1
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Dash R, Holsinger KA, Chordia MD, Gh. MS, Pires MM. Bioluminescence-Based Determination of Cytosolic Accumulation of Antibiotics in Escherichia coli. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1602-1611. [PMID: 38592927 PMCID: PMC11091882 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00684] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an alarming public health concern that affects millions of individuals across the globe each year. A major challenge in the development of effective antibiotics lies in their limited ability to permeate cells, noting that numerous susceptible antibiotic targets reside within the bacterial cytosol. Consequently, improving the cellular permeability is often a key consideration during antibiotic development, underscoring the need for reliable methods to assess the permeability of molecules across cellular membranes. Currently, methods used to measure permeability often fail to discriminate between the arrival within the cytoplasm and the overall association of molecules with the cell. Additionally, these techniques typically possess throughput limitations. In this work, we describe a luciferase-based assay designed for assessing the permeability of molecules in the cytosolic compartment of Gram-negative bacteria. Our findings demonstrate a robust system that can elucidate the kinetics of intracellular antibiotic accumulation in live bacterial cells in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachita Dash
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Kadie A. Holsinger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Mahendra D. Chordia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Mohammad Sharifian Gh.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Marcos M. Pires
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
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2
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Dash R, Holsinger KA, Chordia MD, Sharifian Gh M, Pires MM. Bioluminescence-Based Determination of Cytosolic Accumulation of Antibiotics in Escherichia coli. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.06.570448. [PMID: 38106213 PMCID: PMC10723488 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.06.570448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an alarming public health concern that affects millions of individuals across the globe each year. A major challenge in the development of effective antibiotics lies in their limited ability to permeate into cells, noting that numerous susceptible antibiotic targets reside within the bacterial cytosol. Consequently, improving cellular permeability is often a key consideration during antibiotic development, underscoring the need for reliable methods to assess the permeability of molecules across cellular membranes. Currently, methods used to measure permeability often fail to discriminate between arrival within the cytoplasm and the overall association of molecules with the cell. Additionally, these techniques typically possess throughput limitations. In this work, we describe a luciferase-based assay designed for assessing the permeability of molecules into the cytosolic compartment of Gram-negative bacteria. Our findings demonstrate a robust system that can elucidate the kinetics of intracellular antibiotics accumulation in live bacterial cells in real time.
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3
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Williams SJ, Gewing-Mullins JA, Lieberman WK, Kolbaba-Kartchner B, Iqbal R, Burgess HM, Colee CM, Ornelas MY, Reid-McLaughlin ES, Mills JH, Prescher JA, Leconte AM. Biochemical Analysis Leads to Improved Orthogonal Bioluminescent Tools. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200726. [PMID: 36592373 PMCID: PMC10265744 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200726] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Engineered luciferase-luciferin pairs have expanded the number of cellular targets that can be visualized in tandem. While light production relies on selective processing of synthetic luciferins by mutant luciferases, little is known about the origin of selectivity. The development of new and improved pairs requires a better understanding of the structure-function relationship of bioluminescent probes. In this work, we report a biochemical approach to assessing and optimizing two popular bioluminescent pairs: Cashew/d-luc and Pecan/4'-BrLuc. Single mutants derived from Cashew and Pecan revealed key residues for selectivity and thermal stability. Stability was further improved through a rational addition of beneficial residues. In addition to providing increased stability, the known stabilizing mutations surprisingly also improved selectivity. The resultant improved pair of luciferases are >100-fold selective for their respective substrates and highly thermally stable. Collectively, this work highlights the importance of mechanistic insight for improving bioluminescent pairs and provides significantly improved Cashew and Pecan enzymes which should be immediately suitable for multicomponent imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra J Williams
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jordan A Gewing-Mullins
- W.M. Keck Science Department of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, The Claremont Colleges, 925 N. Mills Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Whitney K Lieberman
- W.M. Keck Science Department of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, The Claremont Colleges, 925 N. Mills Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Bethany Kolbaba-Kartchner
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Physical Sciences Center PSd-D102, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- The Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Reema Iqbal
- W.M. Keck Science Department of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, The Claremont Colleges, 925 N. Mills Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Hana M Burgess
- W.M. Keck Science Department of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, The Claremont Colleges, 925 N. Mills Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Clair M Colee
- W.M. Keck Science Department of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, The Claremont Colleges, 925 N. Mills Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Marya Y Ornelas
- W.M. Keck Science Department of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, The Claremont Colleges, 925 N. Mills Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Edison S Reid-McLaughlin
- W.M. Keck Science Department of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, The Claremont Colleges, 925 N. Mills Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Jeremy H Mills
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Physical Sciences Center PSd-D102, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- The Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, 101 Theory, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Aaron M Leconte
