1
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Yang X, Su XC, Xuan W. Genetically Encoded Photocaged Proteinogenic and Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acids. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400393. [PMID: 38831474 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400393] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Photocaged amino acids could be genetically encoded into proteins via genetic code expansion (GCE) and constitute unique tools for innovative protein engineering. There are a number of photocaged proteinogenic amino acids that allow strategic conversion of proteins into their photocaged variants, thus enabling spatiotemporal and non-invasive regulation of protein functions using light. Meanwhile, there are a hand of photocaged non-proteinogenic amino acids that address the challenges in directly encoding certain non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) that structurally resemble proteinogenic ones or possess highly reactive functional groups. Herein, we would like to summarize the efforts in encoding photocaged proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids, hoping to draw more attention to this fruitful and exciting scientific campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Yang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xun-Cheng Su
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Weimin Xuan
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
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2
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Koch NG, Budisa N. Evolution of Pyrrolysyl-tRNA Synthetase: From Methanogenesis to Genetic Code Expansion. Chem Rev 2024; 124:9580-9608. [PMID: 38953775 PMCID: PMC11363022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Over 20 years ago, the pyrrolysine encoding translation system was discovered in specific archaea. Our Review provides an overview of how the once obscure pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) tRNA pair, originally responsible for accurately translating enzymes crucial in methanogenic metabolic pathways, laid the foundation for the burgeoning field of genetic code expansion. Our primary focus is the discussion of how to successfully engineer the PylRS to recognize new substrates and exhibit higher in vivo activity. We have compiled a comprehensive list of ncAAs incorporable with the PylRS system. Additionally, we also summarize recent successful applications of the PylRS system in creating innovative therapeutic solutions, such as new antibody-drug conjugates, advancements in vaccine modalities, and the potential production of new antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaj G. Koch
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Department
of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH
Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nediljko Budisa
- Biocatalysis
Group, Institute of Chemistry, Technische
Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
- Chemical
Synthetic Biology Chair, Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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3
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Jann C, Giofré S, Bhattacharjee R, Lemke EA. Cracking the Code: Reprogramming the Genetic Script in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes to Harness the Power of Noncanonical Amino Acids. Chem Rev 2024. [PMID: 39120726 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Over 500 natural and synthetic amino acids have been genetically encoded in the last two decades. Incorporating these noncanonical amino acids into proteins enables many powerful applications, ranging from basic research to biotechnology, materials science, and medicine. However, major challenges remain to unleash the full potential of genetic code expansion across disciplines. Here, we provide an overview of diverse genetic code expansion methodologies and systems and their final applications in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, represented by Escherichia coli and mammalian cells as the main workhorse model systems. We highlight the power of how new technologies can be first established in simple and then transferred to more complex systems. For example, whole-genome engineering provides an excellent platform in bacteria for enabling transcript-specific genetic code expansion without off-targets in the transcriptome. In contrast, the complexity of a eukaryotic cell poses challenges that require entirely new approaches, such as striving toward establishing novel base pairs or generating orthogonally translating organelles within living cells. We connect the milestones in expanding the genetic code of living cells for encoding novel chemical functionalities to the most recent scientific discoveries, from optimizing the physicochemical properties of noncanonical amino acids to the technological advancements for their in vivo incorporation. This journey offers a glimpse into the promising developments in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Jann
- Biocenter, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- IMB Postdoc Programme (IPPro), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabrina Giofré
- Biocenter, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- IMB Postdoc Programme (IPPro), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rajanya Bhattacharjee
- Biocenter, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- IMB International PhD Programme (IPP), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Edward A Lemke
- Biocenter, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany
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4
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Söllner J, Derler I. Genetic code expansion, an emerging tool in the Ca 2+ ion channel field. J Physiol 2024; 602:3297-3313. [PMID: 38695316 DOI: 10.1113/jp285840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Various methods for characterizing binding forces as well as for monitoring and remote control of ion channels are still emerging. A recent innovation is the direct incorporation of unnatural amino acids (UAAs) with corresponding biophysical or biochemical properties, which are integrated using genetic code expansion technology. Minimal changes to natural amino acids, which are achieved by chemical synthesis of corresponding UAAs, are valuable tools to provide insight into the contributions of physicochemical properties of side chains in binding events. To gain unique control over the conformational changes or function of ion channels, a series of light-sensitive, chemically reactive and posttranslationally modified UAAs have been developed and utilized. Here, we present the existing UAA tools, their mode of action, their potential and limitations as well as their previous applications to Ca2+-permeable ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Söllner
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Isabella Derler
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
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5
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Zhang J, Wang X, Huang Q, Ye J, Wang J. Genetically Encoded Epoxide Warhead for Precise and Versatile Covalent Targeting of Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:16173-16183. [PMID: 38819260 PMCID: PMC11177858 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoding a proximal reactive warhead into the protein binder/drug has emerged as an efficient strategy for covalently binding to protein targets, enabling broad applications. To expand the reactivity scope for targeting the diverse natural residues under physiological conditions, the development of a genetically encoded reactive warhead with excellent stability and broad reactivity is highly desired. Herein, we reported the genetic encoding of epoxide-containing tyrosine (EPOY) for developing covalent protein drugs. Our study demonstrates that EPOY, when incorporated into a nanobody (KN035), can cross-link with different side chains (mutations) at the same position of PD-L1 protein. Significantly, a single genetically encoded reactive warhead that is capable of covalent and site-specific targeting to 10 different nucleophilic residues was achieved for the first time. This would largely expand the scope of covalent warhead and inspire the development of covalent warheads for both small-molecule drugs and protein drugs. Furthermore, we incorporate the EPOY into a designed ankyrin repeat protein (DarpinK13) to create the covalent binders of KRAS. This covalent KRAS binder holds the potential to achieve pan-covalent targeting of KRAS based on the structural similarity among all oncogenic KRAS mutants while avoiding off-target binding to NRAS/HRAS through a covalent interaction with KRAS-specific residues (H95 and E107). We envision that covalently targeting to H95 will be a promising strategy for the development of covalent pan-KRAS inhibitors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jinsong Ye
- Department of Chemistry,
Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, College of
Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Chemistry,
Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, College of
Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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6
