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Fenelon KD, Krause J, Koromila T. Opticool: Cutting-edge transgenic optical tools. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011208. [PMID: 38517915 PMCID: PMC10959397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Only a few short decades have passed since the sequencing of GFP, yet the modern repertoire of transgenically encoded optical tools implies an exponential proliferation of ever improving constructions to interrogate the subcellular environment. A myriad of tags for labeling proteins, RNA, or DNA have arisen in the last few decades, facilitating unprecedented visualization of subcellular components and processes. Development of a broad array of modern genetically encoded sensors allows real-time, in vivo detection of molecule levels, pH, forces, enzyme activity, and other subcellular and extracellular phenomena in ever expanding contexts. Optogenetic, genetically encoded optically controlled manipulation systems have gained traction in the biological research community and facilitate single-cell, real-time modulation of protein function in vivo in ever broadening, novel applications. While this field continues to explosively expand, references are needed to assist scientists seeking to use and improve these transgenic devices in new and exciting ways to interrogate development and disease. In this review, we endeavor to highlight the state and trajectory of the field of in vivo transgenic optical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli D. Fenelon
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Julia Krause
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Theodora Koromila
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Crowder JJ, Zeng Z, Novak AN, Alves NJ, Linnemann AK. Stabilization protects islet integrity during respirometry in the Oroboros Oxygraph-2K analyzer. Islets 2022; 14:128-138. [PMID: 35331085 PMCID: PMC8959522 DOI: 10.1080/19382014.2022.2054251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction of β-cells has been implicated as a contributor to diabetes pathogenesis, and efforts are ongoing to optimize analytical techniques that evaluate islet metabolism. High-resolution respirometry offers sensitive measurements of the respiratory effects of metabolic substrates and customizable manipulation of electron transport chain components, though the delicate nature of islets can pose challenges to conventional analyses. An affordable and reliable option for respirometry is the Oroboros Oxygraph-2 K system, which utilizes a stir bar to circulate reagents around cells. While this technique may be suitable for individual cells or mitochondria, the continual force exerted by the stir bar can have damaging effects on islet integrity. Herein, we demonstrate the protective benefits of a novel 3D-printed islet stabilization device and highlight the destructive effects of conventional Oxygraph analysis on islet integrity. Islet containment did not inhibit cellular responses to metabolic modulatory drugs, as indicated by robust fluctuations in oxygen consumption rates. The average size of wild-type mouse islets was significantly reduced following a standard Mito Stress Test within Oxygraph chambers, with a clear disruption in islet morphology and viability. Alternatively, containment of the islets within the interior chamber of the islet stabilization device yielded preservation of both islet morphology and increased cell viability/survival after respirometry analysis. Collectively, our study introduces a new and easily accessible tool to improve conventional Oxygraph respirometry of pancreatic islets by preserving natural islet structure and function throughout metabolic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J. Crowder
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ziqian Zeng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Alissa N. Novak
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nathan J. Alves
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Amelia K. Linnemann Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Amelia K. Linnemann
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- CONTACT Nathan J. Alves
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Biosensor for branched-chain amino acid metabolism in yeast and applications in isobutanol and isopentanol production. Nat Commun 2022; 13:270. [PMID: 35022416 PMCID: PMC8755756 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27852-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism fulfills numerous physiological roles and can be harnessed to produce valuable chemicals. However, the lack of eukaryotic biosensors specific for BCAA-derived products has limited the ability to develop high-throughput screens for strain engineering and metabolic studies. Here, we harness the transcriptional regulator Leu3p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to develop a genetically encoded biosensor for BCAA metabolism. In one configuration, we use the biosensor to monitor yeast production of isobutanol, an alcohol derived from valine degradation. Small modifications allow us to redeploy Leu3p in another biosensor configuration that monitors production of the leucine-derived alcohol, isopentanol. These biosensor configurations are effective at isolating high-producing strains and identifying enzymes with enhanced activity from screens for branched-chain higher alcohol (BCHA) biosynthesis in mitochondria as well as cytosol. Furthermore, this biosensor has the potential to assist in metabolic studies involving BCAA pathways, and offers a blueprint to develop biosensors for other products derived from BCAA metabolism. There are a lack of eukaryotic biosensors specific for branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)-derived products. Here the authors report a genetically encoded biosensor for BCAA metabolism based on the Leu3p transcriptional regulator; they use this to monitor yeast production of isobutanol and isopentanol.
