overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase which in turn can drive tumor progression.
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19
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Kim M, Gupta SK, Zhang W, Talele S, Mohammad AS, Laramy J, Mladek AC, Zhang S, Sarkaria JN, Elmquist WF. Factors Influencing Luciferase-Based Bioluminescent Imaging in Preclinical Models of Brain Tumor. Drug Metab Dispos 2022; 50:277-286. [PMID: 34887255 PMCID: PMC8969130 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.121.000597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescent imaging (BLI) is a powerful tool in biomedical research to measure gene expression and tumor growth. The current study examined factors that influence the BLI signal, specifically focusing on the tissue distribution of two luciferase substrates, D-luciferin and CycLuc1. D-luciferin, a natural substrate of firefly luciferase, has been reported to have limited brain distribution, possibly due to the efflux transporter, breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp), at the blood-brain barrier. CycLuc1, a synthetic analog of D-luciferin, has a greater BLI signal at lower doses than D-luciferin, especially in the brain. Our results indicate that limited brain distribution of D-luciferin and CycLuc1 is predominantly dictated by their low intrinsic permeability across the cell membrane, where the efflux transporter, Bcrp, plays a relatively minor role. Both genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of Bcrp decreased the systemic clearance of both luciferase substrates, significantly increasing exposure in the blood and, hence, in organs and tissues. These data also indicate that the biodistribution of luciferase substrates can be differentially influenced in luciferase-bearing tissues, leading to a "tissue-dependent" BLI signal. The results of this study point to the need to consider multiple mechanisms that influence the distribution of luciferase substrates. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Bioluminescence is used to monitor many biological processes, including tumor growth. This study examined the pharmacokinetics, brain distribution, and the role of active efflux transporters on the luciferase substrates D-luciferin and CycLuc1. CycLuc1 has a more sustained systemic circulation time (longer half-life) that can provide an advantage for the superior imaging outcome of CycLuc1 over D-luciferin. The disparity in imaging intensities between brain and peripheral sites is due to low intrinsic permeability of these luciferase substrates across the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjee Kim
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (M.K., W.Z., S.T., A.S.M., J.L., S.Z., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (S.K.G., A.C.M., J.N.S.)
| | - Shiv K Gupta
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (M.K., W.Z., S.T., A.S.M., J.L., S.Z., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (S.K.G., A.C.M., J.N.S.)
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (M.K., W.Z., S.T., A.S.M., J.L., S.Z., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (S.K.G., A.C.M., J.N.S.)
| | - Surabhi Talele
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (M.K., W.Z., S.T., A.S.M., J.L., S.Z., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (S.K.G., A.C.M., J.N.S.)
| | - Afroz S Mohammad
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (M.K., W.Z., S.T., A.S.M., J.L., S.Z., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (S.K.G., A.C.M., J.N.S.)
| | - Janice Laramy
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (M.K., W.Z., S.T., A.S.M., J.L., S.Z., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (S.K.G., A.C.M., J.N.S.)
| | - Ann C Mladek
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (M.K., W.Z., S.T., A.S.M., J.L., S.Z., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (S.K.G., A.C.M., J.N.S.)
| | - Shuangling Zhang
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (M.K., W.Z., S.T., A.S.M., J.L., S.Z., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (S.K.G., A.C.M., J.N.S.)
| | - Jann N Sarkaria
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (M.K., W.Z., S.T., A.S.M., J.L., S.Z., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (S.K.G., A.C.M., J.N.S.)
| | - William F Elmquist
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (M.K., W.Z., S.T., A.S.M., J.L., S.Z., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (S.K.G., A.C.M., J.N.S.)
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20
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Systematic Comparison of Beetle Luciferase-Luciferin Pairs as Sources of Near-Infrared Light for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052451. [PMID: 35269601 PMCID: PMC8910387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Luciferases catalyze light-emitting reactions that produce a rainbow of colors from their substrates (luciferins), molecular oxygen, and often additional cofactors. These bioluminescence (BL) systems have afforded an incredible variety of basic research and medical applications. Driven by the importance of BL-based non-invasive animal imaging (BLI) applications, especially in support of cancer research, new BL systems have been developed by engineering beetle luciferase (Luc) variants and synthetic substrate combinations to produce red to near-infrared (nIR) light to improve imaging sensitivity and resolution. To stimulate the application of BLI research and advance the development of improved reagents for BLI, we undertook a systematic comparison of the spectroscopic and BL properties of seven beetle Lucs with LH2 and nine substrates, which included two new quinoline ring-containing analogs. The results of these experiments with purified Luc enzymes in vitro and in live HEK293T cells transfected with luc genes have enabled us to identify Luc/analog combinations with improved properties compared to those previously reported and to provide live cell BL data that may be relevant to in vivo imaging applications. Additionally, we found strong candidate enzyme/substrate pairs for in vitro biomarker applications requiring nIR sources with minimal visible light components. Notably, one of our new substrates paired with a previously developed Luc variant was demonstrated to be an excellent in vitro source of nIR and a potentially useful BL system for improved resolution in BLI.
