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Zhang Z, Wang W, O'Hagan M, Dai J, Zhang J, Tian H. Stepping Out of the Blue: From Visible to Near-IR Triggered Photoswitches. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202205758. [PMID: 35524420 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202205758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Light offers unique opportunities for controlling the activity of materials and biosystems with high spatiotemporal resolution. Molecular photoswitches are chromophores that undergo reversible isomerization between different states upon irradiation with light, allowing a convenient means to control their influence over the system of interest. However, a significant limitation of classical photoswitches is the requirement to initiate the switching in one or both directions using deleterious UV light with poor tissue penetration. Red-shifted photoswitches are hence in high demand and have attracted keen recent research interest. In this Review, we highlight recent progress towards the development of visible- and NIR-activated photoswitches characterized by distinct photochromic reaction mechanisms. We hope to inspire further endeavors in this field, allowing the full potential of these tools in biotechnology and materials chemistry applications to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Michael O'Hagan
- Institute of Chemistry, The Minerva Center for Bio-hybrid Complex Systems, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Jinghong Dai
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Junji Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - He Tian
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
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2
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Fedele C, Ruoko TP, Kuntze K, Virkki M, Priimagi A. New tricks and emerging applications from contemporary azobenzene research. PHOTOCHEMICAL & PHOTOBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN PHOTOCHEMISTRY ASSOCIATION AND THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR PHOTOBIOLOGY 2022; 21:1719-1734. [PMID: 35896915 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Azobenzenes have many faces. They are well-known as dyes, but most of all, azobenzenes are versatile photoswitchable molecules with powerful photochemical properties. Azobenzene photochemistry has been extensively studied for decades, but only relatively recently research has taken a steer towards applications, ranging from photonics and robotics to photobiology. In this perspective, after an overview of the recent trends in the molecular design of azobenzenes, we highlight three research areas where the azobenzene photoswitches may bring about promising technological innovations: chemical sensing, organic transistors, and cell signaling. Ingenious molecular designs have enabled versatile control of azobenzene photochemical properties, which has in turn facilitated the development of chemical sensors and photoswitchable organic transistors. Finally, the power of azobenzenes in biology is exemplified by vision restoration and photactivation of neural signaling. Although the selected examples reveal only some of the faces of azobenzenes, we expect the fields presented to develop rapidly in the near future, and that azobenzenes will play a central role in this development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Fedele
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tero-Petri Ruoko
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kim Kuntze
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matti Virkki
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Arri Priimagi
- Smart Photonic Materials, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland.
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3
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Zhang Z, Wang W, O’Hagan M, Dai J, Zhang J, Tian H. Stepping Out of the Blue: From Visible to Near‐IR Triggered Photoswitches. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202205758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhang
- East China University of Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Dept. Chem Shanghai CHINA
| | - Wenhui Wang
- East China University of Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Dept. Chem CHINA
| | | | - Jinghong Dai
- East China University of Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Dept. Chem CHINA
| | - Junji Zhang
- East China University of Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Dept. Chem Shanghai CHINA
| | - He Tian
- East China University of Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Institute of Fine Chemicals Meilong Road 130 200237 Shanghai! CHINA
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4
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Dudek M, Tarnowicz-Staniak N, Deiana M, Pokładek Z, Samoć M, Matczyszyn K. Two-photon absorption and two-photon-induced isomerization of azobenzene compounds. RSC Adv 2020; 10:40489-40507. [PMID: 35520821 PMCID: PMC9057575 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra07693g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of two-photon-induced isomerization occurring in various organic molecules, among which azobenzene derivatives hold a prominent position, offers a wide range of functionalities, which can be used in both material and life sciences. This review provides a comprehensive description of nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of azobenzene (AB) derivatives whose geometries can be switched through two-photon absorption (TPA). Employing the nonlinear excitation process allows for deeper penetration of light into the tissues and provides opportunities to regulate biological systems in a non-invasive manner. At the same time, the tight focus of the beam needed to induce nonlinear absorption helps to improve the spatial resolution of the photoinduced structures. Since near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths are employed, the lower photon energies compared to usual one-photon excitation (typically, the azobenzene geometry change from trans to cis form requires the use of UV photons) cause less damage to the biological samples. Herein, we present an overview of the strategies for optimizing azobenzene-based photoswitches for efficient two-photon excitation (TPE) and the potential applications of two-photon-induced isomerization of azobenzenes in biological systems: control of ion flow in ion channels or control of drug release, as well as in materials science, to fabricate data storage media, optical filters, diffraction elements etc., based on phenomena like photoinduced anisotropy, mass transport and phase transition. The extant challenges in the field of two-photon switchable azomolecules are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dudek
