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Mandal M, Scerbo P, Coghill I, Riou JF, Bochet CG, Ducos B, Bensimon D, Le Saux T, Aujard I, Jullien L. Caged Dexamethasone to Photo-control the Development of Embryos through Activation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400579. [PMID: 38350020 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Efficient tools for controlling molecular functions with exquisite spatiotemporal resolution are much in demand to investigate biological processes in living systems. Here we report an easily synthesized caged dexamethasone for photo-activating cytoplasmic proteins fused to the glucocorticoid receptor. In the dark, it is stable in vitro as well as in vivo in both zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Xenopus sp, two significant models of vertebrates. In contrast, it liberates dexamethasone upon UV illumination, which has been harnessed to interfere with developmental steps in embryos of these animals. Interestingly, this new system is biologically orthogonal to the one for photo-activating proteins fused to the estrogen ERT receptor, which brings great prospect for activating two distinct proteins down to the single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinal Mandal
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 24, rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Pierluigi Scerbo
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Lettres University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Ian Coghill
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 24, rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Riou
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biology Paris-Seine, Sorbonne University, CNRS, 9, Quai Saint-Bernard, 75252, Paris, Cedex 05, France
| | - Christian G Bochet
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, 9 Ch. du Musée, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Bertrand Ducos
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Lettres University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
- High Throughput qPCR Core Facility, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Lettres University, 46 Rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
| | - David Bensimon
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Lettres University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Thomas Le Saux
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 24, rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Aujard
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 24, rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Jullien
- PASTEUR, Département de chimie, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 24, rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
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Feng Z, Ducos B, Scerbo P, Aujard I, Jullien L, Bensimon D. The Development and Application of Opto-Chemical Tools in the Zebrafish. Molecules 2022; 27:6231. [PMID: 36234767 PMCID: PMC9572478 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is one of the most widely adopted animal models in both basic and translational research. This popularity of the zebrafish results from several advantages such as a high degree of similarity to the human genome, the ease of genetic and chemical perturbations, external fertilization with high fecundity, transparent and fast-developing embryos, and relatively low cost-effective maintenance. In particular, body translucency is a unique feature of zebrafish that is not adequately obtained with other vertebrate organisms. The animal's distinctive optical clarity and small size therefore make it a successful model for optical modulation and observation. Furthermore, the convenience of microinjection and high embryonic permeability readily allow for efficient delivery of large and small molecules into live animals. Finally, the numerous number of siblings obtained from a single pair of animals offers large replicates and improved statistical analysis of the results. In this review, we describe the development of opto-chemical tools based on various strategies that control biological activities with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. We also discuss the reported applications of these tools in zebrafish and highlight the current challenges and future possibilities of opto-chemical approaches, particularly at the single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Feng
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Bertrand Ducos
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- High Throughput qPCR Core Facility, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, 46 Rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Pierluigi Scerbo
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Inovarion, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Aujard
- Laboratoire PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Jullien
- Laboratoire PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - David Bensimon
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Ducos B, Bensimon D, Scerbo P. Vertebrate Cell Differentiation, Evolution, and Diseases: The Vertebrate-Specific Developmental Potential Guardians VENTX/ NANOG and POU5/ OCT4 Enter the Stage. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152299. [PMID: 35892595 PMCID: PMC9331430 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During vertebrate development, embryonic cells pass through a continuum of transitory pluripotent states that precede multi-lineage commitment and morphogenesis. Such states are referred to as “refractory/naïve” and “competent/formative” pluripotency. The molecular mechanisms maintaining refractory pluripotency or driving the transition to competent pluripotency, as well as the cues regulating multi-lineage commitment, are evolutionarily conserved. Vertebrate-specific “Developmental Potential Guardians” (vsDPGs; i.e., VENTX/NANOG, POU5/OCT4), together with MEK1 (MAP2K1), coordinate the pluripotency continuum, competence for multi-lineage commitment and morphogenesis in vivo. During neurulation, vsDPGs empower ectodermal cells of the neuro-epithelial border (NEB) with multipotency and ectomesenchyme potential through an “endogenous reprogramming” process, giving rise to the neural crest cells (NCCs). Furthermore, vsDPGs are expressed in undifferentiated-bipotent neuro-mesodermal progenitor cells (NMPs), which participate in posterior axis elongation and growth. Finally, vsDPGs are involved in carcinogenesis, whereby they confer selective advantage to cancer stem cells (CSCs) and therapeutic resistance. Intriguingly, the heterogenous distribution of vsDPGs in these cell types impact on cellular potential and features. Here, we summarize the findings about the role of vsDPGs during vertebrate development and their selective advantage in evolution. Our aim to present a holistic view regarding vsDPGs as facilitators of both cell plasticity/adaptability and morphological innovation/variation. Moreover, vsDPGs may also be at the heart of carcinogenesis by allowing malignant cells to escape from physiological constraints and surveillance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Ducos
- LPENS, PSL, CNRS, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- IBENS, PSL, CNRS, 46 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- High Throughput qPCR Core Facility, ENS, PSL, 46 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (B.D.); (D.B.); (P.S.)
| | - David Bensimon
- LPENS, PSL, CNRS, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- IBENS, PSL, CNRS, 46 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90094, USA
- Correspondence: (B.D.); (D.B.); (P.S.)
| | - Pierluigi Scerbo
- LPENS, PSL, CNRS, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- IBENS, PSL, CNRS, 46 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (B.D.); (D.B.); (P.S.)
