1
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Wu RY, Wu CQ, Xie F, Xing X, Xu L. Building RNA-Mediated Artificial Signaling Pathways between Endogenous Genes. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:1777-1789. [PMID: 38872074 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00070] [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: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusSophisticated genetic networks play a pivotal role in orchestrating cellular responses through intricate signaling pathways across diverse environmental conditions. Beyond the inherent complexity of natural cellular signaling networks, the construction of artificial signaling pathways (ASPs) introduces a vast array of possibilities for reshaping cellular responses, enabling programmable control of living organisms. ASPs can be integrated with existing cellular networks and redirect output responses as desired, allowing seamless communication and coordination with other cellular processes, thereby achieving designable transduction within cells. Among diversified ASPs, establishing connections between originally independent endogenous genes is of particular significance in modifying the genetic networks, so that cells can be endowed with new capabilities to sense and deal with abnormal factors related to differentiated gene expression (i.e., solve the issues of the aberrant gene expression induced by either external or internal stimuli). In a typical scenario, the two genes X and Y in the cell are originally expressed independently. After the introduction of an ASP, changes in the expression of gene X may exert a designed impact on gene Y, subsequently inducing the cellular response related to gene Y. If X represents a disease signal and Y serves as a therapeutic module, the introduction of the ASP empowers cells with a new spontaneous defense system to handle potential risks, which holds great potential for both fundamental and translational studies.In this Account, we primarily review our endeavors in the construction of RNA-mediated ASPs between endogenous genes that can respond to differentiated RNA expression. In contrast to other molecules that may be restricted to specific pathways, synthetic RNA circuits can be easily utilized and expanded as a general platform for constructing ASPs with a high degree of programmability and tunability for diversified functionalities through predictable Watson-Crick base pairing. We first provide an overview of recent advancements in RNA-based genetic circuits, encompassing but not limited to utilization of RNA toehold switches, siRNA and CRISPR systems. Despite notable progress, most reported RNA circuits have to contain at least one exogenous RNA X as input or one engineered RNA Y as a target, which is not suitable for establishing endogenous gene connections. While exogenous RNAs can be engineered and controlled as desired, constructing a general and efficient platform for manipulation of naturally occurring RNAs poses a formidable challenge, especially for the mammalian system. With a focus on this goal, we are devoted to developing efficient strategies to manipulate cell responses by establishing RNA-mediated ASPs between endogenous genes, particularly in mammalian cells. Our step-by-step progress in engineering customized cell signaling circuits, from bacterial cells to mammalian cells, from gene expression regulation to phenotype control, and from small RNA to long mRNA of low abundance and more complex secondary structures, is systematically described. Finally, future perspectives and potential applications of these RNA-mediated ASPs between endogenous genes are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Yue Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chao-Qun Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fan Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiwen Xing
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Liang Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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2
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Li Y, Zhou H, Chen S, Li Y, Guo Y, Chen X, Wang S, Wang L, Gan Y, Zhang S, Zheng Y, Sheng J, Zhou Z, Wang R. Bioorthogonal labeling and profiling of N6-isopentenyladenosine (i6A) modified RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2808-2820. [PMID: 38426933 PMCID: PMC11014277 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae150] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical modifications in RNAs play crucial roles in diversifying their structures and regulating numerous biochemical processes. Since the 1990s, several hydrophobic prenyl-modifications have been discovered in various RNAs. Prenyl groups serve as precursors for terpenes and many other biological molecules. The processes of prenylation in different macromolecules have been extensively studied. We introduce here a novel chemical biology toolkit that not only labels i6A, a prenyl-modified RNA residue, by leveraging the unique reactivity of the prenyl group, but also provides a general strategy to incorporate fluorescence functionalities into RNAs for molecular tracking purposes. Our findings revealed that iodine-mediated cyclization reactions of the prenyl group occur rapidly, transforming i6A from a hydrogen-bond acceptor to a donor. Based on this reactivity, we developed an Iodine-Mediated Cyclization and Reverse Transcription (IMCRT) tRNA-seq method, which can profile all nine endogenous tRNAs containing i6A residues in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with single-base resolution. Furthermore, under stress conditions, we observed a decline in i6A levels in budding yeast, accompanied by significant decrease of mutation rate at A37 position. Thus, the IMCRT tRNA-seq method not only permits semi-quantification of i6A levels in tRNAs but also holds potential for transcriptome-wide detection and analysis of various RNA species containing i6A modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Hongling Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shasha Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yinan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yuyang Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiaoqian Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Li Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Youfang Gan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shusheng Zhang
