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Ohlendorf R, Li N, Phi Van VD, Schwalm M, Ke Y, Dawson M, Jiang Y, Das S, Stallings B, Zheng WT, Jasanoff A. Imaging bioluminescence by detecting localized haemodynamic contrast from photosensitized vasculature. Nat Biomed Eng 2024:10.1038/s41551-024-01210-w. [PMID: 38730257 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01210-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescent probes are widely used to monitor biomedically relevant processes and cellular targets in living animals. However, the absorption and scattering of visible light by tissue drastically limit the depth and resolution of the detection of luminescence. Here we show that bioluminescent sources can be detected with magnetic resonance imaging by leveraging the light-mediated activation of vascular cells expressing a photosensitive bacterial enzyme that causes the conversion of bioluminescent emission into local changes in haemodynamic contrast. In the brains of rats with photosensitized vasculature, we used magnetic resonance imaging to volumetrically map bioluminescent xenografts and cell populations virally transduced to express luciferase. Detecting bioluminescence-induced haemodynamic signals from photosensitized vasculature will extend the applications of bioluminescent probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ohlendorf
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Advanced Imaging Research Center and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Valerie Doan Phi Van
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Miriam Schwalm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yuting Ke
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Miranda Dawson
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sayani Das
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brenna Stallings
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Wen Ting Zheng
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alan Jasanoff
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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2
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Björefeldt A, Murphy J, Crespo EL, Lambert GG, Prakash M, Ikefuama EC, Friedman N, Brown TM, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Hochgeschwender U, Shaner NC. Efficient opto- and chemogenetic control in a single molecule driven by FRET-modified bioluminescence. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:021005. [PMID: 38450294 PMCID: PMC10917299 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.021005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Significance Bioluminescent optogenetics (BL-OG) offers a unique and powerful approach to manipulate neural activity both opto- and chemogenetically using a single actuator molecule (a LuMinOpsin, LMO). Aim To further enhance the utility of BL-OG by improving the efficacy of chemogenetic (bioluminescence-driven) LMO activation. Approach We developed novel luciferases optimized for Förster resonance energy transfer when fused to the fluorescent protein mNeonGreen, generating bright bioluminescent (BL) emitters spectrally tuned to Volvox Channelrhodopsin 1 (VChR1). Results A new LMO generated from this approach (LMO7) showed significantly stronger BL-driven opsin activation compared to previous and other new variants. We extensively benchmarked LMO7 against LMO3 (current standard) and found significantly stronger neuronal activity modulation ex vivo and in vivo, and efficient modulation of behavior. Conclusions We report a robust new option for achieving multiple modes of control in a single actuator and a promising engineering strategy for continued improvement of BL-OG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Björefeldt
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
- University of Gothenburg, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jeremy Murphy
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Emmanuel L. Crespo
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Gerard G. Lambert
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Mansi Prakash
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Ebenezer C. Ikefuama
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Nina Friedman
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Tariq M. Brown
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Christopher I. Moore
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Nathan C. Shaner
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
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3
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Slaviero AN, Gorantla N, Simkins J, Crespo EL, Ikefuama EC, Tree MO, Prakash M, Björefeldt A, Barnett LM, Lambert GG, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Shaner NC, Hochgeschwender U. Engineering luminopsins with improved coupling efficiencies. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024208. [PMID: 38559366 PMCID: PMC10980360 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Significance Luminopsins (LMOs) are bioluminescent-optogenetic tools with a luciferase fused to an opsin that allow bimodal control of neurons by providing both optogenetic and chemogenetic access. Determining which design features contribute to the efficacy of LMOs will be beneficial for further improving LMOs for use in research. Aim We investigated the relative impact of luciferase brightness, opsin sensitivity, pairing of emission and absorption wavelength, and arrangement of moieties on the function of LMOs. Approach We quantified efficacy of LMOs through whole cell patch clamp recordings in HEK293 cells by determining coupling efficiency, the percentage of maximum LED induced photocurrent achieved with bioluminescent activation of an opsin. We confirmed key results by multielectrode array recordings in primary neurons. Results Luciferase brightness and opsin sensitivity had the most impact on the efficacy of LMOs, and N-terminal fusions of luciferases to opsins performed better than C-terminal and multi-terminal fusions. Precise paring of luciferase emission and opsin absorption spectra appeared to be less critical. Conclusions Whole cell patch clamp recordings allowed us to quantify the impact of different characteristics of LMOs on their function. Our results suggest that coupling brighter bioluminescent sources to more sensitive opsins will improve LMO function. As bioluminescent activation of opsins is most likely based on Förster resonance energy transfer, the most effective strategy for improving LMOs further will be molecular evolution of luciferase-fluorescent protein-opsin fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N. Slaviero
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Nipun Gorantla
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Jacob Simkins
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Emmanuel L. Crespo
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Ebenezer C. Ikefuama
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Maya O. Tree
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Mansi Prakash
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Andreas Björefeldt
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Lauren M. Barnett
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Gerard G. Lambert
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Christopher I. Moore
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Nathan C. Shaner
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
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4
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Porta-de-la-Riva M, Morales-Curiel LF, Carolina Gonzalez A, Krieg M. Bioluminescence as a functional tool for visualizing and controlling neuronal activity in vivo. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024203. [PMID: 38348359 PMCID: PMC10861157 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The use of bioluminescence as a reporter for physiology in neuroscience is as old as the discovery of the calcium-dependent photon emission of aequorin. Over the years, luciferases have been largely replaced by fluorescent reporters, but recently, the field has seen a renaissance of bioluminescent probes, catalyzed by unique developments in imaging technology, bioengineering, and biochemistry to produce luciferases with previously unseen colors and intensity. This is not surprising as the advantages of bioluminescence make luciferases very attractive for noninvasive, longitudinal in vivo observations without the need of an excitation light source. Here, we review how the development of dedicated and specific sensor-luciferases afforded, among others, transcranial imaging of calcium and neurotransmitters, or cellular metabolites and physical quantities such as forces and membrane voltage. Further, the increased versatility and light output of luciferases have paved the way for a new field of functional bioluminescence optogenetics, in which the photon emission of the luciferase is coupled to the gating of a photosensor, e.g., a channelrhodopsin and we review how they have been successfully used to engineer synthetic neuronal connections. Finally, we provide a primer to consider important factors in setting up functional bioluminescence experiments, with a particular focus on the genetic model Caenorhabditis elegans, and discuss the leading challenges that the field needs to overcome to regain a competitive advantage over fluorescence modalities. Together, our paper caters to experienced users of bioluminescence as well as novices who would like to experience the advantages of luciferases in their own hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Porta-de-la-Riva
