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Hiers RD, Khajotia SS, Merritt J, Esteban Florez FL. Optimization of an ultra-bright real-time high-throughput renilla luciferase assay for antibacterial assessment of Streptococcus mutans biofilms. Dent Mater 2024; 40:1313-1321. [PMID: 38876827 PMCID: PMC11330348 DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2024.06.012] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present work demonstrates the optimization of a renilla-based real-time, ultra-bright, non-disruptive, high-throughput bioluminescence assay (HTS) to assess the metabolism of intact Streptococcus mutans biofilms and its utility in screening the antibacterial efficacy of experimental nanofilled dental adhesive resins containing varying concentrations of nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (N_TiO2). METHODS Optimization of the assay was achieved by screening real-time bioluminescence changes in intact Streptococcus mutans biofilms imposed by the various experimental biofilm growth parameters investigated (bacterial strain, growth media, sucrose concentration, dilution factor, and inoculum volume). The optimized assay was then used to characterize the antibacterial efficacy of experimental nanofilled dental adhesive resins. The assay's ability to discriminate between bacteriostatic and bactericidal approaches was also investigated. RESULTS Relative Light Units (RLU) values from the HTS optimization were analyzed by multivariate ANOVA (α = 0.05) and coefficients of variation. An optimized HTS bioluminescence assay was developed displaying RLUs values (brightness) that are much more intense when comparing to other previously reported bioluminescence assays, thereby decreasing the error associated with bioluminescence assays and displaying better utility while investigating the functionalities of antimicrobial nanofilled experimental dental adhesive resins with proven long-term properties. SIGNIFICANCE The present study is anticipated to positively impact subsequent research on dental materials and oral microbiology because it serves as a valuable screening tool in metabolic-based assays with increased sensitivity and robustness. The assay reported is anticipated to be further optimized to be used as a co-reporter for other Luc based assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle Denise Hiers
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Department of Restorative Sciences, Division of Dental Biomaterials, College of Dentistry, 1201 N. Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA.
| | - Sharukh Soli Khajotia
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Department of Restorative Sciences, Division of Dental Biomaterials, College of Dentistry, 1201 N. Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA.
| | - Justin Merritt
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, MRB424, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Fernando Luis Esteban Florez
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Department of Restorative Sciences, Division of Dental Biomaterials, College of Dentistry, 1201 N. Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA.
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2
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Brunialti E, Rizzi N, Pinto-Costa R, Villa A, Panzeri A, Meda C, Rebecchi M, Di Monte DA, Ciana P. Design and validation of a reporter mouse to study the dynamic regulation of TFEB and TFE3 activity through in vivo imaging techniques. Autophagy 2024; 20:1879-1894. [PMID: 38522425 PMCID: PMC11262230 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2334111] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
TFEB and TFE3 belong to the MiT/TFE family of transcription factors that bind identical DNA responsive elements in the regulatory regions of target genes. They are involved in regulating lysosomal biogenesis, function, exocytosis, autophagy, and lipid catabolism. Precise control of TFEB and TFE3 activity is crucial for processes such as senescence, stress response, energy metabolism, and cellular catabolism. Dysregulation of these factors is implicated in various diseases, thus researchers have explored pharmacological approaches to modulate MiT/TFE activity, considering these transcription factors as potential therapeutic targets. However, the physiological complexity of their functions and the lack of suitable in vivo tools have limited the development of selective MiT/TFE modulating agents. Here, we have created a reporter-based biosensor, named CLEARoptimized, facilitating the pharmacological profiling of TFEB- and TFE3-mediated transcription. This innovative tool enables the measurement of TFEB and TFE3 activity in living cells and mice through imaging and biochemical techniques. CLEARoptimized consists of a promoter with six coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation motifs identified through an in-depth bioinformatic analysis of the promoters of 128 TFEB-target genes. The biosensor drives the expression of luciferase and tdTomato reporter genes, allowing the quantification of TFEB and TFE3 activity in cells and in animals through optical imaging and biochemical assays. The biosensor's validity was confirmed by modulating MiT/TFE activity in both cell culture and reporter mice using physiological and pharmacological stimuli. Overall, this study introduces an innovative tool for studying autophagy and lysosomal pathway modulation at various biological levels, from individual cells to the entire organism.Abbreviations: CLEAR: coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation; MAR: matrix attachment regions; MiT: microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; ROI: region of interest; TBS: tris-buffered saline; TF: transcription factor; TFE3: transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3; TFEB: transcription factor EB; TH: tyrosine hydroxylase; TK: thymidine kinase; TSS: transcription start site.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rita Pinto-Costa
