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Nayak R, Duan M, Ling B, Jin Z, Malounda D, Shapiro MG. Harmonic imaging for nonlinear detection of acoustic biomolecules. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.18.599141. [PMID: 38948831 PMCID: PMC11212972 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.18.599141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Gas vesicles (GVs) based on acoustic reporter genes have emerged as potent contrast agents for cellular and molecular ultrasound imaging. These air-filled, genetically encoded protein nanostructures can be expressed in a variety of cell types in vivo to visualize cell location and activity or injected systemically to label and monitor tissue function. Distinguishing GVs from tissue signal deep inside intact organisms requires imaging approaches such as amplitude modulation (AM) or collapse-based pulse sequences, however they have limitations in sensitivity or require irreversible collapse of the GVs that restricts its scope for imaging dynamic cellular processes. To address these limitations, this study explores the utility of harmonic imaging to enhance the sensitivity of non-destructive imaging of GVs and cellular processes. Traditional fundamental-frequency imaging utilizing cross-wave AM (xAM) sequences has been deemed optimal for GV imaging. Contrary to this, we hypothesize that harmonic imaging, integrated with xAM could significantly elevate GV detection sensitivity. To verify our hypothesis, we conducted imaging on tissue-mimicking phantoms embedded with purified GVs, mammalian cells genetically modified to express GVs, and live mice after systemic GV infusion. Our findings reveal that harmonic xAM (HxAM) imaging markedly surpasses traditional xAM in isolating GVs' nonlinear acoustic signature, showcasing significant enhancements in signal-to-background and contrast-to-background ratios across all tested samples. Further investigation into the backscattered spectra elucidates the efficacy of harmonic imaging in conjunction with xAM. HxAM imaging enables the detection of lower concentrations of GVs and cells with ultrasound and extends the imaging depth in vivo by up to 20% and imaging performance metrics by up to 10dB. These advancements bolster the capabilities of ultrasound for molecular and cellular imaging, underscoring the potential of using harmonic signals to amplify GV detection.
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2
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Liu T, Wang J, Liu C, Wang Y, Li Z, Yan F. Characterization and Comparison of Contrast Imaging Properties of Naturally Isolated and Heterologously Expressed Gas Vesicles. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:755. [PMID: 38931421 PMCID: PMC11207003 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanoscale ultrasound contrast agents have attracted considerable interest in the medical imaging field for their ability to penetrate tumor vasculature and enable targeted imaging of cancer cells by attaching to tumor-specific ligands. Despite their potential, traditional chemically synthesized contrast agents face challenges related to complex synthesis, poor biocompatibility, and inconsistent imaging due to non-uniform particle sizes. To address these limitations, bio-synthesized nanoscale ultrasound contrast agents have been proposed as a viable alternative, offering advantages such as enhanced biocompatibility, consistent particle size for reliable imaging, and the potential for precise functionalization to improve tumor targeting. In this study, we successfully isolated cylindrical gas vesicles (GVs) from Serratia. 39006 and subsequently introduced the GVs-encoding gene cluster into Escherichia coli using genetic engineering techniques. We then characterized the contrast imaging properties of two kinds of purified GVs, using in vitro and in vivo methods. Our results demonstrated that naturally isolated GVs could produce stable ultrasound contrast signals in murine livers and tumors using clinical diagnostic ultrasound equipment. Additionally, heterologously expressed GVs from gene-engineered bacteria also exhibited good ultrasound contrast performance. Thus, our study presents favorable support for the application of genetic engineering techniques in the modification of gas vesicles for future biomedical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Liu
- Ultrasonic Medicine, Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China;
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, China
| | - Jieqiong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201206, China;
| | - Chenxing Liu
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (C.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (C.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Zhenzhou Li
- Ultrasonic Medicine, Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China;
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, China
| | - Fei Yan
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (C.L.); (Y.W.)