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Guo QR, Cao YJ. Applications of genetic code expansion technology in eukaryotes. Protein Cell 2024; 15:331-363. [PMID: 37847216 PMCID: PMC11074999 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Unnatural amino acids (UAAs) have gained significant attention in protein engineering and drug development owing to their ability to introduce new chemical functionalities to proteins. In eukaryotes, genetic code expansion (GCE) enables the incorporation of UAAs and facilitates posttranscriptional modification (PTM), which is not feasible in prokaryotic systems. GCE is also a powerful tool for cell or animal imaging, the monitoring of protein interactions in target cells, drug development, and switch regulation. Therefore, there is keen interest in utilizing GCE in eukaryotic systems. This review provides an overview of the application of GCE in eukaryotic systems and discusses current challenges that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-ru Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomic, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yu J Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomic, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
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7
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Fröhlich M, Söllner J, Derler I. Insights into the dynamics of the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channel pore-forming complex Orai1. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:747-760. [PMID: 38526208 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230815] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
An important calcium (Ca2+) entry pathway into the cell is the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel, which controls a series of downstream signaling events such as gene transcription, secretion and proliferation. It is composed of a Ca2+ sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the stromal interaction molecule (STIM), and the Ca2+ ion channel Orai in the plasma membrane (PM). Their activation is initiated by receptor-ligand binding at the PM, which triggers a signaling cascade within the cell that ultimately causes store depletion. The decrease in ER-luminal Ca2+ is sensed by STIM1, which undergoes structural rearrangements that lead to coupling with Orai1 and its activation. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the Orai1 pore opening mechanism. In this context, we also point out the questions that remain unanswered and how these can be addressed by the currently emerging genetic code expansion (GCE) technology. GCE enables the incorporation of non-canonical amino acids with novel properties, such as light-sensitivity, and has the potential to provide novel insights into the structure/function relationship of CRAC channels at a single amino acid level in the living cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Fröhlich
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Julia Söllner
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Isabella Derler
- Institute of Biophysics, JKU Life Science Center, Johannes Kepler University Linz, A-4020 Linz, Austria
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8
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Brown W, Davidson LA, Deiters A. Expanding the Genetic Code of Xenopus laevis Embryos. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:516-525. [PMID: 38277773 PMCID: PMC10877573 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins through genetic code expansion has been successfully adapted to African claw-toed frog embryos. Six unique unnatural amino acids are incorporated site-specifically into proteins and demonstrate robust and reliable protein expression. Of these amino acids, several are caged analogues that can be used to establish conditional control over enzymatic activity. Using light or small molecule triggers, we exhibit activation and tunability of protein functions in live embryos. This approach was then applied to optical control over the activity of a RASopathy mutant of NRAS, taking advantage of generating explant cultures from Xenopus. Taken together, genetic code expansion is a robust approach in the Xenopus model to incorporate novel chemical functionalities into proteins of interest to study their function and role in a complex biological setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Lance A. Davidson
- Departments
of Bioengineering, Developmental Biology, and Computational and Systems
Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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9
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Joest EF, Tampé R. Design principles for engineering light-controlled antibodies. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1501-1517. [PMID: 37507295 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.06.006] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Engineered antibodies are essential tools for research and advanced pharmacy. In the development of therapeutics, antibodies are excellent candidates as they offer both target recognition and modulation. Thanks to the latest advances in biotechnology, light-activated antibody fragments can be constructed to control spontaneous antigen interaction with high spatiotemporal precision. To implement conditional antigen binding, several optogenetic and optochemical engineering concepts have recently been developed. Here, we highlight the various strategies and discuss the features of opto-conditional antibodies. Each concept offers intrinsic advantages beneficial to different applications. In summary, the novel design approaches constitute a complementary toolset to promote current and upcoming antibody technologies with ultimate precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike F Joest
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany.
| | - Robert Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany.
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10
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Yang X, Zhao L, Wang Y, Ji Y, Su XC, Ma JA, Xuan W. Constructing Photoactivatable Protein with Genetically Encoded Photocaged Glutamic Acid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308472. [PMID: 37587083 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetically replacing an essential residue with the corresponding photocaged analogues via genetic code expansion (GCE) constitutes a useful and unique strategy to directly and effectively generate photoactivatable proteins. However, the application of this strategy is severely hampered by the limited number of encoded photocaged proteinogenic amino acids. Herein, we report the genetic incorporation of photocaged glutamic acid analogues in E. coli and mammalian cells and demonstrate their use in constructing photoactivatable variants of various fluorescent proteins and SpyCatcher. We believe genetically encoded photocaged Glu would significantly promote the design and application of photoactivatable proteins in many areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Yang
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yanli Ji
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xun-Cheng Su
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jun-An Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Weimin Xuan
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
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11
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Goettig P, Koch NG, Budisa N. Non-Canonical Amino Acids in Analyses of Protease Structure and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14035. [PMID: 37762340 PMCID: PMC10531186 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
All known organisms encode 20 canonical amino acids by base triplets in the genetic code. The cellular translational machinery produces proteins consisting mainly of these amino acids. Several hundred natural amino acids serve important functions in metabolism, as scaffold molecules, and in signal transduction. New side chains are generated mainly by post-translational modifications, while others have altered backbones, such as the β- or γ-amino acids, or they undergo stereochemical inversion, e.g., in the case of D-amino acids. In addition, the number of non-canonical amino acids has further increased by chemical syntheses. Since many of these non-canonical amino acids confer resistance to proteolytic degradation, they are potential protease inhibitors and tools for specificity profiling studies in substrate optimization and enzyme inhibition. Other applications include in vitro and in vivo studies of enzyme kinetics, molecular interactions and bioimaging, to name a few. Amino acids with bio-orthogonal labels are particularly attractive, enabling various cross-link and click reactions for structure-functional studies. Here, we cover the latest developments in protease research with non-canonical amino acids, which opens up a great potential, e.g., for novel prodrugs activated by proteases or for other pharmaceutical compounds, some of which have already reached the clinical trial stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Goettig
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nikolaj G. Koch
- Biocatalysis Group, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
- Bioanalytics Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Nediljko Budisa
- Bioanalytics Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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12