- W.M. Keck Science Department of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, The Claremont Colleges, 925 N. Mills Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, USA
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4
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Nazir MS, Nawaz A, Aslam S, Ahmad M, Zahoor AF, Mohsin NUA. Synthetic strategies for thiazolopyridine derivatives. SYNTHETIC COMMUN 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/00397911.2023.2183363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anam Nawaz
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sana Aslam
- Department of Chemistry, Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Matloob Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ameer Fawad Zahoor
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Noor ul Amin Mohsin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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5
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Multiplexed bioluminescence microscopy via phasor analysis. Nat Methods 2022; 19:893-898. [PMID: 35739310 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01529-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging with luciferase-luciferin pairs is a well-established technique for visualizing biological processes across tissues and whole organisms. Applications at the microscale, by contrast, have been hindered by a lack of detection platforms and easily resolved probes. We addressed this limitation by combining bioluminescence with phasor analysis, a method commonly used to distinguish spectrally similar fluorophores. We built a camera-based microscope equipped with special optical filters to directly assign phasor locations to unique luciferase-luciferin pairs. Six bioluminescent reporters were easily resolved in live cells, and the readouts were quantitative and instantaneous. Multiplexed imaging was also performed over extended time periods. Bioluminescent phasor further provided direct measures of resonance energy transfer in single cells, setting the stage for dynamic measures of cellular and molecular features. The merger of bioluminescence with phasor analysis fills a long-standing void in imaging capabilities, and will bolster future efforts to visualize biological events in real time and over multiple length scales.
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6
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Zhao P, Wu X, Li J, Dong G, Sun Y, Ma Z, Li M, Du L. Discovery of alkene-conjugated luciferins for redshifted and improved bioluminescence imaging in vitro and in vivo. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:4224-4230. [PMID: 35551298 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob02477a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The firefly luciferase system is the most extensively utilized bioluminescence system in the field of life science at the moment. In this work, we designed and synthesized a series of alkene-conjugated luciferins to develop new firefly bioluminescence substrates, and further evaluated their activities in vitro and in vivo. It is worth noting that the maximum biological emission wavelength of novel luciferin analogue AL3 ((S,E)-2-(6-hydroxy-5-(3-methoxy-3-oxoprop-1-en-1-yl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole-4-carboxylic acid) is 100 nm red-shifted compared with D-luciferin, while that of analogue AL4 ((S,E)-2-(5-(2-cyanovinyl)-6-hydroxybenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole-4-carboxylic acid) is 75 nm red-shifted. The new substrate AL2 ((S,E)-2-(6-hydroxy-7-(3-methoxy-3-oxoprop-1-en-1-yl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole-4-carboxylic acid) showed better bioluminescence performance in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xiaokang Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Gaopan Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Yingai Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Zhao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Minyong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Lupei Du
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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7
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Yao Z, Caldwell DR, Love AC, Kolbaba-Kartchner B, Mills JH, Schnermann MJ, Prescher JA. Coumarin luciferins and mutant luciferases for robust multi-component bioluminescence imaging. Chem Sci 2021; 12:11684-11691. [PMID: 34659703 PMCID: PMC8442684 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc03114g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-component bioluminescence imaging requires an expanded collection of luciferase-luciferin pairs that emit far-red or near-infrared light. Toward this end, we prepared a new class of luciferins based on a red-shifted coumarin scaffold. These probes (CouLuc-1s) were accessed in a two-step sequence via direct modification of commercial dyes. The bioluminescent properties of the CouLuc-1 analogs were also characterized, and complementary luciferase enzymes were identified using a two-pronged screening strategy. The optimized enzyme-substrate pairs displayed robust photon outputs and emitted a significant portion of near-infrared light. The CouLuc-1 scaffolds are also structurally distinct from existing probes, enabling rapid multi-component imaging. Collectively, this work provides novel bioluminescent tools along with a blueprint for crafting additional fluorophore-derived probes for multiplexed imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine CA USA
| | - Donald R Caldwell
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD USA
| | - Anna C Love
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine CA USA
| | - Bethany Kolbaba-Kartchner
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
- The Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
| | - Jeremy H Mills
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
- The Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA
| | - Martin J Schnermann
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine CA USA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California Irvine CA USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine CA USA
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8
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Brennan CK, Ornelas MY, Yao ZW, Prescher JA. Multicomponent Bioluminescence Imaging with Naphthylamino Luciferins. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2650-2654. [PMID: 34139065 PMCID: PMC8496354 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent tools have been used for decades to image processes in complex tissues and preclinical models. However, few distinct probes are available to probe multicellular interactions. We and others are addressing this limitation by engineering new luciferases that can selectively process synthetic luciferin analogues. In this work, we explored naphthylamino luciferins as orthogonal bioluminescent probes. Three analogues were prepared using an optimized synthetic route. The luciferins were found to be robust emitters with native luciferase in vitro and in cellulo. We further screened the analogues against libraries of luciferase mutants to identify unique enzyme-substrate pairs. The new probes can be used in conjunction with existing bioluminescent tools for multi-component imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K Brennan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Marya Y Ornelas