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21
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Rodriguez-Rios M, Megia-Fernandez A, Norman DJ, Bradley M. Peptide probes for proteases - innovations and applications for monitoring proteolytic activity. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:2081-2120. [PMID: 35188510 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00798j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Proteases are excellent biomarkers for a variety of diseases, offer multiple opportunities for diagnostic applications and are valuable targets for therapy. From a chemistry-based perspective this review discusses and critiques the most recent advances in the field of substrate-based probes for the detection and analysis of proteolytic activity both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rodriguez-Rios
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, EH9 3FJ Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Alicia Megia-Fernandez
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, EH9 3FJ Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Daniel J Norman
- Technical University of Munich, Trogerstrasse, 30, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Mark Bradley
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, EH9 3FJ Edinburgh, UK.
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22
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Liu S, Su Y, Lin MZ, Ronald JA. Brightening up Biology: Advances in Luciferase Systems for in Vivo Imaging. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2707-2718. [PMID: 34780699 PMCID: PMC8689642 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Bioluminescence imaging
(BLI) using luciferase reporters is an
indispensable method for the noninvasive visualization of cell populations
and biochemical events in living animals. BLI is widely performed
with preclinical rodent models to understand disease processes and
evaluate potential cell- or gene-based therapies. However, in vivo BLI remains constrained by low photon production
and tissue attenuation, limiting the sensitivity of reporting from
small numbers of cells in deep locations and hindering its application
to larger animal models. This Review highlights recent advances in
the development of luciferase systems that improve the sensitivity
of in vivo BLI and discusses the expanding array
of biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Liu
- Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A3K7, Canada
| | - Yichi Su
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Michael Z. Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - John A. Ronald
- Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A3K7, Canada
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KUMADA R, ORIOKA M, CITTERIO D, HIRUTA Y. Fluorescent and Bioluminescent Probes based on Precise Molecular Design. BUNSEKI KAGAKU 2021. [DOI: 10.2116/bunsekikagaku.70.601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rei KUMADA
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Keio University
| | | | | | - Yuki HIRUTA
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Keio University
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24
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Yao Z, Caldwell DR, Love AC, Kolbaba-Kartchner B, Mills JH, Schnermann MJ, Prescher JA. Coumarin luciferins and mutant luciferases for robust multi-component bioluminescence imaging. Chem Sci 2021; 12:11684-11691. [PMID: 34659703 PMCID: PMC8442684 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc03114g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-component bioluminescence imaging requires an expanded collection of luciferase-luciferin pairs that emit far-red or near-infrared light. Toward this end, we prepared a new class of luciferins based on a red-shifted coumarin scaffold. These probes (CouLuc-1s) were accessed in a two-step sequence via direct modification of commercial dyes. The bioluminescent properties of the CouLuc-1 analogs were also characterized, and complementary luciferase enzymes were identified using a two-pronged screening strategy. The optimized enzyme-substrate pairs displayed robust photon outputs and emitted a significant portion of near-infrared light. The CouLuc-1 scaffolds are also structurally distinct from existing probes, enabling rapid multi-component imaging. Collectively, this work provides novel bioluminescent tools along with a blueprint for crafting additional fluorophore-derived probes for multiplexed imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine CA USA
| | - Donald R Caldwell
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD USA
| | - Anna C Love
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine CA USA
| | - Bethany Kolbaba-Kartchner
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
- The Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
| | - Jeremy H Mills
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
- The Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
| | - Martin J Schnermann
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine CA USA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California Irvine CA USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine CA USA
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25
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Brennan CK, Ornelas MY, Yao ZW, Prescher JA. Multicomponent Bioluminescence Imaging with Naphthylamino Luciferins. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2650-2654. [PMID: 34139065 PMCID: PMC8496354 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent tools have been used for decades to image processes in complex tissues and preclinical models. However, few distinct probes are available to probe multicellular interactions. We and others are addressing this limitation by engineering new luciferases that can selectively process synthetic luciferin analogues. In this work, we explored naphthylamino luciferins as orthogonal bioluminescent probes. Three analogues were prepared using an optimized synthetic route. The luciferins were found to be robust emitters with native luciferase in vitro and in cellulo. We further screened the analogues against libraries of luciferase mutants to identify unique enzyme-substrate pairs. The new probes can be used in conjunction with existing bioluminescent tools for multi-component imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K Brennan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Marya Y Ornelas
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Zi W Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, 101 Theory, Suite 100, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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26
