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Kroning K, Gannot N, Li X, Putansu A, Zhou G, Sescil J, Shen J, Wilson A, Fiel H, Li P, Wang W. Single-chain fluorescent integrators for mapping G-protein-coupled receptor agonists. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307090121. [PMID: 38648487 PMCID: PMC11067452 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307090121] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce the effects of many neuromodulators including dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, acetylcholine, and opioids. The localization of synthetic or endogenous GPCR agonists impacts their action on specific neuronal pathways. In this paper, we show a series of single-protein chain integrator sensors that are highly modular and could potentially be used to determine GPCR agonist localization across the brain. We previously engineered integrator sensors for the mu- and kappa-opioid receptor agonists called M- and K-Single-chain Protein-based Opioid Transmission Indicator Tool (SPOTIT), respectively. Here, we engineered red versions of the SPOTIT sensors for multiplexed imaging of GPCR agonists. We also modified SPOTIT to create an integrator sensor design platform called SPOTIT for all GPCRs (SPOTall). We used the SPOTall platform to engineer sensors for the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (B2AR), the dopamine receptor D1, and the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 2 agonists. Finally, we demonstrated the application of M-SPOTIT and B2AR-SPOTall in detecting exogenously administered morphine, isoproterenol, and epinephrine in the mouse brain via locally injected viruses. The SPOTIT and SPOTall sensor design platform has the potential for unbiased agonist detection of many synthetic and endogenous neuromodulators across the brain.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Humans
- Mice
- HEK293 Cells
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/agonists
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/metabolism
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/genetics
- Receptor, Muscarinic M2/agonists
- Receptor, Muscarinic M2/metabolism
- Isoproterenol/pharmacology
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Morphine/pharmacology
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/diagnostic imaging
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Biosensing Techniques/methods
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Kroning
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Noam Gannot
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Xingyu Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Aubrey Putansu
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Guanwei Zhou
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Jennifer Sescil
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Jiaqi Shen
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Avery Wilson
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Hailey Fiel
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Peng Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
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Wang W. Protein-Based Tools for Studying Neuromodulation. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:788-797. [PMID: 38581649 PMCID: PMC11129172 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00037] [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] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Neuromodulators play crucial roles in regulating neuronal activity and affecting various aspects of brain functions, including learning, memory, cognitive functions, emotional states, and pain modulation. In this Account, we describe our group's efforts in designing sensors and tools for studying neuromodulation. Our lab focuses on developing new classes of integrators that can detect neuromodulators across the whole brain while leaving a mark for further imaging analysis at high spatial resolution. Our lab also designed chemical- and light-dependent protein switches for controlling peptide activity to potentially modulate the endogenous receptors of the neuromodulatory system in order to study the causal effects of selective neuronal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Wang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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3
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Fessl T, Majellaro M, Bondar A. Microscopy and spectroscopy approaches to study GPCR structure and function. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38087925 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16297] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The GPCR signalling cascade is a key pathway responsible for the signal transduction of a multitude of physical and chemical stimuli, including light, odorants, neurotransmitters and hormones. Understanding the structural and functional properties of the GPCR cascade requires direct observation of signalling processes in high spatial and temporal resolution, with minimal perturbation to endogenous systems. Optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques are uniquely suited to this purpose because they excel at multiple spatial and temporal scales and can be used in living objects. Here, we review recent developments in microscopy and spectroscopy technologies which enable new insights into GPCR signalling. We focus on advanced techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution, single-molecule methods, labelling strategies and approaches suitable for endogenous systems and large living objects. This review aims to assist researchers in choosing appropriate microscopy and spectroscopy approaches for a variety of applications in the study of cellular signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Fessl
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Alexey Bondar
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Histology, Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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4