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis-Felipe Morales-Curiel
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Carolina Gonzalez
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Krieg
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Townsend KM, Prescher JA. Recent advances in bioluminescent probes for neurobiology. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024204. [PMID: 38390217 PMCID: PMC10883388 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescence is a popular modality for imaging in living organisms. The platform relies on enzymatically (luciferase) generated light via the oxidation of small molecule luciferins. Since no external light is needed for photon production, there are no concerns with background autofluorescence or photobleaching over time-features that have historically limited other optical readouts. Bioluminescence is thus routinely used for longitudinal tracking across whole animals. Applications in the brain, though, have been more challenging due to a lack of sufficiently bioavailable, bright, and easily multiplexed probes. Recent years have seen the development of designer luciferase and luciferin pairs that address these issues, providing more sensitive and real-time readouts of biochemical features relevant to neurobiology. This review highlights many of the advances in bioluminescent probe design, with a focus on the small molecule light emitter, the luciferin. Specific efforts to improve luciferin pharmacokinetics and tissue-penetrant emission are covered, in addition to applications that such probes have enabled. The continued development of improved bioluminescent probes will aid in illuminating critical neurochemical processes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Townsend
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Chemistry, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Chemistry, Irvine, California, United States
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Irvine, California, United States
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irvine, California, United States
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6
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Sato K, Ohuchi H. Molecular Property, Manipulation, and Potential Use of Opn5 and Its Homologs. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168319. [PMID: 37865286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Animal opsin is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) and binds retinal as a chromophore to form a photopigment. The Opsin 5 (Opn5) group within the animal opsin family comprises a diverse array of related proteins, such as Opn5m, a protein conserved across all vertebrate lineages including mammals, and other members like Opn5L1 and Opn5L2 found in non-mammalian vertebrate genomes, and Opn6 found in non-therian vertebrate genomes, along with Opn5 homologs present in invertebrates. Although these proteins collectively constitute a single clade within the molecular phylogenetic tree of animal opsins, they exhibit markedly distinct molecular characteristics in areas such as retinal binding properties, photoreaction, and G-protein coupling specificity. Based on their molecular features, they are believed to play a significant role in physiological functions. However, our understanding of their precise physiological functions and molecular characteristics is still developing and only partially realized. Furthermore, their unique molecular characteristics of Opn5-related proteins suggest a high potential for their use as optogenetic tools through more specialized manipulations. This review intends to encapsulate our current understanding of Opn5, discuss potential manipulations of its molecular attributes, and delve into its prospective utility in the burgeoning field of animal opsin optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Sato
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Hideyo Ohuchi
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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7
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Bjorefeldt A, Murphy J, Crespo EL, Lambert GG, Prakash M, Ikefuama EC, Friedman N, Brown TM, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Hochgeschwender U, Shaner NC. A New Highly Efficient Molecule for Both Optogenetic and Chemogenetic Control Driven by FRET Amplification of BioLuminescence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.26.545546. [PMID: 37425735 PMCID: PMC10327108 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.26.545546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Bioluminescent optogenetics (BL-OG) offers a unique and powerful approach to manipulate neural activity both opto- and chemogenetically using a single actuator molecule (a LuMinOpsin, LMO). AIM To further enhance the utility of BL-OG by improving the efficacy of chemogenetic (bioluminescence-driven) LMO activation. APPROACH We developed novel luciferases optimized for Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) when fused to the fluorescent protein mNeonGreen, generating bright bioluminescent (BL) emitters spectrally tuned to Volvox Channelrhodopsin 1 (VChR1). RESULTS A new LMO generated from this approach (LMO7) showed significantly stronger BL-driven opsin activation compared to previous and other new variants. We extensively benchmarked LMO7 against LMO3 (current standard), and found significantly stronger neuronal activity modulation ex vivo and in vivo, and efficient modulation of behavior. CONCLUSIONS We report a robust new option for achieving multiple modes of control in a single actuator, and a promising engineering strategy for continued improvement of BL-OG.
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8
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Slaviero A, Gorantla N, Simkins J, Crespo EL, Ikefuama EC, Tree MO, Prakash M, Björefeldt A, Barnett LM, Lambert GG, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Shaner NC, Hochgeschwender U. Engineering luminopsins with improved coupling efficiencies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.22.568342. [PMID: 38045286 PMCID: PMC10690276 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Significance Luminopsins (LMOs) are bioluminescent-optogenetic tools with a luciferase fused to an opsin that allow bimodal control of neurons by providing both optogenetic and chemogenetic access. Determining which design features contribute to the efficacy of LMOs will be beneficial for further improving LMOs for use in research. Aim We investigated the relative impact of luciferase brightness, opsin sensitivity, pairing of emission and absorption wavelength, and arrangement of moieties on the function of LMOs. Approach We quantified efficacy of LMOs through whole cell patch clamp recordings in HEK293 cells by determining coupling efficiency, the percentage of maximum LED induced photocurrent achieved with bioluminescent activation of an opsin. We confirmed key results by multielectrode array (MEAs) recordings in primary neurons. Results Luciferase brightness and opsin sensitivity had the most impact on the efficacy of LMOs, and N-terminal fusions of luciferases to opsins performed better than C-terminal and multi-terminal fusions. Precise paring of luciferase emission and opsin absorption spectra appeared to be less critical. Conclusions Whole cell patch clamp recordings allowed us to quantify the impact of different characteristics of LMOs on their function. Our results suggest that coupling brighter bioluminescent sources to more sensitive opsins will improve LMO function. As bioluminescent activation of opsins is most likely based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), the most effective strategy for improving LMOs further will be molecular evolution of luciferase-fluorescent protein-opsin fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Slaviero
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Nipun Gorantla
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Jacob Simkins