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ya Ying Zheng
- Department of Chemistry and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Jia Sheng
- Department of Chemistry and The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Zhipeng Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
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3
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Sumi S, Hamada M, Saito H. Deep generative design of RNA family sequences. Nat Methods 2024; 21:435-443. [PMID: 38238559 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02148-8] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
RNA engineering has immense potential to drive innovation in biotechnology and medicine. Despite its importance, a versatile platform for the automated design of functional RNA is still lacking. Here, we propose RNA family sequence generator (RfamGen), a deep generative model that designs RNA family sequences in a data-efficient manner by explicitly incorporating alignment and consensus secondary structure information. RfamGen can generate novel and functional RNA family sequences by sampling points from a semantically rich and continuous representation. We have experimentally demonstrated the versatility of RfamGen using diverse RNA families. Furthermore, we confirmed the high success rate of RfamGen in designing functional ribozymes through a quantitative massively parallel assay. Notably, RfamGen successfully generates artificial sequences with higher activity than natural sequences. Overall, RfamGen significantly improves our ability to design functional RNA and opens up new potential for generative RNA engineering in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Sumi
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michiaki Hamada
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan.
- Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hirohide Saito
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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4
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Jones CH, Androsavich JR, So N, Jenkins MP, MacCormack D, Prigodich A, Welch V, True JM, Dolsten M. Breaking the mold with RNA-a "RNAissance" of life science. NPJ Genom Med 2024; 9:2. [PMID: 38195675 PMCID: PMC10776758 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, RNA therapeutics have gone from being a promising concept to one of the most exciting frontiers in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. The field is now entering what many call a renaissance or "RNAissance" which is being fueled by advances in genetic engineering and delivery systems to take on more ambitious development efforts. However, this renaissance is occurring at an unprecedented pace, which will require a different way of thinking if the field is to live up to its full potential. Recognizing this need, this article will provide a forward-looking perspective on the field of RNA medical products and the potential long-term innovations and policy shifts enabled by this revolutionary and game-changing technological platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nina So
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA
| | | | | | | | - Verna Welch
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA
| | - Jane M True
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA.
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5
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Kanarskaya MA, Pyshnyi DV, Lomzov AA. Diversity of Self-Assembled RNA Complexes: From Nanoarchitecture to Nanomachines. Molecules 2023; 29:10. [PMID: 38202593 PMCID: PMC10779776 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
New tool development for various nucleic acid applications is an essential task in RNA nanotechnology. Here, we determined the ability of self-limited complex formation by a pair of oligoribonucleotides carrying two pairwise complementary blocks connected by a linker of different lengths in each chain. The complexes were analyzed using UV melting, gel shift assay analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We have demonstrated the spontaneous formation of various self-limited and concatemer complexes. The linear concatemer complex is formed by a pair of oligomers without a linker in at least one of them. Longer linkers resulted in the formation of circular complexes. The self-limited complexes formation was confirmed using the toehold strand displacement. The MD simulations indicate the reliability of the complexes' structure and demonstrate their dynamics, which increase with the rise of complex size. The linearization of 2D circular complexes into 1D structures and a reverse cyclization process were demonstrated using a toehold-mediated approach. The approach proposed here for the construction and directed modification of the molecularity and shape of complexes will be a valuable tool in RNA nanotechnology, especially for the rational design of therapeutic nucleic acids with high target specificity and the programmable response of the immune system of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander A. Lomzov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (M.A.K.); (D.V.P.)