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3
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Wang J, Wang Y, Zhong L, Yan F, Zheng H. Nanoscale contrast agents: A promising tool for ultrasound imaging and therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 207:115200. [PMID: 38364906 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Nanoscale contrast agents have emerged as a versatile platform in the field of biomedical research, offering great potential for ultrasound imaging and therapy. Various kinds of nanoscale contrast agents have been extensively investigated in preclinical experiments to satisfy diverse biomedical applications. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the structure and composition of various nanoscale contrast agents, as well as their preparation and functionalization, encompassing both chemosynthetic and biosynthetic strategies. Subsequently, we delve into recent advances in the utilization of nanoscale contrast agents in various biomedical applications, including ultrasound molecular imaging, ultrasound-mediated drug delivery, and cell acoustic manipulation. Finally, the challenges and prospects of nanoscale contrast agents are also discussed to promote the development of this innovative nanoplatform in the field of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieqiong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lin Zhong
- School of public health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330019, China
| | - Fei Yan
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Hairong Zheng
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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4
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Li Z, Shen Q, Usher ET, Anderson AP, Iburg M, Lin R, Zimmer B, Meyer MD, Holehouse AS, You L, Chilkoti A, Dai Y, Lu GJ. Phase transition of GvpU regulates gas vesicle clustering in bacteria. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1021-1035. [PMID: 38553608 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01648-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Gas vesicles (GVs) are microbial protein organelles that support cellular buoyancy. GV engineering has multiple applications, including reporter gene imaging, acoustic control and payload delivery. GVs often cluster into a honeycomb pattern to minimize occupancy of the cytosol. The underlying molecular mechanism and the influence on cellular physiology remain unknown. Using genetic, biochemical and imaging approaches, here we identify GvpU from Priestia megaterium as a protein that regulates GV clustering in vitro and upon expression in Escherichia coli. GvpU binds to the C-terminal tail of the core GV shell protein and undergoes a phase transition to form clusters in subsaturated solution. These properties of GvpU tune GV clustering and directly modulate bacterial fitness. GV variants can be designed with controllable sensitivity to GvpU-mediated clustering, enabling design of genetically tunable biosensors. Our findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms and functional roles of GV clustering, enabling its programmability for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongru Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qionghua Shen
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emery T Usher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Manuel Iburg
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Richard Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brandon Zimmer
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew D Meyer
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lingchong You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Quantitative BioDesign, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Yifan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - George J Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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5
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Shen Q, Li Z, Wang Y, Meyer MD, De Guzman MT, Lim JC, Xiao H, Bouchard RR, Lu GJ. 50-nm Gas-Filled Protein Nanostructures to Enable the Access of Lymphatic Cells by Ultrasound Technologies. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2307123. [PMID: 38533973 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-mediated gene and drug delivery are rapidly advancing diagnostic and therapeutic methods; however, their use is often limited by the need for microbubbles, which cannot transverse many biological barriers due to their large size. Here, the authors introduce 50-nm gas-filled protein nanostructures derived from genetically engineered gas vesicles(GVs) that are referred to as 50 nmGVs. These diamond-shaped nanostructures have hydrodynamic diameters smaller than commercially available 50-nm gold nanoparticles and are, to the authors' knowledge, the smallest stable, free-floating bubbles made to date. 50 nmGVs can be produced in bacteria, purified through centrifugation, and remain stable for months. Interstitially injected 50 nmGVs can extravasate into lymphatic tissues and gain access to critical immune cell populations, and electron microscopy images of lymph node tissues reveal their subcellular location in antigen-presenting cells adjacent to lymphocytes. The authors anticipate that 50 nmGVs can substantially broaden the range of cells accessible to current ultrasound technologies and may generate applications beyond biomedicine as ultrasmall stable gas-filled nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qionghua Shen
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zongru Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yixian Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Matthew D Meyer
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Marc T De Guzman
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Janie C Lim
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
- SynthX Center, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Richard R Bouchard
- Department of Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - George J Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
- Rice Synthetic Biology Institute, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
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6
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Guo H, Han Q, Guan X, Li Z, Wang Y, He L, Guo Y, Zhao L, Xue X, Liu H, Zhang C. M6A reader YTHDF1 promotes malignant progression of laryngeal squamous carcinoma through activating the EMT pathway by EIF4A3. Cell Signal 2024; 114:111002. [PMID: 38048860 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the common malignant tumors in the head and neck region, and its high migration and invasion seriously threaten the survival and health of patients. In cancer development, m6A RNA modification plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and signaling. This study delved into the function and mechanism of the m6A reading protein YTHDF1 in LSCC. It was found that YTHDF1 was highly expressed in the GEO database and LSCC tissues. Cell function experiments confirmed that the downregulation of YTHDF1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of LSCC cells. Further studies revealed that EIF4A3 was a downstream target gene of YTHDF1, and knockdown of EIF4A3 similarly significantly inhibited the malignant progression of LSCC in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The molecular mechanism studies suggested that YTHDF1-EIF4A3 may promote the malignant development of LSCC by activating the EMT signaling pathway. This study provides important clues for an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of LSCC and is a solid foundation for the discovery of new therapeutic targets and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huina Guo