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Emmanuel L Crespo
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Ebenezer C Ikefuama
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Maya O Tree
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Mansi Prakash
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Andreas Björefeldt
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Lauren M Barnett
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Gerard G Lambert
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Christopher I Moore
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Nathan C Shaner
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
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9
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Petersen ED, Lapan AP, Castellanos Franco EA, Fillion AJ, Crespo EL, Lambert GG, Grady CJ, Zanca AT, Orcutt R, Hochgeschwender U, Shaner NC, Gilad AA. Bioluminescent Genetically Encoded Glutamate Indicators for Molecular Imaging of Neuronal Activity. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2301-2309. [PMID: 37450884 PMCID: PMC10443529 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00687] [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: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded optical sensors and advancements in microscopy instrumentation and techniques have revolutionized the scientific toolbox available for probing complex biological processes such as release of specific neurotransmitters. Most genetically encoded optical sensors currently used are based on fluorescence and have been highly successful tools for single-cell imaging in superficial brain regions. However, there remains a need to develop new tools for reporting neuronal activity in vivo within deeper structures without the need for hardware such as lenses or fibers to be implanted within the brain. Our approach to this problem is to replace the fluorescent elements of the existing biosensors with bioluminescent elements. This eliminates the need of external light sources to illuminate the sensor, thus allowing deeper brain regions to be imaged noninvasively. Here, we report the development of the first genetically encoded neurotransmitter indicators based on bioluminescent light emission. These probes were optimized by high-throughput screening of linker libraries. The selected probes exhibit robust changes in light output in response to the extracellular presence of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. We expect this new approach to neurotransmitter indicator design to enable the engineering of specific bioluminescent probes for multiple additional neurotransmitters in the future, ultimately allowing neuroscientists to monitor activity associated with a specific neurotransmitter as it relates to behavior in a variety of neuronal and psychiatric disorders, among many other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D. Petersen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- College
of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, United States
| | - Alexandra P. Lapan
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | | | - Adam J. Fillion
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Emmanuel L. Crespo
- College
of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, United States
| | - Gerard G. Lambert
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Connor J. Grady
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Albertina T. Zanca
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Richard Orcutt
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- College
of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, United States
| | - Nathan C. Shaner
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Assaf A. Gilad
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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10
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Anderson KA, Whitehead BJ, Petersen ED, Kemme MR, Wedster A, Hochgeschwender U, Sandstrom MI. Behavioral context improves optogenetic stimulation of transplanted dopaminergic cells in unilateral 6-OHDA rats. Behav Brain Res 2023; 441:114279. [PMID: 36586489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has long been a popular method of treatment for Parkinson's disease currently being researched in both preclinical and clinical settings. While early clinical results are based upon fetal tissue transplants rather than stem cell transplants, the lack of successful integration in some patients and gradual loss of effect in others suggests a more robust protocol is needed. We propose a two-front approach, one where transplants are directly stimulated in coordination with host activity elicited by behavioral tasks, which we refer to as behavioral context. After a pilot with unilateral 6-OHDA rats transplanted with dopaminergic cells differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells that were optogenetically stimulated during a swim task, we discovered that early stimulation predicted lasting reduction of motor deficits, even in the absence of later stimulation. This led to a follow-up with n = 21 rats split into three groups: one stimulated while performing a swim task (Stim-Swim; St-Sw), one not stimulated while swimming (NoStim-Swim; NSt-Sw), and one stimulated while stationary in a bowl (Stim-NoSwim; St-NSw). After initial stimulation (or lack thereof), all rats were retested two and seven days later with the swim task in the absence of stimulation. The St-Sw group gradually achieved and maintained symmetrical limb use, whereas the NSt-Sw group showed persistent asymmetry and the St-NSw group showed mixed results. This supports the notion that stem cell therapy should integrate targeted stimulation of the transplant with behavioral stimulation of the host tissue to encourage proper functional integration of the graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Anderson
- Central Michigan University, Department of Psychology, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Bailey J Whitehead
- Central Michigan University, Department of Psychology, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; West Virginia University, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Eric D Petersen
- Central Michigan University, Program in Neuroscience, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Program, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Madison R Kemme
- Central Michigan University, Department of Psychology, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Anna Wedster
- Central Michigan University, Program in Neuroscience, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, Program in Neuroscience, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Program, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Michael I Sandstrom
- Central Michigan University, Department of Psychology, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan University, Program in Neuroscience, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA.
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11
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Jiang T, Song J, Zhang Y. Coelenterazine-Type Bioluminescence-Induced Optical Probes for Sensing and Controlling Biological Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065074. [PMID: 36982148 PMCID: PMC10049153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence-based probes have long been used to quantify and visualize biological processes in vitro and in vivo. Over the past years, we have witnessed the trend of bioluminescence-driven optogenetic systems. Typically, bioluminescence emitted from coelenterazine-type luciferin–luciferase reactions activate light-sensitive proteins, which induce downstream events. The development of coelenterazine-type bioluminescence-induced photosensory domain-based probes has been applied in the imaging, sensing, and control of cellular activities, signaling pathways, and synthetic genetic circuits in vitro and in vivo. This strategy can not only shed light on the mechanisms of diseases, but also promote interrelated therapy development. Here, this review provides an overview of these optical probes for sensing and controlling biological processes, highlights their applications and optimizations, and discusses the possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Jiang
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University–Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Shandong University, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Correspondence: (T.J.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jingwen Song
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University–Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Youming Zhang
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University–Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (T.J.); (Y.Z.)
