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Asama R, Liu CJS, Tominaga M, Cheng YR, Nakamura Y, Kondo A, Wang HY, Ishii J. Droplet-based microfluidic platform for detecting agonistic peptides that are self-secreted by yeast expressing a G-protein-coupled receptor. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:104. [PMID: 38594681 PMCID: PMC11005146 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02379-0] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-cell droplet microfluidics is an important platform for high-throughput analyses and screening because it provides an independent and compartmentalized microenvironment for reaction or cultivation by coencapsulating individual cells with various molecules in monodisperse microdroplets. In combination with microbial biosensors, this technology becomes a potent tool for the screening of mutant strains. In this study, we demonstrated that a genetically engineered yeast strain that can fluorescently sense agonist ligands via the heterologous expression of a human G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and concurrently secrete candidate peptides is highly compatible with single-cell droplet microfluidic technology for the high-throughput screening of new agonistically active peptides. RESULTS The water-in-oil microdroplets were generated using a flow-focusing microfluidic chip to encapsulate engineered yeast cells coexpressing a human GPCR [i.e., angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1)] and a secretory agonistic peptide [i.e., angiotensin II (Ang II)]. The single yeast cells cultured in the droplets were then observed under a microscope and analyzed using image processing incorporating machine learning techniques. The AGTR1-mediated signal transduction elicited by the self-secreted Ang II peptide was successfully detected via the expression of a fluorescent reporter in single-cell yeast droplet cultures. The system could also distinguish Ang II analog peptides with different agonistic activities. Notably, we further demonstrated that the microenvironment of the single-cell droplet culture enabled the detection of rarely existing positive (Ang II-secreting) yeast cells in the model mixed cell library, whereas the conventional batch-culture environment using a shake flask failed to do so. Thus, our approach provided compartmentalized microculture environments, which can prevent the diffusion, dilution, and cross-contamination of peptides secreted from individual single yeast cells for the easy identification of GPCR agonists. CONCLUSIONS We established a droplet-based microfluidic platform that integrated an engineered yeast biosensor strain that concurrently expressed GPCR and self-secreted the agonistic peptides. This offers individually isolated microenvironments that allow the culture of single yeast cells secreting these peptides and gaging their signaling activities, for the high-throughput screening of agonistic peptides. Our platform base on yeast GPCR biosensors and droplet microfluidics will be widely applicable to metabolic engineering, environmental engineering, and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ririka Asama
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Cher J S Liu
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Masahiro Tominaga
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Yu-Ru Cheng
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yasuyuki Nakamura
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
- Bacchus Bio Innovation Co., Ltd., 6-3-7 Minatojima-Minami, Chuo, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hsiang-Yu Wang
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Jun Ishii
- Graduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.
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Maneira C, Bermejo PM, Pereira GAG, de Mello FDSB. Exploring G protein-coupled receptors and yeast surface display strategies for viral detection in baker's yeast: SARS-CoV-2 as a case study. FEMS Yeast Res 2021; 21:6104486. [PMID: 33469649 PMCID: PMC7928939 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foab004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections pose intense burdens to healthcare systems and global economies. The correct diagnosis of viral diseases represents a crucial step towards effective treatments and control. Biosensors have been successfully implemented as accessible and accurate detection tests for some of the most important viruses. While most biosensors are based on physical or chemical interactions of cell-free components, the complexity of living microorganisms holds a poorly explored potential for viral detection in the face of the advances of synthetic biology. Indeed, cell-based biosensors have been praised for their versatility and economic attractiveness, however, yeast platforms for viral disease diagnostics are still limited to indirect antibody recognition. Here we propose a novel strategy for viral detection in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which combines the transductive properties of G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) with the Yeast Surface Display (YSD) of specific enzymes enrolled in the viral recognition process. The GPCR/YSD complex might allow for active virus detection through a modulated signal activated by a GPCR agonist, whose concentration correlates to the viral titer. Additionally, we explore this methodology in a case study for the detection of highly pathogenic coronaviruses that share the same cell receptor upon infection (i.e. the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2, ACE2), as a conceptual example of the potential of the GPCR/YSD strategy for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maneira
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, 13083-862, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Pamela Magalí Bermejo
- School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato 80, 13083-862, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães Pereira
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, 13083-862, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fellipe da Silveira Bezerra de Mello
- Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, 13083-862, Campinas, Brazil
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Wang X, van Westen GJP, Heitman LH, IJzerman AP. G protein-coupled receptors expressed and studied in yeast. The adenosine receptor as a prime example. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 187:114370. [PMID: 33338473 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of membrane proteins with around 800 members in the human genome/proteome. Extracellular signals such as hormones and neurotransmitters regulate various biological processes via GPCRs, with GPCRs being the bodily target of 30-40% of current drugs on the market. Complete identification and understanding of GPCR functionality will provide opportunities for novel drug discovery. Yeast expresses three different endogenous GPCRs regulating pheromone and sugar sensing, with the pheromone pathway offering perspectives for the characterization of heterologous GPCR signaling. Moreover, yeast offers a ''null" background for studies on mammalian GPCRs, including GPCR activation and signaling, ligand identification, and characterization of disease-related mutations. This review focuses on modifications of the yeast pheromone signaling pathway for functional GPCR studies, and on opportunities and usage of the yeast system as a platform for human GPCR studies. Finally, this review discusses in some further detail studies of adenosine receptors heterologously expressed in yeast, and what Geoff Burnstock thought of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J P van Westen
- Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura H Heitman
- Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan P IJzerman
- Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
