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Stilgoe A, Favre-Bulle IA, Watson ML, Gomez-Godinez V, Berns MW, Preece D, Rubinsztein-Dunlop H. Shining Light in Mechanobiology: Optical Tweezers, Scissors, and Beyond. ACS PHOTONICS 2024; 11:917-940. [PMID: 38523746 PMCID: PMC10958612 DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.4c00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Mechanobiology helps us to decipher cell and tissue functions by looking at changes in their mechanical properties that contribute to development, cell differentiation, physiology, and disease. Mechanobiology sits at the interface of biology, physics and engineering. One of the key technologies that enables characterization of properties of cells and tissue is microscopy. Combining microscopy with other quantitative measurement techniques such as optical tweezers and scissors, gives a very powerful tool for unraveling the intricacies of mechanobiology enabling measurement of forces, torques and displacements at play. We review the field of some light based studies of mechanobiology and optical detection of signal transduction ranging from optical micromanipulation-optical tweezers and scissors, advanced fluorescence techniques and optogenentics. In the current perspective paper, we concentrate our efforts on elucidating interesting measurements of forces, torques, positions, viscoelastic properties, and optogenetics inside and outside a cell attained when using structured light in combination with optical tweezers and scissors. We give perspective on the field concentrating on the use of structured light in imaging in combination with tweezers and scissors pointing out how novel developments in quantum imaging in combination with tweezers and scissors can bring to this fast growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander
B. Stilgoe
- School of
Mathematics and Physics, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, 4074, Australia
- ARC
CoE for Engineered Quantum Systems, The
University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4074, Australia
- ARC
CoE in Quantum Biotechnology, The University
of Queensland, 4074, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Itia A. Favre-Bulle
- School of
Mathematics and Physics, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, 4074, Australia
- Queensland
Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4074, Australia
| | - Mark L. Watson
- School of
Mathematics and Physics, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, 4074, Australia
- ARC
CoE for Engineered Quantum Systems, The
University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4074, Australia
| | - Veronica Gomez-Godinez
- Institute
of Engineering and Medicine, University
of California San Diego, San Diego, California 92093, United States
| | - Michael W. Berns
- Institute
of Engineering and Medicine, University
of California San Diego, San Diego, California 92093, United States
- Beckman
Laser Institute, University of California
Irvine, Irvine, California 92612, United States
| | - Daryl Preece
- Beckman
Laser Institute, University of California
Irvine, Irvine, California 92612, United States
| | - Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop
- School of
Mathematics and Physics, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, 4074, Australia
- ARC
CoE for Engineered Quantum Systems, The
University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4074, Australia
- ARC
CoE in Quantum Biotechnology, The University
of Queensland, 4074, Brisbane, Australia
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2
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Linke WA. Stretching the story of titin and muscle function. J Biomech 2023; 152:111553. [PMID: 36989971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of the giant protein titin, also known as connectin, dates almost half a century back. In this review, I recapitulate major advances in the discovery of the titin filaments and the recognition of their properties and function until today. I briefly discuss how our understanding of the layout and interactions of titin in muscle sarcomeres has evolved and review key facts about the titin sequence at the gene (TTN) and protein levels. I also touch upon properties of titin important for the stability of the contractile units and the assembly and maintenance of sarcomeric proteins. The greater part of my discussion centers around the mechanical function of titin in skeletal muscle. I cover milestones of research on titin's role in stretch-dependent passive tension development, recollect the reasons behind the enormous elastic diversity of titin, and provide an update on the molecular mechanisms of titin elasticity, details of which are emerging even now. I reflect on current knowledge of how muscle fibers behave mechanically if titin stiffness is removed and how titin stiffness can be dynamically regulated, such as by posttranslational modifications or calcium binding. Finally, I highlight novel and exciting, but still controversially discussed, insight into the role titin plays in active tension development, such as length-dependent activation and contraction from longer muscle lengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A Linke
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Germany; Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Berlin, Germany.