- Advanced Materials Engineering and Modelling Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw Unviersity of Science and Technology Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27 50-370 Wroclaw Poland
| | - Nina Tarnowicz-Staniak
- Advanced Materials Engineering and Modelling Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw Unviersity of Science and Technology Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27 50-370 Wroclaw Poland
| | - Marco Deiana
- Advanced Materials Engineering and Modelling Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw Unviersity of Science and Technology Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27 50-370 Wroclaw Poland
| | - Ziemowit Pokładek
- Advanced Materials Engineering and Modelling Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw Unviersity of Science and Technology Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27 50-370 Wroclaw Poland
| | - Marek Samoć
- Advanced Materials Engineering and Modelling Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw Unviersity of Science and Technology Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27 50-370 Wroclaw Poland
| | - Katarzyna Matczyszyn
- Advanced Materials Engineering and Modelling Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw Unviersity of Science and Technology Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27 50-370 Wroclaw Poland
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5
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Zhao J, Ellis-Davies GCR. Intracellular photoswitchable neuropharmacology driven by luminescence from upconverting nanoparticles. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:9445-9448. [PMID: 32761019 PMCID: PMC7812838 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc03956j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Photoswitchable drugs are small-molecule optical probes that undergo chromatically selective control of drug efficacy using, most often, UV-visible light. Here we report that luminescence produced by near-infrared stimulation of NaYF4:TmYb nanoparticles can be used for "remote control" of an azobenzene-based photochromic ion channel blocker of neurons in living brain slices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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6
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Paoletti P, Ellis-Davies GCR, Mourot A. Optical control of neuronal ion channels and receptors. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 20:514-532. [PMID: 31289380 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Light-controllable tools provide powerful means to manipulate and interrogate brain function with relatively low invasiveness and high spatiotemporal precision. Although optogenetic approaches permit neuronal excitation or inhibition at the network level, other technologies, such as optopharmacology (also known as photopharmacology) have emerged that provide molecular-level control by endowing light sensitivity to endogenous biomolecules. In this Review, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of photocontrolling native neuronal signalling pathways, focusing on ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. We describe existing strategies for rendering receptors and channels light sensitive and provide an overview of the neuroscientific insights gained from such approaches. At the crossroads of chemistry, protein engineering and neuroscience, optopharmacology offers great potential for understanding the molecular basis of brain function and behaviour, with promises for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Paoletti
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France.
| | | | - Alexandre Mourot
- Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS-IBPS), CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
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7
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Two-Photon Excitation of Azobenzene Photoswitches for Synthetic Optogenetics. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10030805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic optogenetics is an emerging optical technique that enables users to photocontrol molecules, proteins, and cells in vitro and in vivo. This is achieved by use of synthetic chromophores—denoted photoswitches—that undergo light-dependent changes (e.g., isomerization), which are meticulously designed to interact with unique cellular targets, notably proteins. Following light illumination, the changes adopted by photoswitches are harnessed to affect the function of nearby proteins. In most instances, photoswitches absorb visible light, wavelengths of poor tissue penetration, and excessive scatter. These shortcomings impede their use in vivo. To overcome these challenges, photoswitches of red-shifted absorbance have been developed. Notably, this shift in absorbance also increases their compatibility with two-photon excitation (2PE) methods. Here, we provide an overview of recent efforts devoted towards optimizing azobenzene-based photoswitches for 2PE and their current applications.