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Zi W Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1120 Natural Science II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 3205 McGaugh Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, 101 Theory, Suite 100, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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9
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Rathbun CM, Ionkina AA, Yao Z, Jones KA, Porterfield WB, Prescher JA. Rapid Multicomponent Bioluminescence Imaging via Substrate Unmixing. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:682-690. [PMID: 33729750 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Studies of biological function demand probes that can report on processes in real time and in physiological environments. Bioluminescent tools are uniquely suited for this purpose, as they enable sensitive imaging in cells and tissues. Bioluminescent reporters can also be monitored continuously over time without detriment, as excitation light is not required. Rather, light emission derives from luciferase-luciferin reactions. Several engineered luciferases and luciferins have expanded the scope of bioluminescence imaging in recent years. Multicomponent tracking remains challenging, though, due to a lack of streamlined methods to visualize combinations of bioluminescent reporters. Conventional approaches image one luciferase at a time. Consequently, short-term changes in cell growth or gene expression cannot be easily captured. Here, we report a strategy for rapid, multiplexed imaging with a wide range of luciferases and luciferins. Sequential addition of orthogonal luciferins, followed by substrate unmixing, enabled facile detection of multiple luciferases in vitro and in vivo. Multicomponent imaging in mice was also achieved on the minutes-to-hours time scale.
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10
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Emerging tools for bioluminescence imaging. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:86-94. [PMID: 33770744 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence (BL) relies on the enzymatic reaction between luciferase, a substrate conventionally named luciferin, and various cofactors. BL imaging has become a widely used technique to interrogate gene expression and cell fate, both in small and large animal models of research. Recent developments include the generation of improved luciferase-luciferin systems for deeper and more sensitive imaging as well as new caged luciferins to report on enzymatic activity and other intracellular functions. Here, we critically evaluate the emerging tools for BL imaging aiming to provide the reader with an updated compendium of the latest developments (2018-2020) and their notable applications.
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11
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Takakura H. Molecular Design of d-Luciferin-Based Bioluminescence and 1,2-Dioxetane-Based Chemiluminescence Substrates for Altered Output Wavelength and Detecting Various Molecules. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061618. [PMID: 33803935 PMCID: PMC7998607 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Optical imaging including fluorescence and luminescence is the most popular method for the in vivo imaging in mice. Luminescence imaging is considered to be superior to fluorescence imaging due to the lack of both autofluorescence and the scattering of excitation light. To date, various luciferin analogs and bioluminescence probes have been developed for deep tissue and molecular imaging. Recently, chemiluminescence probes have been developed based on a 1,2-dioxetane scaffold. In this review, the accumulated findings of numerous studies and the design strategies of bioluminescence and chemiluminescence imaging reagents are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Takakura
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Molecular Imaging, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
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12
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Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging with luciferase-luciferin pairs is routinely used to monitor cellular functions. Multiple targets can be visualized in tandem using luciferases that process unique substrates, but only a handful of such orthogonal probes are known. Multiplexed studies require additional robust, light-emitting molecules. In this work, we report new luciferins for orthogonal imaging that comprise disubstituted cores. These probes were found to be bright emitters with various engineered luciferases. The unique patterns of light output also provided insight into enzyme-substrate interactions necessary for productive emission. Screening studies identified mutant luciferases that could preferentially process the disubstituted analogues, enabling orthogonal imaging with existing bioluminescent reporters. Further mutational analyses revealed the origins of substrate selectivity. Collectively, this work provides insights into luciferase-luciferin features relevant to bioluminescence and expands the number of probes for multicomponent tracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra J. Williams
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine; Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Clare S. Hwang
- Department of Public Health, University of California, Irvine; Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine; Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine; Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine; Irvine, California 92697, United States
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13
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Li S, Ruan Z, Zhang H, Xu H. Recent achievements of bioluminescence imaging based on firefly luciferin-luciferase system. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 211:113111. [PMID: 33360804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a newly developed noninvasive visual approach which facilitates the understanding of a plethora of biological processes in vitro and in vivo due to the high sensitivity, resolution and selectivity, low background signal, and the lack of external light excitation. BLI based on firefly luciferin-luciferase system has been widely used for the activity evaluation of tumor-specific enzymes, for the detection of diseases-related bioactive small molecules and metal ions, and for the diagnosis and therapy of diseases including the studies of drug transport, the research of immune response, and the evaluation of drug potency and tissue distribution. In this review, we highlight the recent achievements in luciferin derivatives with red-shifted emission spectra, mutant luciferase-luciferin pairs, and the diagnostic and therapeutic application of BLI based on firefly luciferin-luciferase system. The development and application of BLI will expand our knowledge of the occurrence and development of diseases and shed light on the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Henan Province for New Drug R&D and Preclinical Safety, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Zhiyang Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Henan Province for New Drug R&D and Preclinical Safety, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Henan Province for New Drug R&D and Preclinical Safety, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Henan Province for New Drug R&D and Preclinical Safety, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
