1
|
Tang X, Zhao S, Luo J, Wang B, Wu X, Deng R, Chang K, Chen M. Smart Stimuli-Responsive Spherical Nucleic Acids: Cutting-Edge Platforms for Biosensing, Bioimaging, and Therapeutics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310732. [PMID: 38299771 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) with exceptional colloidal stability, multiple modularity, and programmability are excellent candidates to address common molecular delivery-related issues. Based on this, the higher targeting accuracy and enhanced controllability of stimuli-responsive SNAs render them precise nanoplatforms with inestimable prospects for diverse biomedical applications. Therefore, tailored diagnosis and treatment with stimuli-responsive SNAs may be a robust strategy to break through the bottlenecks associated with traditional nanocarriers. Various stimuli-responsive SNAs are engineered through the incorporation of multifunctional modifications to meet biomedical demands with the development of nucleic acid functionalization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of prominent research in this area and recent advancements in the utilization of stimuli-responsive SNAs in biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutics. For each aspect, SNA nanoplatforms that exhibit responsive behavior to both internal stimuli (including sequence, enzyme, redox reactions, and pH) and external stimuli (such as light and temperature) are highlighted. This review is expected to offer inspiration and guidance strategies for the rational design and development of stimuli-responsive SNAs in the field of biomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Binpan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xianlan Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ruijia Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Kai Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
- College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aqib RM, Umer A, Li J, Liu J, Ding B. Light Responsive DNA Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications. Chem Asian J 2024; 19:e202400226. [PMID: 38514391 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202400226] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
DNA nanomaterials have been widely employed for various biomedical applications. With rapid development of chemical modification of nucleic acid, serials of stimuli-responsive elements are included in the multifunctional DNA nanomaterials. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in light responsive DNA nanomaterials based on photocleavage/photodecage, photoisomerization, and photocrosslinking for efficient bioimaging (including imaging of small molecule, microRNA, and protein) and drug delivery (including delivery of small molecule, nucleic acid, and gene editing system). We also discuss the remaining challenges and future perspectives of the light responsive DNA nanomaterials in biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raja Muhammad Aqib
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Arsalan Umer
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jialin Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jianbing Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Baoquan Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li L, Li M. Modular Engineering of Aptamer-Based Nanobiotechnology for Conditional Control of ATP Sensing. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2302972. [PMID: 38009471 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic changes of intracellular, extracellular, and subcellular adenosine triphosphates (ATPs) have fundamental interdependence with the physio-pathological states of cells. Spatially selective in situ imaging of such ATP dynamics offers valuable mechanistic insights into the related biological activities. Despite significant advances in the design of aptamer sensors for ATP detection, the dearth of methods that enable precise ATP imaging in specific cellular locations remains a challenge in this field. This review focuses on the modular engineering of regulatable sensing technology via the integration of aptamer probe designs with advanced functional nanomaterials, allowing conditional control of ATP sensing and imaging with high spatial precision from subcellular organelles to living animals. Highlighting the recent advances in the design of photo-triggered nanosensors for spatiotemporally controlled ATP imaging, endogenously-triggered ATP sensing in a cell-selective manner, and spatially-controlled nanodevices for ATP imaging in specific organelles and extracellular microenvironments. Emphasis will be put on elucidating the principles of how nanotechnology can be applied to regulate the spatial precision of aptamer-based ATP sensing activities. The authors envision that this perspective provides insights into the engineering of aptamer-based nanobiotechnology for opening new frontiers in precise molecular sensing and other bio-applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lele Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fan Z, Zhou J, Shu Q, Dong Y, Li Y, Zhang T, Bai G, Yu H, Lu F, Li J, Zhao X. Aptamer-bivalent-cholesterol-mediated proximity entropy-driven exosomal protein reporter for tumor diagnosis. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 251:116104. [PMID: 38368644 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Exosomal proteins from the parental cells are considered to be promising biomarker sets for precise tumor diagnostics and monitoring. However, the accurate quantitative analysis of low-abundance exosomal proteins remains challenging due to the heterogeneity of clinical samples. Here, we standardized the exosomal concentration with a fluorogenic membrane probe and developed an aptamer-bivalent-cholesterol-mediated Proximity Entropy-driven Exosomal Protein Reporter (PEEPR). The proposed PEEPR enables the in-situ analysis of multiple exosomal proteins by integrating bivalent cholesterol anchor (exosomal lipid bilayer) and aptamer (exosomal proteins) with a proximity entropy-driven circuit. Based on this strategy, we successfully achieved detection limits of 3.9 pg/mL exosomal GPC-3 and 3.4 pg/mL exosomal PD-L1. Notably, the standardization of exosome concentrations is designed to avoid errors due to biological heterogeneity. The results showed that evaluating the levels of exosomal GPC-3 and PD-L1 in clinical samples via this strategy could accurately differentiate healthy individuals, hepatitis B patients, and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. In summary, PEEPR is a promising clinical diagnostic strategy for the quantitative analysis of a variety of tumor-associated exosomal proteins for the precise diagnosis and personalized treatment monitoring of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Fan
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xingcheng Special Service Sanatorium of Strategic Support Force, Huludao, 125100, China
| | - Qiuxia Shu
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yingxue Li
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Tingrui Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Gang Bai
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Fanghao Lu
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao H, Yi D, Li L, Zhao Y, Li M. Modular Weaving DNAzyme in Skeleton of DNA Nanocages for Photoactivatable Catalytic Activity Regulation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202404064. [PMID: 38517264 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202404064] [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: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
DNAzymes exhibit tremendous application potentials in the field of biosensing and gene regulation due to its unique catalytic function. However, spatiotemporally controlled regulation of DNAzyme activity remains a daunting challenge, which may cause nonspecific signal leakage or gene silencing of the catalytic systems. Here, we report a photochemical approach via modular weaving active DNAzyme into the skeleton of tetrahedral DNA nanocages (TDN) for light-triggered on-demand liberation of DNAzyme and thus conditional control of gene regulation activity. We demonstrate that the direct encoding of DNAzyme in TDN could improve the biostability of DNAzyme and ensure the delivery efficiency, comparing with the conventional surface anchoring strategy. Furthermore, the molecular weaving of the DNA nanostructures allows remote control of DNAzyme-mediated gene regulation with high spatiotemporal precision of light. In addition, we demonstrate that the approach is applicable for controlled regulation of the gene editing functions of other functional nucleic acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hengzhi Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Deyu Yi
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 XueYuan Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Lele Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yuliang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 XueYuan Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu L, Wang GA, Li F. Plug-and-Play Module for Reversible and Continuous Control of DNA Strand Displacement Kinetics. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6516-6521. [PMID: 38411013 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09242] [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: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory modules for controlling the kinetics of toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) play critical roles in designing dynamic and dissipative DNA chemical reaction networks (CRNs) but are hardwired into sequence designs. Herein, we introduce antitoehold (At), a plug-and-play module for reversible and continuous tuning of TMSD kinetics by temporarily occupying the toehold domain via a metastable duplex and base stacking. We demonstrate that kinetic control can be readily activated or deactivated in real time for any TMSD by simply adding At or anti-At. Continuous tuning of TMSD kinetics can also be achieved by altering the concentration of At. Moreover, the simple addition of At could readily reprogram existing TMSDs into a pulse-generation DNA CRN with continuous tunability. Our At approach also offers a new way for engineering continuously tunable DNA hybridization probes, which may find practical uses for discriminating clinically important mutations. Because of the simplicity, we anticipate that At will find wide applications for engineering DNA CRNs with diverse dynamic and dissipative behaviors, and DNA hybridization probes with tunable affinity and selectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Guan A Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