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Alessandro Villa
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Panzeri
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Meda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Rebecchi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ciana
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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3
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Utrilla-Trigo S, Jiménez-Cabello L, Marín-López A, Illescas-Amo M, Andrés G, Calvo-Pinilla E, Lorenzo G, van Rijn PA, Ortego J, Nogales A. Engineering recombinant replication-competent bluetongue viruses expressing reporter genes for in vitro and non-invasive in vivo studies. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0249323. [PMID: 38353566 PMCID: PMC10923215 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02493-23] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bluetongue virus (BTV) is the causative agent of the important livestock disease bluetongue (BT), which is transmitted via Culicoides bites. BT causes severe economic losses associated with its considerable impact on health and trade of animals. By reverse genetics, we have designed and rescued reporter-expressing recombinant (r)BTV expressing NanoLuc luciferase (NLuc) or Venus fluorescent protein. To generate these viruses, we custom synthesized a modified viral segment 5 encoding NS1 protein with the reporter genes located downstream and linked by the Porcine teschovirus-1 (PTV-1) 2A autoproteolytic cleavage site. Therefore, fluorescent signal or luciferase activity is only detected after virus replication and expression of non-structural proteins. Fluorescence or luminescence signals were detected in cells infected with rBTV/Venus or rBTV/NLuc, respectively. Moreover, the marking of NS2 protein confirmed that reporter genes were only expressed in BTV-infected cells. Growth kinetics of rBTV/NLuc and rBTV/Venus in Vero cells showed replication rates similar to those of wild-type and rBTV. Infectivity studies of these recombinant viruses in IFNAR(-/-) mice showed a higher lethal dose for rBTV/NLuc and rBTV/Venus than for rBTV indicating that viruses expressing the reporter genes are attenuated in vivo. Interestingly, luciferase activity was detected in the plasma of viraemic mice infected with rBTV/NLuc. Furthermore, luciferase activity quantitatively correlated with RNAemia levels of infected mice throughout the infection. In addition, we have investigated the in vivo replication and dissemination of BTV in IFNAR (-/-) mice using BTV/NLuc and non-invasive in vivo imaging systems.IMPORTANCEThe use of replication-competent viruses that encode a traceable fluorescent or luciferase reporter protein has significantly contributed to the in vitro and in vivo study of viral infections and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this work, we have generated rBTV that express fluorescent or luminescence proteins to track BTV infection both in vitro and in vivo. Despite the availability of vaccines, BTV and other related orbivirus are still associated with a significant impact on animal health and have important economic consequences worldwide. Our studies may contribute to the advance in orbivirus research and pave the way for the rapid development of new treatments, including vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Utrilla-Trigo
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Jiménez-Cabello
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Marín-López
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Miguel Illescas-Amo
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Germán Andrés
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Calvo-Pinilla
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Lorenzo
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Piet A. van Rijn
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Javier Ortego
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aitor Nogales
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Daubermann AG, Dressano K, de Oliveira Ceciliato PH, Moura DS. Acridinium-Based Chemiluminescent Receptor-Ligand Binding Assay for Protein/Peptide Hormones. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2731:253-263. [PMID: 38019440 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3511-7_19] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Chemiluminescent acridinium esters (AE) have been extensively used for oligonucleotide probing and peptide-binding assays in molecular research due to labeling efficiency, lack of radioactivity, and ease of application. In addition to being a powerful and reliable alternative to radiolabeling, AE can be directly bound to the target molecule, with high specificity. Here, we describe an AE-based protein/peptide labeling method and the use of the labeled protein/peptide in a ligand-binding assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Guilherme Daubermann
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Keini Dressano
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, Brazil
- Centro de Tecnologia Canavieira - CTC, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Paulo Henrique de Oliveira Ceciliato
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, Brazil
- Centro de Tecnologia Canavieira - CTC, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Moura
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, Brazil.