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12
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Zarkeshian P, Kergan T, Ghobadi R, Nicola W, Simon C. Photons guided by axons may enable backpropagation-based learning in the brain. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20720. [PMID: 36456619 PMCID: PMC9715721 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24871-6] [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: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite great advances in explaining synaptic plasticity and neuron function, a complete understanding of the brain's learning algorithms is still missing. Artificial neural networks provide a powerful learning paradigm through the backpropagation algorithm which modifies synaptic weights by using feedback connections. Backpropagation requires extensive communication of information back through the layers of a network. This has been argued to be biologically implausible and it is not clear whether backpropagation can be realized in the brain. Here we suggest that biophotons guided by axons provide a potential channel for backward transmission of information in the brain. Biophotons have been experimentally shown to be produced in the brain, yet their purpose is not understood. We propose that biophotons can propagate from each post-synaptic neuron to its pre-synaptic one to carry the required information backward. To reflect the stochastic character of biophoton emissions, our model includes the stochastic backward transmission of teaching signals. We demonstrate that a three-layered network of neurons can learn the MNIST handwritten digit classification task using our proposed backpropagation-like algorithm with stochastic photonic feedback. We model realistic restrictions and show that our system still learns the task for low rates of biophoton emission, information-limited (one bit per photon) backward transmission, and in the presence of noise photons. Our results suggest a new functionality for biophotons and provide an alternate mechanism for backward transmission in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Zarkeshian
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada ,1QB Information Technologies (1QBit), Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Taylor Kergan
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Roohollah Ghobadi
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
| | - Wilten Nicola
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Christoph Simon
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada
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13
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Improved Locomotor Recovery in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury by BioLuminescent-OptoGenetic (BL-OG) Stimulation with an Enhanced Luminopsin. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112994. [PMID: 36361784 PMCID: PMC9656028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Irrespective of the many strategies focused on dealing with spinal cord injury (SCI), there is still no way to restore motor function efficiently or an adequate regenerative therapy. One promising method that could potentially prove highly beneficial for rehabilitation in patients is to re-engage specific neuronal populations of the spinal cord following SCI. Targeted activation may maintain and strengthen existing neuronal connections and/or facilitate the reorganization and development of new connections. BioLuminescent-OptoGenetics (BL-OG) presents an avenue to non-invasively and specifically stimulate neurons; genetically targeted neurons express luminopsins (LMOs), light-emitting luciferases tethered to light-sensitive channelrhodopsins that are activated by adding the luciferase substrate coelenterazine (CTZ). This approach employs ion channels for current conduction while activating the channels through treatment with the small molecule CTZ, thus allowing non-invasive stimulation of all targeted neurons. We previously showed the efficacy of this approach for improving locomotor recovery following severe spinal cord contusion injury in rats expressing the excitatory luminopsin 3 (LMO3) under control of a pan-neuronal and motor-neuron-specific promoter with CTZ applied through a lateral ventricle cannula. The goal of the present study was to test a new generation of LMOs based on opsins with higher light sensitivity which will allow for peripheral delivery of the CTZ. In this construct, the slow-burn Gaussia luciferase variant (sbGLuc) is fused to the opsin CheRiff, creating LMO3.2. Taking advantage of the high light sensitivity of this opsin, we stimulated transduced lumbar neurons after thoracic SCI by intraperitoneal application of CTZ, allowing for a less invasive treatment. The efficacy of this non-invasive BioLuminescent-OptoGenetic approach was confirmed by improved locomotor function. This study demonstrates that peripheral delivery of the luciferin CTZ can be used to activate LMOs expressed in spinal cord neurons that employ an opsin with increased light sensitivity.
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14
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Stüdemann T, Rössinger J, Manthey C, Geertz B, Srikantharajah R, von Bibra C, Shibamiya A, Köhne M, Wiehler A, Wiegert JS, Eschenhagen T, Weinberger F. Contractile Force of Transplanted Cardiomyocytes Actively Supports Heart Function After Injury. Circulation 2022; 146:1159-1169. [PMID: 36073365 PMCID: PMC9555755 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.060124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplantation of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiac regeneration, and the first clinical studies in patients with heart failure have commenced. Yet, little is known about the mechanism of action underlying graft-induced benefits. Here, we explored whether transplanted cardiomyocytes actively contribute to heart function. METHODS We injected cardiomyocytes with an optogenetic off-on switch in a guinea pig cardiac injury model. RESULTS Light-induced inhibition of engrafted cardiomyocyte contractility resulted in a rapid decrease of left ventricular function in ≈50% (7/13) animals that was fully reversible with the offset of photostimulation. CONCLUSIONS Our optogenetic approach demonstrates that transplanted cardiomyocytes can actively participate in heart function, supporting the hypothesis that the delivery of new force-generating myocardium can serve as a regenerative therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Stüdemann
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lubeck, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.)
| | - Judith Rössinger
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., B.G., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.).,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lubeck, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.)
| | - Christoph Manthey
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., B.G., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.).,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lubeck, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.)
| | - Birgit Geertz
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., B.G., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.)
| | - Rajiven Srikantharajah
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., B.G., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.).,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lubeck, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.)
| | - Constantin von Bibra
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., B.G., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.).,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lubeck, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.)
| | - Aya Shibamiya
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., B.G., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.).,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lubeck, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.)
| | - Maria Köhne
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., B.G., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.).,Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, Germany (M.K.).,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lubeck, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.)
| | - Antonius Wiehler
- Department of Psychiatry, Service Hospitalo-Universitaire, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Universite de Paris, France (A.W.)
| | - J. Simon Wiegert
- Research Group Synaptic Wiring and Information Processing, Centre for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, Germany (J.S.W.)
| | - Thomas Eschenhagen
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., B.G., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.).,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lubeck, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.)
| | - Florian Weinberger
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., B.G., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.).,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lubeck, Germany (T.S., J.R., C.M., R.S., C.v.B., A.S., M.K., T.E., F.W.)
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15
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Mazraeh D, Di Ventura B. Synthetic microbiology applications powered by light. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 68:102158. [PMID: 35660240 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is a field of research in which molecular parts (mostly nucleic acids and proteins) are de novo created or modified and then used either alone or in combination to achieve new functions that can help solve the problems of our modern society. In synthetic microbiology, microbes are employed rather than other organisms or cell-free systems. Optogenetics, a relatively recently established technology that relies on the use of genetically encoded photosensitive proteins to control biological processes with high spatiotemporal precision, offers the possibility to empower synthetic (micro)biology applications due to the many positive features that light has as an external trigger. In this review, we describe recent synthetic microbiology applications that made use of optogenetics after briefly introducing the molecular mechanism behind some of the most employed optogenetic tools. We highlight the power and versatility of this technique, which opens up new horizons for both research and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mazraeh
- Signaling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, and Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Di Ventura
- Signaling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, and Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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16
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Petersen ED, Sharkey ED, Pal A, Shafau LO, Zenchak-Petersen J, Peña AJ, Aggarwal A, Prakash M, Hochgeschwender U. Restoring Function After Severe Spinal Cord Injury Through BioLuminescent-OptoGenetics. Front Neurol 2022; 12:792643. [PMID: 35126293 PMCID: PMC8811305 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.792643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to manipulate specific neuronal populations of the spinal cord following spinal cord injury (SCI) could prove highly beneficial for rehabilitation in patients through maintaining and strengthening still existing neuronal connections and/or facilitating the formation of new connections. A non-invasive and highly specific approach to neuronal stimulation is bioluminescent-optogenetics (BL-OG), where genetically expressed light emitting luciferases are tethered to light sensitive channelrhodopsins (luminopsins, LMO); neurons are activated by the addition of the luciferase substrate coelenterazine (CTZ). This approach utilizes ion channels for current conduction while activating the channels through the application of a small chemical compound, thus allowing non-invasive stimulation and recruitment of all targeted neurons. Rats were transduced in the lumbar spinal cord with AAV2/9 to express the excitatory LMO3 under control of a pan-neuronal or motor neuron-specific promoter. A day after contusion injury of the thoracic spine, rats received either CTZ or vehicle every other day for 2 weeks. Activation of either neuron population below the level of injury significantly improved locomotor recovery lasting beyond the treatment window. Utilizing histological and gene expression methods we identified neuronal plasticity as a likely mechanism underlying the functional recovery. These findings provide a foundation for a rational approach to spinal cord injury rehabilitation, thereby advancing approaches for functional recovery after SCI.SummaryBioluminescent optogenetic activation of spinal neurons results in accelerated and enhanced locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D. Petersen
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Erik D. Sharkey
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Akash Pal
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Lateef O. Shafau
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | | | - Alex J. Peña
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Anu Aggarwal
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Mansi Prakash
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Ute Hochgeschwender
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17
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Selective control of synaptically-connected circuit elements by all-optical synapses. Commun Biol 2022; 5:33. [PMID: 35017641 PMCID: PMC8752598 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding percepts, engrams and actions requires methods for selectively modulating synaptic communication between specific subsets of interconnected cells. Here, we develop an approach to control synaptically connected elements using bioluminescent light: Luciferase-generated light, originating from a presynaptic axon terminal, modulates an opsin in its postsynaptic target. Vesicular-localized luciferase is released into the synaptic cleft in response to presynaptic activity, creating a real-time Optical Synapse. Light production is under experimenter-control by introduction of the small molecule luciferin. Signal transmission across this optical synapse is temporally defined by the presence of both the luciferin and presynaptic activity. We validate synaptic Interluminescence by multi-electrode recording in cultured neurons and in mice in vivo. Interluminescence represents a powerful approach to achieve synapse-specific and activity-dependent circuit control in vivo.