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3
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Nanosurgical Manipulation of Titin and Its M-Complex. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12020178. [PMID: 35055197 PMCID: PMC8779236 DOI: 10.3390/nano12020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Titin is a multifunctional filamentous protein anchored in the M-band, a hexagonally organized supramolecular lattice in the middle of the muscle sarcomere. Functionally, the M-band is a framework that cross-links myosin thick filaments, organizes associated proteins, and maintains sarcomeric symmetry via its structural and putative mechanical properties. Part of the M-band appears at the C-terminal end of isolated titin molecules in the form of a globular head, named here the “M-complex”, which also serves as the point of head-to-head attachment of titin. We used high-resolution atomic force microscopy and nanosurgical manipulation to investigate the topographical and internal structure and local mechanical properties of the M-complex and its associated titin molecules. We find that the M-complex is a stable structure that corresponds to the transverse unit of the M-band organized around the myosin thick filament. M-complexes may be interlinked into an M-complex array that reflects the local structural and mechanical status of the transversal M-band lattice. Local segments of titin and the M-complex could be nanosurgically manipulated to achieve extension and domain unfolding. Long threads could be pulled out of the M-complex, suggesting that it is a compact supramolecular reservoir of extensible filaments. Nanosurgery evoked an unexpected volume increment in the M-complex, which may be related to its function as a mechanical spacer. The M-complex thus displays both elastic and plastic properties which support the idea that the M-band may be involved in mechanical functions within the muscle sarcomere.
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Swiatlowska P, Iskratsch T. Tools for studying and modulating (cardiac muscle) cell mechanics and mechanosensing across the scales. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:611-623. [PMID: 34765044 PMCID: PMC8553672 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00837-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes generate force for the contraction of the heart to pump blood into the lungs and body. At the same time, they are exquisitely tuned to the mechanical environment and react to e.g. changes in cell and extracellular matrix stiffness or altered stretching due to reduced ejection fraction in heart disease, by adapting their cytoskeleton, force generation and cell mechanics. Both mechanical sensing and cell mechanical adaptations are multiscale processes. Receptor interactions with the extracellular matrix at the nanoscale will lead to clustering of receptors and modification of the cytoskeleton. This in turn alters mechanosensing, force generation, cell and nuclear stiffness and viscoelasticity at the microscale. Further, this affects cell shape, orientation, maturation and tissue integration at the microscale to macroscale. A variety of tools have been developed and adapted to measure cardiomyocyte receptor-ligand interactions and forces or mechanics at the different ranges, resulting in a wealth of new information about cardiomyocyte mechanobiology. Here, we take stock at the different tools for exploring cardiomyocyte mechanosensing and cell mechanics at the different scales from the nanoscale to microscale and macroscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Swiatlowska
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Iskratsch
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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5
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Kelly C, Gage MJ. Protein Unfolding: Denaturant vs. Force. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101395. [PMID: 34680512 PMCID: PMC8533514 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While protein refolding has been studied for over 50 years since the pioneering work of Christian Anfinsen, there have been a limited number of studies correlating results between chemical, thermal, and mechanical unfolding. The limited knowledge of the relationship between these processes makes it challenging to compare results between studies if different refolding methods were applied. Our current work compares the energetic barriers and folding rates derived from chemical, thermal, and mechanical experiments using an immunoglobulin-like domain from the muscle protein titin as a model system. This domain, I83, has high solubility and low stability relative to other Ig domains in titin, though its stability can be modulated by calcium. Our experiments demonstrated that the free energy of refolding was equivalent with all three techniques, but the refolding rates exhibited differences, with mechanical refolding having slightly faster rates. This suggests that results from equilibrium-based measurements can be compared directly but care should be given comparing refolding kinetics derived from refolding experiments that used different unfolding methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Kelly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
| | - Matthew J. Gage
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
- UMass Movement Center (UMOVE), University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
- Correspondence:
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6
