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Kang M, Senatore AJ, Naughton H, McTigue M, Beltman RJ, Herppich AA, Pflum MKH, Howe AK. Protein kinase A is a functional component of focal adhesions. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107234. [PMID: 38552737 PMCID: PMC11044056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107234] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) form the junction between extracellular matrix (ECM)-bound integrins and the actin cytoskeleton and also transmit signals that regulate cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics, and cell migration. While many of these signals are rooted in reversible tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphorylation of FA proteins on Ser/Thr residues is far more abundant yet its mechanisms and consequences are far less understood. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A; PKA) has important roles in cell adhesion and cell migration and is both an effector and regulator of integrin-mediated adhesion to the ECM. Importantly, subcellular localization plays a critically important role in specifying PKA function. Here, we show that PKA is present in isolated FA-cytoskeleton complexes and active within FAs in live cells. Furthermore, using kinase-catalyzed biotinylation of isolated FA-cytoskeleton complexes, we identify 53 high-stringency candidate PKA substrates within FAs. From this list, we validate tensin-3 (Tns3)-a well-established molecular scaffold, regulator of cell migration, and a component of focal and fibrillar adhesions-as a novel direct substrate for PKA. These observations identify a new pathway for phospho-regulation of Tns3 and, importantly, establish a new and important niche for localized PKA signaling and thus provide a foundation for further investigation of the role of PKA in the regulation of FA dynamics and signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingu Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Amanda J Senatore
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Hannah Naughton
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Madeline McTigue
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Rachel J Beltman
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Andrew A Herppich
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Mary Kay H Pflum
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Alan K Howe
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
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Kang M, Senatore AJ, Naughton H, McTigue M, Beltman RJ, Herppich AA, Pflum MKH, Howe AK. Protein Kinase A is a Functional Component of Focal Adhesions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.18.553932. [PMID: 37645771 PMCID: PMC10462105 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.18.553932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) form the junction between extracellular matrix (ECM)-bound integrins and the actin cytoskeleton and also transmit signals that regulate cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics, and cell migration. While many of these signals are rooted in reversible tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphorylation of FA proteins on Ser/Thr residues is far more abundant yet its mechanisms and consequences are far less understood. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A; PKA) has important roles in cell adhesion and cell migration and is both an effector and regulator of integrin-mediated adhesion to the ECM. Importantly, subcellular localization plays a critically important role in specifying PKA function. Here, we show that PKA is present in isolated FA-cytoskeleton complexes and active within FAs in live cells. Furthermore, using kinase-catalyzed biotinylation of isolated FA-cytoskeleton complexes, we identify fifty-three high-stringency candidate PKA substrates within FAs. From this list, we validate tensin-3 (Tns3) - a well-established molecular scaffold, regulator of cell migration, and component of focal and fibrillar adhesions - as a novel direct substrate for PKA. These observations identify a new pathway for phospho-regulation of Tns3 and, importantly, establish a new and important niche for localized PKA signaling and thus provide a foundation for further investigation of the role of PKA in the regulation of FA dynamics and signaling.