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6
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Malik S, Muhammad K, Waheed Y. Emerging Applications of Nanotechnology in Healthcare and Medicine. Molecules 2023; 28:6624. [PMID: 37764400 PMCID: PMC10536529 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowing the beneficial aspects of nanomedicine, scientists are trying to harness the applications of nanotechnology in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. There are also potential uses in designing medical tools and processes for the new generation of medical scientists. The main objective for conducting this research review is to gather the widespread aspects of nanomedicine under one heading and to highlight standard research practices in the medical field. Comprehensive research has been conducted to incorporate the latest data related to nanotechnology in medicine and therapeutics derived from acknowledged scientific platforms. Nanotechnology is used to conduct sensitive medical procedures. Nanotechnology is showing successful and beneficial uses in the fields of diagnostics, disease treatment, regenerative medicine, gene therapy, dentistry, oncology, aesthetics industry, drug delivery, and therapeutics. A thorough association of and cooperation between physicians, clinicians, researchers, and technologies will bring forward a future where there is a more calculated, outlined, and technically programed field of nanomedicine. Advances are being made to overcome challenges associated with the application of nanotechnology in the medical field due to the pathophysiological basis of diseases. This review highlights the multipronged aspects of nanomedicine and how nanotechnology is proving beneficial for the health industry. There is a need to minimize the health, environmental, and ethical concerns linked to nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiza Malik
- Bridging Health Foundation, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Muhammad
- Department of Biology, College of Science, UAE University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1401, Lebanon
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7
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McRae EKS, Rasmussen HØ, Liu J, Bøggild A, Nguyen MTA, Sampedro Vallina N, Boesen T, Pedersen JS, Ren G, Geary C, Andersen ES. Structure, folding and flexibility of co-transcriptional RNA origami. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 18:808-817. [PMID: 36849548 PMCID: PMC10566746 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01321-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
RNA origami is a method for designing RNA nanostructures that can self-assemble through co-transcriptional folding with applications in nanomedicine and synthetic biology. However, to advance the method further, an improved understanding of RNA structural properties and folding principles is required. Here we use cryogenic electron microscopy to study RNA origami sheets and bundles at sub-nanometre resolution revealing structural parameters of kissing-loop and crossover motifs, which are used to improve designs. In RNA bundle designs, we discover a kinetic folding trap that forms during folding and is only released after 10 h. Exploration of the conformational landscape of several RNA designs reveal the flexibility of helices and structural motifs. Finally, sheets and bundles are combined to construct a multidomain satellite shape, which is characterized by individual-particle cryo-electron tomography to reveal the domain flexibility. Together, the study provides a structural basis for future improvements to the design cycle of genetically encoded RNA nanodevices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan K S McRae
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Helena Østergaard Rasmussen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jianfang Liu
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Andreas Bøggild
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael T A Nguyen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Boesen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jan Skov Pedersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gang Ren
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Cody Geary
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ebbe Sloth Andersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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8
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Minkner R, Boonyakida J, Park EY, Wätzig H. Oligonucleotide separation techniques for purification and analysis: What can we learn for today's tasks? Electrophoresis 2022; 43:2402-2427. [PMID: 36285667 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202200079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids are the blueprint of life. They are not only the construction plan of the single cell or higher associations of them, but also necessary for function, communication and regulation. Due to the pandemic, the attention shifted in particular to their therapeutic potential as a vaccine. As pharmaceutical oligonucleotides are unique in terms of their stability and application, special delivery systems were also considered. Oligonucleotide production systems can vary and depend on the feasibility, availability, price and intended application. To achieve good purity, reliable results and match the strict specifications in the pharmaceutical industry, the separation of oligonucleotides is always essential. Besides the separation required for production, additional and specifically different separation techniques are needed for analysis to determine if the product complies with the designated specifications. After a short introduction to ribonucleic acids (RNAs), messenger RNA vaccines, and their production and delivery systems, an overview regarding separation techniques will be provided. This not only emphasises electrophoretic separations but also includes spin columns, extractions, precipitations, magnetic nanoparticles and several chromatographic separation principles, such as ion exchange chromatography, ion-pair reversed-phase, size exclusion and affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Minkner