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Zhang X, Huang H, Liu Y, Wu Z, Wang F, Fan X, Chen PR, Wang J. Optical Control of Protein Functions via Genetically Encoded Photocaged Aspartic Acids. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19218-19224. [PMID: 37632461 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific protein decaging by light has become an effective approach for in situ manipulation of protein activities in a gain-of-function fashion. Although successful decaging of amino acid side chains of Lys, Tyr, Cys, and Glu has been demonstrated, this strategy has not been extended to aspartic acid (Asp), an essential amino acid residue with a range of protein functions and protein-protein interactions. We herein reported a genetically encoded photocaged Asp and applied it to the photocontrolled manipulation of a panel of proteins including firefly luciferase, kinases (e.g., BRAF), and GTPase (e.g., KRAS) as well as mimicking the in situ phosphorylation event on kinases. As a new member of the increasingly expanded amino acid-decaging toolbox, photocaged Asp may find broad applications for gain-of-function study of diverse proteins as well as biological processes in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianrui Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Haoran Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, College of Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, College of Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Fengzhang Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xinyuan Fan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peng R Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, College of Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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13
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Pham PN, Zahradník J, Kolářová L, Schneider B, Fuertes G. Regulation of IL-24/IL-20R2 complex formation using photocaged tyrosines and UV light. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1214235. [PMID: 37484532 PMCID: PMC10361524 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1214235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Human interleukin 24 (IL-24) is a multifunctional cytokine that represents an important target for autoimmune diseases and cancer. Since the biological functions of IL-24 depend on interactions with membrane receptors, on-demand regulation of the affinity between IL-24 and its cognate partners offers exciting possibilities in basic research and may have applications in therapy. As a proof-of-concept, we developed a strategy based on recombinant soluble protein variants and genetic code expansion technology to photocontrol the binding between IL-24 and one of its receptors, IL-20R2. Screening of non-canonical ortho-nitrobenzyl-tyrosine (NBY) residues introduced at several positions in both partners was done by a combination of biophysical and cell signaling assays. We identified one position for installing NBY, tyrosine70 of IL-20R2, which results in clear impairment of heterocomplex assembly in the dark. Irradiation with 365-nm light leads to decaging and reconstitutes the native tyrosine of the receptor that can then associate with IL-24. Photocaged IL-20R2 may be useful for the spatiotemporal control of the JAK/STAT phosphorylation cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong Ngoc Pham
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Zahradník
- First Faculty of Medicine, BIOCEV Center, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lucie Kolářová
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Bohdan Schneider
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Gustavo Fuertes
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
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14
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Cheung JW, Kinney WD, Wesalo JS, Reed M, Nicholson EM, Deiters A, Cropp TA. Genetic Encoding of a Photocaged Histidine for Light-Control of Protein Activity. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200721. [PMID: 36642698 PMCID: PMC10407765 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200721] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The use of light to control protein function is a critical tool in chemical biology. Here we describe the addition of a photocaged histidine to the genetic code. This unnatural amino acid becomes histidine upon exposure to light and allows for the optical control of enzymes that utilize active-site histidine residues. We demonstrate light-induced activation of a blue fluorescent protein and a chloramphenicol transferase. Further, we genetically encoded photocaged histidine in mammalian cells. We then used this approach in live cells for optical control of firefly luciferase and, Renilla luciferase. This tool should have utility in manipulating and controlling a wide range of biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny W Cheung
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - William D Kinney
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Joshua S Wesalo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA
| | - Megan Reed
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Eve M Nicholson
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA
| | - T Ashton Cropp
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
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15
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Beyond luciferase-luciferin system: Modification, improved imaging and biomedical application. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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16
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Hiefinger C, Mandl S, Wieland M, Kneuttinger A. Rational design, production and in vitro analysis of photoxenoproteins. Methods Enzymol 2023; 682:247-288. [PMID: 36948704 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In synthetic biology, the artificial control of proteins by light is of growing interest since it enables the spatio-temporal regulation of downstream molecular processes. This precise photocontrol can be established by the site-directed incorporation of photo-sensitive non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins, which generates so-called photoxenoproteins. Photoxenoproteins can be engineered using ncAAs that facilitate the irreversible activation or reversible regulation of their activity upon irradiation. In this chapter, we provide a general outline of the engineering process based on the current methodological state-of-the-art to obtain artificial photocontrol in proteins using the ncAAs o-nitrobenzyl-O-tyrosine as example for photocaged ncAAs (irreversible), and phenylalanine-4'-azobenzene as example for photoswitchable ncAAs (reversible). We thereby focus on the initial design as well as the production and characterization of photoxenoproteins in vitro. Finally, we outline the analysis of photocontrol under steady-state and non-steady-state conditions using the allosteric enzyme complexes imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase and tryptophan synthase as examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Hiefinger
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry & Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Mandl
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry & Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mona Wieland
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry & Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Kneuttinger
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry & Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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17
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Ryan A, Janosko CP, Courtney TM, Deiters A. Engineering SHP2 Phosphatase for Optical Control. Biochemistry 2022; 61:2687-2697. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Chasity P. Janosko
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Taylor M. Courtney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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18
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Crystal Structure of an Archaeal Tyrosyl-tRNA Synthetase Bound to Photocaged L-Tyrosine and Its Potential Application to Time-Resolved X-ray Crystallography. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810399. [PMID: 36142308 PMCID: PMC9499402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically encoded caged amino acids can be used to control the dynamics of protein activities and cellular localization in response to external cues. In the present study, we revealed the structural basis for the recognition of O-(2-nitrobenzyl)-L-tyrosine (oNBTyr) by its specific variant of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (oNBTyrRS), and then demonstrated its potential availability for time-resolved X-ray crystallography. The substrate-bound crystal structure of oNBTyrRS at a 2.79 Å resolution indicated that the replacement of tyrosine and leucine at positions 32 and 65 by glycine (Tyr32Gly and Leu65Gly, respectively) and Asp158Ser created sufficient space for entry of the bulky substitute into the amino acid binding pocket, while Glu in place of Leu162 formed a hydrogen bond with the nitro moiety of oNBTyr. We also produced an oNBTyr-containing lysozyme through a cell-free protein synthesis system derived from the Escherichia coli B95. ΔA strain with the UAG codon reassigned to the nonnatural amino acid. Another crystallographic study of the caged protein showed that the site-specifically incorporated oNBTyr was degraded to tyrosine by light irradiation of the crystals. Thus, cell-free protein synthesis of caged proteins with oNBTyr could facilitate time-resolved structural analysis of proteins, including medically important membrane proteins.