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Sanchez C, Ramirez A, Hodgson L. Unravelling molecular dynamics in living cells: Fluorescent protein biosensors for cell biology. J Microsc 2024. [PMID: 38357769 PMCID: PMC11324865 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13270] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded, fluorescent protein (FP)-based Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors are microscopy imaging tools tailored for the precise monitoring and detection of molecular dynamics within subcellular microenvironments. They are characterised by their ability to provide an outstanding combination of spatial and temporal resolutions in live-cell microscopy. In this review, we begin by tracing back on the historical development of genetically encoded FP labelling for detection in live cells, which lead us to the development of early biosensors and finally to the engineering of single-chain FRET-based biosensors that have become the state-of-the-art today. Ultimately, this review delves into the fundamental principles of FRET and the design strategies underpinning FRET-based biosensors, discusses their diverse applications and addresses the distinct challenges associated with their implementation. We place particular emphasis on single-chain FRET biosensors for the Rho family of guanosine triphosphate hydrolases (GTPases), pointing to their historical role in driving our understanding of the molecular dynamics of this important class of signalling proteins and revealing the intricate relationships and regulatory mechanisms that comprise Rho GTPase biology in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colline Sanchez
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Ramirez
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Louis Hodgson
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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A FRET-Based Biosensor for the Src N-Terminal Regulatory Element. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12020096. [PMID: 35200356 PMCID: PMC8870054 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In signaling proteins, intrinsically disordered regions often represent regulatory elements, which are sensitive to environmental effects, ligand binding, and post-translational modifications. The conformational space sampled by disordered regions can be affected by environmental stimuli and these changes trigger, vis a vis effector domain, downstream processes. The disordered nature of these regulatory elements enables signal integration and graded responses but prevents the application of classical approaches for drug screening based on the existence of a fixed three-dimensional structure. We have designed a genetically encodable biosensor for the N-terminal regulatory element of the c-Src kinase, the first discovered protooncogene and lead representative of the Src family of kinases. The biosensor is formed by two fluorescent proteins forming a FRET pair fused at the two extremes of a construct including the SH4, unique and SH3 domains of Src. An internal control is provided by an engineered proteolytic site allowing the generation of an identical mixture of the disconnected fluorophores. We show FRET variations induced by ligand binding. The biosensor has been used for a high-throughput screening of a library of 1669 compounds with seven hits confirmed by NMR.
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Liu B, Stone OJ, Pablo M, Herron JC, Nogueira AT, Dagliyan O, Grimm JB, Lavis LD, Elston TC, Hahn KM. Biosensors based on peptide exposure show single molecule conformations in live cells. Cell 2021; 184:5670-5685.e23. [PMID: 34637702 PMCID: PMC8556369 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We describe an approach to study the conformation of individual proteins during single particle tracking (SPT) in living cells. "Binder/tag" is based on incorporation of a 7-mer peptide (the tag) into a protein where its solvent exposure is controlled by protein conformation. Only upon exposure can the peptide specifically interact with a reporter protein (the binder). Thus, simple fluorescence localization reflects protein conformation. Through direct excitation of bright dyes, the trajectory and conformation of individual proteins can be followed. Simple protein engineering provides highly specific biosensors suitable for SPT and FRET. We describe tagSrc, tagFyn, tagSyk, tagFAK, and an orthogonal binder/tag pair. SPT showed slowly diffusing islands of activated Src within Src clusters and dynamics of activation in adhesions. Quantitative analysis and stochastic modeling revealed in vivo Src kinetics. The simplicity of binder/tag can provide access to diverse proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Orrin J Stone
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael Pablo
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Program in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - J Cody Herron
- Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ana T Nogueira
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Onur Dagliyan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jonathan B Grimm
- Janelia Research Campus, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Luke D Lavis
- Janelia Research Campus, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Timothy C Elston
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Klaus M Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Mishra YG, Manavathi B. Focal adhesion dynamics in cellular function and disease. Cell Signal 2021; 85:110046. [PMID: 34004332 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acting as a bridge between the cytoskeleton of the cell and the extra cellular matrix (ECM), the cell-ECM adhesions with integrins at their core, play a major role in cell signalling to direct mechanotransduction, cell migration, cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, growth and repair. Biochemically, these adhesions are composed of diverse, yet an organised group of structural proteins, receptors, adaptors, various enzymes including protein kinases, phosphatases, GTPases, proteases, etc. as well as scaffolding molecules. The major integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) characterised are focal adhesions (FAs), invadosomes (podosomes and invadopodia), hemidesmosomes (HDs) and reticular adhesions (RAs). The varied composition and regulation of the IACs and their signalling, apart from being an integral part of normal cell survival, has been shown to be of paramount importance in various developmental and pathological processes. This review per-illustrates the recent advancements in the research of IACs, their crucial roles in normal as well as diseased states. We have also touched on few of the various methods that have been developed over the years to visualise IACs, measure the forces they exert and study their signalling and molecular composition. Having such pertinent roles in the context of various pathologies, these IACs need to be understood and studied to develop therapeutical targets. We have given an update to the studies done in recent years and described various techniques which have been applied to study these structures, thereby, providing context in furthering research with respect to IAC targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaswi Gayatri Mishra
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Bramanandam Manavathi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India.