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jirayu Boonyakida
- Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan.,Laboratory of Biotechnology, Green Chemistry Research Division, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Enoch Y Park
- Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan.,Laboratory of Biotechnology, Green Chemistry Research Division, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hermann Wätzig
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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9
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Elonen A, Natarajan AK, Kawamata I, Oesinghaus L, Mohammed A, Seitsonen J, Suzuki Y, Simmel FC, Kuzyk A, Orponen P. Algorithmic Design of 3D Wireframe RNA Polyhedra. ACS NANO 2022; 16:16608-16616. [PMID: 36178116 PMCID: PMC9620399 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We address the problem of de novo design and synthesis of nucleic acid nanostructures, a challenge that has been considered in the area of DNA nanotechnology since the 1980s and more recently in the area of RNA nanotechnology. Toward this goal, we introduce a general algorithmic design process and software pipeline for rendering 3D wireframe polyhedral nanostructures in single-stranded RNA. To initiate the pipeline, the user creates a model of the desired polyhedron using standard 3D graphic design software. As its output, the pipeline produces an RNA nucleotide sequence whose corresponding RNA primary structure can be transcribed from a DNA template and folded in the laboratory. As case examples, we design and characterize experimentally three 3D RNA nanostructures: a tetrahedron, a triangular bipyramid, and a triangular prism. The design software is openly available and also provides an export of the targeted 3D structure into the oxDNA molecular dynamics simulator for easy simulation and visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Elonen
- Department
of Computer Science, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | | | - Ibuki Kawamata
- Department
of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Natural
Science Division, Faculty of Core Research, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Lukas Oesinghaus
- Physics
Department E14, Technical University Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Abdulmelik Mohammed
- Department
of Computer Science, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, San José
State University, San José, California 95192, United States
| | - Jani Seitsonen
- Department
of Applied Physics and Nanomicroscopy Center, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Yuki Suzuki
- Department
of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Frontier
Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Division
of Chemistry for Materials, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Friedrich C. Simmel
- Physics
Department E14, Technical University Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Anton Kuzyk
- Department
of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Pekka Orponen
- Department
of Computer Science, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
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10
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Ryan J, Hong S, Foo M, Kim J, Tang X. Model-Based Investigation of the Relationship between Regulation Level and Pulse Property of I1-FFL Gene Circuits. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2417-2428. [PMID: 35729788 PMCID: PMC9295143 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mathematical models are powerful tools in guiding the construction of synthetic biological circuits, given their capability of accurately capturing and predicting circuit dynamics. Recent innovations in RNA technology have enabled the development of a variety of new tools for regulating gene expression at both the transcription and translation levels. However, the effects of different regulation levels on the circuit dynamics remain largely unexplored. In this study, we focus on the type 1 incoherent feed-forward loop (I1-FFL) gene circuit with four different variations (TX, TL, HY-1, HY-2), to investigate how regulation at the transcription and translation levels affect the circuit dynamics. We develop a mechanistic model for each of the four circuits and deploy sensitivity analysis to investigate the circuits' dynamics in terms of pulse generation. Based on the analysis, we observe that the repression regulation mechanism dominates the characteristics of the pulse as compared to the activation regulation mechanism and find that the I1-FFL with transcription repression has a higher chance of generating a pulse meeting the desired criteria. The experimental results in Escherichia coli also confirm our findings from the computational analysis. We expect our findings to facilitate future experimental construction of gene circuits with insights on the selection of appropriate transcription and translation regulation tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Ryan