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19
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O'Shea JM, Goutou A, Brydon J, Sethna CR, Wood CW, Greiss S. Generation of Photocaged Nanobodies for Intracellular Applications in an Animal Using Genetic Code Expansion and Computationally Guided Protein Engineering. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200321. [PMID: 35731601 PMCID: PMC9542635 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanobodies are becoming increasingly popular as tools for manipulating and visualising proteins in vivo. The ability to control nanobody/antigen interactions using light could provide precise spatiotemporal control over protein function. We develop a general approach to engineer photo-activatable nanobodies using photocaged amino acids that are introduced into the target binding interface by genetic code expansion. Guided by computational alanine scanning and molecular dynamics simulations, we tune nanobody/target binding affinity to eliminate binding before uncaging. Upon photo-activation using 365 nm light, binding is restored. We use this approach to generate improved photocaged variants of two anti-GFP nanobodies that function robustly when directly expressed in a complex intracellular environment together with their antigen. We apply them to control subcellular protein localisation in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. Our approach applies predictions derived from computational modelling directly in a living animal and demonstrates the importance of accounting for in vivo effects on protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack M. O'Shea
- Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesUniversity of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building George SquareEdinburghEH8 9XDUK
| | - Angeliki Goutou
- Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesUniversity of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building George SquareEdinburghEH8 9XDUK
| | - Jack Brydon
- MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular MedicineUniversity of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Crewe Road SouthEdinburghEH4 2XRUK
| | - Cyrus R. Sethna
- Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesUniversity of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building George SquareEdinburghEH8 9XDUK
| | - Christopher W. Wood
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and BiotechnologyUniversity of Edinburgh, Roger Land Building King's BuildingsEdinburghEH9 3JQUK
| | - Sebastian Greiss
- Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesUniversity of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building George SquareEdinburghEH8 9XDUK
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20
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Engineering of enzymes using non-natural amino acids. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231590. [PMID: 35856922 PMCID: PMC9366748 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20220168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In enzyme engineering, the main targets for enhancing properties are enzyme activity, stereoselective specificity, stability, substrate range, and the development of unique functions. With the advent of genetic code extension technology, non-natural amino acids (nnAAs) are able to be incorporated into proteins in a site-specific or residue-specific manner, which breaks the limit of 20 natural amino acids for protein engineering. Benefitting from this approach, numerous enzymes have been engineered with nnAAs for improved properties or extended functionality. In this review, we focus on applications and strategies for using nnAAs in enzyme engineering. Notably, approaches to computational modelling of enzymes with nnAAs are also addressed. Finally, we discuss the bottlenecks that currently need to be addressed in order to realise the broader prospects of this genetic code extension technique.
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21
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Joest EF, Winter C, Wesalo JS, Deiters A, Tampé R. Efficient Amber Suppression via Ribosomal Skipping for In Situ Synthesis of Photoconditional Nanobodies. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1466-1476. [PMID: 35060375 PMCID: PMC9157392 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Genetic code expansion is a versatile method for in situ synthesis of modified proteins. During mRNA translation, amber stop codons are suppressed to site-specifically incorporate non-canonical amino acids. Thus, nanobodies can be equipped with photocaged amino acids to control target binding on demand. The efficiency of amber suppression and protein synthesis can vary with unpredictable background expression, and the reasons are hardly understood. Here, we identified a substantial limitation that prevented synthesis of nanobodies with N-terminal modifications for light control. After systematic analyses, we hypothesized that nanobody synthesis was severely affected by ribosomal inaccuracy during the early phases of translation. To circumvent a background-causing read-through of a premature stop codon, we designed a new suppression concept based on ribosomal skipping. As an example, we generated intrabodies with photoactivated target binding in mammalian cells. The findings provide valuable insights into the genetic code expansion and describe a versatile synthesis route for the generation of modified nanobodies that opens up new perspectives for efficient site-specific integration of chemical tools. In the area of photopharmacology, our flexible intrabody concept builds an ideal platform to modulate target protein function and interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike F Joest
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt/M, Germany
| | - Christian Winter
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt/M, Germany
| | - Joshua S Wesalo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
| | - Robert Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt/M, Germany
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22
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Kneuttinger AC. A guide to designing photocontrol in proteins: methods, strategies and applications. Biol Chem 2022; 403:573-613. [PMID: 35355495 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Light is essential for various biochemical processes in all domains of life. In its presence certain proteins inside a cell are excited, which either stimulates or inhibits subsequent cellular processes. The artificial photocontrol of specifically proteins is of growing interest for the investigation of scientific questions on the organismal, cellular and molecular level as well as for the development of medicinal drugs or biocatalytic tools. For the targeted design of photocontrol in proteins, three major methods have been developed over the last decades, which employ either chemical engineering of small-molecule photosensitive effectors (photopharmacology), incorporation of photoactive non-canonical amino acids by genetic code expansion (photoxenoprotein engineering), or fusion with photoreactive biological modules (hybrid protein optogenetics). This review compares the different methods as well as their strategies and current applications for the light-regulation of proteins and provides background information useful for the implementation of each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Kneuttinger
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry and Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
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23
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Wang Z, Martin SF. Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Carbazole‐Derived Photocages. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202200311. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.202200311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Wang
- Department of Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas 78712 USA
| | - Stephen F. Martin
- Department of Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas 78712 USA
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24