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18
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Stern MA, Skelton H, Fernandez AM, Gutekunst CAN, Berglund K, Gross RE. Bioluminescence-Optogenetics: A Practical Guide. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2525:333-346. [PMID: 35836081 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2473-9_26] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Manipulation of neural activity in genetically predefined populations of neurons through genetic techniques is an essential tool in the field of neuroscience as well as a potential avenue in treating a vast assortment of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Here, we describe an emerging methodology of molecular neuromodulation termed bioluminescence-optogenetics (BL-OG) where BL is harnessed to activate bacterial light-driven channels and pumps expressed in neurons to control their activity. BL-OG is realized through opsin-luciferase fusion proteins called luminopsins (LMOs). In this chapter, we will provide a practical guide for applying BL-OG and LMOs in vitro using a cell line and primary cells in culture. In the following chapter, we will turn our focus towards BL-OG applications in ex vivo and in vivo rodent models of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Stern
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Henry Skelton
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Ken Berglund
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Robert E Gross
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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19
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Abdelfattah AS, Ahuja S, Akkin T, Allu SR, Brake J, Boas DA, Buckley EM, Campbell RE, Chen AI, Cheng X, Čižmár T, Costantini I, De Vittorio M, Devor A, Doran PR, El Khatib M, Emiliani V, Fomin-Thunemann N, Fainman Y, Fernandez-Alfonso T, Ferri CGL, Gilad A, Han X, Harris A, Hillman EMC, Hochgeschwender U, Holt MG, Ji N, Kılıç K, Lake EMR, Li L, Li T, Mächler P, Miller EW, Mesquita RC, Nadella KMNS, Nägerl UV, Nasu Y, Nimmerjahn A, Ondráčková P, Pavone FS, Perez Campos C, Peterka DS, Pisano F, Pisanello F, Puppo F, Sabatini BL, Sadegh S, Sakadzic S, Shoham S, Shroff SN, Silver RA, Sims RR, Smith SL, Srinivasan VJ, Thunemann M, Tian L, Tian L, Troxler T, Valera A, Vaziri A, Vinogradov SA, Vitale F, Wang LV, Uhlířová H, Xu C, Yang C, Yang MH, Yellen G, Yizhar O, Zhao Y. Neurophotonic tools for microscopic measurements and manipulation: status report. NEUROPHOTONICS 2022; 9:013001. [PMID: 35493335 PMCID: PMC9047450 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.9.s1.013001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Neurophotonics was launched in 2014 coinciding with the launch of the BRAIN Initiative focused on development of technologies for advancement of neuroscience. For the last seven years, Neurophotonics' agenda has been well aligned with this focus on neurotechnologies featuring new optical methods and tools applicable to brain studies. While the BRAIN Initiative 2.0 is pivoting towards applications of these novel tools in the quest to understand the brain, this status report reviews an extensive and diverse toolkit of novel methods to explore brain function that have emerged from the BRAIN Initiative and related large-scale efforts for measurement and manipulation of brain structure and function. Here, we focus on neurophotonic tools mostly applicable to animal studies. A companion report, scheduled to appear later this year, will cover diffuse optical imaging methods applicable to noninvasive human studies. For each domain, we outline the current state-of-the-art of the respective technologies, identify the areas where innovation is needed, and provide an outlook for the future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S. Abdelfattah
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Sapna Ahuja
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Taner Akkin
- University of Minnesota, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Srinivasa Rao Allu
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Joshua Brake
- Harvey Mudd College, Department of Engineering, Claremont, California, United States
| | - David A. Boas
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Erin M. Buckley
- Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Emory University, Department of Pediatrics, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Robert E. Campbell
- University of Tokyo, Department of Chemistry, Tokyo, Japan
- University of Alberta, Department of Chemistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anderson I. Chen
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Xiaojun Cheng
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Tomáš Čižmár
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Irene Costantini
- University of Florence, European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Department of Biology, Florence, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo De Vittorio
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Anna Devor
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Patrick R. Doran
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Mirna El Khatib
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | | | - Natalie Fomin-Thunemann
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Yeshaiahu Fainman
- University of California San Diego, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Tomas Fernandez-Alfonso
- University College London, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher G. L. Ferri
- University of California San Diego, Departments of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Ariel Gilad
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute for Medical Research Israel–Canada, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Xue Han
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Andrew Harris
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Brain Sciences, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, Department of Neuroscience, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Matthew G. Holt
- University of Porto, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal
| | - Na Ji
- University of California Berkeley, Department of Physics, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Kıvılcım Kılıç
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Evelyn M. R. Lake
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Lei Li
- California Institute of Technology, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Tianqi Li
- University of Minnesota, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Philipp Mächler
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Evan W. Miller
- University of California Berkeley, Departments of Chemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, California, United States
| | | | | | - U. Valentin Nägerl
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience University of Bordeaux & CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yusuke Nasu
- University of Tokyo, Department of Chemistry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Axel Nimmerjahn
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Petra Ondráčková
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francesco S. Pavone
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- University of Florence, European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Department of Physics, Florence, Italy
| | - Citlali Perez Campos
- Columbia University, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, United States
| | - Darcy S. Peterka
- Columbia University, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, United States
| | - Filippo Pisano
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Pisanello
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Francesca Puppo
- University of California San Diego, Departments of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Bernardo L. Sabatini
- Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sanaz Sadegh
- University of California San Diego, Departments of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Sava Sakadzic
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Shy Shoham
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Tech4Health and Neuroscience Institutes, New York, New York, United States
| | - Sanaya N. Shroff
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - R. Angus Silver
- University College London, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth R. Sims
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Spencer L. Smith
- University of California Santa Barbara, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | - Vivek J. Srinivasan
- New York University Langone Health, Departments of Ophthalmology and Radiology, New York, New York, United States
| | - Martin Thunemann
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lei Tian
- Boston University, Departments of Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lin Tian
- University of California Davis, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Davis, California, United States