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8
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Sansalone L, Zhao J, Richers MT, Ellis-Davies GCR. Chemical tuning of photoswitchable azobenzenes: a photopharmacological case study using nicotinic transmission. Beilstein J Org Chem 2019; 15:2812-2821. [PMID: 31807216 PMCID: PMC6880823 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.15.274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed photochromic probes for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor that exploit the unique chemical properties of the tetrafluoroazobenzene (4FAB) scaffold. Ultraviolet light switching and rapid thermal relaxation of the metastable cis configuration are the main drawbacks associated with standard AB-based switches. We designed our photoprobes to take advantage of the excellent thermodynamic stability of the cis-4FAB configuration (thermal half-life > 12 days at 37 °C in physiological buffer) and cis–trans photostationary states above 84%. Furthermore, the well-separated n–π* absorption bands of trans- and cis-4FAB allow facile photoswitching with visible light in two optical channels. A convergent 11-step synthetic approach allowed the installation of a trimethylammonium (TA) head onto the 4FAB scaffold, by means of an alkyl spacer, to afford a free diffusible 4FABTA probe. TAs are known to agonize nicotinic receptors, so 4FABTA was tested on mouse brain slices and enabled reversible receptor activation with cycles of violet and green light. Due to the very long-lived metastable cis configuration, 4FAB in vivo use could be of great promise for long term biological studies. Further chemical functionalization of this 4FAB probe with a maleimide functionality allowed clean cross-linking with glutathione. However, attempts to conjugate with a cysteine on a genetically modified nicotinic acetylcholine receptor did not afford the expected light-responsive channel. Our data indicate that the 4FAB photoswitch can be derivatized bifunctionally for genetically-targeted photopharmacology whilst preserving all the favorable photophysical properties of the parent 4FAB scaffold, however, the tetrafluoro motif can significantly perturb pharmacophore–protein interactions. In contrast, we found that the freely diffusible 4FABTA probe could be pre-set with green light into an OFF state that was biologically inert, irradiation with violet light effectively "uncaged" agonist activity, but in a photoreversible manner. Since the neurotransmitter acetylcholine has fully saturated heteroatom valences, our photoswitchable 4FABTA probe could be useful for physiological studies of this neurotransmitter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Sansalone
- Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Matthew T Richers
- Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
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9
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Pfaff P, Samarasinghe KTG, Crews CM, Carreira EM. Reversible Spatiotemporal Control of Induced Protein Degradation by Bistable PhotoPROTACs. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2019; 5:1682-1690. [PMID: 31660436 PMCID: PMC6813558 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.9b00713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Off-tissue effects are persistent issues of modern inhibition-based therapies. By merging the strategies of photopharmacology and small-molecule degraders, we introduce a novel concept for persistent spatiotemporal control of induced protein degradation that potentially prevents off-tissue toxicity. Building on the successful principle of bifunctional all-small-molecule Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs), we designed photoswitchable PROTACs (photoPROTACs) by including ortho-F4-azobenzene linkers between both warhead ligands. This highly bistable yet photoswitchable structural component leads to reversible control over the topological distance between both ligands. The azo-cis-isomer is observed to be inactive because the distance defined by the linker is prohibitively short to permit complex formation between the protein binding partners. By contrast, the azo-trans-isomer is active since it can engage both protein partners to form the necessary and productive ternary complex. Importantly, due to the bistable nature of the ortho-F4-azobenzene moiety employed, the photostationary state of the photoPROTAC is persistent, with no need for continuous irradiation. This technique offers reversible on/off switching of protein degradation that is compatible with an intracellular environment and, therefore, could be useful in experimental exploration of biological signaling pathways-such as those crucial for oncogenic signal transduction. Additionally, this strategy may be suitable for therapeutic intervention to address a variety of diseases. By enabling reversible activation and deactivation of protein degradation, photoPROTACs offer advantages over conventional photocaging strategies that irreversibly release active agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Pfaff
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kusal T. G. Samarasinghe
- Department
of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260
Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Craig M. Crews
- Department
of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260
Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Erick M. Carreira
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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10
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Muñoz‐Rugeles L, Gallardo‐Rosas D, Durán‐Hernández J, López‐Arteaga R, Toscano RA, Esturau‐Escofet N, López‐Cortés JG, Peón J, Ortega‐Alfaro MC. Synthesis and Photodynamics of Stilbenyl‐Azopyrroles: Two‐Photon Controllable Photoswitching Systems. CHEMPHOTOCHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/cptc.201900185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Muñoz‐Rugeles
- Instituto de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria 04510 Ciudad de México México
| | - David Gallardo‐Rosas
- Instituto de Ciencias NuclearesUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria 04510 Ciudad de México México
| | - Jesús Durán‐Hernández
- Instituto de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria 04510 Ciudad de México México
| | - Rafael López‐Arteaga
- Instituto de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria 04510 Ciudad de México México
| | - R. Alfredo Toscano