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Lechner VM, Nappi M, Deneny PJ, Folliet S, Chu JCK, Gaunt MJ. Visible-Light-Mediated Modification and Manipulation of Biomacromolecules. Chem Rev 2021; 122:1752-1829. [PMID: 34546740 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chemically modified biomacromolecules-i.e., proteins, nucleic acids, glycans, and lipids-have become crucial tools in chemical biology. They are extensively used not only to elucidate cellular processes but also in industrial applications, particularly in the context of biopharmaceuticals. In order to enable maximum scope for optimization, it is pivotal to have a diverse array of biomacromolecule modification methods at one's disposal. Chemistry has driven many significant advances in this area, and especially recently, numerous novel visible-light-induced photochemical approaches have emerged. In these reactions, light serves as an external source of energy, enabling access to highly reactive intermediates under exceedingly mild conditions and with exquisite spatiotemporal control. While UV-induced transformations on biomacromolecules date back decades, visible light has the unmistakable advantage of being considerably more biocompatible, and a spectrum of visible-light-driven methods is now available, chiefly for proteins and nucleic acids. This review will discuss modifications of native functional groups (FGs), including functionalization, labeling, and cross-linking techniques as well as the utility of oxidative degradation mediated by photochemically generated reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, transformations at non-native, bioorthogonal FGs on biomacromolecules will be addressed, including photoclick chemistry and DNA-encoded library synthesis as well as methods that allow manipulation of the activity of a biomacromolecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian M Lechner
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Nappi
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick J Deneny
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Folliet
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - John C K Chu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Gaunt
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
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25
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Mangubat-Medina AE, Ball ZT. Triggering biological processes: methods and applications of photocaged peptides and proteins. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:10403-10421. [PMID: 34320043 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01434f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There has been a significant push in recent years to deploy fundamental knowledge and methods of photochemistry toward biological ends. Photoreactive groups have enabled chemists to activate biological function using the concept of photocaging. By granting spatiotemporal control over protein activation, these photocaging methods are fundamental in understanding biological processes. Peptides and proteins are an important group of photocaging targets that present conceptual and technical challenges, requiring precise chemoselectivity in complex polyfunctional environments. This review focuses on recent advances in photocaging techniques and methodologies, as well as their use in living systems. Photocaging methods include genetic and chemical approaches that require a deep understanding of structure-function relationships based on subtle changes in primary structure. Successful implementation of these ideas can shed light on important spatiotemporal aspects of living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zachary T Ball
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
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26
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Yang Y, Luo S, Huang J, Xiao Y, Fu Y, Liu W, Yin H. Photoactivation of Innate Immunity Receptor TLR8 in Live Mammalian Cells by Genetic Encoding of Photocaged Tyrosine. Chembiochem 2021; 23:e202100344. [PMID: 34460982 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The effectiveness of innate immune responses relies on an intricate balance between activation and regulation. TLR8, a member of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family, plays a fundamental role in host defense by sensing viral single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs). However, the molecular recognition and regulatory mechanism of TLR8 is not fully understood, especially in a whole-cell environment. Here, we engineer the first light-controllable TLR8 model by genetically encoding a photocaged tyrosine, NBY, into specific sites of TLR8. In the caged forms, the activity of TLR8 is masked but can be restored upon decaging by exposure to UV light. To explain the mechanism clearly, we divide the sites with light responsiveness into three groups. They can separately block the ligands that bind to the pockets of TLR8, change the interaction modes between two TLR8 protomers, and interfere with the interactions between TLR8 cytosolic domains with its downstream adaptor. Specifically, we use this chemical caging strategy to probe and evaluate the function of several tyrosine sites located at the interface of TLR8 homodimers with a previously unknown regulatory mode, which may provide a new strategy for TLR8 modulator development. Effects on downstream signaling pathways are monitored at the transcriptional and translational levels in various cell lines. By photoactivating specific cells within a larger population, this powerful tool can provide novel mechanistic insights, with potential in biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Shuchen Luo
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China.,Zhujiang Hospital, Laboratory of Medicine Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, P. R. China
| | - Yixuan Fu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Hang Yin
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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27
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Lan L, Sun Y, Jin X, Xie L, Liu L, Cheng L. A Light‐Controllable Chemical Modulation of m
6
A RNA Methylation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202103854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Lan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS) CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Ying‐Jie Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS) CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Xiao‐Yang Jin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS) CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Li‐Jun Xie
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS) CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 China
| | - Li Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS) CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS) CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 China
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310024 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
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28
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Zhou W, Deiters A. Chemogenetic and optogenetic control of post-translational modifications through genetic code expansion. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:123-131. [PMID: 33845403 PMCID: PMC8384655 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins extensively diversify the biological information flow from the genome to the proteome and thus have profound pathophysiological implications. Precise dissection of the regulatory networks of PTMs benefits from the ability to achieve conditional control through external optogenetic or chemogenetic triggers. Genetic code expansion provides a unique solution by allowing for site-specific installation of functionally masked unnatural amino acids (UAAs) into proteins, such as enzymes and enzyme substrates, rendering them inert until rapid activation through exposure to light or small molecules. Here, we summarize the most recent advances harnessing this methodology to study various forms of PTMs, as well as generalizable approaches to externally control nodes-of-interest in PTM networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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29
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Lan L, Sun YJ, Jin XY, Xie LJ, Liu L, Cheng L. A Light-Controllable Chemical Modulation of m 6 A RNA Methylation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:18116-18121. [PMID: 34107156 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202103854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bioactive small molecules with photo-removable protecting groups have provided spatial and temporal control of corresponding biological effects. We present the design, synthesis, computational and experimental evaluation of the first photo-activatable small-molecule methyltransferase agonist. By blocking the functional N-H group on MPCH with a photo-removable ortho-nitrobenzyl moiety, we have developed a promising photo-caged compound that had completely concealed its biological activity. Short UV light exposure of cells treated with that caged molecule in a few minutes resulted in a considerable hypermethylation of m6 A modification in transcriptome RNAs, implicating a rapid release of the parent active compound. This study validates for the first time the photo-activatable small organic molecular concept in the field of RNA epigenetic research, which represents a novel tool in spatiotemporal and cellular modulation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Lan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ying-Jie Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Jin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li-Jun Xie
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Li Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Function, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.,Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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30