- Cain
Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana
State University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Seongho Hong
- Department
of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science
and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
| | - Mathias Foo
- School
of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department
of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science
and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
| | - Xun Tang
- Cain
Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana
State University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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11
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Dykstra PB, Kaplan M, Smolke CD. Engineering synthetic RNA devices for cell control. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:215-228. [PMID: 34983970 PMCID: PMC9554294 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00436-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The versatility of RNA in sensing and interacting with small molecules, proteins and other nucleic acids while encoding genetic instructions for protein translation makes it a powerful substrate for engineering biological systems. RNA devices integrate cellular information sensing, processing and actuation of specific signals into defined functions and have yielded programmable biological systems and novel therapeutics of increasing sophistication. However, challenges centred on expanding the range of analytes that can be sensed and adding new mechanisms of action have hindered the full realization of the field's promise. Here, we describe recent advances that address these limitations and point to a significant maturation of synthetic RNA-based devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B. Dykstra
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matias Kaplan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christina D. Smolke
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.,
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12
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Climent-Catala A, Ouldridge TE, Stan GBV, Bae W. Building an RNA-Based Toggle Switch Using Inhibitory RNA Aptamers. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:562-569. [PMID: 35133150 PMCID: PMC9007568 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Synthetic
RNA systems offer unique advantages such as faster response,
increased specificity, and programmability compared to conventional
protein-based networks. Here, we demonstrate an in vitro RNA-based toggle switch using RNA aptamers capable of inhibiting
the transcriptional activity of T7 or SP6 RNA polymerases. The activities
of both polymerases are monitored simultaneously by using Broccoli
and malachite green light-up aptamer systems. In our toggle switch,
a T7 promoter drives the expression of SP6 inhibitory aptamers, and
an SP6 promoter expresses T7 inhibitory aptamers. We show that the
two distinct states originating from the mutual inhibition of aptamers
can be toggled by adding DNA sequences to sequester the RNA inhibitory
aptamers. Finally, we assessed our RNA-based toggle switch in degrading
conditions by introducing controlled degradation of RNAs using a mix
of RNases. Our results demonstrate that the RNA-based toggle switch
could be used as a control element for nucleic acid networks in synthetic
biology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Climent-Catala
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Thomas E. Ouldridge
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Guy-Bart V. Stan
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Wooli Bae
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
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13
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Hu XH, Xiong S. Fabrication of Nanodevices Through Block Copolymer Self-Assembly. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2022.762996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly, as a novel bottom-up patterning technique, has received increasing attention in the manufacture of nanodevices because of its significant advantages of high resolution, high throughput, low cost, and simple processing. BCP self-assembly provides a very powerful approach to constructing diverse nanoscale templates and patterns that meet large-scale manufacturing practices. For the past 20 years, the self-assembly of BCPs has been extensively employed to produce a range of nanodevices, such as nonvolatile memory, bit-patterned media (BPM), fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs), photonic nanodevices, solar cells, biological and chemical sensors, and ultrafiltration membranes, providing a variety of configurations for high-density integration and cost-efficient manufacturing. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the fabrication of nanodevices using the templates of BCP self-assembly, and present current challenges and future opportunities.