| | - Thomas Troxler
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Antoine Valera
- University College London, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alipasha Vaziri
- Rockefeller University, Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics, New York, New York, United States
- The Rockefeller University, The Kavli Neural Systems Institute, New York, New York, United States
| | - Sergei A. Vinogradov
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Flavia Vitale
- Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, Departments of Neurology, Bioengineering, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Lihong V. Wang
- California Institute of Technology, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Hana Uhlířová
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Chris Xu
- Cornell University, School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Changhuei Yang
- California Institute of Technology, Departments of Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering and Medical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Mu-Han Yang
- University of California San Diego, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Gary Yellen
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ofer Yizhar
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Brain Sciences, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yongxin Zhao
- Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Biological Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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20
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Kolesov DV, Sokolinskaya EL, Lukyanov KA, Bogdanov AM. Molecular Tools for Targeted Control of Nerve Cell Electrical Activity. Part II. Acta Naturae 2021; 13:17-32. [PMID: 35127143 PMCID: PMC8807539 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In modern life sciences, the issue of a specific, exogenously directed manipulation of a cell's biochemistry is a highly topical one. In the case of electrically excitable cells, the aim of the manipulation is to control the cells' electrical activity, with the result being either excitation with subsequent generation of an action potential or inhibition and suppression of the excitatory currents. The techniques of electrical activity stimulation are of particular significance in tackling the most challenging basic problem: figuring out how the nervous system of higher multicellular organisms functions. At this juncture, when neuroscience is gradually abandoning the reductionist approach in favor of the direct investigation of complex neuronal systems, minimally invasive methods for brain tissue stimulation are becoming the basic element in the toolbox of those involved in the field. In this review, we describe three approaches that are based on the delivery of exogenous, genetically encoded molecules sensitive to external stimuli into the nervous tissue. These approaches include optogenetics (overviewed in Part I), as well as chemogenetics and thermogenetics (described here, in Part II), which is significantly different not only in the nature of the stimuli and structure of the appropriate effector proteins, but also in the details of experimental applications. The latter circumstance is an indication that these are rather complementary than competing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. V. Kolesov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - E. L. Sokolinskaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - K. A. Lukyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - A. M. Bogdanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
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21
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Naim N, Reece JM, Zhang X, Altschuler DL. Dual Activation of cAMP Production Through Photostimulation or Chemical Stimulation. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2173:201-216. [PMID: 32651920 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0755-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
cAMP is a crucial mediator of multiple cell signaling pathways. This cyclic nucleotide requires strict spatiotemporal control for effective function. Light-activated proteins have become a powerful tool to study signaling kinetics due to having quick on/off rates and minimal off-target effects. The photoactivated adenylyl cyclase from Beggiatoa (bPAC) produces cAMP rapidly upon stimulation with blue light. However, light delivery is not always feasible, especially in vivo. Hence, we created a luminescence-activated cyclase by fusing bPAC with nanoluciferase (nLuc) to allow chemical activation of cAMP activity. This dual-activated adenylyl cyclase can be stimulated using short bursts of light or long-term chemical activation with furimazine and other related luciferins. Together these can be used to mimic transient, chronic, and oscillating patterns of cAMP signaling. Moreover, when coupled to compartment-specific targeting domains, these reagents provide a new powerful tool for cAMP spatiotemporal dynamic studies. Here, we describe detailed methods for working with bPAC-nLuc in mammalian cells, stimulating cAMP production with light and luciferins, and measuring total cAMP accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyla Naim
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Molecular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Addgene, Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Jeff M Reece
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Advanced Light Microscopy & Image Analysis Core (ALMIAC), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel L Altschuler
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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22
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Selective postnatal excitation of neocortical pyramidal neurons results in distinctive behavioral and circuit deficits in adulthood. iScience 2021; 24:102157. [PMID: 33665575 PMCID: PMC7907816 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In genetic and pharmacological models of neurodevelopmental disorders, and human data, neural activity is altered within the developing neocortical network. This commonality begs the question of whether early enhancement in excitation might be a common driver, across etiologies, of characteristic behaviors. We tested this concept by chemogenetically driving cortical pyramidal neurons during postnatal days 4–14. Hyperexcitation of Emx1-, but not dopamine transporter-, parvalbumin-, or Dlx5/6-expressing neurons, led to decreased social interaction and increased grooming activity in adult animals. In vivo optogenetic interrogation in adults revealed decreased baseline but increased stimulus-evoked firing rates of pyramidal neurons and impaired recruitment of inhibitory neurons. Slice recordings in adults from prefrontal cortex layer 5 pyramidal neurons revealed decreased intrinsic excitability and increased synaptic E/I ratio. Together these results support the prediction that enhanced pyramidal firing during development, in otherwise normal cortex, can selectively drive altered adult circuit function and maladaptive changes in behavior. BL-OG allows chemogenetic activation and optogenetic interrogation in the same animal Developmental hyperexcitation in normal mice leads to neurodevelopmental disorders In these mice adult neurons show reduced baseline activity and increased excitability Reduced activity-triggered coherence and altered oscillations in cortex and striatum
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23
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Berglund K, Stern MA, Gross RE. Bioluminescence-Optogenetics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1293:281-293. [PMID: 33398820 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we introduce a relatively new, emerging method for molecular neuromodulation-bioluminescence-optogenetics. Bioluminescence-optogenetics is mediated by luminopsin fusion proteins-light-sensing opsins fused to light-emitting luciferases. We describe their structures and working mechanisms and discuss their unique benefits over conventional optogenetics and chemogenetics. We also summarize applications of bioluminescence-optogenetics in various neurological disease models in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Berglund
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Matthew A Stern
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert E Gross
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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24
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Syed AJ, Anderson JC. Applications of bioluminescence in biotechnology and beyond. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:5668-5705. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01492c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent probes have hugely benefited from the input of synthetic chemistry and protein engineering. Here we review the latest applications of these probes in biotechnology and beyond, with an eye on current limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha J. Syed