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French AR, Meqbil YJ, van Rijn RM. ClickArr: a novel, high-throughput assay for evaluating β-arrestin isoform recruitment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1295518. [PMID: 38027002 PMCID: PMC10662323 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1295518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Modern methods for quantifying signaling bias at G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) rely on using a single β-arrestin isoform. However, it is increasingly appreciated that the two β-arrestin isoforms have unique roles, requiring the ability to assess β-arrestin isoform preference. Thus, methods are needed to efficiently screen the recruitment of both β-arrestin isoforms as they compete for a target GPCR in cells. Methods: We used molecular cloning to develop fusion proteins of the δ-opioid receptor (δOR), β-arrestin 1, and β-arrestin 2 to fragments of click beetle green and click beetle red luciferases. In this assay architecture, recruitment of either β-arrestin 1 or 2 to the δOR generates a spectrally distinct bioluminescent signal, allowing us to co-transfect all three constructs into cells prior to agonist challenge. Results: We demonstrate that our new assay, named "ClickArr," is a live-cell assay that simultaneously reports the recruitment of both β-arrestin isoforms as they compete for interaction with the δOR. We further find that the partial δOR agonist TAN67 has a significant efficacy bias for β-arrestin 2 over β-arrestin 1 when recruitment is normalized to the reference agonist leu-enkephalin. We confirm that ClickArr reports this bias when run either as a high-throughput endpoint or high-throughput kinetic assay, and cross-validate this result using the PathHunter assay, an orthogonal commercial assay for reporting β-arrestin recruitment to the δOR. Conclusion: Our results suggest that agonist:GPCR complexes can have relative β-arrestin isoform bias, a novel signaling bias that may potentially open up a new dimension for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R. French
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Yazan J. Meqbil
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Richard M. van Rijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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5
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Brazhe A, Verisokin A, Verveyko D, Postnov D. Astrocytes: new evidence, new models, new roles. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:1303-1333. [PMID: 37975000 PMCID: PMC10643736 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have been in the limelight of active research for about 3 decades now. Over this period, ideas about their function and role in the nervous system have evolved from simple assistance in energy supply and homeostasis maintenance to a complex informational and metabolic hub that integrates data on local neuronal activity, sensory and arousal context, and orchestrates many crucial processes in the brain. Rapid progress in experimental techniques and data analysis produces a growing body of data, which can be used as a foundation for formulation of new hypotheses, building new refined mathematical models, and ultimately should lead to a new level of understanding of the contribution of astrocytes to the cognitive tasks performed by the brain. Here, we highlight recent progress in astrocyte research, which we believe expands our understanding of how low-level signaling at a cellular level builds up to processes at the level of the whole brain and animal behavior. We start our review with revisiting data on the role of noradrenaline-mediated astrocytic signaling in locomotion, arousal, sensory integration, memory, and sleep. We then briefly review astrocyte contribution to the regulation of cerebral blood flow regulation, which is followed by a discussion of biophysical mechanisms underlying astrocyte effects on different brain processes. The experimental section is closed by an overview of recent experimental techniques available for modulation and visualization of astrocyte dynamics. We then evaluate how the new data can be potentially incorporated into the new mathematical models or where and how it already has been done. Finally, we discuss an interesting prospect that astrocytes may be key players in important processes such as the switching between sleep and wakefulness and the removal of toxic metabolites from the brain milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Brazhe
- Department of Biophysics, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/24, Moscow, 119234 Russia
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklay Str., 16/10, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - Andrey Verisokin
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Kursk State University, Radishcheva st., 33, Kursk, 305000 Russia
| | - Darya Verveyko
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Kursk State University, Radishcheva st., 33, Kursk, 305000 Russia
| | - Dmitry Postnov
- Department of Optics and Biophotonics, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya st., 83, Saratov, 410012 Russia
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6
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Kroning K, Gannot N, Li X, Zhou G, Sescil J, Putansu A, Shen J, Wilson A, Fiel H, Li P, Wang W. Single-chain fluorescent integrators for mapping G-protein-coupled receptor agonists. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.31.543062. [PMID: 37398137 PMCID: PMC10312536 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.31.543062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
GPCRs transduce the effects of many neuromodulators including dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, acetylcholine, and opioids. The localization of synthetic or endogenous GPCR agonists impacts their action on specific neuronal pathways. In this paper, we show a series of single-protein chain integrator sensors to determine GPCR agonist localization in the whole brain. We previously engineered integrator sensors for the mu and kappa opioid receptor agonists called M- and K-SPOTIT, respectively. Here, we show a new integrator sensor design platform called SPOTall that we used to engineer sensors for the beta-2-adrenergic receptor (B2AR), the dopamine receptor D1, and the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 2 agonists. For multiplexed imaging of SPOTIT and SPOTall, we engineered a red version of the SPOTIT sensors. Finally, we used M-SPOTIT and B2AR-SPOTall to detect morphine, isoproterenol, and epinephrine in the mouse brain. The SPOTIT and SPOTall sensor design platform can be used to design a variety of GPCR integrator sensors for unbiased agonist detection of many synthetic and endogenous neuromodulators across the whole brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Kroning
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Noam Gannot
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Xingyu Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Guanwei Zhou
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jennifer Sescil
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Aubrey Putansu
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jiaqi Shen
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Avery Wilson
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Hailey Fiel
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Peng Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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