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14
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Krissanaprasit A, Key CM, Pontula S, LaBean TH. Self-Assembling Nucleic Acid Nanostructures Functionalized with Aptamers. Chem Rev 2021; 121:13797-13868. [PMID: 34157230 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have worked for many decades to master the rules of biomolecular design that would allow artificial biopolymer complexes to self-assemble and function similarly to the diverse biochemical constructs displayed in natural biological systems. The rules of nucleic acid assembly (dominated by Watson-Crick base-pairing) have been less difficult to understand and manipulate than the more complicated rules of protein folding. Therefore, nucleic acid nanotechnology has advanced more quickly than de novo protein design, and recent years have seen amazing progress in DNA and RNA design. By combining structural motifs with aptamers that act as affinity handles and add powerful molecular recognition capabilities, nucleic acid-based self-assemblies represent a diverse toolbox for use by bioengineers to create molecules with potentially revolutionary biological activities. In this review, we focus on the development of self-assembling nucleic acid nanostructures that are functionalized with nucleic acid aptamers and their great potential in wide ranging application areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhichart Krissanaprasit
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Carson M Key
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Sahil Pontula
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Thomas H LaBean
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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15
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Binzel DW, Li X, Burns N, Khan E, Lee WJ, Chen LC, Ellipilli S, Miles W, Ho YS, Guo P. Thermostability, Tunability, and Tenacity of RNA as Rubbery Anionic Polymeric Materials in Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine-Specific Cancer Targeting with Undetectable Toxicity. Chem Rev 2021; 121:7398-7467. [PMID: 34038115 PMCID: PMC8312718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology is the bottom-up self-assembly of nanometer-scale architectures, resembling LEGOs, composed mainly of RNA. The ideal building material should be (1) versatile and controllable in shape and stoichiometry, (2) spontaneously self-assemble, and (3) thermodynamically, chemically, and enzymatically stable with a long shelf life. RNA building blocks exhibit each of the above. RNA is a polynucleic acid, making it a polymer, and its negative-charge prevents nonspecific binding to negatively charged cell membranes. The thermostability makes it suitable for logic gates, resistive memory, sensor set-ups, and NEM devices. RNA can be designed and manipulated with a level of simplicity of DNA while displaying versatile structure and enzyme activity of proteins. RNA can fold into single-stranded loops or bulges to serve as mounting dovetails for intermolecular or domain interactions without external linking dowels. RNA nanoparticles display rubber- and amoeba-like properties and are stretchable and shrinkable through multiple repeats, leading to enhanced tumor targeting and fast renal excretion to reduce toxicities. It was predicted in 2014 that RNA would be the third milestone in pharmaceutical drug development. The recent approval of several RNA drugs and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines by FDA suggests that this milestone is being realized. Here, we review the unique properties of RNA nanotechnology, summarize its recent advancements, describe its distinct attributes inside or outside the body and discuss potential applications in nanotechnology, medicine, and material science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Binzel
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Xin Li
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Nicolas Burns
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Eshan Khan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wen-Jui Lee
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Satheesh Ellipilli
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wayne Miles
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yuan Soon Ho
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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16
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Bila D, Radwan Y, Dobrovolskaia MA, Panigaj M, Afonin KA. The Recognition of and Reactions to Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles by Human Immune Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26144231. [PMID: 34299506 PMCID: PMC8306967 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The relatively straightforward methods of designing and assembling various functional nucleic acids into nanoparticles offer advantages for applications in diverse diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. However, due to the novelty of this approach, nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) are not yet used in the clinic. The immune recognition of NANPs is among the areas of preclinical investigation aimed at enabling the translation of these novel materials into clinical settings. NANPs’ interactions with the complement system, coagulation systems, and immune cells are essential components of their preclinical safety portfolio. It has been established that NANPs’ physicochemical properties—composition, shape, and size—determine their interactions with immune cells (primarily blood plasmacytoid dendritic cells and monocytes), enable recognition by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), and mediate the subsequent cytokine response. However, unlike traditional therapeutic nucleic acids (e.g., CpG oligonucleotides), NANPs do not trigger a cytokine response unless they are delivered into the cells using a carrier. Recently, it was discovered that the type of carrier provides an additional tool for regulating both the spectrum and the magnitude of the cytokine response to NANPs. Herein, we review the current knowledge of NANPs’ interactions with various components of the immune system to emphasize the unique properties of these nanomaterials and highlight opportunities for their use in vaccines and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Bila
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, 04154 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Yasmine Radwan
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA;
| | - Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Martin Panigaj
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, 04154 Kosice, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (K.A.A.); Tel.: +421-55-234-1205 (M.P.); +1-704-687-0685 (K.A.A.)
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (K.A.A.); Tel.: +421-55-234-1205 (M.P.); +1-704-687-0685 (K.A.A.)