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Ikeda Y, Orioka M, Nomoto T, Hiruta Y, Nishiyama N, Citterio D. Differential Effect of Azetidine Substitution in Firefly Luciferin Analogues. Chembiochem 2021; 22:3067-3074. [PMID: 34402160 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100310] [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: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Replacing an N,N-dimethylamino group in a classical fluorophore with a four membered azetidine ring provides an improved luminescence quantum yield. Herein, we extended this strategy to bioluminescent firefly luciferin analogues and evaluated its general validity. For this purpose, four types of luciferin cores were employed, and a total of eight analogues were evaluated. Among these analogues, unexpectedly, only the benzothiazole core analogue benefited from an azetidine substitution and showed enhanced bioluminescence. In addition, fluorescence measurements revealed that an azetidine substitution improved the fluorescence quantum yield by 2.3-times compared to a N,N-dimethylamino group. These findings clarify the differential effects of azetidine substituents in luciferins and present one possible strategy for enhancing photon output in benzothiazole type luciferins through a synthetic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Ikeda
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Mariko Orioka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nomoto
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yuki Hiruta
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nishiyama
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Daniel Citterio
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 223-8522, Japan
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Farrow N, Cmielewski P, Delhove J, Rout-Pitt N, Vaughan L, Kuchel T, Christou C, Finnie J, Smith M, Knight E, Donnelley M, Parsons D. Towards Human Translation of Lentiviral Airway Gene Delivery for Cystic Fibrosis: A One-Month CFTR and Reporter Gene Study in Marmosets. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:806-816. [PMID: 33446042 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy continues to be a promising contender for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease. We have previously demonstrated that airway conditioning with lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) followed by delivery of a HIV-1-based lentiviral (LV) vector functionally corrects the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) defect in the nasal airways of CF mice. In our earlier pilot study we showed that our technique can transduce marmoset lungs acutely; this study extends that work to examine gene expression in this nonhuman primate (NHP) 1 month after gene vector treatment. A mixture of three separate HIV-1 vesicular stomatitis virus G (VSV-G)-pseudotyped LV vectors containing the luciferase (Luc), LacZ, and hCFTR transgenes was delivered into the trachea through a miniature bronchoscope. We examined whether a single-dose delivery of LV vector after LPC conditioning could increase levels of transgene expression in the trachea and lungs compared with control (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) conditioning. At 1 month, bioluminescence was detected in vivo in the trachea of three of the six animals within the PBS control group, compared with five of the six LPC-treated animals. When examined ex vivo there was weak evidence that LPC improves tracheal Luc expression levels. In the lungs, bioluminescence was detected in vivo in four of the six PBS-treated animals, compared with five of the six LPC-treated animals; however, bioluminescence was present in all lungs when imaged ex vivo. LacZ expression was predominantly observed in the alveolar regions of the lung. hCFTR was detected by qPCR in the lungs of five animals. Basal cells were successfully isolated and expanded from marmoset tracheas, but no LacZ-positive colonies were detected. There was no evidence of an inflammatory response toward the LV vector at 1 month postdelivery, with cytokines remaining at baseline levels. In conclusion, we found weak evidence that LPC conditioning improved gene transduction in the trachea, but not in the marmoset lungs. We also highlight some of the challenges associated with translational lung gene therapy studies in NHPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Farrow
- Robinson Research Institute.,Adelaide Medical School.,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Patricia Cmielewski
- Robinson Research Institute.,Adelaide Medical School.,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Juliette Delhove
- Robinson Research Institute.,Adelaide Medical School.,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nathan Rout-Pitt
- Robinson Research Institute.,Adelaide Medical School.,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lewis Vaughan
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Tim Kuchel
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Chris Christou
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - John Finnie
- Adelaide Medical School.,SA Pathology, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Matthew Smith
- Surgical Specialties, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emma Knight
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Adelaide, Australia.,School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Martin Donnelley
- Robinson Research Institute.,Adelaide Medical School.,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - David Parsons
- Robinson Research Institute.,Adelaide Medical School.,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
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28
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Takakura H. Molecular Design of d-Luciferin-Based Bioluminescence and 1,2-Dioxetane-Based Chemiluminescence Substrates for Altered Output Wavelength and Detecting Various Molecules. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061618. [PMID: 33803935 PMCID: PMC7998607 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Optical imaging including fluorescence and luminescence is the most popular method for the in vivo imaging in mice. Luminescence imaging is considered to be superior to fluorescence imaging due to the lack of both autofluorescence and the scattering of excitation light. To date, various luciferin analogs and bioluminescence probes have been developed for deep tissue and molecular imaging. Recently, chemiluminescence probes have been developed based on a 1,2-dioxetane scaffold. In this review, the accumulated findings of numerous studies and the design strategies of bioluminescence and chemiluminescence imaging reagents are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Takakura
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Molecular Imaging, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
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29
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Saito-Moriya R, Nakayama J, Kamiya G, Kitada N, Obata R, Maki SA, Aoyama H. How to Select Firefly Luciferin Analogues for In Vivo Imaging. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1848. [PMID: 33673331 PMCID: PMC7918177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence reactions are widely applied in optical in vivo imaging in the life science and medical fields. Such reactions produce light upon the oxidation of a luciferin (substrate) catalyzed by a luciferase (enzyme), and this bioluminescence enables the quantification of tumor cells and gene expression in animal models. Many researchers have developed single-color or multicolor bioluminescence systems based on artificial luciferin analogues and/or luciferase mutants, for application in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI). In the current review, we focus on the characteristics of firefly BLI technology and discuss the development of luciferin analogues for high-resolution in vivo BLI. In addition, we discuss the novel luciferin analogues TokeOni and seMpai, which show potential as high-sensitivity in vivo BLI reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Saito-Moriya