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14
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Love AC, Prescher JA. Seeing (and Using) the Light: Recent Developments in Bioluminescence Technology. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:904-920. [PMID: 32795417 PMCID: PMC7472846 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence has long been used to image biological processes in vivo. This technology features luciferase enzymes and luciferin small molecules that produce visible light. Bioluminescent photons can be detected in tissues and live organisms, enabling sensitive and noninvasive readouts on physiological function. Traditional applications have focused on tracking cells and gene expression patterns, but new probes are pushing the frontiers of what can be visualized. The past few years have also seen the merger of bioluminescence with optogenetic platforms. Luciferase-luciferin reactions can drive light-activatable proteins, ultimately triggering signal transduction and other downstream events. This review highlights these and other recent advances in bioluminescence technology, with an emphasis on tool development. We showcase how new luciferins and engineered luciferases are expanding the scope of optical imaging. We also highlight how bioluminescent systems are being leveraged not just for sensing-but also controlling-biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Love
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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15
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Abstract
Luciferase enzymes from bioluminescent organisms can be expressed in mice, enabling these rodents to glow when treated with a corresponding luciferin substrate. Light emission occurs where the expression of the genetically-encoded luciferase overlaps with the biodistribution of the administered small molecule luciferin. Here we discuss differences between firefly luciferin analogues for bioluminescence imaging, focusing on transgenic and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-transduced mice.
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16
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Zemmouche M, García-Iriepa C, Navizet I. Light emission colour modulation study of oxyluciferin synthetic analogues via QM and QM/MM approaches. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:82-91. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cp04687a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Study of emission spectra of three analogues of firefly oxyluciferin in gas phase, in water (PCM) and in protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madjid Zemmouche
- Université Paris-Est
- Laboratoire Modélisation et Simulation Multi Échelle
- MSME UMR 8208 CNRS
- UPEM
- 77454 Marne-la-Vallée
| | - Cristina García-Iriepa
- Université Paris-Est
- Laboratoire Modélisation et Simulation Multi Échelle
- MSME UMR 8208 CNRS
- UPEM
- 77454 Marne-la-Vallée
| | - Isabelle Navizet
- Université Paris-Est
- Laboratoire Modélisation et Simulation Multi Échelle
- MSME UMR 8208 CNRS
- UPEM
- 77454 Marne-la-Vallée
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Williams SJ, Prescher JA. Building Biological Flashlights: Orthogonal Luciferases and Luciferins for in Vivo Imaging. Acc Chem Res 2019; 52:3039-3050. [PMID: 31593431 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescence is widely used for real-time imaging in living organisms. This technology features a light-emitting reaction between enzymes (luciferases) and small molecule substrates (luciferins). Photons produced from luciferase-luciferin reactions can penetrate through heterogeneous tissue, enabling readouts of physiological processes. Dozens of bioluminescent probes are now available and many are routinely used to monitor cell proliferation, migration, and gene expression patterns in vivo. Despite the ubiquity of bioluminescence, traditional applications have been largely limited to imaging one biological feature at a time. Only a handful of luciferase-luciferin pairs can be easily used in tandem, and most are poorly resolved in living animals. Efforts to develop spectrally distinct reporters have been successful, but multispectral imaging in large organisms remains a formidable challenge due to interference from surrounding tissue. Consequently, a lack of well-resolved probes has precluded multicomponent tracking. An expanded collection of bioluminescent probes would provide insight into processes where multiple cell types drive physiological tasks, including immune function and organ development. We aimed to expand the bioluminescent toolkit by developing substrate-resolved imaging agents. The goal was to generate multiple orthogonal (i.e., noncross-reactive) luciferases that are responsive to unique scaffolds and could be used concurrently in living animals. We adopted a parallel engineering approach to genetically modify luciferases to accept chemically modified luciferins. When the mutants and analogs are combined, light is produced only when complementary enzyme-substrate partners interact. Thus, the pairs can be distinguished based on substrate selectivity, regardless of the color of light emitted. Sequential administration of the luciferins enables the unique luciferases to be illuminated (and thus resolved) within complex environments, including whole organisms. This Account describes our efforts to develop orthogonal bioluminescent probes, crafting custom luciferases (or "biological flashlights") that can selectively process luciferin analogs (or "batteries") to produce light. In the first section, we describe synthetic methods that were key to accessing diverse luciferin architectures. The second section focuses on identifying complementary luciferase enzymes via a combination of mutagenesis and screening. To expedite the search for orthogonal enzymes and substrates, we developed a computational algorithm to sift through large data sets. The third section features examples of the parallel engineering approach. We identified orthogonal enzyme-substrate pairs comprising two different classes of luciferins. The probes were vetted both in cells and whole organisms. This expanded collection of imaging agents is applicable to studies of immune function and other multicomponent processes. The final section of the Account highlights ongoing work toward building better bioluminescent tools. As ever-brighter and more selective probes are developed, the frontiers of what we can "see" in vivo will continue to expand.