- Department of Chemistry
- University College London
- London
- UK
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25
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Sureda-Vives M, Sarkisyan KS. Bioluminescence-Driven Optogenetics. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E318. [PMID: 33260589 PMCID: PMC7760859 DOI: 10.3390/life10120318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence-based technologies are among the most commonly used methods to quantify and visualise physiology at the cellular and organismal levels. However, the potential of bioluminescence beyond reporter technologies remains largely unexplored. Here, we provide an overview of the emerging approaches employing bioluminescence as a biological light source that triggers physiological events and controls cell behaviour and discuss its possible future application in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macià Sureda-Vives
- Synthetic Biology Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London W12 0NN, UK;
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Karen S. Sarkisyan
- Synthetic Biology Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London W12 0NN, UK;
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
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26
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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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27
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Prakash M, Medendorp WE, Hochgeschwender U. Defining parameters of specificity for bioluminescent optogenetic activation of neurons using in vitro multi electrode arrays (MEA). J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:437-447. [PMID: 30152529 PMCID: PMC6395573 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In Bioluminescent Optogenetics (BL-OG) a biological, rather than a physical, light source is used to activate light-sensing opsins, such as channelrhodopsins or pumps. This is commonly achieved by utilizing a luminopsin (LMO), a fusion protein of a light-emitting luciferase tethered to a light-sensing opsin. Light of the wavelength matching the activation peak of the opsin is emitted by the luciferase upon application of its small molecule luciferin, resulting in activation of the fused opsin and subsequent effects on membrane potential. Using optimized protocols for culturing, transforming, and testing primary neurons in multi electrode arrays, we systematically defined parameters under which changes in neuronal activity are specific to bioluminescent activation of opsins, rather than due to off-target effects of either the luciferin or its solvent on neurons directly, or on opsins directly. We further tested if there is a direct effect of bioluminescence on neurons. Critical for assuring specific BL-OG effects are testing the concentration and formulation of the luciferin against proper controls, including testing effects of vehicle on LMO expressing and of luciferin on nonLMO expressing targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Prakash
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
| | | | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
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28
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Gomez-Ramirez M, More AI, Friedman NG, Hochgeschwender U, Moore CI. The BioLuminescent-OptoGenetic in vivo response to coelenterazine is proportional, sensitive, and specific in neocortex. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:471-480. [PMID: 31544973 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BioLuminescent (BL) light production can modulate neural activity and behavior through co-expressed OptoGenetic (OG) elements, an approach termed "BL-OG." Yet, the relationship between BL-OG effects and bioluminescent photon emission has not been characterized in vivo. Further, the degree to which BL-OG effects strictly depend on optogenetic mechanisms driven by bioluminescent photons is unknown. Crucial to every neuromodulation method is whether the activator shows a dynamic concentration range driving robust, selective, and nontoxic effects. We systematically tested the effects of four key components of the BL-OG mechanism (luciferin, oxidized luciferin, luciferin vehicle, and bioluminescence), and compared these against effects induced by the Luminopsin-3 (LMO3) BL-OG molecule, a fusion of slow burn Gaussia luciferase (sbGLuc) and Volvox ChannelRhodopsin-1 (VChR1). We performed combined bioluminescence imaging and electrophysiological recordings while injecting specific doses of Coelenterazine (substrate for sbGluc), Coelenteramide (CTM, the oxidized product of CTZ), or CTZ vehicle. CTZ robustly drove activity in mice expressing LMO3, with photon production proportional to firing rate. In contrast, low and moderate doses of CTZ, CTM, or vehicle did not modulate activity in mice that did not express LMO3. We also failed to find bioluminescence effects on neural activity in mice expressing an optogenetically nonsensitive LMO3 variant. We observed weak responses to the highest dose of CTZ in control mice, but these effects were significantly smaller than those observed in the LMO3 group. These results show that in neocortex in vivo, there is a large CTZ range wherein BL-OG effects are specific to its active chemogenetic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander I More
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Nina G Friedman
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- College of Medicine and Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
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29
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Yeh HW, Ai HW. Development and Applications of Bioluminescent and Chemiluminescent Reporters and Biosensors. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2019; 12:129-150. [PMID: 30786216 PMCID: PMC6565457 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061318-115027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Although fluorescent reporters and biosensors have become indispensable tools in biological and biomedical fields, fluorescence measurements require external excitation light, thereby limiting their use in thick tissues and live animals. Bioluminescent reporters and biosensors may potentially overcome this hurdle because they use enzyme-catalyzed exothermic biochemical reactions to generate excited-state emitters. This review first introduces the development of bioluminescent reporters, and next, their applications in sensing biological changes in vitro and in vivo as biosensors. Lastly, we discuss chemiluminescent sensors that produce photons in the absence of luciferases. This review aims to explore fundamentals and experimental insights and to emphasize the yet-to-be-reached potential of next-generation luminescent reporters and biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Wei Yeh
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, and Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA;
| | - Hui-Wang Ai
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, and Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA;
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30
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Berglund K, Gross RE. Opto-chemogenetics with luminopsins: A novel avenue for targeted control of neuronal activity. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:407-409. [PMID: 31157461 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Berglund
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Robert E Gross
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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31
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Bhuckory S, Kays JC, Dennis AM. In Vivo Biosensing Using Resonance Energy Transfer. BIOSENSORS 2019; 9:E76. [PMID: 31163706 PMCID: PMC6628364 DOI: 10.3390/bios9020076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Solution-phase and intracellular biosensing has substantially enhanced our understanding of molecular processes foundational to biology and pathology. Optical methods are favored because of the low cost of probes and instrumentation. While chromatographic methods are helpful, fluorescent biosensing further increases sensitivity and can be more effective in complex media. Resonance energy transfer (RET)-based sensors have been developed to use fluorescence, bioluminescence, or chemiluminescence (FRET, BRET, or CRET, respectively) as an energy donor, yielding changes in emission spectra, lifetime, or intensity in response to a molecular or environmental change. These methods hold great promise for expanding our understanding of molecular processes not just in solution and in vitro studies, but also in vivo, generating information about complex activities in a natural, organismal setting. In this review, we focus on dyes, fluorescent proteins, and nanoparticles used as energy transfer-based optical transducers in vivo in mice; there are examples of optical sensing using FRET, BRET, and in this mammalian model system. After a description of the energy transfer mechanisms and their contribution to in vivo imaging, we give a short perspective of RET-based in vivo sensors and the importance of imaging in the infrared for reduced tissue autofluorescence and improved sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Bhuckory