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17
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Xu J, Qiu X, Hildebrandt N. When Nanoworlds Collide: Implementing DNA Amplification, Nanoparticles, Molecules, and FRET into a Single MicroRNA Biosensor. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:4802-4808. [PMID: 34041910 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c01351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Isothermal nucleic acid amplification strategies have been combined with nanotechnology for advanced biosensing, material design, and biomedical applications. However, merging phenomena and materials of different nanoscales with the aim of exploiting all their benefits at once has remained a challenging endeavor. Here, we exemplify the various problems one can encounter when combining the nanodimensions of lanthanide complexes (∼2 nm), Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET, ∼5 nm), quantum dots (QDs, ∼20 nm), and rolling circle amplification (RCA, ∼250 nm) into a single microRNA biosensor and how these challenges can be overcome. Six different approaches, including simple FRET-RCA, enzyme-digesting FRET-RCA, and FRET-hyperbranched-RCA were investigated. We demonstrated specific miR-21 detection with 80 fM limit of detection and multiplexing capability with FRET from a Tb complex to different QDs. The detailed view on the various complex multi-nanodimensional assay systems elucidated the limited clinical translation of such sophisticated multicomponent nanobiosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyue Xu
- nanofret.com, Laboratoire Chimie Organique, Bioorganique, Réactivité et Analyse (COBRA), Université de Rouen Normandie, CNRS, INSA, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan Cedex, France
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, CEA, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Xue Qiu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 266003 Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266237 Qingdao, China
| | - Niko Hildebrandt
- nanofret.com, Laboratoire Chimie Organique, Bioorganique, Réactivité et Analyse (COBRA), Université de Rouen Normandie, CNRS, INSA, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan Cedex, France
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, CEA, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France
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18
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Minuesa G, Alsina C, Garcia-Martin JA, Oliveros J, Dotu I. MoiRNAiFold: a novel tool for complex in silico RNA design. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4934-4943. [PMID: 33956139 PMCID: PMC8136780 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel tools for in silico design of RNA constructs such as riboregulators are required in order to reduce time and cost to production for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic advances. Here, we present MoiRNAiFold, a versatile and user-friendly tool for de novo synthetic RNA design. MoiRNAiFold is based on Constraint Programming and it includes novel variable types, heuristics and restart strategies for Large Neighborhood Search. Moreover, this software can handle dozens of design constraints and quality measures and improves features for RNA regulation control of gene expression, such as Translation Efficiency calculation. We demonstrate that MoiRNAiFold outperforms any previous software in benchmarking structural RNA puzzles from EteRNA. Importantly, with regard to biologically relevant RNA designs, we focus on RNA riboregulators, demonstrating that the designed RNA sequences are functional both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, we have generated a powerful tool for de novo complex RNA design that we make freely available as a web server (https://moiraibiodesign.com/design/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Minuesa
- Moirai Biodesign, c/ Baldiri Reixach s/n, Parc Científic de Barcelona (PCB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Alsina
- Moirai Biodesign, c/ Baldiri Reixach s/n, Parc Científic de Barcelona (PCB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Garcia-Martin
- Bioinformatics for Genomics and Proteomics. National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC). c/ Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo Interdisciplinar de Sistemas Complejos (GISC), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Oliveros
- Bioinformatics for Genomics and Proteomics. National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC). c/ Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivan Dotu
- Moirai Biodesign, c/ Baldiri Reixach s/n, Parc Científic de Barcelona (PCB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Zakrevsky P, Calkins E, Kao YL, Singh G, Keleshian VL, Baudrey S, Jaeger L. In vitro selected GUAA tetraloop-binding receptors with structural plasticity and evolvability towards natural RNA structural modules. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:2289-2305. [PMID: 33524109 PMCID: PMC7913685 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