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Nakamura Y, Asama R, Tabata T, Morita K, Maruyama T, Kondo A, Ishii J. Comparative analyses of site-directed mutagenesis of human melatonin MTNR1A and MTNR1B receptors using a yeast fluorescent biosensor. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 118:863-876. [PMID: 33095446 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27609] [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: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin is an indoleamine neurohormone made by the pineal gland. Its receptors, MTNR1A and MTNR1B, are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and are involved in sleep, circadian rhythm, and mood disorders, and in the inhibition of cancer growth. These receptors, therefore, represent significant molecular targets for insomnia, circadian sleep disorders, and cancer. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an attractive host for assaying agonistic activity for human GPCR. We previously constructed a GPCR-based biosensor employing a high-sensitivity yeast strain that incorporated both a chimeric yeast-human Gα protein and a bright fluorescent reporter gene (ZsGreen). Similar approaches have been used for simple and convenient measurements of various GPCR activities. In the current study, we constructed a fluorescence-based yeast biosensor for monitoring the signaling activation of human melatonin receptors. We used this system to analyze point mutations, including previously unreported mutations of the consensus sequences of MTNR1A and MTNR1B melatonin receptors and compared their effects. Most mutations in the consensus sequences significantly affected the signaling capacities of both receptors, but several mutations showed differences between these subtype receptors. Thus, this yeast biosensor holds promise for revealing the functions of melatonin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Nakamura
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.,Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ririka Asama
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takuya Tabata
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kenta Morita
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Maruyama
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.,Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.,Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jun Ishii
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.,Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
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Abstract
With the rapid development of DNA synthesis and next-generation sequencing, synthetic biology that aims to standardize, modularize, and innovate cellular functions, has achieved vast progress. Here we review key advances in synthetic biology of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which serves as an important eukaryal model organism and widely applied cell factory. This covers the development of new building blocks, i.e., promoters, terminators and enzymes, pathway engineering, tools developments, and gene circuits utilization. We will also summarize impacts of synthetic biology on both basic and applied biology, and end with further directions for advancing synthetic biology in yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihe Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029 , China
| | - Yueping Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029 , China
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess , Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029 , China.,Department of Biology and Biological Engineering , Chalmers University of Technology , Gothenburg SE41296 , Sweden.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability , Technical University of Denmark , Kongens Lyngby DK2800 , Denmark
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Synthetic biology toolkits and applications in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1870-1881. [PMID: 30031049 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biologists construct biological components and systems to look into biological phenomena and drive a myriad of practical applications that aim to tackle current global challenges in energy, healthcare and the environment. While most tools have been established in bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli, recent years have seen parallel developments in the model yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae, one of the most well-understood eukaryotic biological system. Here, we outline the latest advances in yeast synthetic biology tools based on a framework of abstraction hierarchies of parts, circuits and genomes. In brief, the creation and characterization of biological parts are explored at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels. Using characterized parts as building block units, the designing of functional circuits is elaborated with examples. In addition, the status and potential applications of synthetic genomes as a genome level platform for biological system construction are also discussed. In addition to the development of a toolkit, we describe how those tools have been applied in the areas of drug production and screening, study of disease mechanisms, pollutant sensing and bioremediation. Finally, we provide a future outlook of yeast as a workhorse of eukaryotic genetics and a chosen chassis in this field.
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Hashi H, Nakamura Y, Ishii J, Kondo A. Modifying Expression Modes of Human Neurotensin Receptor Type 1 Alters Sensing Capabilities for Agonists in Yeast Signaling Biosensor. Biotechnol J 2017; 13:e1700522. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Hashi
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation; Kobe University; Kobe Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Nakamura
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation; Kobe University; Kobe Japan
| | - Jun Ishii
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation; Kobe University; Kobe Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation; Kobe University; Kobe Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering; Kobe University; Kobe Japan
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8
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Liu R, Wong W, IJzerman AP. Human G protein-coupled receptor studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 114:103-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Nakamura Y, Hashimoto T, Ishii J, Kondo A. Dual-color reporter switching system to discern dimer formations of G-protein-coupled receptors using Cre/loxP
site-specific recombination in yeast. Biotechnol Bioeng 2016; 113:2178-90. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.25974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Nakamura
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering; Kobe University; Kobe Japan
| | - Takamichi Hashimoto
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering; Kobe University; Kobe Japan
| | - Jun Ishii
- Organization of Advanced Science and Technology; Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada; Kobe 657-8501 Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering; Kobe University; Kobe Japan
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Nakamura Y, Ishii J, Kondo A. Applications of yeast-based signaling sensor for characterization of antagonist and analysis of site-directed mutants of the human serotonin 1A receptor. Biotechnol Bioeng 2015; 112:1906-15. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.25597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Nakamura
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering; Kobe University; 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada Kobe 657-8501 Japan
| | - Jun Ishii
- Organization of Advanced Science and Technology; Kobe University; Kobe Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering; Kobe University; 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada Kobe 657-8501 Japan
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