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Joest EF, Winter C, Wesalo JS, Deiters A, Tampé R. Light-guided intrabodies for on-demand in situ target recognition in human cells. Chem Sci 2021; 12:5787-5795. [PMID: 35342543 PMCID: PMC8872839 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc01331a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their high stability and specificity in living cells, fluorescently labeled nanobodies are perfect probes for visualizing intracellular targets at an endogenous level. However, intrabodies bind unrestrainedly and hence may interfere with the target protein function. Here, we report a strategy to prevent premature binding through the development of photo-conditional intrabodies. Using genetic code expansion, we introduce photocaged amino acids within the nanobody-binding interface, which, after photo-activation, show instantaneous binding of target proteins with high spatiotemporal precision inside living cells. Due to the highly stable binding, light-guided intrabodies offer a versatile platform for downstream imaging and regulation of target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike F Joest
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 60438 Frankfurt Germany
| | - Christian Winter
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 60438 Frankfurt Germany
| | - Joshua S Wesalo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh 219 Parkman Avenue Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
| | - Robert Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 60438 Frankfurt Germany
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31
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Tavakoli A, Paul D, Mu H, Kuchlyan J, Baral S, Ansari A, Broyde S, Min JH. Light-induced modulation of DNA recognition by the Rad4/XPC damage sensor protein. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:523-536. [PMID: 34041491 PMCID: PMC8142930 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00192a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular structural changes upon binding/unbinding are key to their functions. However, characterization of such dynamical processes is difficult as it requires ways to rapidly and specifically trigger the assembly/disassembly as well as ways to monitor the resulting changes over time. Recently, various chemical strategies have been developed to use light to trigger changes in oligonucleotide structures, and thereby their activities. Here we report that photocleavable DNA can be used to modulate the DNA binding of the Rad4/XPC DNA repair complex using light. Rad4/XPC specifically recognizes diverse helix-destabilizing/distorting lesions including bulky organic adduct lesions and functions as a key initiator for the eukaryotic nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. We show that the 6-nitropiperonyloxymethyl (NPOM)-modified DNA is recognized by the Rad4 protein as a specific substrate and that the specific binding can be abolished by light-induced cleavage of the NPOM group from DNA in a dose-dependent manner. Fluorescence lifetime-based analyses of the DNA conformations suggest that free NPOM-DNA retains B-DNA-like conformations despite its bulky NPOM adduct, but Rad4-binding causes it to be heterogeneously distorted. Subsequent extensive conformational searches and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that NPOM in DNA can be housed in the major groove of the DNA, with stacking interactions among the nucleotide pairs remaining largely unperturbed and thus retaining overall B-DNA conformation. Our work suggests that photoactivable DNA may be used as a DNA lesion surrogate to study DNA repair mechanisms such as nucleotide excision repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirrasoul Tavakoli
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor UniversityWacoTX 76798USA+1 254-710-2095
| | - Debamita Paul
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor UniversityWacoTX 76798USA+1 254-710-2095
| | - Hong Mu
- Department of Biology, New York UniversityNew YorkNY 10003USA
| | - Jagannath Kuchlyan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor UniversityWacoTX 76798USA+1 254-710-2095
| | - Saroj Baral
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL 60607USA
| | - Anjum Ansari
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIL 60607USA
| | - Suse Broyde
- Department of Biology, New York UniversityNew YorkNY 10003USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Min
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor UniversityWacoTX 76798USA+1 254-710-2095
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Krauskopf K, Lang K. Increasing the chemical space of proteins in living cells via genetic code expansion. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 58:112-120. [PMID: 32911429 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In recent years it has become possible to genetically encode an expanded set of designer amino acids with tailored chemical and physical properties (dubbed unnatural amino acids, UAAs) into proteins in living cells by expanding the genetic code. Together with developments in chemistries that are amenable to and selective within physiological settings, these strategies have started to have a big impact on biological studies, as they enable exciting in cellulo applications. Here we highlight recent advances to covalently stabilize transient protein-protein interactions and capture enzyme substrate-complexes in living cells using proximity-triggered and residue-selective photo-induced crosslinking approaches. Furthermore, we describe recent efforts in controlling enzyme activity with photocaged UAAs and in extending their application to a variety of enzymatic scaffolds. In addition, we discuss the site-specific incorporation of UAAs mimicking post-translational modifications (PTMs) and approaches to generate natively-linked ubiquitin-protein conjugates to probe the role of PTMs in modulating complex cellular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Krauskopf
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Institute for Advanced Study, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Kathrin Lang
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Institute for Advanced Study, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.
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Gräwe A, Ranglack J, Weber W, Stein V. Engineering artificial signalling functions with proteases. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 63:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Jedlitzke B, Yilmaz Z, Dörner W, Mootz HD. Photobodies: Light-Activatable Single-Domain Antibody Fragments. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:1506-1510. [PMID: 31755215 PMCID: PMC7004160 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201912286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Photocaged antibody fragments, termed photobodies, have been developed that are impaired in their antigen-binding capacity and can be activated by irradiation with UV light (365 nm). This rational design concept builds on the selective photocaging of a single tyrosine in a nanobody (a single-domain antibody fragment). Tyrosine is a frequently occurring residue in central positions of the paratope region. o-Nitrobenzyl-protected tyrosine variants were incorporated into four nanobodies, including examples directed against EGFR and HER2, and photodeprotection restores the native sequence. An anti-GFP photobody exhibited an at least 10 000-fold impaired binding affinity before photodeprotection compared with the parent nanobody. A bispecific nanobody-photobody fusion protein was generated to trigger protein heterodimerization by light. Photoactivatable antibodies are expected to become versatile protein reagents and to enable novel approaches in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Jedlitzke
- Institute of BiochemistryDepartment of Chemistry and PharmacyUniversity of MuensterWilhelm-Klemm-Str. 248149MünsterGermany
| | - Zahide Yilmaz
- Institute of BiochemistryDepartment of Chemistry and PharmacyUniversity of MuensterWilhelm-Klemm-Str. 248149MünsterGermany
| | - Wolfgang Dörner
- Institute of BiochemistryDepartment of Chemistry and PharmacyUniversity of MuensterWilhelm-Klemm-Str. 248149MünsterGermany
| | - Henning D. Mootz
- Institute of BiochemistryDepartment of Chemistry and PharmacyUniversity of MuensterWilhelm-Klemm-Str. 248149MünsterGermany
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35
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Drienovská I, Roelfes G. Expanding the enzyme universe with genetically encoded unnatural amino acids. Nat Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1038/s41929-019-0410-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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36