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5
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Martusevich AK, Surovegina AV, Nazarov VV, Popovicheva AN, Didenko NV. Chemiluminescent Analysis of Oxidative Metabolism in Rat Blood under the Influence of Argon and Helium. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023; 176:50-53. [PMID: 38091138 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05965-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
We studied the nature of the action of course treatment with argon and helium (1 min, 3 procedures) on the oxidative metabolism in rat blood plasma. The study was performed on 30 Wistar rats divided into 3 groups (n=10 in each group): intact and 2 experimental (treatment of the skin of the back with a stream of argon and helium, respectively). After completion of the treatment course, the intensity of free radical processes, the total antioxidant activity, and malondialdehyde concentration were evaluated in the blood plasma. It was found that argon and helium gas flows provide stimulation of antioxidant systems, but the mechanisms of their effect were different. Treatment with helium did not affect the intensity of free radical processes, but significantly increased the overall antioxidant activity of blood plasma and reduced malondialdehyde concentration in comparison with the effect of argon flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Martusevich
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - A V Surovegina
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - V V Nazarov
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - A N Popovicheva
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - N V Didenko
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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Morales-Curiel LF, Gonzalez AC, Castro-Olvera G, Lin LC(L, El-Quessny M, Porta-de-la-Riva M, Severino J, Morera LB, Venturini V, Ruprecht V, Ramallo D, Loza-Alvarez P, Krieg M. Volumetric imaging of fast cellular dynamics with deep learning enhanced bioluminescence microscopy. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1330. [PMID: 36463346 PMCID: PMC9719505 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04292-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence microscopy is an appealing alternative to fluorescence microscopy, because it does not depend on external illumination, and consequently does neither produce spurious background autofluorescence, nor perturb intrinsically photosensitive processes in living cells and animals. The low photon emission of known luciferases, however, demands long exposure times that are prohibitive for imaging fast biological dynamics. To increase the versatility of bioluminescence microscopy, we present an improved low-light microscope in combination with deep learning methods to image extremely photon-starved samples enabling subsecond exposures for timelapse and volumetric imaging. We apply our method to image subcellular dynamics in mouse embryonic stem cells, epithelial morphology during zebrafish development, and DAF-16 FoxO transcription factor shuttling from the cytoplasm to the nucleus under external stress. Finally, we concatenate neural networks for denoising and light-field deconvolution to resolve intracellular calcium dynamics in three dimensions of freely moving Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gustavo Castro-Olvera
- grid.5853.b0000 0004 1757 1854ICFO, Institut de Ciencies Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Li-Chun (Lynn) Lin
- grid.5853.b0000 0004 1757 1854ICFO, Institut de Ciencies Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Malak El-Quessny
- grid.5853.b0000 0004 1757 1854ICFO, Institut de Ciencies Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
| | | | - Jacqueline Severino
- grid.473715.30000 0004 6475 7299Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Battle Morera
- grid.473715.30000 0004 6475 7299Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valeria Venturini
- grid.473715.30000 0004 6475 7299Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.5612.00000 0001 2172 2676Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verena Ruprecht
- grid.473715.30000 0004 6475 7299Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.5612.00000 0001 2172 2676Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain ,grid.425902.80000 0000 9601 989XICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diego Ramallo
- grid.5853.b0000 0004 1757 1854ICFO, Institut de Ciencies Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Pablo Loza-Alvarez
- grid.5853.b0000 0004 1757 1854ICFO, Institut de Ciencies Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Michael Krieg
- grid.5853.b0000 0004 1757 1854ICFO, Institut de Ciencies Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
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7
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Chiem K, Park JG, Morales Vasquez D, Plemper RK, Torrelles JB, Kobie JJ, Walter MR, Ye C, Martinez-Sobrido L. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Infection Using a Double Reporter-Expressing Virus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0237922. [PMID: 35980204 PMCID: PMC9603146 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02379-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the highly contagious agent responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An essential requirement for understanding SARS-CoV-2 biology and the impact of antiviral therapeutics is a robust method to detect the presence of the virus in infected cells or animal models. Despite the development and successful generation of recombinant (r)SARS-CoV-2-expressing fluorescent or luciferase reporter genes, knowledge acquired from their use in in vitro assays and/or in live animals is limited to the properties of the fluorescent or luciferase reporter genes. Herein, for the first time, we engineered a replication-competent rSARS-CoV-2 that expresses both fluorescent (mCherry) and luciferase (Nluc) reporter genes (rSARS-CoV-2/mCherry-Nluc) to overcome limitations associated with the use of a single reporter gene. In cultured cells, rSARS-CoV-2/mCherry-Nluc displayed similar viral fitness as rSARS-CoV-2 expressing single reporter fluorescent and