- School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Jun Nakayama
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Genta Kamiya
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Nobuo Kitada
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Rika Obata
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Shojiro A Maki
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aoyama
- School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
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30
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Syed AJ, Anderson JC. Applications of bioluminescence in biotechnology and beyond. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:5668-5705. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01492c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent probes have hugely benefited from the input of synthetic chemistry and protein engineering. Here we review the latest applications of these probes in biotechnology and beyond, with an eye on current limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha J. Syed
- Department of Chemistry
- University College London
- London
- UK
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31
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Viviani VR, Bevilaqua VR, de Souza DR, Pelentir GF, Kakiuchi M, Hirano T. A Very Bright Far-Red Bioluminescence Emitting Combination Based on Engineered Railroad Worm Luciferase and 6'-Amino-Analogs for Bioimaging Purposes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E303. [PMID: 33396708 PMCID: PMC7794784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Beetle luciferases produce bioluminescence (BL) colors ranging from green to red, having been extensively used for many bioanalytical purposes, including bioimaging of pathogen infections and metastasis proliferation in living animal models and cell culture. For bioimaging purposes in mammalian tissues, red bioluminescence is preferred, due to the lower self-absorption of light at longer wavelengths by hemoglobin, myoglobin and melanin. Red bioluminescence is naturally produced only by Phrixothrix hirtus railroad worm luciferase (PxRE), and by some engineered beetle luciferases. However, Far-Red (FR) and Near-Infrared (NIR) bioluminescence is best suited for bioimaging in mammalian tissues due to its higher penetrability. Although some FR and NIR emitting luciferin analogs have been already developed, they usually emit much lower bioluminescence activity when compared to the original luciferin-luciferases. Using site-directed mutagenesis of PxRE luciferase in combination with 6'-modified amino-luciferin analogs, we finally selected novel FR combinations displaying BL ranging from 636-655 nm. Among them, the combination of PxRE-R215K mutant with 6'-(1-pyrrolidinyl)luciferin proved to be the best combination, displaying the highest BL activity with a catalytic efficiency ~2.5 times higher than the combination with native firefly luciferin, producing the second most FR-shifted bioluminescence (650 nm), being several orders of magnitude brighter than commercial AkaLumine with firefly luciferase. Such combination also showed higher thermostability, slower BL decay time and better penetrability across bacterial cell membranes, resulting in ~3 times higher in vivo BL activity in bacterial cells than with firefly luciferin. Overall, this is the brightest FR emitting combination ever reported, and is very promising for bioimaging purposes in mammalian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim R. Viviani
- Graduate Program of Evolutive Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), 18052-780 São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil;
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), 18119-001 Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Vanessa R. Bevilaqua
- Graduate Program of Evolutive Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), 18052-780 São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Daniel R. de Souza
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), 18119-001 Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Gabriel F. Pelentir
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), 18052-780 São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil;
| | - Michio Kakiuchi
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan; (M.K.); (T.H.)
| | - Takashi Hirano
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan; (M.K.); (T.H.)
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32
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Zambito G, Hall MP, Wood MG, Gaspar N, Ridwan Y, Stellari FF, Shi C, Kirkland TA, Encell LP, Löwik C, Mezzanotte L. Red-shifted click beetle luciferase mutant expands the multicolor bioluminescent palette for deep tissue imaging. iScience 2020; 24:101986. [PMID: 33490896 PMCID: PMC7811125 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
For in vivo multicolor bioluminescence applications, red and near-infrared signals are desirable over shorter wavelength signals because they are not as susceptible to light attenuation by blood and tissue. Herein, we describe the development of a new click beetle luciferase mutant, CBG2, with a red-shifted color emission. When paired with NH2-NpLH2 luciferin, CBG2 (λ = 660 nm) and CBR2 (λ = 730 nm) luciferases can be used for simultaneous dual-color bioluminescence imaging in deep tissue. Using a spectral unmixing algorithm tool it is possible to distinguish each spectral contribution. Ultimately, this enzyme pair can expand the near-infrared bioluminescent toolbox to enable rapid visualization of multiple biological processes in deep tissue using a single substrate. CBG2 is a new click beetle mutant derived from CBG99 luciferase It has a far red-shifted bioluminescent emission with NH2-NpLH2 luciferin (λ = 660 nm) CBG2 with CBR2 luciferase and NH2-NpLH2 allows fast acquisition of data in deep tissue
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Zambito
- Erasmus Medical Center, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rotterdam, 3015 CE, the Netherlands.,Erasmus Medical Center, Molecular Genetics, Rotterdam, 3015 CE, the Netherlands.,Medres Medical Research GmBH, Cologne 50931, Germany
| | | | | | - Natasa Gaspar
- Erasmus Medical Center, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rotterdam, 3015 CE, the Netherlands.,Erasmus Medical Center, Molecular Genetics, Rotterdam, 3015 CE, the Netherlands.,Percuros B.V., Leiden, 1333 CL, the Netherlands
| | - Yanto Ridwan
- Erasmus Medical Center, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rotterdam, 3015 CE, the Netherlands.,Erasmus Medical Center, Molecular Genetics, Rotterdam, 3015 CE, the Netherlands
| | | | - Ce Shi
- Promega Biosciences Incorporated, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
| | | | | | - Clemens Löwik
- Erasmus Medical Center, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rotterdam, 3015 CE, the Netherlands.,Erasmus Medical Center, Molecular Genetics, Rotterdam, 3015 CE, the Netherlands.,CHUV Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, 461011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura Mezzanotte