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Structural insights into redox-active cysteine residues of the Src family kinases. Redox Biol 2021; 41:101934. [PMID: 33765616 PMCID: PMC8022254 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Src Family Kinases (SFKs) are pivotal regulators of cellular signal transduction and highly sought-after targets in drug discovery. Their actions within cells are controlled by alterations in protein phosphorylation that switch the SFKs from autoinhibited to active states. The SFKs are also well recognized to contain redox-active cysteine residues where oxidation of certain residues directly contribute to kinase function. To more completely understand the factors that influence cysteine oxidation within the SFKs, a review is presented of the local structural environments surrounding SFK cysteine residues compared to their quantified oxidation in vivo from the Oximouse database. Generally, cysteine local structure and degree of redox sensitivity vary with respect to sequence conservation. Cysteine residues found in conserved positions are more mildly redox-active as they are found in hydrophobic environments and not fully exposed to solvent. Non-conserved redox-active cysteines are generally the most reactive with direct solvent access and/or in hydrophilic environments. Results from this analysis motivate future efforts to conduct comprehensive proteome-wide analysis of redox-sensitivity, conservation, and local structural environments of proteins containing reactive cysteine residues.
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Koudelková L, Brábek J, Rosel D. Src kinase: Key effector in mechanosignalling. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 131:105908. [PMID: 33359015 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells have developed a unique set of molecular mechanisms that allows them to probe mechanical properties of the surrounding environment. These systems are based on deformable primary mechanosensors coupled to tension transmitting proteins and enzymes generating biochemical signals. This modular setup enables to transform a mechanical load into more versatile biochemical information. Src kinase appears to be one of the central components of the mechanotransduction network mediating force-induced signalling across multiple cellular contexts. In tight cooperation with primary sensors and the cytoskeleton, Src functions as an effector molecule necessary for transformation of mechanical stimuli into biochemical outputs executing cellular response and adaptation to mechanical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Koudelková
- Department of Cell Biology, Charles University, 12800, Prague, Czech Republic; Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Brábek
- Department of Cell Biology, Charles University, 12800, Prague, Czech Republic; Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Rosel
- Department of Cell Biology, Charles University, 12800, Prague, Czech Republic; Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University (BIOCEV), 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic.
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Gordon E, Schimmel L, Frye M. The Importance of Mechanical Forces for in vitro Endothelial Cell Biology. Front Physiol 2020; 11:684. [PMID: 32625119 PMCID: PMC7314997 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood and lymphatic vessels are lined by endothelial cells which constantly interact with their luminal and abluminal extracellular environments. These interactions confer physical forces on the endothelium, such as shear stress, stretch and stiffness, to mediate biological responses. These physical forces are often altered during disease, driving abnormal endothelial cell behavior and pathology. Therefore, it is critical that we understand the mechanisms by which endothelial cells respond to physical forces. Traditionally, endothelial cells in culture are grown in the absence of flow on stiff substrates such as plastic or glass. These cells are not subjected to the physical forces that endothelial cells endure in vivo, thus the results of these experiments often do not mimic those observed in the body. The field of vascular biology now realize that an intricate analysis of endothelial signaling mechanisms requires complex in vitro systems to mimic in vivo conditions. Here, we will review what is known about the mechanical forces that guide endothelial cell behavior and then discuss the advancements in endothelial cell culture models designed to better mimic the in vivo vascular microenvironment. A wider application of these technologies will provide more biologically relevant information from cultured cells which will be reproducible to conditions found in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Gordon
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lilian Schimmel
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Maike Frye
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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10