luciferase genes (rSARS-CoV-2/mCherry and rSARS-CoV-2/Nluc, respectively) or wild-type (WT) rSARS-CoV-2, while maintaining comparable expression levels of both reporter genes. In vivo, rSARS-CoV-2/mCherry-Nluc has similar pathogenicity in K18 human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) transgenic mice than rSARS-CoV-2 expressing individual reporter genes or WT rSARS-CoV-2. Importantly, rSARS-CoV-2/mCherry-Nluc facilitates the assessment of viral infection and transmission in golden Syrian hamsters using in vivo imaging systems (IVIS). Altogether, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using this novel bioreporter-expressing rSARS-CoV-2 for the study of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in vivo. IMPORTANCE Despite the availability of vaccines and antivirals, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to ravage health care institutions worldwide. Previously, we generated replication-competent recombinant (r)SARS-CoV-2 expressing fluorescent or luciferase reporter proteins to track viral infection in vitro and/or in vivo. However, these rSARS-CoV-2 are restricted to express only a single fluorescent or a luciferase reporter gene, limiting or preventing their use in specific in vitro assays and/or in vivo studies. To overcome this limitation, we have engineered a rSARS-CoV-2 expressing both fluorescent (mCherry) and luciferase (Nluc) genes and demonstrated its feasibility to study the biology of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and/or in vivo, including the identification and characterization of neutralizing antibodies and/or antivirals. Using rodent models, we visualized SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission through in vivo imaging systems (IVIS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Chiem
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jun-Gyu Park
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | | - Richard K. Plemper
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - James J. Kobie
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mark R. Walter
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Chengjin Ye
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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8
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Ohmuro-Matsuyama Y, Furuta T, Matsui H, Kanai M, Ueda H. Miniaturization of Bright Light-Emitting Luciferase ALuc: picALuc. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:864-872. [PMID: 35293729 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Luciferases are widely used as sensitive reporters in various fields ranging from basic biology to medical diagnosis, public health, and food inspection. Scientists have isolated novel luciferases from bioluminescent organisms and concentrated on improving their brightness and thermostability. Recently, small bright luciferases such as artificial luciferase (ALuc) (21 kDa), NanoLuc (19 kDa), GLuc (18 kDa), and TurboLuc (16 kDa) have been reported. However, smaller, brighter, and more stable luciferases are desired for further applications. Here, we constructed the smallest and bright mutant of ALuc, named "picALuc" (13 kDa). picALuc retained the luminescence activity of the full-length ALuc; moreover, its brightness and thermostability were at the same levels as NanoLuc. Furthermore, we showed the advantage of picALuc for the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer-based assay due to its smallness. Our development has opened the door for wider and more practical applications of luciferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Ohmuro-Matsuyama
- Technology Research Laboratory, Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto 619-0237, Japan
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Tadaomi Furuta
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Hayato Matsui
- Technology Research Laboratory, Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto 619-0237, Japan
| | - Masaki Kanai
- Technology Research Laboratory, Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto 619-0237, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ueda
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
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9
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Chiem K, Lorenzo MM, Rangel-Moreno J, Garcia-Hernandez MDLL, Park JG, Nogales A, Blasco R, Martínez-Sobrido L. Bi-Reporter Vaccinia Virus for Tracking Viral Infections In Vitro and In Vivo. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0160121. [PMID: 34817228 PMCID: PMC8612144 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01601-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant viruses expressing reporter genes allow visualization and quantification of viral infections and can be used as valid surrogates to identify the presence of the virus in infected cells and animal models. However, one of the limitations of recombinant viruses expressing reporter genes is the use of either fluorescent or luciferase proteins that are used alternatively for different purposes. Vaccinia virus (VV) is widely used as a viral vector, including recombinant (r)VV singly expressing either fluorescent or luciferase reporter genes that are useful for specific purposes. In this report, we engineered two novel rVV stably expressing both fluorescent (Scarlet or GFP) and luciferase (Nluc) reporter genes from different loci in the viral genome. In vitro, these bi-reporter-expressing rVV have similar growth kinetics and plaque phenotype than those of the parental WR VV isolate. In vivo, rVV Nluc/Scarlet and rVV Nluc/GFP effectively infected mice and were easily detected using in vivo imaging systems (IVIS) and ex vivo in the lungs from infected mice. Importantly, we used these bi-reporter-expressing rVV to assess viral pathogenesis, infiltration of immune cells in the lungs, and to directly identify the different subsets of cells infected by VV in the absence of antibody staining. Collectively, these rVV expressing two reporter genes open the feasibility to study the biology of viral infections in vitro and in vivo, including host-pathogen interactions and dynamics or tropism of viral infections. IMPORTANCE Despite the eradication of variola virus (VARV), the causative agent of smallpox, poxviruses still represent an important threat to human health due to their possible use as bioterrorism agents and the emergence of zoonotic poxvirus diseases. Recombinant vaccinia viruses (rVV) expressing easily traceable fluorescent or luciferase reporter genes have significantly contributed to the progress of poxvirus research. However, rVV expressing one marker gene have several constraints for in vitro and in vivo studies, since both fluorescent and luciferase proteins impose certain limitations for specific applications. To overcome these limitations, we generated optimized rVV stably expressing both fluorescent (Scarlet or GFP) and luciferase (Nluc) reporter genes to easily track viral infection in vitro and in vivo. This new generation of double reporter-expressing rVV represent an excellent option to study viral infection dynamics in cultured cells and validated animal models of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Chiem