- Instituto de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria 04510 Ciudad de México México
| | - Nuria Esturau‐Escofet
- Instituto de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria 04510 Ciudad de México México
| | - José G. López‐Cortés
- Instituto de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria 04510 Ciudad de México México
| | - Jorge Peón
- Instituto de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria 04510 Ciudad de México México
| | - M. Carmen Ortega‐Alfaro
- Instituto de Ciencias NuclearesUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria 04510 Ciudad de México México
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11
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Iminothioindoxyl as a molecular photoswitch with 100 nm band separation in the visible range. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2390. [PMID: 31160552 PMCID: PMC6546742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10251-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Light is an exceptional external stimulus for establishing precise control over the properties and functions of chemical and biological systems, which is enabled through the use of molecular photoswitches. Ideal photoswitches are operated with visible light only, show large separation of absorption bands and are functional in various solvents including water, posing an unmet challenge. Here we show a class of fully-visible-light-operated molecular photoswitches, Iminothioindoxyls (ITIs) that meet these requirements. ITIs show a band separation of over 100 nm, isomerize on picosecond time scale and thermally relax on millisecond time scale. Using a combination of advanced spectroscopic and computational techniques, we provide the rationale for the switching behavior of ITIs and the influence of structural modifications and environment, including aqueous solution, on their photochemical properties. This research paves the way for the development of improved photo-controlled systems for a wide variety of applications that require fast responsive functions. The design of photoswitches which operate in the visible light regime, show a large separation of absorption bands and are functional in various solvents is challenging. Here the authors report Iminothioindoxyls as visible-light operated photoswitches with a band separation of 100 nm.
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12
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Thapaliya ER, Zhao J, Ellis-Davies GCR. Locked-Azobenzene: Testing the Scope of a Unique Photoswitchable Scaffold for Cell Physiology. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:2481-2488. [PMID: 30767510 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Azobenzenes are the most widely studied photoswitches, and have become popular optical probes for biological systems. The cis configuration is normally metastable, meaning the trans configuration is always thermodynamically favored. The unique exception to this rule is an azobenzene having a two-carbon bridge between ortho positions, substitutions that lock the photoswitch in its cis configuration. Only thoroughly chemically characterized relatively recently, we describe the first applications of this locked-azobenzene (or "LAB") scaffold with two derivatives designed to control ion flow in pyramidal neurons in acutely isolated brain slices. Our LAB derivatives maintain most of the desirable photochemical properties of the parent scaffold, and work as designed in living cells. However, LAB derivitization changes the trans photostationary state from >85% of the parent photoswitch to about 50%, suggesting that careful design considerations must be given for future applications of the LAB scaffold in biological areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ek Raj Thapaliya
- Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, United States
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13
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Riefolo F, Matera C, Garrido-Charles A, Gomila AMJ, Sortino R, Agnetta L, Claro E, Masgrau R, Holzgrabe U, Batlle M, Decker M, Guasch E, Gorostiza P. Optical Control of Cardiac Function with a Photoswitchable Muscarinic Agonist. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:7628-7636. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b03505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Riefolo
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlo Matera
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aida Garrido-Charles
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandre M. J. Gomila
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosalba Sortino
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luca Agnetta
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Enrique Claro
- Institut de Neurociències (INc), and Dept. Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Unitat de Bioquímica de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Masgrau
- Institut de Neurociències (INc), and Dept. Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Unitat de Bioquímica de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Montserrat Batlle
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona (UB), IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eduard Guasch
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona (UB), IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBER-CV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pau Gorostiza
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Carrer de Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Network Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Leippe P, Frank JA. Designing azobenzene-based tools for controlling neurotransmission. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 57:23-30. [PMID: 30825844 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chemical and electrical signaling at the synapse is a dynamic process that is crucial to neurotransmission and pathology. Traditional pharmacotherapy has found countless applications in both academic labs and the clinic; however, diffusible drugs lack spatial and temporal precision when employed in heterogeneous tissues such as the brain. In the field of photopharmacology, chemical attachment of a synthetic photoswitch to a bioactive ligand allows cellular signaling to be controlled with light. Azobenzenes have remained the go-to photoswitch for biological applications due to their tunable photophysical properties, and can be leveraged to achieve reversible optical control of numerous receptors and ion channels. Here, we discuss the most recent advances in photopharmacology which will improve the use of azobenzene-based probes for neuroscience applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Leippe