- Department of Chemistry, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang W, Lv Y, Huo F, Yun Y, Yin C. Photoactivation Inducing Multifunctional Coupling of Fluorophore for Efficient Tumor Therapy In Situ. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2314021. [PMID: 38359076 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Photoactivatable molecules, with high-precision spatialtemporal control, have largely promoted bioimaging and phototherapy applications of fluorescent dyes. Here, the first photoactivatable sensor (BI) is described that can be triggered by broad excitation light (405-660 nm), which further undergoes intersystem crossing and H-atom transfer processes to forming superoxide anion radicals (O2 -• ) and carbon radicals. Particularly, the photoinduced gain of carbon-centered radicals (BI•) allows for radical-radical coupling to afford the combined crosslink product (BI─BI), which would be oxidized in the presence of O2 -• to produce an extended conjugate system with near infrared emission (820 nm). Besides, the photochemically generated product (Cy─BI) possesses ultra-high photothermal conversion efficiency up to 90.9%, which optimized phototherapy potential. What's more, Western Blot assay reveals that both BI and the photoproduct Cy─BI can efficiently inhibit the expression of CHK1, and the irradiation of BI and Cy─BI further induces apoptosis and ultimately enhances the phototherapeutic effects. Thus, the combination of cell cycle block inducing apoptosis, photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy treatments significantly suppress solid tumor in vivo antitumor efficacy explorations. This is a novel finding in developing photoactivatable molecules, as well as the broad applicability of photoimaging and phototherapy in tumor-related areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, P. R. China
| | - Yunxia Lv
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, P. R. China
| | - Fangjun Huo
- Research Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yun
- College of Environment and Resource, Research Center of Environment and Health, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, P. R. China
| | - Caixia Yin
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang Q, Yu S, Shang J, He S, Liu X, Wang F. Spatiotemporally Programmed Disassembly of Multifunctional Integrated DNAzyme Nanoplatfrom for Amplified Intracellular MicroRNA Imaging. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305672. [PMID: 37670211 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The sensing performance of DNAzymes in live cells is tremendously hampered by the inefficient and inhomogeneous delivery of DNAzyme probes and their incontrollable off-site activation, originating from their susceptibility to nuclease digestion. This requires the development of a more compact and robust DNAzyme-delivering system with site-specific DNAzyme activation property. Herein, a highly compact and robust Zn@DDz nanoplatform is constructed by integrating the unimolecular microRNA-responsive DNA-cleaving DNAzyme (DDz) probe with the requisite DNAzyme Zn2+ -ion cofactors, and the amplified intracellular imaging of microRNA via the spatiotemporally programmed disassembly of Zn@DDz nanoparticles is achieved. The multifunctional Zn@DDz nanoplatform is simply composed of a structurally blocked self-hydrolysis DDz probe and the inorganic Zn2+ -ion bridge, with high loading capacity, and can effectively deliver the initially catalytic inert DDz probe and Zn2+ into living cells with enhanced stabilities. Upon their entry into the acidic microenvironment of living cells, the self-sufficient Zn@DDz nanoparticle is disassembled to release DDz probe and simultaneously supply Zn2+ -ion cofactors. Then, endogenous microRNA-21 catalyzes the reconfiguration and activation of DDz for generating the amplified readout signal with multiply guaranteed imaging performance. Thus, this work paves an effective way for promoting DNAzyme-based biosensing systems in living cells, and shows great promise in clinical diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Research Institute of Shenzhen, Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Research Institute of Shenzhen, Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
| | - Jinhua Shang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Research Institute of Shenzhen, Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
| | - Shizhen He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Research Institute of Shenzhen, Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Research Institute of Shenzhen, Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
| | - Fuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Research Institute of Shenzhen, Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hou M, Guo R, Ren T, Wang T, Jiang JH, He J. Selective Proteolysis of Activated Transcriptional Factor by NIR-Responsive Palindromic DNA Thalidomide Conjugate Inhibits the Canonical Smad Pathway. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2302525. [PMID: 37415558 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctional transcription factors that activate abnormal expressions of specific proteins are often associated with the progression of various diseases. Despite being attractive drug targets, the lack of druggable sites has dramatically hindered their drug development. The emergence of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has revitalized the drug development of many conventional hard-to-drug protein targets. Here, the use of a palindromic double-strand DNA thalidomide conjugate (PASTE) to selectively bind and induce proteolysis of targeted activated transcription factor (PROTAF) is reported. The selective proteolysis of the dimerized phosphorylated receptor-regulated Smad2/3 and inhibition of the canonical Smad pathway validates PASTE-mediated PROTAF. Further aptamer-guided active delivery of PASTE and near-infrared light-triggered PROTAF are demonstrated. Great potential in using PASTE for the selective degradation of the activated transcription factor is seen, providing a powerful tool for studying signaling pathways and developing precision medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biomedical Sciences, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- School of Physics and Chemistry, Hunan First Normal University, Changsha, 410205, China