GNRA tetraloop-binding receptor interactions are key components in the macromolecular assembly of a variety of functional RNAs. In nature, there is an apparent bias for GAAA/11nt receptor and GYRA/helix interactions, with the former interaction being thermodynamically more stable than the latter. While past in vitro selections allowed isolation of novel GGAA and GUGA receptors, we report herein an in vitro selection that revealed several novel classes of specific GUAA receptors with binding affinities comparable to those from natural GAAA/11nt interactions. These GUAA receptors have structural homology with double-locked bulge RNA modules naturally occurring in ribosomal RNAs. They display mutational robustness that enables exploration of the sequence/phenotypic space associated to GNRA/receptor interactions through epistasis. Their thermodynamic self-assembly fitness landscape is characterized by a rugged neutral network with possible evolutionary trajectories toward natural GNRA/receptor interactions. High throughput sequencing analysis revealed synergetic mutations located away from the tertiary interactions that positively contribute to assembly fitness. Our study suggests that the repertoire of GNRA/receptor interactions is much larger than initially thought from the analysis of natural stable RNA molecules and also provides clues for their evolution towards natural GNRA/receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Zakrevsky
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
| | - Erin Calkins
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
| | - Yi-Ling Kao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
| | - Gurkeerat Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
| | - Vasken L Keleshian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
| | - Stephanie Baudrey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
| | - Luc Jaeger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
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20
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Cuba Samaniego C, Franco E. Ultrasensitive molecular controllers for quasi-integral feedback. Cell Syst 2021; 12:272-288.e3. [PMID: 33539724 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Feedback control has enabled the success of automated technologies by mitigating the effects of variability, unknown disturbances, and noise. While it is known that biological feedback loops reduce the impact of noise and help shape kinetic responses, many questions remain about how to design molecular integral controllers. Here, we propose a modular strategy to build molecular quasi-integral feedback controllers, which involves following two design principles. The first principle is to utilize an ultrasensitive response, which determines the gain of the controller and influences the steady-state error. The second is to use a tunable threshold of the ultrasensitive response, which determines the equilibrium point of the system. We describe a reaction network, named brink controller, that satisfies these conditions by combining molecular sequestration and an activation/deactivation cycle. With computational models, we examine potential biological implementations of brink controllers, and we illustrate different example applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Cuba Samaniego
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Elisa Franco
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Bioengineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Mechanical Engineering, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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21
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Avila YI, Chandler M, Cedrone E, Newton HS, Richardson M, Xu J, Clogston JD, Liptrott NJ, Afonin KA, Dobrovolskaia MA. Induction of Cytokines by Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles (NANPs) Depends on the Type of Delivery Carrier. Molecules 2021; 26:652. [PMID: 33513786 PMCID: PMC7865455 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent insights into the immunostimulatory properties of nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) have demonstrated that variations in the shape, size, and composition lead to distinct patterns in their immunostimulatory properties. While most of these studies have used a single lipid-based carrier to allow for NANPs' intracellular delivery, it is now apparent that the platform for delivery, which has historically been a hurdle for therapeutic nucleic acids, is an additional means to tailoring NANP immunorecognition. Here, the use of dendrimers for the delivery of NANPs is compared to the lipid-based platform and the differences in resulting cytokine induction are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelixza I. Avila
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223-0001, USA; (Y.I.A.); (M.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223-0001, USA; (Y.I.A.); (M.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Edward Cedrone
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.C.); (H.S.N.); (J.X.); (J.D.C.)
| | - Hannah S. Newton
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.C.); (H.S.N.); (J.X.); (J.D.C.)
| | - Melina Richardson
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223-0001, USA; (Y.I.A.); (M.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Jie Xu
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.C.); (H.S.N.); (J.X.); (J.D.C.)
| | - Jeffrey D. Clogston
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.C.); (H.S.N.); (J.X.); (J.D.C.)
| | - Neill J. Liptrott
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK;
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223-0001, USA; (Y.I.A.); (M.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.C.); (H.S.N.); (J.X.); (J.D.C.)
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22
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Translation of the long-term fundamental studies on viral DNA packaging motors into nanotechnology and nanomedicine. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:1103-1129. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1752-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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