- Erasmus Medical Center, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rotterdam, 3015 CE, the Netherlands.,Erasmus Medical Center, Molecular Genetics, Rotterdam, 3015 CE, the Netherlands
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33
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Li S, Ruan Z, Zhang H, Xu H. Recent achievements of bioluminescence imaging based on firefly luciferin-luciferase system. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 211:113111. [PMID: 33360804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a newly developed noninvasive visual approach which facilitates the understanding of a plethora of biological processes in vitro and in vivo due to the high sensitivity, resolution and selectivity, low background signal, and the lack of external light excitation. BLI based on firefly luciferin-luciferase system has been widely used for the activity evaluation of tumor-specific enzymes, for the detection of diseases-related bioactive small molecules and metal ions, and for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases including the studies of drug transport, the research of immune response, and the evaluation of drug potency and tissue distribution. In this review, we highlight the recent achievements in luciferin derivatives with red-shifted emission spectra, mutant luciferase-luciferin pairs, and the diagnostic and therapeutic application of BLI based on firefly luciferin-luciferase system. The development and application of BLI will expand our knowledge of the occurrence and development of diseases and shed light on the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Henan Province for New Drug R&D and Preclinical Safety, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Zhiyang Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Henan Province for New Drug R&D and Preclinical Safety, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Henan Province for New Drug R&D and Preclinical Safety, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Henan Province for New Drug R&D and Preclinical Safety, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
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34
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Wang C, Du W, Zhang T, Liang G. A Bioluminescent Probe for Simultaneously Imaging Esterase and Histone Deacetylase Activity in a Tumor. Anal Chem 2020; 92:15275-15279. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Wei Du
- Institute of Food Safety and Environment Monitoring, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, 2 Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Gaolin Liang
- Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Sciences at Microscale, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
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35
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Patel AM, Henley A, Parkes MA, Assmann M, Worth GA, Anderson JC, Fielding HH. Shining light on the electronic structure and relaxation dynamics of the isolated oxyluciferin anion. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:19022-19032. [PMID: 32808948 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp03276j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Firefly bioluminescence is exploited widely in imaging in the biochemical and biomedical sciences; however, our fundamental understanding of the electronic structure and relaxation processes of the oxyluciferin that emits the light is still rudimentary. Here, we employ photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations to investigate the electronic structure and relaxation of a series of model oxyluciferin anions. We find that changing the deprotonation site has a dramatic influence on the relaxation pathway following photoexcitation of higher lying electronically excited states. The keto form of the oxyluciferin anion is found to undergo internal conversion to the fluorescent S1 state, whereas we find evidence to suggest that the enol and enolate forms undergo internal conversion to a dipole bound state, possibly via the fluorescent S1 state. Partially resolved vibrational structure points towards the involvement of out-of-plane torsional motions in internal conversion to the dipole bound state, emphasising the combined electronic and structural role that the microenvironment plays in controlling the electronic relaxation pathway in the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand M Patel
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, UK.
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36
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Endo M, Ozawa T. Advanced Bioluminescence System for In Vivo Imaging with Brighter and Red-Shifted Light Emission. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6538. [PMID: 32906768 PMCID: PMC7555964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI), which is based on luminescence emitted by the luciferase-luciferin reaction, has enabled continuous monitoring of various biochemical processes in living animals. Bright luminescence with a high signal-to-background ratio, ideally red or near-infrared light as the emission maximum, is necessary for in vivo animal experiments. Various attempts have been undertaken to achieve this goal, including genetic engineering of luciferase, chemical modulation of luciferin, and utilization of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). In this review, we overview a recent advance in the development of a bioluminescence system for in vivo BLI. We also specifically examine the improvement in bioluminescence intensity by mutagenic or chemical modulation on several beetle and marine luciferase bioluminescence systems. We further describe that intramolecular BRET enhances luminescence emission, with recent attempts for the development of red-shifted bioluminescence system, showing great potency in in vivo BLI. Perspectives for future improvement of bioluminescence systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takeaki Ozawa
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
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37
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Love AC, Prescher JA. Seeing (and Using) the Light: Recent Developments in Bioluminescence Technology. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:904-920. [PMID: 32795417 PMCID: PMC7472846 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence has long been used to image biological processes in vivo. This technology features luciferase enzymes and luciferin small molecules that produce visible light. Bioluminescent photons can be detected in tissues and live organisms, enabling sensitive and noninvasive readouts on physiological function. Traditional applications have focused on tracking cells and gene expression patterns, but new probes are pushing the frontiers of what can be visualized. The past few years have also seen the merger of bioluminescence with optogenetic platforms. Luciferase-luciferin reactions can drive light-activatable proteins, ultimately triggering signal transduction and other downstream events. This review highlights these and other recent advances in bioluminescence technology, with an emphasis on tool development. We showcase how new luciferins and engineered luciferases are expanding the scope of optical imaging. We also highlight how bioluminescent systems are being leveraged not just for sensing-but also controlling-biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Love