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Konyshev I, Byvalov A. Model systems for optical trapping: the physical basis and biological applications. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:515-529. [PMID: 34471436 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00823-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The micromechanical methods, among which optical trapping and atomic force microscopy have a special place, are widespread currently in biology to study molecular interactions between different biological objects. Optical trapping is reported to be quite applicable to study the mechanical properties of surface structures onto bacterial (pili and flagella) and eukaryotic (filopodia) cells. The review briefly summarizes the physical basis of optical trapping, as well as the principles of calculating the van der Waals, electrostatic, and donor-acceptor forces when two microparticles or a microparticle and a flat surface are used. Three main types of model systems (abiotic, biotic, and mixed) used in trapping experiments are described, and the peculiarities of manipulation with living (bacteria, fungal spores, etc.) and non-spherical objects (e.g., rod-shaped bacteria) are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Konyshev
- Institute of Physiology of Коmi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, FRC Komi SC UB RAS, Komi Republic, 167982 Syktyvkar, Russian Federation.,Vyatka State University, 36 Moskovskaya str, 610000 Kirov, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey Byvalov
- Institute of Physiology of Коmi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, FRC Komi SC UB RAS, Komi Republic, 167982 Syktyvkar, Russian Federation.,Vyatka State University, 36 Moskovskaya str, 610000 Kirov, Russian Federation
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7
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Santiago CF, Huttner IG, Fatkin D. Mechanisms of TTNtv-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Insights from Zebrafish Models. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8020010. [PMID: 33504111 PMCID: PMC7912658 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common heart muscle disorder characterized by ventricular dilation and contractile dysfunction that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. New insights into disease mechanisms and strategies for treatment and prevention are urgently needed. Truncating variants in the TTN gene, which encodes the giant sarcomeric protein titin (TTNtv), are the most common genetic cause of DCM, but exactly how TTNtv promote cardiomyocyte dysfunction is not known. Although rodent models have been widely used to investigate titin biology, they have had limited utility for TTNtv-related DCM. In recent years, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a powerful alternative model system for studying titin function in the healthy and diseased heart. Optically transparent embryonic zebrafish models have demonstrated key roles of titin in sarcomere assembly and cardiac development. The increasing availability of sophisticated imaging tools for assessment of heart function in adult zebrafish has revolutionized the field and opened new opportunities for modelling human genetic disorders. Genetically modified zebrafish that carry a human A-band TTNtv have now been generated and shown to spontaneously develop DCM with age. This zebrafish model will be a valuable resource for elucidating the phenotype modifying effects of genetic and environmental factors, and for exploring new drug therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine F. Santiago
- Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; (C.F.S.); (I.G.H.)
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Inken G. Huttner
- Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; (C.F.S.); (I.G.H.)
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Diane Fatkin
- Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; (C.F.S.); (I.G.H.)
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Cardiology Department, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- Correspondence:
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8
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Bobyleva LG, Shumeyko SA, Yakupova EI, Surin AK, Galzitskaya OV, Kihara H, Timchenko AA, Timchenko MA, Penkov NV, Nikulin AD, Suvorina MY, Molochkov NV, Lobanov MY, Fadeev RS, Vikhlyantsev IM, Bobylev AG. Myosin Binding Protein-C Forms Amyloid-Like Aggregates In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020731. [PMID: 33450960 PMCID: PMC7828380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This work investigated in vitro aggregation and amyloid properties of skeletal myosin binding protein-C (sMyBP-C) interacting in vivo with proteins of thick and thin filaments in the sarcomeric A-disc. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) found a rapid (5–10 min) formation of large (>2 μm) aggregates. sMyBP-C oligomers formed both at the initial 5–10 min and after 16 h of aggregation. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and DLS revealed sMyBP-C oligomers to consist of 7–10 monomers. TEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed sMyBP-C to form amorphous aggregates (and, to a lesser degree, fibrillar structures) exhibiting no toxicity on cell culture. X-ray diffraction of sMyBP-C aggregates registered reflections attributed to a cross-β quaternary structure. Circular dichroism (CD) showed the formation of the amyloid-like structure to occur without changes in the sMyBP-C secondary structure. The obtained results indicating a high in vitro aggregability of sMyBP-C are, apparently, a consequence of structural features of the domain organization of proteins of this family. Formation of pathological amyloid or amyloid-like sMyBP-C aggregates in vivo is little probable due to amino-acid sequence low identity (<26%), alternating ordered/disordered regions in the protein molecule, and S–S bonds providing for general stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya G. Bobyleva
- Laboratory of the Structure and Functions of Muscle Proteins, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (L.G.B.); (S.A.S.); (E.I.Y.); (O.V.G.)