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High-throughput transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of mesenchymal-amoeboid transition in 3D collagen. Sci Data 2020; 7:160. [PMID: 32461585 PMCID: PMC7253430 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-020-0499-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasticity of cancer cell invasion represents substantial hindrance for effective anti-metastatic therapy. To better understand the cancer cells’ plasticity, we performed complex transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells undergoing mesenchymal-amoeboid transition (MAT). As amoeboid migratory phenotype can fully manifest only in 3D conditions, all experiments were performed with 3D collagen-based cultures. Two previously described approaches to induce MAT were used: doxycycline-inducible constitutively active RhoA expression and dasatinib treatment. RNA sequencing was performed with ribo-depleted total RNA. Protein samples were analysed with tandem mass tag (TMT)-based mass spectrometry. The data provide unprecedented insight into transcriptome and proteome changes accompanying MAT in true 3D conditions. Measurement(s) | gene-expression profile endpoint • protein expression profiling • Proteome • transcriptome | Technology Type(s) | RNA sequencing • MSn spectrum • mass spectrometry | Factor Type(s) | doxycycline-inducible expression of EGFP-RhoA G14V gene • dasatinib treatment | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Homo sapiens |
Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.12084927
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11
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Mukherjee A, Singh R, Udayan S, Biswas S, Reddy PP, Manmadhan S, George G, Kumar S, Das R, Rao BM, Gulyani A. A Fyn biosensor reveals pulsatile, spatially localized kinase activity and signaling crosstalk in live mammalian cells. eLife 2020; 9:50571. [PMID: 32017701 PMCID: PMC7000222 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell behavior is controlled through spatio-temporally localized protein activity. Despite unique and often contradictory roles played by Src-family-kinases (SFKs) in regulating cell physiology, activity patterns of individual SFKs have remained elusive. Here, we report a biosensor for specifically visualizing active conformation of SFK-Fyn in live cells. We deployed combinatorial library screening to isolate a binding-protein (F29) targeting activated Fyn. Nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) analysis provides the structural basis of F29 specificity for Fyn over homologous SFKs. Using F29, we engineered a sensitive, minimally-perturbing fluorescence-resonance-energy-transfer (FRET) biosensor (FynSensor) that reveals cellular Fyn activity to be spatially localized, pulsatile and sensitive to adhesion/integrin signaling. Strikingly, growth factor stimulation further enhanced Fyn activity in pre-activated intracellular zones. However, inhibition of focal-adhesion-kinase activity not only attenuates Fyn activity, but abolishes growth-factor modulation. FynSensor imaging uncovers spatially organized, sensitized signaling clusters, direct crosstalk between integrin and growth-factor-signaling, and clarifies how compartmentalized Src-kinase activity may drive cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Mukherjee
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India.,SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Randhir Singh
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Sreeram Udayan
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Sayan Biswas
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Saumya Manmadhan
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Geen George
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Shilpa Kumar
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Ranabir Das
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Balaji M Rao
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, United States
| | - Akash Gulyani
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
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12
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DeNies MS, Liu AP, Schnell S. Are the biomedical sciences ready for synthetic biology? Biomol Concepts 2020; 11:23-31. [PMID: 31982863 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2020-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to construct a functional system from its individual components is foundational to understanding how it works. Synthetic biology is a broad field that draws from principles of engineering and computer science to create new biological systems or parts with novel function. While this has drawn well-deserved acclaim within the biotechnology community, application of synthetic biology methodologies to study biological systems has potential to fundamentally change how biomedical research is conducted by providing researchers with improved experimental control. While the concepts behind synthetic biology are not new, we present evidence supporting why the current research environment is conducive for integration of synthetic biology approaches within biomedical research. In this perspective we explore the idea of synthetic biology as a discovery science research tool and provide examples of both top-down and bottom-up approaches that have already been used to answer important physiology questions at both the organismal and molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell S DeNies
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Allen P Liu
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Santiago Schnell
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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