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Duran L, López JM, Avalos JL. ¡Viva la mitochondria!: harnessing yeast mitochondria for chemical production. FEMS Yeast Res 2021; 20:5863938. [PMID: 32592388 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, offer a unique physicochemical environment enriched with a distinct set of enzymes, metabolites and cofactors ready to be exploited for metabolic engineering. In this review, we discuss how the mitochondrion has been engineered in the traditional sense of metabolic engineering or completely bypassed for chemical production. We then describe the more recent approach of harnessing the mitochondria to compartmentalize engineered metabolic pathways, including for the production of alcohols, terpenoids, sterols, organic acids and other valuable products. We explain the different mechanisms by which mitochondrial compartmentalization benefits engineered metabolic pathways to boost chemical production. Finally, we discuss the key challenges that need to be overcome to expand the applicability of mitochondrial engineering and reach the full potential of this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisset Duran
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - José Montaño López
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - José L Avalos
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Princeton Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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Gerelli E, Wagnières G, Joniová J. Stimulation of the oxygen consumption by photobiomodulation in the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane during hypoxia. TRANSLATIONAL BIOPHOTONICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/tbio.201900025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Gerelli
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic ImagingSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Georges Wagnières
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic ImagingSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Jaroslava Joniová
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic ImagingSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) Lausanne Switzerland
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Delp J, Funke M, Rudolf F, Cediel A, Bennekou SH, van der Stel W, Carta G, Jennings P, Toma C, Gardner I, van de Water B, Forsby A, Leist M. Development of a neurotoxicity assay that is tuned to detect mitochondrial toxicants. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:1585-1608. [PMID: 31190196 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02473-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many neurotoxicants affect energy metabolism in man, but currently available test methods may still fail to predict mito- and neurotoxicity. We addressed this issue using LUHMES cells, i.e., human neuronal precursors that easily differentiate into mature neurons. Within the NeuriTox assay, they have been used to screen for neurotoxicants. Our new approach is based on culturing the cells in either glucose or galactose (Glc-Gal-NeuriTox) as the main carbohydrate source during toxicity testing. Using this Glc-Gal-NeuriTox assay, 52 mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial toxicants were tested. The panel of chemicals comprised 11 inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I (cI), 4 inhibitors of cII, 8 of cIII, and 2 of cIV; 8 toxicants were included as they are assumed to be mitochondrial uncouplers. In galactose, cells became more dependent on mitochondrial function, which made them 2-3 orders of magnitude more sensitive to various mitotoxicants. Moreover, galactose enhanced the specific neurotoxicity (destruction of neurites) compared to a general cytotoxicity (plasma membrane lysis) of the toxicants. The Glc-Gal-NeuriTox assay worked particularly well for inhibitors of cI and cIII, while the toxicity of uncouplers and non-mitochondrial toxicants did not differ significantly upon glucose ↔ galactose exchange. As a secondary assay, we developed a method to quantify the inhibition of all mitochondrial respiratory chain functions/complexes in LUHMES cells. The combination of the Glc-Gal-NeuriTox neurotoxicity screening assay with the mechanistic follow up of target site identification allowed both, a more sensitive detection of neurotoxicants and a sharper definition of the mode of action of mitochondrial toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Delp
- Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department of Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Constance, Germany
- Cooperative Doctorate College InViTe, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Melina Funke
- Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department of Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Franziska Rudolf
- Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department of Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Andrea Cediel
- Swetox Unit for Toxicological Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Wanda van der Stel
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Giada Carta
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Jennings
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cosimo Toma
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via la Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Bob van de Water
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Forsby
- Swetox Unit for Toxicological Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcel Leist
- Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department of Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Constance, Germany.