| | - Sergey A. Shumeyko
- Laboratory of the Structure and Functions of Muscle Proteins, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (L.G.B.); (S.A.S.); (E.I.Y.); (O.V.G.)
| | - Elmira I. Yakupova
- Laboratory of the Structure and Functions of Muscle Proteins, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (L.G.B.); (S.A.S.); (E.I.Y.); (O.V.G.)
| | - Alexey K. Surin
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (A.K.S.); (M.Y.S.); (M.Y.L.)
- Biological Testing Laboratory, Branch of the Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Laboratory of the Biochemistry of Pathogenic Microorganisms, State Research Centre for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Obolensk, 142279 Serpukhov District, Russia
| | - Oxana V. Galzitskaya
- Laboratory of the Structure and Functions of Muscle Proteins, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (L.G.B.); (S.A.S.); (E.I.Y.); (O.V.G.)
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (A.K.S.); (M.Y.S.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Hiroshi Kihara
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Himeji-Hinomoto College, 890 Koro, Kodera-cho, Himeji 679-2151, Japan;
| | - Alexander A. Timchenko
- Group of Experimental Research and Engineering of Oligomeric Structures, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Maria A. Timchenko
- Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, FRC PSCBR, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Nikita V. Penkov
- Laboratory of the Methods of Optical Spectral Analysis, Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, FRC PSCBR RAS, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Alexey D. Nikulin
- Laboratory for Structural Studies of the Translational Apparatus, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Mariya Yu. Suvorina
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (A.K.S.); (M.Y.S.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Nikolay V. Molochkov
- Laboratory of NMR Investigations of Biosystems, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Mikhail Yu. Lobanov
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (A.K.S.); (M.Y.S.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Roman S. Fadeev
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Regulation of Cell Resistance, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Ivan M. Vikhlyantsev
- Laboratory of the Structure and Functions of Muscle Proteins, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (L.G.B.); (S.A.S.); (E.I.Y.); (O.V.G.)
- Correspondence: (I.M.V.); (A.G.B.)
| | - Alexander G. Bobylev
- Laboratory of the Structure and Functions of Muscle Proteins, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (L.G.B.); (S.A.S.); (E.I.Y.); (O.V.G.)
- Correspondence: (I.M.V.); (A.G.B.)