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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38
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Yao Z, Zhang BS, Steinhardt RC, Mills JH, Prescher JA. Multicomponent Bioluminescence Imaging with a π-Extended Luciferin. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:14080-14089. [PMID: 32787261 PMCID: PMC7867379 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c01064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging with luciferase-luciferin pairs is commonly used for monitoring biological processes in cells and whole organisms. Traditional bioluminescent probes are limited in scope, though, as they cannot be easily distinguished in biological environments, precluding efforts to visualize multicellular processes. Additionally, many luciferase-luciferin pairs emit light that is poorly tissue penetrant, hindering efforts to visualize targets in deep tissues. To address these issues, we synthesized a set of π-extended luciferins that were predicted to be red-shifted luminophores. The scaffolds were designed to be rotationally labile such that they produced light only when paired with luciferases capable of enforcing planarity. A luciferin comprising an intramolecular "lock" was identified as a viable light-emitting probe. Native luciferases were unable to efficiently process the analog, but a complementary luciferase was identified via Rosetta-guided enzyme design. The unique enzyme-substrate pair is red-shifted compared to well-known bioluminescent tools. The probe set is also orthogonal to other luciferase-luciferin probes and can be used for multicomponent imaging. Four substrate-resolved luciferases were imaged in a single session. Collectively, this work provides the first example of Rosetta-guided design in engineering bioluminescent tools and expands the scope of orthogonal imaging probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Brendan S. Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Rachel C. Steinhardt
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Jeremy H. Mills
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ, USA
- The Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ, USA
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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39
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Pirovano G, Roberts S, Kossatz S, Reiner T. Optical Imaging Modalities: Principles and Applications in Preclinical Research and Clinical Settings. J Nucl Med 2020; 61:1419-1427. [PMID: 32764124 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.119.238279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
With the ability to noninvasively image and monitor molecular processes within tumors, molecular imaging represents a fundamental tool for cancer scientists. In the current review, we describe emergent optical technologies for molecular imaging. We aim to provide the reader with an overview of the fundamental principles on which each imaging strategy is based, to introduce established and future applications, and to provide a rationale for selecting optical technologies for molecular imaging depending on disease location, biology, and anatomy. To accelerate clinical translation of imaging techniques, we also describe examples of practical applications in patients. Elevating these techniques into standard-of-care tools will transform patient stratification, disease monitoring, and response evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pirovano
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sheryl Roberts
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Susanne Kossatz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Reiner
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York .,Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; and.,Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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40
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Abstract
Luciferase enzymes from bioluminescent organisms can be expressed in mice, enabling these rodents to glow when treated with a corresponding luciferin substrate. Light emission occurs where the expression of the genetically-encoded luciferase overlaps with the biodistribution of the administered small molecule luciferin. Here we discuss differences between firefly luciferin analogues for bioluminescence imaging, focusing on transgenic and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-transduced mice.
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41
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Ikeda Y, Nomoto T, Hiruta Y, Nishiyama N, Citterio D. Ring-Fused Firefly Luciferins: Expanded Palette of Near-Infrared Emitting Bioluminescent Substrates. Anal Chem 2020; 92:4235-4243. [PMID: 31971368 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b04562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Firefly bioluminescence is broadly applied as a noninvasive imaging modality in the biomedical research field. One limitation in firefly bioluminescence imaging is the limited variety of luciferins emitting in the near-infrared (NIR) region (650-900 nm), where tissue penetration is high. Herein, we describe a series of structure-inherent NIR emitting firefly luciferin analogues, NIRLucs, designed through a ring fusion strategy. This strategy resulted in pH-independent structure-inherent NIR emission with a native firefly luciferase, which was theoretically supported by quantum chemical calculations of the oxidized form of each luciferin. When applied to cells, NIRLucs displayed dose-independent improved NIR emission even at low concentrations where the native d-luciferin substrate does not emit. Additionally, excellent blood retention and brighter photon flux (7-fold overall, 16-fold in the NIR spectral range) than in the case of d-luciferin have been observed with one of the NIRLucs in mice bearing subcutaneous tumors. We believe that these synthetic luciferins provide a solution to the longstanding limitation in the variety of NIR emitting luciferins and pave the way to the further development of NIR bioluminescence imaging platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Ikeda
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nomoto
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yuki Hiruta
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nishiyama
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsutacho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Daniel Citterio
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
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Effect of bulky aryl group on the optical properties of Cypridina oxyluciferin analogues. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2019.112659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Zemmouche M, García-Iriepa C, Navizet I. Light emission colour modulation study of oxyluciferin synthetic analogues via QM and QM/MM approaches. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:82-91. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cp04687a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Study of emission spectra of three analogues of firefly oxyluciferin in gas phase, in water (PCM) and in protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madjid Zemmouche