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Maria M. Lorenzo
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Centro Nacional Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Rangel-Moreno
- Division of Allergy/Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | - Jun-Gyu Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Aitor Nogales
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Animal Health Research Centre (CISA), Centro Nacional Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA, CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Blasco
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Centro Nacional Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Martínez-Sobrido
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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10
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Replication-Competent ΔNS1 Influenza A Viruses Expressing Reporter Genes. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040698. [PMID: 33920517 PMCID: PMC8072579 DOI: 10.3390/v13040698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The influenza A virus (IAV) is able to infect multiple mammalian and avian species, and in humans IAV is responsible for annual seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics of respiratory disease with significant health and economic impacts. Studying IAV involves laborious secondary methodologies to identify infected cells. Therefore, to circumvent this requirement, in recent years, multiple replication-competent infectious IAV expressing traceable reporter genes have been developed. These IAVs have been very useful for in vitro and/or in vivo studies of viral replication, identification of neutralizing antibodies or antivirals, and in studies to evaluate vaccine efficacy, among others. In this report, we describe, for the first time, the generation and characterization of two replication-competent influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 H1N1 (PR8) viruses where the viral non-structural protein 1 (NS1) was substituted by the monomeric (m)Cherry fluorescent or the NanoLuc luciferase (Nluc) proteins. The ΔNS1 mCherry was able to replicate in cultured cells and in Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1) deficient mice, although at a lower extent than a wild-type (WT) PR8 virus expressing the same mCherry fluorescent protein (WT mCherry). Notably, expression of either reporter gene (mCherry or Nluc) was detected in infected cells by fluorescent microscopy or luciferase plate readers, respectively. ΔNS1 IAV expressing reporter genes provide a novel approach to better understand the biology and pathogenesis of IAV, and represent an excellent tool to develop new therapeutic approaches against IAV infections.
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Chatelain E, Scandale I. Animal models of Chagas disease and their translational value to drug development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1381-1402. [PMID: 32812830 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1806233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION American trypanosomiasis, better known as Chagas disease, is a global public health issue. Current treatments targeting the causative parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, are limited to two old nitroheterocyclic compounds; new, safer drugs are needed. New tools to identify compounds suitable for parasitological cure in humans have emerged through efforts in drug discovery. AREAS COVERED Animal disease models are an integral part of the drug discovery process. There are numerous experimental models of Chagas disease described and in use; rather than going through each of these and their specific features, the authors focus on developments in recent years, in particular the imaging technologies that have dramatically changed the Chagas R&D landscape, and provide a critical view on their value and limitations for moving compounds forward into further development. EXPERT OPINION The application of new technological advances to the field of drug development for Chagas disease has led to the implementation of new and robust/standardized in vivo models that contributed to a better understanding of host/parasite interactions. These new models should also build confidence in their translational value for moving compounds forward into clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chatelain
- R&D Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) , Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- R&D Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) , Geneva, Switzerland