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9
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Tavakol M, Vaughan TJ. The structural role of osteocalcin in bone biomechanics and its alteration in Type-2 Diabetes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17321. [PMID: 33057142 PMCID: PMC7560881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73141-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study presents an investigation into the role of Osteocalcin (OC) on bone biomechanics, with the results demonstrating that the protein's α-helix structures play a critical role in energy dissipation behavior in healthy conditions. In the first instance, α-helix structures have high affinity with the Hydroxyapatite (HAp) mineral surface and provide favorable conditions for adsorption of OC proteins onto the mineral surface. Using steered molecular dynamics simulation, several key energy dissipation mechanisms associated with α-helix structures were observed, which included stick-slip behavior, a sacrificial bond mechanism and a favorable binding feature provided by the Ca2+ motif on the OC protein. In the case of Type-2 Diabetes, this study demonstrated that possible glycation of the OC protein can occur through covalent crosslinking between Arginine and N-terminus regions, causing disruption of α-helices leading to a lower protein affinity to the HAp surface. Furthermore, the loss of α-helix structures allowed protein deformation to occur more easily during pulling and key energy dissipation mechanisms observed in the healthy configuration were no longer present. This study has significant implications for our understanding of bone biomechanics, revealing several novel mechanisms in OC's involvement in energy dissipation. Furthermore, these mechanisms can be disrupted following the onset of Type-2 Diabetes, implying that glycation of OC could have a substantial contribution to the increased bone fragility observed during this disease state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Tavakol
- Biomedical Engineering and Biomechanics Research Centre, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ted J Vaughan
- Biomedical Engineering and Biomechanics Research Centre, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
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10
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Grexa I, Fekete T, Molnár J, Molnár K, Vizsnyiczai G, Ormos P, Kelemen L. Single-Cell Elasticity Measurement with an Optically Actuated Microrobot. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11090882. [PMID: 32972024 PMCID: PMC7570390 DOI: 10.3390/mi11090882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A cell elasticity measurement method is introduced that uses polymer microtools actuated by holographic optical tweezers. The microtools were prepared with two-photon polymerization. Their shape enables the approach of the cells in any lateral direction. In the presented case, endothelial cells grown on vertical polymer walls were probed by the tools in a lateral direction. The use of specially shaped microtools prevents the target cells from photodamage that may arise during optical trapping. The position of the tools was recorded simply with video microscopy and analyzed with image processing methods. We critically compare the resulting Young’s modulus values to those in the literature obtained by other methods. The application of optical tweezers extends the force range available for cell indentations measurements down to the fN regime. Our approach demonstrates a feasible alternative to the usual vertical indentation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Grexa
- Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.G.); (T.F.); (J.M.); (K.M.); (G.V.); (P.O.)
- Doctoral School of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor 10, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Fekete
- Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.G.); (T.F.); (J.M.); (K.M.); (G.V.); (P.O.)
- Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medicine, Dóm tér 9, Hungary University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Judit Molnár
- Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.G.); (T.F.); (J.M.); (K.M.); (G.V.); (P.O.)
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.G.); (T.F.); (J.M.); (K.M.); (G.V.); (P.O.)
- Doctoral School of Theoretical Medicine, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor 10, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gaszton Vizsnyiczai
- Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.G.); (T.F.); (J.M.); (K.M.); (G.V.); (P.O.)
| | - Pál Ormos
- Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.G.); (T.F.); (J.M.); (K.M.); (G.V.); (P.O.)
| | - Lóránd Kelemen
- Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.G.); (T.F.); (J.M.); (K.M.); (G.V.); (P.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-599-600 (ext. 419)
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11
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Bobylev AG, Yakupova EI, Bobyleva LG, Galzitskaya OV, Nikulin AD, Shumeyko SA, Yurshenas DA, Vikhlyantsev IM. Changes in Titin Structure during Its Aggregation. Mol Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893320040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Rivas-Pardo JA, Li Y, Mártonfalvi Z, Tapia-Rojo R, Unger A, Fernández-Trasancos Á, Herrero-Galán E, Velázquez-Carreras D, Fernández JM, Linke WA, Alegre-Cebollada J. A HaloTag-TEV genetic cassette for mechanical phenotyping of proteins from tissues. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2060. [PMID: 32345978 PMCID: PMC7189229 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15465-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-molecule methods using recombinant proteins have generated transformative hypotheses on how mechanical forces are generated and sensed in biological tissues. However, testing these mechanical hypotheses on proteins in their natural environment remains inaccesible to conventional tools. To address this limitation, here we demonstrate a mouse model carrying a HaloTag-TEV insertion in the protein titin, the main determinant of myocyte stiffness. Using our system, we specifically sever titin by digestion with TEV protease, and find that the response of muscle fibers to length changes requires mechanical transduction through titin's intact polypeptide chain. In addition, HaloTag-based covalent tethering enables examination of titin dynamics under force using magnetic tweezers. At pulling forces < 10 pN, titin domains are recruited to the unfolded state, and produce 41.5 zJ mechanical work during refolding. Insertion of the HaloTag-TEV cassette in mechanical proteins opens opportunities to explore the molecular basis of cellular force generation, mechanosensing and mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Andrés Rivas-Pardo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Zsolt Mártonfalvi