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Jahnstr. 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - James Allen Frank
- The Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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15
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Carmi I, De Battista M, Maddalena L, Carroll EC, Kienzler MA, Berlin S. Holographic two-photon activation for synthetic optogenetics. Nat Protoc 2019; 14:864-900. [PMID: 30804570 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-018-0118-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetic tools provide users the ability to photocontrol the activity of cells. Commonly, activation is achieved by expression of proteins from photosynthetic organisms, for example, microbial opsins (e.g., ChR2). Alternatively, a sister approach, synthetic optogenetics, enables photocontrol over proteins of mammalian origin by use of photoswitches, visible light (typically), and genetic modification. Thus, synthetic optogenetics facilitates interrogation of native neuronal signaling mechanisms. However, the poor tissue penetration of visible wavelengths impedes the use of the technique in tissue, as two-photon excitation (2PE) is typically required to access the near-infrared window. Here, we describe an alternative technique that uses 2PE-compatible photoswitches (section 1) for photoactivation of genetically modified glutamate receptors (section 2). Furthermore, for fast, multi-region photoactivation, we describe the use of 2P-digital holography (2P-DH) (section 3). We detail how to combine 2P-DH and synthetic optogenetics with electrophysiology, or with red fluorescence Ca2+ recordings, for all-optical neural interrogation. The time required to complete the methods, aside from obtaining the necessary reagents and illumination equipment, is ~3 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Carmi
- Department of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Marco De Battista
- Department of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Laura Maddalena
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth C Carroll
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | | | - Shai Berlin
- Department of Neuroscience, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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16
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Cabré G, Garrido-Charles A, Moreno M, Bosch M, Porta-de-la-Riva M, Krieg M, Gascón-Moya M, Camarero N, Gelabert R, Lluch JM, Busqué F, Hernando J, Gorostiza P, Alibés R. Rationally designed azobenzene photoswitches for efficient two-photon neuronal excitation. Nat Commun 2019; 10:907. [PMID: 30796228 PMCID: PMC6385291 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08796-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Manipulation of neuronal activity using two-photon excitation of azobenzene photoswitches with near-infrared light has been recently demonstrated, but their practical use in neuronal tissue to photostimulate individual neurons with three-dimensional precision has been hampered by firstly, the low efficacy and reliability of NIR-induced azobenzene photoisomerization compared to one-photon excitation, and secondly, the short cis state lifetime of the two-photon responsive azo switches. Here we report the rational design based on theoretical calculations and the synthesis of azobenzene photoswitches endowed with both high two-photon absorption cross section and slow thermal back-isomerization. These compounds provide optimized and sustained two-photon neuronal stimulation both in light-scattering brain tissue and in Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes, displaying photoresponse intensities that are comparable to those achieved under one-photon excitation. This finding opens the way to use both genetically targeted and pharmacologically selective azobenzene photoswitches to dissect intact neuronal circuits in three dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Cabré
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain
| | - Aida Garrido-Charles
- Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Miquel Moreno
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain
| | - Miquel Bosch
- Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Montserrat Porta-de-la-Riva
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques (ICFO), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Castelldefels, Barcelona, 08860, Spain
| | - Michael Krieg
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques (ICFO), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Castelldefels, Barcelona, 08860, Spain
| | - Marta Gascón-Moya
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain
| | - Núria Camarero
- Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Ricard Gelabert
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain
| | - José M Lluch
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain
| | - Félix Busqué
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain
| | - Jordi Hernando
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain
| | - Pau Gorostiza
- Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, 08028, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, 08010, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, 50018, Spain.
| | - Ramon Alibés
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain.
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17
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Strauss MA, Wegner HA. Influence of an Ammonium Tag on the Switching Dynamics of Azobenzenes in Polar Solvents. CHEMPHOTOCHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/cptc.201800264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A. Strauss
- Institute of Organic ChemistryJustus Liebig University Giessen Heinrich-Buff-Ring 17 35392 Giessen Germany
- Center for Materials Research (LaMa)Justus Liebig University Giessen Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16 35392 Giessen Germany
| | - Hermann A. Wegner
- Institute of Organic ChemistryJustus Liebig University Giessen Heinrich-Buff-Ring 17 35392 Giessen Germany
- Center for Materials Research (LaMa)Justus Liebig University Giessen Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16 35392 Giessen Germany
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