- Université Paris-Est
- Laboratoire Modélisation et Simulation Multi Échelle
- MSME UMR 8208 CNRS
- UPEM
- 77454 Marne-la-Vallée
| | - Cristina García-Iriepa
- Université Paris-Est
- Laboratoire Modélisation et Simulation Multi Échelle
- MSME UMR 8208 CNRS
- UPEM
- 77454 Marne-la-Vallée
| | - Isabelle Navizet
- Université Paris-Est
- Laboratoire Modélisation et Simulation Multi Échelle
- MSME UMR 8208 CNRS
- UPEM
- 77454 Marne-la-Vallée
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Li Q, Zeng J, Miao Q, Gao M. Self-Illuminating Agents for Deep-Tissue Optical Imaging. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:326. [PMID: 31799247 PMCID: PMC6861855 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Optical imaging plays an indispensable role in biology and medicine attributing to its noninvasiveness, high spatiotemporal resolution, and high sensitivity. However, as a conventional optical imaging modality, fluorescence imaging confronts issues of shallow imaging depth due to the need for real-time light excitation which produces tissue autofluorescence. By contrast, self-luminescence imaging eliminates the concurrent light excitation, permitting deeper imaging depth and higher signal-to-background ratio (SBR), which has attracted growing attention. Herein, this review summarizes the progress on the development of near-infrared (NIR) emitting self-luminescence agents in deep-tissue optical imaging with highlighting the design principles including molecular- and nano-engineering approaches. Finally, it discusses current challenges and guidelines to develop more effective self-illuminating agents for biomedical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qingqing Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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45
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Stowe CL, Burley TA, Allan H, Vinci M, Kramer-Marek G, Ciobota DM, Parkinson GN, Southworth TL, Agliardi G, Hotblack A, Lythgoe MF, Branchini BR, Kalber TL, Anderson JC, Pule MA. Near-infrared dual bioluminescence imaging in mouse models of cancer using infraluciferin. eLife 2019; 8:e45801. [PMID: 31610848 PMCID: PMC6828332 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is ubiquitous in scientific research for the sensitive tracking of biological processes in small animal models. However, due to the attenuation of visible light by tissue, and the limited set of near-infrared bioluminescent enzymes, BLI is largely restricted to monitoring single processes in vivo. Here we show, that by combining stabilised colour mutants of firefly luciferase (FLuc) with the luciferin (LH2) analogue infraluciferin (iLH2), near-infrared dual BLI can be achieved in vivo. The X-ray crystal structure of FLuc with a high-energy intermediate analogue, 5'-O-[N-(dehydroinfraluciferyl)sulfamoyl] adenosine (iDLSA) provides insight into the FLuc-iLH2 reaction leading to near-infrared light emission. The spectral characterisation and unmixing validation studies reported here established that iLH2 is superior to LH2 for the spectral unmixing of bioluminescent signals in vivo; which led to this novel near-infrared dual BLI system being applied to monitor both tumour burden and CAR T cell therapy within a systemically induced mouse tumour model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Stowe
- Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Helen Allan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Maria Vinci
- The Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Giulia Agliardi
- Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Mark F Lythgoe
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Tammy L Kalber
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - James C Anderson
- Department of ChemistryUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Martin A Pule
- Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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46
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Branchini BR, Fontaine DM, Southworth TL, Huta BP, Racela A, Patel KD, Gulick AM. Mutagenesis and Structural Studies Reveal the Basis for the Activity and Stability Properties That Distinguish the Photinus Luciferases scintillans and pyralis. Biochemistry 2019; 58:4293-4303. [PMID: 31560532 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The dazzling yellow-green light emission of the common North American firefly Photinus pyralis and other bioluminescent organisms has provided a wide variety of prominent research applications like reporter gene assays and in vivo imaging methods. While the P. pyralis enzyme has been extensively studied, only recently has a second Photinus luciferase been cloned from the species scintillans. Even though the enzymes share very high sequence identity (89.8%), the color of the light they emit, their specific activity and their stability to heat, pH, and chemical denaturation are quite different with the scintillans luciferase being generally more resistant. Through the construction and evaluation of the properties of chimeric domain swapped, single point, and various combined variants, we have determined that only six amino acid changes are necessary to confer all of the properties of the scintillans enzyme to wild-type P. pyralis luciferase. Altered stability properties were attributed to four of the amino acid changes (T214N/S276T/H332N/E354N), and single mutations each predominantly changed emission color (Y255F) and specific activity (A222C). Results of a crystallographic study of the P. pyralis enzyme containing the six changes (Pps6) provide some insight into the structural basis for some of the documented property differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce R Branchini
- Department of Chemistry , Connecticut College , New London , Connecticut 06320 , United States
| | - Danielle M Fontaine
- Department of Chemistry , Connecticut College , New London , Connecticut 06320 , United States
| | - Tara L Southworth
- Department of Chemistry , Connecticut College , New London , Connecticut 06320 , United States
| | - Brian P Huta
- Department of Chemistry , Connecticut College , New London , Connecticut 06320 , United States
| | - Allison Racela
- Department of Chemistry , Connecticut College , New London , Connecticut 06320 , United States
| | - Ketan D Patel
- Department of Structural Biology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences , University at Buffalo , Buffalo , New York 14203 , United States
| | - Andrew M Gulick
- Department of Structural Biology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences , University at Buffalo , Buffalo , New York 14203 , United States
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47
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Red-shifted bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer: Improved tools and materials for analytical in vivo approaches. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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48
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Bevilaqua VR, Matsuhashi T, Oliveira G, Oliveira PSL, Hirano T, Viviani VR. Phrixotrix luciferase and 6'-aminoluciferins reveal a larger luciferin phenolate binding site and provide novel far-red combinations for bioimaging purposes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8998. [PMID: 31227722 PMCID: PMC6588592 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44534-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