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rafael Tapia-Rojo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Andreas Unger
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Julio M Fernández
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Wolfgang A Linke
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
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Huang S, Liu S, Niu Y, Fu L. Scriptaid/exercise-induced lysine acetylation is another type of posttranslational modification occurring in titin. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 128:276-285. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00617.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Titin serves important functions in skeletal muscle during exercise, and posttranslational modifications of titin participate in the regulation of titin-based sarcomeric functions. Scriptaid has exercise-like effects through the inhibition of HDAC and regulatory acetylation of proteins. However, it remains mostly unclear if exercise could result in titin’s acetylation and whether Scriptaid could regulate acetylation of titin. We treated C57BL/6 mice with 6-wk treadmill exercise and 6-wk Scriptaid administration to explore Scriptaid’s effects on mice exercise capacity and whether Scriptaid administration/exercise could induce titin’s acetylation modification. An exercise endurance test was conducted to explore their effects on mice exercise capacity, and proteomic studies were conducted with gastrocnemius muscle tissue of mice from different groups to explore titin’s acetylation modification. We found that Scriptaid and exercise did not change titin’s protein expression, but they did induce acetylation modification changes of titin. In total, 333 acetylated lysine sites were identified. Exercise changed the acetylation levels of 33 lysine sites of titin, whereas Scriptaid changed acetylation levels of 31 titin lysine sites. Exercise treatment and Scriptaid administration shared 11 lysine sites. In conclusion, Scriptaid increased exercise endurance of mice by increasing the time mice spent running to fatigue. Acetylation is a common type of posttranslational modification of titin, and exercise/Scriptaid changed the acetylation levels of titin and titin-interacting proteins. Most importantly, titin may be a mediator through which Scriptaid and exercise modulate the properties and functions of exercise-induced skeletal muscle at the molecular level. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Scriptaid administration increased mouse exercise endurance. Acetylation is another type of posttranslational modification of titin. Scriptaid/exercise changed acetylation levels of titin and titin-interacting proteins. Titin may mediate exercise-induced skeletal muscle properties and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Huang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sujuan Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanmei Niu
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Fu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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14
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Bobyleva LG, Yakupova EI, Ulanova AD, Udaltsov SN, Shumeyko SA, Salmov NN, Bobylev AG, Vikhlyantsev IM. On the Peculiarities of the Aggregation of Multidomain Muscle Proteins. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006350919050026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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16
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Eckels EC, Tapia-Rojo R, Rivas-Pardo JA, Fernández JM. The Work of Titin Protein Folding as a Major Driver in Muscle Contraction. Annu Rev Physiol 2019; 80:327-351. [PMID: 29433413 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-021317-121254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Single-molecule atomic force microscopy and magnetic tweezers experiments have demonstrated that titin immunoglobulin (Ig) domains are capable of folding against a pulling force, generating mechanical work that exceeds that produced by a myosin motor. We hypothesize that upon muscle activation, formation of actomyosin cross bridges reduces the force on titin, causing entropic recoil of the titin polymer and triggering the folding of the titin Ig domains. In the physiological force range of 4-15 pN under which titin operates in muscle, the folding contraction of a single Ig domain can generate 200% of the work of entropic recoil and occurs at forces that exceed the maximum stalling force of single myosin motors. Thus, titin operates like a mechanical battery, storing elastic energy efficiently by unfolding Ig domains and delivering the charge back by folding when the motors are activated during a contraction. We advance the hypothesis that titin folding and myosin activation act as inextricable partners during muscle contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Eckels
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; , .,Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rafael Tapia-Rojo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; ,
| | | | - Julio M Fernández
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; ,
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17