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Kilgour SL, Jenkins R, Tosin M. A Photoactivatable Small-Molecule Probe for the In Vivo Capture of Polyketide Intermediates. Chemistry 2019; 25:16511-16514. [PMID: 31617624 PMCID: PMC6972646 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201903661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A photolabile carba(dethia) malonyl N-acetylcysteamine derivative was devised and prepared for the trapping of biosynthetic polyketide intermediates following light activation. From the lasalocid A polyketide assembly in a mutant strain of the soil bacterium Streptomyces lasaliensis, a previously undetected cyclised intermediate was identified and characterised, providing a new outlook on the timing of substrate processing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Jenkins
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of WarwickLibrary RoadCoventryCV4 7ALUK
| | - Manuela Tosin
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of WarwickLibrary RoadCoventryCV4 7ALUK
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Jedlitzke B, Yilmaz Z, Dörner W, Mootz HD. Photobodies: Light‐Activatable Single‐Domain Antibody Fragments. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201912286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Jedlitzke
- Institute of Biochemistry Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Muenster Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Zahide Yilmaz
- Institute of Biochemistry Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Muenster Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Wolfgang Dörner
- Institute of Biochemistry Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Muenster Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Henning D. Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Muenster Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 48149 Münster Germany
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38
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Kneuttinger AC, Zwisele S, Straub K, Bruckmann A, Busch F, Kinateder T, Gaim B, Wysocki VH, Merkl R, Sterner R. Light-Regulation of Tryptophan Synthase by Combining Protein Design and Enzymology. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5106. [PMID: 31618845 PMCID: PMC6829457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal control of enzymes by light is of growing importance for industrial biocatalysis. Within this context, the photo-control of allosteric interactions in enzyme complexes, common to practically all metabolic pathways, is particularly relevant. A prominent example of a metabolic complex with a high application potential is tryptophan synthase from Salmonella typhimurium (TS), in which the constituting TrpA and TrpB subunits mutually stimulate each other via a sophisticated allosteric network. To control TS allostery with light, we incorporated the unnatural amino acid o-nitrobenzyl-O-tyrosine (ONBY) at seven strategic positions of TrpA and TrpB. Initial screening experiments showed that ONBY in position 58 of TrpA (aL58ONBY) inhibits TS activity most effectively. Upon UV irradiation, ONBY decages to tyrosine, largely restoring the capacity of TS. Biochemical characterization, extensive steady-state enzyme kinetics, and titration studies uncovered the impact of aL58ONBY on the activities of TrpA and TrpB and identified reaction conditions under which the influence of ONBY decaging on allostery reaches its full potential. By applying those optimal conditions, we succeeded to directly light-activate TS(aL58ONBY) by a factor of ~100. Our findings show that rational protein design with a photo-sensitive unnatural amino acid combined with extensive enzymology is a powerful tool to fine-tune allosteric light-activation of a central metabolic enzyme complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Kneuttinger
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Zwisele
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Kristina Straub
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Astrid Bruckmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Florian Busch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Resource for Native Mass Spectrometry Guided Structural Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Thomas Kinateder
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Barbara Gaim
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Vicki H Wysocki
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Resource for Native Mass Spectrometry Guided Structural Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Rainer Merkl
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Reinhard Sterner
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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Kneuttinger AC, Straub K, Bittner P, Simeth NA, Bruckmann A, Busch F, Rajendran C, Hupfeld E, Wysocki VH, Horinek D, König B, Merkl R, Sterner R. Light Regulation of Enzyme Allostery through Photo-responsive Unnatural Amino Acids. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:1501-1514.e9. [PMID: 31495713 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase (ImGPS) is an allosteric bienzyme complex in which substrate binding to the synthase subunit HisF stimulates the glutaminase subunit HisH. To control this stimulation with light, we have incorporated the photo-responsive unnatural amino acids phenylalanine-4'-azobenzene (AzoF), o-nitropiperonyl-O-tyrosine (NPY), and methyl-o-nitropiperonyllysine (mNPK) at strategic positions of HisF. The light-mediated isomerization of AzoF at position 55 (fS55AzoFE ↔ fS55AzoFZ) resulted in a reversible 10-fold regulation of HisH activity. The light-mediated decaging of NPY at position 39 (fY39NPY → fY39) and of mNPK at position 99 (fK99mNPK → fK99) led to a 4- to 6-fold increase of HisH activity. Molecular dynamics simulations explained how the unnatural amino acids interfere with the allosteric machinery of ImGPS and revealed additional aspects of HisH stimulation in wild-type ImGPS. Our findings show that unnatural amino acids can be used as a powerful tool for the spatiotemporal control of a central metabolic enzyme complex by light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Kneuttinger
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Straub
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Bittner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nadja A Simeth
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Bruckmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Florian Busch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Resource for Native Mass Spectrometry Guided Structural Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Chitra Rajendran
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Enrico Hupfeld
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Vicki H Wysocki
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Resource for Native Mass Spectrometry Guided Structural Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dominik Horinek
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard König
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Merkl
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Sterner
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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40
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Nödling AR, Spear LA, Williams TL, Luk LYP, Tsai YH. Using genetically incorporated unnatural amino acids to control protein functions in mammalian cells. Essays Biochem 2019; 63:237-266. [PMID: 31092687 PMCID: PMC6610526 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20180042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic code expansion allows unnatural (non-canonical) amino acid incorporation into proteins of interest by repurposing the cellular translation machinery. The development of this technique has enabled site-specific incorporation of many structurally and chemically diverse amino acids, facilitating a plethora of applications, including protein imaging, engineering, mechanistic and structural investigations, and functional regulation. Particularly, genetic code expansion provides great tools to study mammalian proteins, of which dysregulations often have important implications in health. In recent years, a series of methods has been developed to modulate protein function through genetically incorporated unnatural amino acids. In this review, we will first discuss the basic concept of genetic code expansion and give an up-to-date list of amino acids that can be incorporated into proteins in mammalian cells. We then focus on the use of unnatural amino acids to activate, inhibit, or reversibly modulate protein function by translational, optical or chemical control. The features of each approach will also be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luke A Spear
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas L Williams
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Y P Luk
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Yu-Hsuan Tsai
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
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41