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Qi Han
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xiaoya Guan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Zhongxun Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Long He
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Yujia Guo
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Liting Zhao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xuting Xue
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Hongliang Liu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, the Basic Medical School of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Chunming Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
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7
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Ling B, Ko JH, Stordy B, Zhang Y, Didden TF, Malounda D, Swift MB, Chan WCW, Shapiro MG. Gas Vesicle-Blood Interactions Enhance Ultrasound Imaging Contrast. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:10748-10757. [PMID: 37983479 PMCID: PMC10722532 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Gas vesicles (GVs) are genetically encoded, air-filled protein nanostructures of broad interest for biomedical research and clinical applications, acting as imaging and therapeutic agents for ultrasound, magnetic resonance, and optical techniques. However, the biomedical applications of GVs as systemically injectable nanomaterials have been hindered by a lack of understanding of GVs' interactions with blood components, which can significantly impact in vivo behavior. Here, we investigate the dynamics of GVs in the bloodstream using a combination of ultrasound and optical imaging, surface functionalization, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry. We find that erythrocytes and serum proteins bind to GVs and shape their acoustic response, circulation time, and immunogenicity. We show that by modifying the GV surface we can alter these interactions and thereby modify GVs' in vivo performance. These results provide critical insights for the development of GVs as agents for nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bill Ling
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Jeong Hoon Ko
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Benjamin Stordy
- Institute
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Terrence
Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S
3E1, Canada
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Institute
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Terrence
Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S
3E1, Canada
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Tighe F. Didden
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Dina Malounda
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Margaret B. Swift
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Warren C. W. Chan
- Institute
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Terrence
Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S
3E1, Canada
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Mikhail G. Shapiro
- Division
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
- Division
of Engineering and Applied Science, California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
- Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, California Institute
of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
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8
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Zhang C, Qi G, Kong J, Diao X, Ju X, Wang J, Dong S, Jin Y. Label-Free Single-Cell SERS Detection and Fluorescence Imaging of Molecular Responses to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress under Electrical Stimulation. Anal Chem 2023; 95:17716-17725. [PMID: 38008927 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is one of the most important organelles in eukaryotic cells, in which most proteins and lipids are synthesized to regulate complex cellular processes. Generally, the excessive accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins can disturb ER homeostasis and induce endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Howbeit, the molecular stress responses within ERS and metastatic behaviors of tumor cells during electrical stimulation (ES) are still poorly investigated and remain a challenge. In this study, by the combined use of fluorescence imaging, ER-targeting plasmonic nanoprobes were developed to trace molecular stress response profiling within the ER during a constant-voltage ES process at ∼1 V based on label-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The excess accumulation of β-misfolded proteins was found after the ES, leading to breaking of the ER homeostasis and further inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, the excessive stress of ER under ES can destroy the calcium ion balance and induce significant upregulation of calreticulin expression. Importantly, the content ratio of two kinds of cadherin between E-cadherin and N-cadherin was gradually improved with the voltages boosted. Meanwhile, the epithelial adhesion factor expression was ascended with voltages amplified, leading to inhibiting tumor cell migration at low voltages or death under higher voltages (∼1 V). This study provides cellular insights into the ES approach for tumor therapy and also provides a simple and effective method for detecting molecular stress responses in endoplasmic reticulum stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Zhang
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Guohua Qi
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Jiao Kong
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xingkang Diao
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xingkai Ju
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- Department of Endodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Shaojun Dong
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yongdong Jin
- Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
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9