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Koser F, Loescher C, Linke WA. Posttranslational modifications of titin from cardiac muscle: how, where, and what for? FEBS J 2019; 286:2240-2260. [PMID: 30989819 PMCID: PMC6850032 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Titin is a giant elastic protein expressed in the contractile units of striated muscle cells, including the sarcomeres of cardiomyocytes. The last decade has seen enormous progress in our understanding of how titin molecular elasticity is modulated in a dynamic manner to help cardiac sarcomeres adjust to the varying hemodynamic demands on the heart. Crucial events mediating the rapid modulation of cardiac titin stiffness are post‐translational modifications (PTMs) of titin. In this review, we first recollect what is known from earlier and recent work on the molecular mechanisms of titin extensibility and force generation. The main goal then is to provide a comprehensive overview of current insight into the relationship between titin PTMs and cardiomyocyte stiffness, notably the effect of oxidation and phosphorylation of titin spring segments on titin stiffness. A synopsis is given of which type of oxidative titin modification can cause which effect on titin stiffness. A large part of the review then covers the mechanically relevant phosphorylation sites in titin, their location along the elastic segment, and the protein kinases and phosphatases known to target these sites. We also include a detailed coverage of the complex changes in phosphorylation at specific titin residues, which have been reported in both animal models of heart disease and in human heart failure, and their correlation with titin‐based stiffness alterations. Knowledge of the relationship between titin PTMs and titin elasticity can be exploited in the search for therapeutic approaches aimed at softening the pathologically stiffened myocardium in heart failure patients.
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Freundt JK, Linke WA. Titin as a force-generating muscle protein under regulatory control. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 126:1474-1482. [PMID: 30521425 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00865.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Titin has long been recognized as a mechanical protein in muscle cells that has a main function as a molecular spring in the contractile units, the sarcomeres. Recent work suggests that the titin spring contributes to muscle contraction in a more active manner than previously thought. In this review, we highlight this property, specifically the ability of the immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains of titin to undergo unfolding-refolding transitions when isolated titin molecules or skeletal myofibrils are held at physiological force levels. Folding of titin Ig domains under force is a hitherto unappreciated, putative source of work production in muscle cells, which could work in synergy with the actomyosin system to maximize the energy delivered by a stretched, actively contracting muscle. This review also focuses on the mechanisms shown to modulate titin-based viscoelastic forces in skeletal muscle cells, including chaperone binding, titin oxidation, phosphorylation, Ca2+ binding, and interaction with actin filaments. Along the way, we discuss which of these modulatory mechanisms might contribute to the phenomenon of residual force enhancement relevant for eccentric muscle contractions. Finally, a brief perspective is added on the potential for the alterations in titin-based force to dynamically alter mechano-chemical signaling pathways in the muscle cell. We conclude that titin from skeletal muscle is a determinant of both passive and active tension and a bona fide mechanosensor, whose stiffness is tuned by various independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna K Freundt
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Muenster , Muenster , Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Linke
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Muenster , Muenster , Germany
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19
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Micromechanics of root development in soil. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2018; 51:18-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Kellermayer M, Sziklai D, Papp Z, Decker B, Lakatos E, Mártonfalvi Z. Topology of interaction between titin and myosin thick filaments. J Struct Biol 2018; 203:46-53. [PMID: 29738832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Titin is a giant protein spanning between the Z- and M-lines of the sarcomere. In the A-band titin is associated with the myosin thick filament. It has been speculated that titin may serve as a blueprint for thick-filament formation due to the super-repeat structure of its A-band domains. Accordingly, titin might provide a template that determines the length and structural periodicity of the thick filament. Here we tested the titin ruler hypothesis by mixing titin and myosin at in situ stoichiometric ratios (300 myosins per 12 titins) in buffers of different ionic strength (KCl concentration range 100-300 mM). The topology of the filamentous complexes was investigated with atomic force microscopy. We found that the samples contained distinct, segregated populations of titin molecules and myosin thick filaments. We were unable to identify complexes in which myosin molecules were regularly associated to either mono- or oligomeric titin in either relaxed or stretched states of the titin filaments. Thus, the electrostatically driven self-association is stronger in both myosin and titin than their binding to each other, and it is unlikely that titin functions as a geometrical template for thick-filament formation. However, when allowed to equilibrate configurationally, long myosin thick filaments appeared with titin oligomers attached to their surface. The titin meshwork formed on the thick-filament surface may play a role in controlling thick-filament length by regulating the structural dynamics of myosin molecules and placing a mechanical limit on the filament length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miklós Kellermayer
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest H1094, Hungary.