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Fgf8 dynamics and critical slowing down may account for the temperature independence of somitogenesis. Commun Biol 2022; 5:113. [PMID: 35132142 PMCID: PMC8821593 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03053-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Somitogenesis, the segmentation of the antero-posterior axis in vertebrates, is thought to result from the interactions between a genetic oscillator and a posterior-moving determination wavefront. The segment (somite) size is set by the product of the oscillator period and the velocity of the determination wavefront. Surprisingly, while the segmentation period can vary by a factor three between 20 °C and 32 °C, the somite size is constant. How this temperature independence is achieved is a mystery that we address in this study. Using RT-qPCR we show that the endogenous fgf8 mRNA concentration decreases during somitogenesis and correlates with the exponent of the shrinking pre-somitic mesoderm (PSM) size. As the temperature decreases, the dynamics of fgf8 and many other gene transcripts, as well as the segmentation frequency and the PSM shortening and tail growth rates slows down as T-Tc (with Tc = 14.4 °C). This behavior characteristic of a system near a critical point may account for the temperature independence of somitogenesis in zebrafish.
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Hartmann D, Smith JM, Mazzotti G, Chowdhry R, Booth MJ. Controlling gene expression with light: a multidisciplinary endeavour. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:1645-1659. [PMID: 32657338 PMCID: PMC7458398 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The expression of a gene to a protein is one of the most vital biological processes. The use of light to control biology offers unparalleled spatiotemporal resolution from an external, orthogonal signal. A variety of methods have been developed that use light to control the steps of transcription and translation of specific genes into proteins, for cell-free to in vivo biotechnology applications. These methods employ techniques ranging from the modification of small molecules, nucleic acids and proteins with photocages, to the engineering of proteins involved in gene expression using naturally light-sensitive proteins. Although the majority of currently available technologies employ ultraviolet light, there has been a recent increase in the use of functionalities that work at longer wavelengths of light, to minimise cellular damage and increase tissue penetration. Here, we discuss the different chemical and biological methods employed to control gene expression, while also highlighting the central themes and the most exciting applications within this diverse field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Hartmann
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Jefferson M. Smith
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Giacomo Mazzotti
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Razia Chowdhry
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Michael J. Booth
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
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Hamouri F, Zhang W, Aujard I, Le Saux T, Ducos B, Vriz S, Jullien L, Bensimon D. Optical control of protein activity and gene expression by photoactivation of caged cyclofen. Methods Enzymol 2019; 624:1-23. [PMID: 31370925 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The use of light to control the expression of genes and the activity of proteins is a rapidly expanding field. While many of these approaches use a fusion between a light activatable protein and the protein of interest to control the activity of the latter, it is also possible to control the activity of a protein by uncaging a specific ligand. In that context, controlling the activation of a protein fused to the modified estrogen receptor (ERT) by uncaging its ligand cyclofen-OH has emerged as a generic and versatile method to control the activation of proteins quantitatively, quickly and locally in a live organism. Here, we present the experimental details behind this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Hamouri
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'ENS, CNRS-UMR8023, PSL Research University, Paris, France; Institut de Biologie de l'ENS, CNRS-UMR8197, INSERM-U1024, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Weiting Zhang
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'ENS, CNRS-UMR8023, PSL Research University, Paris, France; Institut de Biologie de l'ENS, CNRS-UMR8197, INSERM-U1024, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Aujard
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie de l'ENS, CNRS, PSL Research University, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, ENS, CNRS, PASTEUR, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Le Saux
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie de l'ENS, CNRS, PSL Research University, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, ENS, CNRS, PASTEUR, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Ducos
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'ENS, CNRS-UMR8023, PSL Research University, Paris, France; Institut de Biologie de l'ENS, CNRS-UMR8197, INSERM-U1024, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Vriz
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Paris, France; Department of Life Sciences, Paris-Diderot University, Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Jullien
- PASTEUR, Département de Chimie de l'ENS, CNRS, PSL Research University, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, ENS, CNRS, PASTEUR, Paris, France
| | - David Bensimon
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'ENS, CNRS-UMR8023, PSL Research University, Paris, France; Institut de Biologie de l'ENS, CNRS-UMR8197, INSERM-U1024, PSL Research University, Paris, France; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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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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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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