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Feng Y, Hao Y, Wang Y, Song W, Zhang S, Ni D, Yan F, Sun L. Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Bladder Cancer via Extradomain B Fibronectin-Targeted Biosynthetic GVs. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:4871-4884. [PMID: 37662687 PMCID: PMC10474871 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s412422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ultrasound molecular imaging (UMI) has proven promising to diagnose the onset and progression of diseases such as angiogenesis, inflammation, and thrombosis. However, microbubble-based acoustic probes are confined to intravascular targets due to their relatively large particle size, greatly reducing the application value of UMI, especially for extravascular targets. Extradomain B fibronectin (ED-B FN) is an important glycoprotein associated with tumor genesis and development and highly expressed in many types of tumors. Here, we developed a gas vesicles (GVs)-based nanoscale acoustic probe (ZD2-GVs) through conjugating ZD2 peptides which can specially target to ED-B FN to the biosynthetic GVs. Materials and Methods ED-B FN expression was evaluated in normal liver and tumor tissues with immunofluorescence and Western blot. ZD2-GVs were prepared by conjugating ZD2 to the surface of GVs by amide reaction. The inverted microscope was used to analyze the targeted binding capacity of ZD2-GVs to MB49 cells (bladder cancer cell line). The contrast-enhanced imaging features of GVs, non-targeted control GVs (CTR-GVs), and targeted GVs (ZD2-GVs) were compared in three MB49 tumor mice. The penetration ability of ZD2-GVs in tumor tissues was assessed by fluorescence immunohistochemistry. The biosafety of GVs was evaluated by CCK8, blood biochemistry, and HE staining. Results Strong ED-B FN expression was observed in tumor tissues while little expression in normal liver tissues. The resulting ZD2-GVs had only 267.73 ± 2.86 nm particle size and exhibited excellent binding capability to the MB49 tumor cells. The in vivo UMI experiments showed that ZD2-GVs produced stronger and longer retention in the BC tumors than that of the non-targeted CTR-GVs and GVs. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry confirmed that ZD2-GVs could penetrate the tumor vascular into the interstitial space of the tumors. Biosafety analysis revealed there was no significant cytotoxicity to these tested mice. Conclusion Thus, ZD2-GVs can function as a potential UMI probe for the early diagnosis of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Feng
- Cancer Center, Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Abdominal Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongsheng Hao
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weijian Song
- Cancer Center, Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanxin Zhang
- Cancer Center, Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dong Ni
- Medical Ultrasound Image Computing (MUSIC) Laboratory, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Yan
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Litao Sun
- Cancer Center, Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China
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Ling B, Ko JH, Stordy B, Zhang Y, Didden TF, Malounda D, Swift MB, Chan WC, Shapiro MG. Gas vesicle-blood interactions enhance ultrasound imaging contrast. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.24.550434. [PMID: 37546852 PMCID: PMC10402017 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.24.550434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Gas vesicles (GVs) are genetically encoded, air-filled protein nanostructures of broad interest for biomedical research and clinical applications, acting as imaging and therapeutic agents for ultrasound, magnetic resonance, and optical techniques. However, the biomedical applications of GVs as a systemically injectable nanomaterial have been hindered by a lack of understanding of GVs' interactions with blood components, which can significantly impact in vivo performance. Here, we investigate the dynamics of GVs in the bloodstream using a combination of ultrasound and optical imaging, surface functionalization, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry. We find that erythrocytes and serum proteins bind to GVs and shape their acoustic response, circulation time, and immunogenicity. We show that by modifying the GV surface, we can alter these interactions and thereby modify GVs' in vivo performance. These results provide critical insights for the development of GVs as agents for nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bill Ling
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology; Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Jeong Hoon Ko
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology; Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Benjamin Stordy
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Terence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Terence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Tighe F. Didden
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology; Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Dina Malounda
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology; Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Margaret B. Swift
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology; Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Warren C.W. Chan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Terence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Mikhail G. Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology; Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology; Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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Shen Q, Li Z, Meyer MD, De Guzman MT, Lim JC, Bouchard RR, Lu GJ. 50-nm gas-filled protein nanostructures to enable the access of lymphatic cells by ultrasound technologies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546433. [PMID: 37425762 PMCID: PMC10327079 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-mediated gene and drug delivery are rapidly advancing diagnostic and therapeutic methods; however, their use is often limited by the need of microbubbles, which cannot transverse many biological barriers due to their large size. Here we introduce 50-nm gas-filled protein nanostructures derived from genetically engineered gas vesicles that we referred to as 50nm GVs. These diamond-shaped nanostructures have hydrodynamic diameters smaller than commercially available 50-nm gold nanoparticles and are, to our knowledge, the smallest stable, free-floating bubbles made to date. 50nm GVs can be produced in bacteria, purified through centrifugation, and remain stable for months. Interstitially injected 50nm GVs can extravasate into lymphatic tissues and gain access to critical immune cell populations, and electron microscopy images of lymph node tissues reveal their subcellular location in antigen-presenting cells adjacent to lymphocytes. We anticipate that 50nm GVs can substantially broaden the range of cells accessible to current ultrasound technologies and may generate applications beyond biomedicine as ultrasmall stable gas-filled nanomaterials.
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