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Joshua C Kays
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Allison M Dennis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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32
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Kim CK, Cho KF, Kim MW, Ting AY. Luciferase-LOV BRET enables versatile and specific transcriptional readout of cellular protein-protein interactions. eLife 2019; 8:43826. [PMID: 30942168 PMCID: PMC6447360 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Technologies that convert transient protein-protein interactions (PPIs) into stable expression of a reporter gene are useful for genetic selections, high-throughput screening, and multiplexing with omics technologies. We previously reported SPARK (Kim et al., 2017), a transcription factor that is activated by the coincidence of blue light and a PPI. Here, we report an improved, second-generation SPARK2 that incorporates a luciferase moiety to control the light-sensitive LOV domain. SPARK2 can be temporally gated by either external light or addition of a small-molecule luciferin, which causes luciferase to open LOV via proximity-dependent BRET. Furthermore, the nested 'AND' gate design of SPARK2-in which both protease recruitment to the membrane-anchored transcription factor and LOV domain opening are regulated by the PPI of interest-yields a lower-background system and improved PPI specificity. We apply SPARK2 to high-throughput screening for GPCR agonists and for the detection of trans-cellular contacts, all with versatile transcriptional readout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina K Kim
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Kelvin F Cho
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Min Woo Kim
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Alice Y Ting
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, United States
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33
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Luciferase-induced photoreductive uncaging of small-molecule effectors. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3539. [PMID: 30166547 PMCID: PMC6117273 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05916-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) is extensively used to study dynamic systems and has been utilized in sensors for studying protein proximity, metabolites, and drug concentrations. Herein, we demonstrate that BRET can activate a ruthenium-based photocatalyst which performs bioorthogonal reactions. BRET from luciferase to the ruthenium photocatalyst is used to uncage effector molecules with up to 64 turnovers of the catalyst, achieving concentrations >0.6 μM effector with 10 nM luciferase construct. Using a BRET sensor, we further demonstrate that the catalysis can be modulated in response to an analyte, analogous to allosterically controlled enzymes. The BRET-induced reaction is used to uncage small-molecule drugs (ibrutinib and duocarmycin) at biologically effective concentrations in cellulo. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) has been mostly employed in imaging applications. Here the authors use BRET to activate a ruthenium-based photocatalyst and perform a bioorthogonal chemical reaction, which can be used to uncage small molecule drugs in a cellular context.
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34
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Zenchak JR, Palmateer B, Dorka N, Brown TM, Wagner LM, Medendorp WE, Petersen ED, Prakash M, Hochgeschwender U. Bioluminescence-driven optogenetic activation of transplanted neural precursor cells improves motor deficits in a Parkinson's disease mouse model. J Neurosci Res 2018; 98:458-468. [PMID: 29577367 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The need to develop efficient therapies for neurodegenerative diseases is urgent, especially given the increasing percentages of the population living longer, with increasing chances of being afflicted with conditions like Parkinson's disease (PD). A promising curative approach toward PD and other neurodegenerative diseases is the transplantation of stem cells to halt and potentially reverse neuronal degeneration. However, stem cell therapy does not consistently lead to improvement for patients. Using remote stimulation to optogenetically activate transplanted cells, we attempted to improve behavioral outcomes of stem cell transplantation. We generated a neuronal precursor cell line expressing luminopsin 3 (LMO3), a luciferase-channelrhodopsin fusion protein, which responds to the luciferase substrate coelenterazine (CTZ) with emission of blue light that in turn activates the opsin. Neuronal precursor cells were injected bilaterally into the striatum of homozygous aphakia mice, which carry a spontaneous mutation leading to lack of dopaminergic neurons and symptoms of PD. Following transplantation, the cells were stimulated over a period of 10 days by intraventricular injections of CTZ. Mice receiving CTZ demonstrated significantly improved motor skills in a rotarod test compared to mice receiving vehicle. Thus, bioluminescent optogenetic stimulation of transplanted neuronal precursor cells shows promising effects in improving locomotor behavior in the aphakia PD mouse model and encourages further studies to elucidate the mechanisms and long-term outcomes of these beneficial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Zenchak
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.,College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
| | - Brandon Palmateer
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
| | - Nicolai Dorka
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
| | - Tariq M Brown
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
| | - Lina-Marie Wagner
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
| | | | - Eric D Petersen
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
| | - Mansi Prakash
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.,College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.,College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
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35
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Wietek J, Rodriguez-Rozada S, Tutas J, Tenedini F, Grimm C, Oertner TG, Soba P, Hegemann P, Wiegert JS. Anion-conducting channelrhodopsins with tuned spectra and modified kinetics engineered for optogenetic manipulation of behavior. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14957. [PMID: 29097684 PMCID: PMC5668261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14330-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of natural light-gated ion channels has proven a powerful way to generate optogenetic tools for a wide variety of applications. In recent years, blue-light activated engineered anion-conducting channelrhodopsins (eACRs) have been developed, improved, and were successfully applied in vivo. We asked whether the approaches used to create eACRs can be transferred to other well-characterized cation-conducting channelrhodopsins (CCRs) to obtain eACRs with a broad spectrum of biophysical properties. We generated 22 variants using two conversion strategies applied to 11 CCRs and screened them for membrane expression, photocurrents and anion selectivity. We obtained two novel eACRs, Phobos and Aurora, with blue- and red-shifted action spectra and photocurrents similar to existing eACRs. Furthermore, step-function mutations greatly enhanced the cellular operational light sensitivity due to a slowed-down photocycle. These bi-stable eACRs can be reversibly toggled between open and closed states with brief light pulses of different wavelengths. All new eACRs reliably inhibited action potential firing in pyramidal CA1 neurons. In Drosophila larvae, eACRs conveyed robust and specific light-dependent inhibition of locomotion and nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Wietek
- Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvia Rodriguez-Rozada
- Research Group Synaptic Wiring and Information Processing, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janine Tutas
- Research Group Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Federico Tenedini
- Research Group Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Grimm
- Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas G Oertner
- Institute for Synaptic Physiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Soba
- Research Group Neuronal Patterning and Connectivity, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Simon Wiegert
- Institute for Synaptic Physiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
- Research Group Synaptic Wiring and Information Processing, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, Falkenried 94, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
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