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Brown W, Deiters A. Light-activation of Cre recombinase in zebrafish embryos through genetic code expansion. Methods Enzymol 2019; 624:265-281. [PMID: 31370934 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cre recombinase-mediated DNA recombination is an established method for conditional control of gene expression in animal models. Regulation of its activity has been accomplished to impart spatial and/or temporal control over recombination of the target gene. In this chapter, optical control of Cre recombinase in developing zebrafish embryos through genetic code expansion is discussed. This method takes advantage of an evolved aminoacyl tRNA synthetase and tRNA pair that can incorporate an unnatural amino acid (UAA) into proteins in response to an amber stop codon (TAG). Genetic code expansion is used to replace a lysine residue critical to Cre recombinase function with a photocaged analogue of lysine, successfully blocking DNA recombination until irradiation with 405nm light. Use of optically controlled Cre recombinase for cell-lineage tracing experiments in zebrafish embryos is highlighted, demonstrating the ability to target small populations of cells at different developmental time points for recombination. Optically controlled Cre recombinase showed no background activity and precise activation upon irradiation, making it a useful new tool for studying development and disease in the zebrafish embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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42
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Schultz C. The Life Science Toolbox Provided by Chemical Biology. Isr J Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.201900020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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43
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Luo J, Samanta S, Convertino M, Dokholyan NV, Deiters A. Reversible and Tunable Photoswitching of Protein Function through Genetic Encoding of Azobenzene Amino Acids in Mammalian Cells. Chembiochem 2018; 19:2178-2185. [PMID: 30277634 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The genetic encoding of three different azobenzene phenylalanines with different photochemical properties was achieved in human cells by using an engineered pyrrolysyl tRNA/tRNA synthetase pair. In order to demonstrate reversible light control of protein function, azobenzenes were site-specifically introduced into firefly luciferase. Computational strategies were applied to guide the selection of potential photoswitchable sites that lead to a reversibly controlled luciferase enzyme. In addition, the new azobenzene analogues provide enhanced thermal stability, high photoconversion, and responsiveness to visible light. These small-molecule photoswitches can reversibly photocontrol protein function with excellent spatiotemporal resolution, and preferred sites for incorporation can be computationally determined, thus providing a new tool for investigating biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Luo
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Chemistry, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Subhas Samanta
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Chemistry, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Marino Convertino
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Chemistry, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
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44
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Abstract
Expanding the genetic code to enable the incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins in biological systems provides a powerful tool for studying protein structure and function. While this technology has been mostly developed and applied in bacterial and mammalian cells, it recently expanded into animals, including worms, fruit flies, zebrafish, and mice. In this review, we highlight recent advances toward the methodology development of genetic code expansion in animal model organisms. We further illustrate the applications, including proteomic labeling in fruit flies and mice and optical control of protein function in mice and zebrafish. We summarize the challenges of unnatural amino acid mutagenesis in animals and the promising directions toward broad application of this emerging technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237, United States
| | - Jihe Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237, United States
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45
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Courtney T, Deiters A. Recent advances in the optical control of protein function through genetic code expansion. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2018; 46:99-107. [PMID: 30056281 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In nature, biological processes are regulated with precise spatial and temporal resolution at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. In order to perturb and manipulate these processes, optically controlled chemical tools have been developed and applied in living systems. The use of light as an external trigger provides spatial and temporal control with minimal adverse effects. Incorporation of light-responsive amino acids into proteins in cells and organisms with an expanded genetic code has enabled the precise activation/deactivation of numerous, diverse proteins, such as kinases, nucleases, proteases, and polymerases. Using unnatural amino acids to generate light-triggered proteins enables a rational engineering approach that is based on mechanistic and/or structural information. This review focuses on the most recent developments in the field, including technological advances and biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Courtney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States.
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46
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Kneuttinger AC, Winter M, Simeth NA, Heyn K, Merkl R, König B, Sterner R. Artificial Light Regulation of an Allosteric Bienzyme Complex by a Photosensitive Ligand. Chembiochem 2018; 19:1750-1757. [PMID: 29808949 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The artificial regulation of proteins by light is an emerging subdiscipline of synthetic biology. Here, we used this concept to photocontrol both catalysis and allostery within the heterodimeric enzyme complex imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase (ImGP-S). ImGP-S consists of the cyclase subunit HisF and the glutaminase subunit HisH, which is allosterically stimulated by substrate binding to HisF. We show that a light-sensitive diarylethene (1,2-dithienylethene, DTE)-based competitive inhibitor in its ring-open state binds with low micromolar affinity to the cyclase subunit and displaces its substrate from the active site. As a consequence, catalysis by HisF and allosteric stimulation of HisH are impaired. Following UV-light irradiation, the DTE ligand adopts its ring-closed state and loses affinity for HisF, restoring activity and allostery. Our approach allows for the switching of ImGP-S activity and allostery during catalysis and appears to be generally applicable for the light regulation of other multienzyme complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Kneuttinger
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Winter
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nadja A Simeth
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Heyn
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Merkl
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard König
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Sterner
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
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47
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Brown W, Liu J, Tsang M, Deiters A. Cell-Lineage Tracing in Zebrafish Embryos with an Expanded Genetic Code. Chembiochem 2018; 19:1244-1249. [PMID: 29701891 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cell-lineage tracing is used to study embryo development and stem-cell differentiation as well as to document tumor cell heterogeneity. Cre recombinase-mediated cell labeling is the preferred approach; however, its utility is restricted by when and where DNA recombination takes place. We generated a photoactivatable Cre recombinase by replacing a critical residue in its active site with a photocaged lysine derivative through genetic code expansion in zebrafish embryos. This allows high spatiotemporal control of DNA recombination by using 405 nm irradiation. Importantly, no background activity is seen before irradiation, and, after light-triggered removal of the caging group, Cre recombinase activity is restored. We demonstrate the utility of this tool as a cell-lineage tracer through its activation in different regions and at different time points in the early embryo. Direct control of Cre recombinase by light will allow more precise DNA recombination, thereby enabling more nuanced studies of metazoan development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Jihe Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
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