| | - Rui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biomedical Sciences, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Tianyu Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biomedical Sciences, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biomedical Sciences, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biomedical Sciences, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Jianjun He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biomedical Sciences, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhao Z, Zharnikov M. Exploiting epoxy-rich poly(ethylene glycol) films for highly selective ssDNA sensing via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:26538-26548. [PMID: 37752830 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03851c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
This study introduces an alternative approach to immobilize thiolated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) for the DNA sensing. In contrast to the standard, monomolecular assembly of such moieties on gold substrate, over the thiolate-gold anchors, we propose to use bioinert, porous polyethylene glycol (PEG) films as a 3D template for ssDNA immobilization. The latter process relies on the reaction between the thiol group of the respectively decorated ssDNA and the epoxy groups in the epoxy-rich PEG matrix. The immobilization process and subsequent hybridization ability of the resulting sensing assembly were monitored using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, with the latter tool proving itself as the most suitable transduction technique. Electrochemical data confirmed the successful immobilization of thiol-decorated ssDNA probes into the PEG matrix over the thiol-epoxy linkage as well as high hybridization efficiency, selectivity, and sensitivity of the resulting DNA sensor. Whereas this sensor was equivalent to the direct ssDNA assembly in terms of the efficiency, it exhibited a better selectivity and bioinert properties in view of the bioinert character of the PEG matrix. The above findings place PEG films as a promising platform for highly selective ssDNA sensing, leveraging their flexible chemistry, 3D character, and bioinert properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Zhao
- Angewandte Physikalische Chemie, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Michael Zharnikov
- Angewandte Physikalische Chemie, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu F, Li X, Zhao J, Zhao Y, Li L. Photoactivated DNA Assembly and Disassembly for On-Demand Activation and Termination of cGAS-STING Signaling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202305837. [PMID: 37365782 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202305837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in DNA self-assembly for interfacing with biology, spatiotemporally controlled regulation of biological process via in situ dynamic DNA assembly remains an outstanding challenge. Here, we report an optically triggered DNA assembly and disassembly strategy that enables on-demand activation and termination of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. In the design, an activatable DNA hairpin is engineered with a photocleavable group at defined site to modulate its self-assembly activity. Light activation induces the configurational switching and consequent self-assembly of the DNA hairpins to form long linear double-stranded structures, allowing to stimulate cGAS protein to synthesize 2',3'-cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP) for STING stimulation. Furthermore, by endowing the pre-assembled DNA scaffold with a built-in photolysis feature, we demonstrate that the cGAS-STING stimulation can be efficiently terminated through remote photo-triggering, providing for the first time a route to control the temporal "dose" on-demand for such a stimulation. We envision that this regulation strategy will benefit and inspire both fundamental research and therapeutic applications regarding the cGAS-STING pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhi Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangfei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yuliang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Lele Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li M, Li L. Enzyme-Triggered DNA Sensor Technology for Spatially-Controlled, Cell-Selective Molecular Imaging. Acc Chem Res 2023. [PMID: 37262339 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusWith unparalleled programmability, DNA has evolved as a powerful scaffold for engineering intricate and dynamic systems that can perform diverse tasks. By allowing serial detection of molecular targets in complex cellular milieus, increasingly sophisticated DNA sensors have not only promoted significant advances in unveiling the fundamental mechanisms of various pathophysiological processes but also provided a useful toolkit for disease diagnostics based on molecular signatures. Despite much progress, an inherent limitation of DNA-based sensors is that they often lack spatial control and cell-type selectivity for the sensing activity because of their "always active" design mechanism. Since most molecular targets of interests are not exclusive to disease cells, they are also shared by normal cells, the application of such biosensors for disease-specific imaging is limited by inadequate signal-to-background ratios due to indistinguishable signal response in both disease and normal cells. Therefore, imparting biosensors with spatial controllability remains a key issue to achieve molecular imaging with high sensitivity and cell specificity.As a biocatalyst, enzyme has been found to be closely related with the pathological conditions of numerous diseases. For example, many nucleases, protease, and kinases have been identified overexpressed in disease cells and considered as important biomarkers of cancer, inflammation, and