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An Automated Multidose Synthesis of the Potentiometric PET Probe 4-[ 18F]Fluorobenzyl-Triphenylphosphonium ([ 18F]FBnTP). Mol Imaging Biol 2019; 20:205-212. [PMID: 28905308 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-017-1119-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was the automated synthesis of the mitochondrial membrane potential sensor 4-[18F]fluorobenzyl-triphenylphosphonium ([18F]FBnTP) on a commercially available synthesizer in activity yields (AY) that allow for imaging of multiple patients. PROCEDURES A three-pot, four-step synthesis was implemented on the ELIXYS FLEX/CHEM radiosynthesizer (Sofie Biosciences) and optimized for radiochemical yield (RCY), radiochemical purity (RCP) as well as chemical purity during several production runs (n = 24). The compound was purified by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with a Sep-Pak Plus Accell CM cartridge, thereby avoiding HPLC purification. RESULTS Under optimized conditions, AY of 1.4-2.2 GBq of [18F]FBnTP were obtained from 9.4 to 12.0 GBq [18F]fluoride in 90-92 min (RCY = 28.6 ± 5.1 % with n = 3). Molar activities ranged from 80 to 99 GBq/μmol at the end of synthesis. RCP of final formulations was > 99 % at the end of synthesis and > 95 % after 8 h. With starting activities of 23.2-33.0 GBq, RCY decreased to 16.1 ± 0.4 % (n = 3). The main cause of the decline in RCY when high amounts of [18F]fluoride are used is radiolytic decomposition of [18F]FBnTP during SPE purification. CONCLUSIONS In initial attempts, the probe was synthesized with RCY < 0.6 % when starting activities up to 44.6 GBq were used. Rapid radiolysis of the intermediate 4-[18F]fluorobenzaldehyde and the final product [18F]FBnTP during purification was identified as the main cause for low yields in high-activity runs. Radiolytic decomposition was hindered by the addition of radical scavengers during synthesis, purification, and formulation, thereby improving AY and RCP. The formulated probe in injectable form was synthesized without the use of HPLC and passed all applicable quality control tests.
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Harwig MC, Viana MP, Egner JM, Harwig JJ, Widlansky ME, Rafelski SM, Hill RB. Methods for imaging mammalian mitochondrial morphology: A prospective on MitoGraph. Anal Biochem 2018; 552:81-99. [PMID: 29505779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2018.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are found in a variety of shapes, from small round punctate structures to a highly interconnected web. This morphological diversity is important for function, but complicates quantification. Consequently, early quantification efforts relied on various qualitative descriptors that understandably reduce the complexity of the network leading to challenges in consistency across the field. Recent application of state-of-the-art computational tools have resulted in more quantitative approaches. This prospective highlights the implementation of MitoGraph, an open-source image analysis platform for measuring mitochondrial morphology initially optimized for use with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here Mitograph was assessed on five different mammalian cells types, all of which were accurately segmented by MitoGraph analysis. MitoGraph also successfully differentiated between distinct mitochondrial morphologies that ranged from entirely fragmented to hyper-elongated. General recommendations are also provided for confocal imaging of labeled mitochondria (using mito-YFP, MitoTracker dyes and immunostaining parameters). Widespread adoption of MitoGraph will help achieve a long-sought goal of consistent and reproducible quantification of mitochondrial morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Harwig
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, United States
| | - Matheus P Viana
- Visual Analytics and Comprehension Group, IBM Research, Brazil; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology and Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States
| | - John M Egner
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, United States
| | | | - Michael E Widlansky
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, United States
| | - Susanne M Rafelski
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology and Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States; Assay Development, Allen Institute for Cell Science, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States
| | - R Blake Hill
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, United States.
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Barrasso AP, Tong X, Poché RA. The mito::mKate2 mouse: A far-red fluorescent reporter mouse line for tracking mitochondrial dynamics in vivo. Genesis 2018; 56:10.1002/dvg.23087. [PMID: 29243279 PMCID: PMC5818295 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are incredibly dynamic organelles that undergo continuous fission and fusion events to control morphology, which profoundly impacts cell physiology including cell cycle progression. This is highlighted by the fact that most major human neurodegenerative diseases are due to specific disruptions in mitochondrial fission or fusion machinery and null alleles of these genes result in embryonic lethality. To gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of such disorders, tools for the in vivo assessment of mitochondrial dynamics are required. It would be particularly advantageous to simultaneously image mitochondrial fission-fusion coincident with cell cycle progression. To that end, we have generated a new transgenic reporter mouse, called mito::mKate2 that ubiquitously expresses a mitochondria localized far-red mKate2 fluorescent protein. Here we show that mito::mKate2 mice are viable and fertile and that mKate2 fluorescence can be spectrally separated from the previously developed Fucci cell cycle reporters. By crossing mito::mKate2 mice to the ROSA26R-mTmG dual fluorescent Cre reporter line, we also demonstrate the potential utility of mito::mKate2 for genetic mosaic analysis of mitochondrial phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony P. Barrasso
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xuefei Tong
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ross A. Poché
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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