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Sharma DK, Adams ST, Liebmann KL, Choi A, Miller SC. Sulfonamides Are an Overlooked Class of Electron Donors in Luminogenic Luciferins and Fluorescent Dyes. Org Lett 2019; 21:1641-1644. [PMID: 30835125 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Many fluorophores, and all bright light-emitting substrates for firefly luciferase, contain hydroxyl or amine electron donors. Sulfonamides were found to be capable of serving as replacements for these canonical groups. Unlike "caged" carboxamides, sulfonamide donors enable bioluminescence, and sulfonamidyl luciferins, coumarins, rhodols, and rhodamines are fluorescent in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak K Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology , University of Massachusetts Medical School , 364 Plantation Street , Worcester , Massachusetts 01605 , United States
| | - Spencer T Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology , University of Massachusetts Medical School , 364 Plantation Street , Worcester , Massachusetts 01605 , United States
| | - Kate L Liebmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology , University of Massachusetts Medical School , 364 Plantation Street , Worcester , Massachusetts 01605 , United States
| | - Adam Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology , University of Massachusetts Medical School , 364 Plantation Street , Worcester , Massachusetts 01605 , United States
| | - Stephen C Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology , University of Massachusetts Medical School , 364 Plantation Street , Worcester , Massachusetts 01605 , United States
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Intracellular Imaging with Genetically Encoded RNA-based Molecular Sensors. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 9:nano9020233. [PMID: 30744040 PMCID: PMC6410142 DOI: 10.3390/nano9020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encodable sensors have been widely used in the detection of intracellular molecules ranging from metal ions and metabolites to nucleic acids and proteins. These biosensors are capable of monitoring in real-time the cellular levels, locations, and cell-to-cell variations of the target compounds in living systems. Traditionally, the majority of these sensors have been developed based on fluorescent proteins. As an exciting alternative, genetically encoded RNA-based molecular sensors (GERMS) have emerged over the past few years for the intracellular imaging and detection of various biological targets. In view of their ability for the general detection of a wide range of target analytes, and the modular and simple design principle, GERMS are becoming a popular choice for intracellular analysis. In this review, we summarize different design principles of GERMS based on various RNA recognition modules, transducer modules, and reporting systems. Some recent advances in the application of GERMS for intracellular imaging are also discussed. With further improvement in biostability, sensitivity, and robustness, GERMS can potentially be widely used in cell biology and biotechnology.
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Hilal R, Aziz SG. Solvent-assisted excited state proton transfer and photoacidity of 2-hydroxypyridine. A nonadiabatic dynamics study. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2018.1547821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rifaat Hilal
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Saadullah G. Aziz
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Yao Z, Zhang BS, Prescher JA. Advances in bioluminescence imaging: new probes from old recipes. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2018; 45:148-156. [PMID: 29879594 PMCID: PMC6076869 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent probes are powerful tools for visualizing biology in live tissues and whole animals. Recent years have seen a surge in the number of new luciferases, luciferins, and related tools available for bioluminescence imaging. Many were crafted using classic methods of optical probe design and engineering. Here we highlight recent advances in bioluminescent tool discovery and development, along with applications of the probes in cells, tissues, and organisms. Collectively, these tools are improving in vivo imaging capabilities and bolstering new research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Brendan S Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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