neurological diseases. Recently, we have envisioned that such pathophysiology-associated enzymes could be leveraged as endogenous triggers to achieve spatial control over the molecular imaging activity of the DNA-based sensors with improved cell-specificity. In this Account, we outline the research efforts from our group on the development of endogenous enzyme-triggered, DNA-based sensor technology that enables spatially controlled, cell-type selective molecular imaging. With programmable DNA design and further engineering of enzymatically cleavable sites, a series of DNAzyme- and aptamer-based sensors have been developed for enzyme-controlled imaging of various molecular targets (e.g., metal ions and small molecules) in a cancer cell-selective manner. In particular, by introduction of PNA as bridge molecules to engineer DNA-based sensors with functional peptides, the conceptual design of protease-activated DNA biosensors has been established for spatioselective molecular imaging in cancer cells and extracellular tumor microenvironments. Furthermore, enzyme-triggered signal amplification approaches, such as enzymatically activated molecular beacon and catalytic hairpin assembly, have been developed for spatially selective RNA imaging in specific disease cells (e.g., inflammatory cells and cancer cells), which enables enhanced disease-site specificity and thus improved signal-to-background ratio. The signal amplification strategy is further expanded to cell-selective amplified imaging of non-RNA species through the combination with functional DNA design. Finally, the challenges and potential future directions in this burgeoning field are discussed. We hope this Account offers insights into rational design of enzymatically controlled, DNA-based sensor platforms for opening new frontiers in spatially resolved, cell-selective molecular imaging. We believe that the continuing advances in DNA-based molecular sensing technology together with the discoveries of diverse disease-associated enzymes will promise to usher a new era of diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Li
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Lele Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao T, Shi J, Wang J, Cui Y, Yang Y, Xu S, Luo X. Fluorescence-Enhanced Dual-Driven "OR-AND" DNA Logic Platform for Accurate Cell Subtype Identification. Anal Chem 2023; 95:3525-3531. [PMID: 36740823 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Developing an endogenous stimuli-responsive and ultrasensitive DNA sensing platform that contains a logic gate biocomputation for precise cell subtype identification holds great potential for disease diagnosis and prognostic estimation. Herein, a fluorescence-enhanced "OR-AND" DNA logic platform dual-driven by intracellular apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE 1) or a DNA strand anchored on membrane protein Mucin 1 (MUC 1) for sensitive and accurate cell subtype identification was rationally designed. The recognition toehold of the traditional activated probe (TP) was restrained by introducing a blocking sequence containing an APE 1 cleavable site (AP-site) that can be either cleaved by APE 1 or replaced by Mk-apt, ensuring the "OR-AND" gated molecular imaging for cell subtype identification. It is worth noting that this "OR-AND" gated design can effectively avoid the missing logical computation caused by membrane protein heterogeneous spatial distribution as a single input. In addition, a benefit from the excellent plasmon-enhanced fluorescence (PEF) ability of Au NSTs is that the detection limit can be decreased by nearly 165 times. Based on this, not only different kinds of MCF-7, HepG2, and L02 cells, but also different breast cancer cell subtypes, including malignant MCF-7, metastatic MDA-MB-231, and nontumorigenic MCF-10A cells, can be accurately identified by the proposed "OR-AND" gated DNA logic platform, indicating the prospect of this simple and universal design in accurate cancer screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaheng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyun Cui
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, People's Republic of China.,College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiliang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li X, Zhu J, Shi X, Wang Z, Chen X, Zhang X, Chen Y. Steric Hindrance On-Off Mass-Tagged Probe Set Enables Detection of Protein Homodimer in Living Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:54517-54526. [PMID: 36449938 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The major challenge in the detection of protein homodimers is that the identical monomers in a homodimer are indistinguishable using most conventional methods and cannot be sequentially recognized. In this study, a steric hindrance on-off mass-tagged probe set strategy was developed for the quantification of HER2 homodimer in living cells. The probe set contained a hindrance probe and a detection probe. The hindrance probe had a DNA dendrimer as a hindrance group to achieve the steric hindrance on-off function and thus the assignment of monomer identity. The detection probe contained a mass tag released for mass spectrometric quantification. Using the steric hindrance on-off mass-tagged probe set, the level of HER2 homodimer in various breast cancer cell lines was quantified. This is the first report to determine the quantity of protein homodimers, and the steric hindrance on-off probe set developed herein can facilitate the illustration of protein function in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jianhua Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaoyu Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhongcheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| |
Collapse
|