How the unique luciferase of Phrixothrix hirtus (PxRE) railroad worm catalyzes the emission of red bioluminescence using the same luciferin of fireflies, remains a mystery. Although PxRE luciferase is a very attractive tool for bioanalysis and bioimaging in hemoglobin rich tissues, it displays lower quantum yield (15%) when compared to green emitting luciferases (>40%). To identify which parts of PxRE luciferin binding site (LBS) determine bioluminescence color, and to develop brighter and more red-shifted emitting luciferases, we compared the effects of site-directed mutagenesis and of larger 6′-substituted aminoluciferin analogues (6′-morpholino- and 6′-pyrrolidinyl-LH) on the bioluminescence properties of PxRE and green-yellow emitting beetle luciferases. The effects of mutations in the benzothiazolyl and thiazolyl parts of PxRE LBS on the KM and catalytic efficiencies, indicated their importance for luciferin binding and catalysis. However, the absence of effects on the bioluminescence spectrum indicated a less interactive LBS in PxRE during light emission. Mutations at the bottom of LBS of PxRE blue-shifted the spectra and increased catalytic efficiency, suggesting that lack of interactions of this part of LBS with excited oxyluciferin phenolate underlie red light emission. The much higher bioluminescence activity and red-shifted spectra of PxRE luciferase with 6′-morpholino- (634 nm) and 6′-pyrrolidinyl-luciferins (644 nm), when compared to other beetle luciferases, revealed a larger luciferin phenolate binding pocket. The size and orientation of the side-chains of L/I/H348 are critical for amino-analogues accommodation and modulate bioluminescence color, affecting the interactions and mobility of excited oxyluciferin phenolate. The PxRE luciferase and 6′-aminoluciferins provide potential far-red combinations for bioimaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- V R Bevilaqua
- Graduate Program of Evolutive Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - T Matsuhashi
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Tokyo, 182-8585, Japan
| | - G Oliveira
- Graduate Program of Evolutive Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - P S L Oliveira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Zip Code 13083-970, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - T Hirano
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Tokyo, 182-8585, Japan
| | - V R Viviani
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, km 110, Itinga, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil. .,Graduate Program of Evolutive Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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49
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Yan Y, Shi P, Song W, Bi S. Chemiluminescence and Bioluminescence Imaging for Biosensing and Therapy: In Vitro and In Vivo Perspectives. Theranostics 2019; 9:4047-4065. [PMID: 31281531 PMCID: PMC6592176 DOI: 10.7150/thno.33228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemiluminescence (CL) and bioluminescence (BL) imaging technologies, which require no external light source so as to avoid the photobleaching, background interference and autoluminescence, have become powerful tools in biochemical analysis and biomedical science with the development of advanced imaging equipment. CL imaging technology has been widely applied to high-throughput detection of a variety of analytes because of its high sensitivity, high efficiency and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Using luciferase and fluorescent proteins as reporters, various BL imaging systems have been developed innovatively for real-time monitoring of diverse molecules in vivo based on the reaction between luciferin and the substrate. Meanwhile, the kinetics of protein interactions even in deep tissues has been studied by BL imaging. In this review, we summarize in vitro and in vivo applications of CL and BL imaging for biosensing and therapy. We first focus on in vitro CL imaging from the view of improving the sensitivity. Then, in vivo CL applications in cells and tissues based on different CL systems are demonstrated. Subsequently, the recent in vitro and in vivo applications of BL imaging are summarized. Finally, we provide the insight into the development trends and future perspectives of CL and BL imaging technologies.
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50
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Aswendt M, Vogel S, Schäfer C, Jathoul A, Pule M, Hoehn M. Quantitative in vivo dual-color bioluminescence imaging in the mouse brain. NEUROPHOTONICS 2019; 6:025006. [PMID: 31093514 PMCID: PMC6504011 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.6.2.025006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is an optical imaging method that can be translated from the cell culture dish in vitro to cell tracking in small animal models in vivo. In contrast to the more widely used fluorescence imaging, which requires light excitation, in BLI the light is exclusively generated by the enzyme luciferase. The luciferase gene can be engineered to target and monitor almost every cell and biological process quantitatively in vitro and even from deep tissue in vivo. While initially used for tumor imaging, bioluminescence was recently optimized for mouse brain imaging of neural cells and monitoring of viability or differentiation of grafted stem cells. Here, we describe the use of bright color-shifted firefly luciferases (Flucs) based on the thermostable x5 Fluc that emit red and green for effective and quantitative unmixing of two human cell populations in vitro and after transplantation into the mouse brain in vivo. Spectral unmixing predicts the ratio of luciferases in vitro and a mixture of cells precisely for cortical grafts, however, with less accuracy for striatal grafts. This dual-color approach enables the simultaneous visualization and quantification of two cell populations on the whole brain scale, with particular relevance for translational studies of neurological disorders providing information on stem cell survival and differentiation in one imaging session in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Aswendt
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, In-vivo-NMR Laboratory, Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Neurology, Cologne, Germany
- Address all correspondence to Markus Aswendt, E-mail:
| | - Stefanie Vogel
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, In-vivo-NMR Laboratory, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cordula Schäfer
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, In-vivo-NMR Laboratory, Cologne, Germany
| | - Amit Jathoul
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Molecular Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Pule
- University College London, Cancer Institute, Department of Haematology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mathias Hoehn
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, In-vivo-NMR Laboratory, Cologne, Germany
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Leiden, The Netherlands
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