| | - Dominik Sziklai
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest H1094, Hungary
| | - Zsombor Papp
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest H1094, Hungary
| | - Brennan Decker
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest H1094, Hungary
| | - Eszter Lakatos
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest H1094, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Mártonfalvi
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest H1094, Hungary
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21
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Stretch your heart-but not too far: The role of titin mutations in dilated cardiomyopathy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018; 156:209-214. [PMID: 29685583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2017.10.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang A. Linke
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislaufforschung, Partner Site Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Cardiac Mechanotransduction Group, Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
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23
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Khoury LR, Nowitzke J, Shmilovich K, Popa I. Study of Biomechanical Properties of Protein-Based Hydrogels Using Force-Clamp Rheometry. Macromolecules 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.7b02160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luai R. Khoury
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, 3135 North Maryland Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Joel Nowitzke
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, 3135 North Maryland Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Kirill Shmilovich
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, 3135 North Maryland Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Ionel Popa
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, 3135 North Maryland Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
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24
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Steinberg G, Schuster M, Hacker C, Kilaru S, Correia A. ATP prevents Woronin bodies from sealing septal pores in unwounded cells of the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. Cell Microbiol 2017; 19. [PMID: 28671740 PMCID: PMC5656841 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Septa of filamentous ascomycetes are perforated by septal pores that allow communication between individual hyphal compartments. Upon injury, septal pores are plugged rapidly by Woronin bodies (WBs), thereby preventing extensive cytoplasmic bleeding. The mechanism by which WBs translocate into the pore is not known, but it has been suggested that wound‐induced cytoplasmic bleeding “flushes” WBs into the septal opening. Alternatively, contraction of septum‐associated tethering proteins may pull WBs into the septal pore. Here, we investigate WB dynamics in the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. Ultrastructural studies showed that 3.4 ± 0.2 WBs reside on each side of a septum and that single WBs of 128.5 ± 3.6 nm in diameter seal the septal pore (41 ± 1.5 nm). Live cell imaging of green fluorescent ZtHex1, a major protein in WBs, and the integral plasma membrane protein ZtSso1 confirms WB translocation into the septal pore. This was associated with the occasional formation of a plasma membrane “balloon,” extruding into the dead cell, suggesting that the plasma membrane rapidly seals the wounded septal pore wound. Minor amounts of fluorescent ZtHex1‐enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) appeared associated with the “ballooning” plasma membrane, indicating that cytoplasmic ZtHex1‐eGFP is recruited to the extending plasma membrane. Surprisingly, in ~15% of all cases, WBs moved from the ruptured cell into the septal pore. This translocation against the cytoplasmic flow suggests that an active mechanism drives WB plugging. Indeed, treatment of unwounded and intact cells with the respiration inhibitor carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenyl hydrazone induced WB translocation into the pores. Moreover, carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenyl hydrazone treatment recruited cytoplasmic ZtHex1‐eGFP to the lateral plasma membrane of the cells. Thus, keeping the WBs out of the septal pores, in Z. tritici, is an ATP‐dependent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gero Steinberg
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.,Department of Biology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Ana Correia
- Bioimaging Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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