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A Novel Fluorescent and Bioluminescent Bireporter Influenza A Virus To Evaluate Viral Infections. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00032-19. [PMID: 30867298 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00032-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying influenza A virus (IAV) requires the use of secondary approaches to detect the presence of virus in infected cells. To overcome this problem, we and others have generated recombinant IAV expressing fluorescent or luciferase reporter genes. These foreign reporter genes can be used as valid surrogates to track the presence of virus. However, the limited capacity for incorporating foreign sequences in the viral genome forced researchers to select a fluorescent or a luciferase reporter gene, depending on the type of study. To circumvent this limitation, we engineered a novel recombinant replication-competent bireporter IAV (BIRFLU) expressing both fluorescent and luciferase reporter genes. In cultured cells, BIRFLU displayed growth kinetics comparable to those of wild-type (WT) virus and was used to screen neutralizing antibodies or compounds with antiviral activity. The expression of two reporter genes allows monitoring of viral inhibition by fluorescence or bioluminescence, overcoming the limitations associated with the use of one reporter gene as a readout. In vivo, BIRFLU effectively infected mice, and both reporter genes were detected using in vivo imaging systems (IVIS). The ability to generate recombinant IAV harboring multiple foreign genes opens unique possibilities for studying virus-host interactions and for using IAV in high-throughput screenings (HTS) to identify novel antivirals that can be incorporated into the therapeutic armamentarium to control IAV infections. Moreover, the ability to genetically manipulate the viral genome to express two foreign genes offers the possibility of developing novel influenza vaccines and the feasibility for using recombinant IAV as vaccine vectors to treat other pathogen infections.IMPORTANCE Influenza A virus (IAV) causes a human respiratory disease that is associated with significant health and economic consequences. In recent years, the use of replication-competent IAV expressing an easily traceable fluorescent or luciferase reporter protein has significantly contributed to progress in influenza research. However, researchers have been forced to select a fluorescent or a luciferase reporter gene due to the restricted capacity of the influenza viral genome for including foreign sequences. To overcome this limitation, we generated, for the first time, a recombinant replication-competent bireporter IAV (BIRFLU) that stably expresses two reporter genes (one fluorescent and one luciferase) to track IAV infections in vitro and in vivo The combination of cutting-edge techniques from molecular biology, animal research, and imaging technologies brings researchers the unique opportunity to use this new generation of reporter-expressing IAV to study viral infection dynamics in both cultured cells and animal models of viral infection.
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Cevenini L, Calabretta MM, Calabria D, Roda A, Michelini E. Luciferase Genes as Reporter Reactions: How to Use Them in Molecular Biology? ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 154:3-17. [PMID: 25898810 DOI: 10.1007/10_2015_325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
: The latest advances in molecular biology have made available several biotechnological tools that take advantage of the high detectability and quantum efficiency of bioluminescence (BL), with an ever-increasing number of novel applications in environmental, pharmaceutical, food, and forensic fields. Indeed, BL proteins are being used to develop ultrasensitive binding assays and cell-based assays, thanks to their high detectability and to the availability of highly sensitive BL instruments. The appealing aspect of molecular biology tools relying on BL reactions is their general applicability in both in vitro assays, such as cell cultures or purified proteins, and in vivo settings, such as in whole-animal BL imaging. The aim of this chapter is to provide the reader with an overview of state-of-the-art bioluminescent tools based on luciferase genes, highlighting molecular biology strategies that have been applied so far, together with some selected examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cevenini
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - M M Calabretta
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - D Calabria
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Roda
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Michelini
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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Brodl E, Niederhauser J, Macheroux P. In Situ Measurement and Correlation of Cell Density and Light Emission of Bioluminescent Bacteria. J Vis Exp 2018:57881. [PMID: 30010658 PMCID: PMC6102015 DOI: 10.3791/57881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a considerable number of bacterial species capable of emitting light. All of them share the same gene cluster, namely the lux operon. Despite this similarity, these bacteria show extreme variations in characteristics like growth behavior, intensity of light emission or regulation of bioluminescence. The method presented here is a newly developed assay that combines recording of cell growth and bioluminescent light emission intensity over time utilizing a plate reader. The resulting growth and light emission characteristics can be linked to important features of the respective bacterial strain, such as quorum sensing regulation. The cultivation of a range of bioluminescent bacteria requires a specific medium (e.g., artificial sea water medium) and defined temperatures. The easy to handle, non-bioluminescent standard-research bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), on the other hand, can be cultivated inexpensively in high quantities in laboratory scale. Exploiting E. coli by introducing a plasmid containing the whole lux operon can simplify experimental conditions and additionally opens up many possibilities for future applications. The expression of all lux genes utilizing an E. coli expression strain was achieved by construction of an expression plasmid via Gibson cloning and insertion of four fragments containing seven lux genes and three rib genes of the lux-rib operon into a pET28a vector. E. coli based lux gene expression can be induced and controlled via Isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranosid (IPTG) addition resulting in bioluminescent E. coli cells. The advantages of this system are to avoid quorum sensing regulation restrictions and complex medium compositions along with non-standard growth conditions, such as defined temperatures. This system enables analysis of lux genes and their interplay, by the exclusion of the respective gene from the lux operon, or even addition of novel genes, exchanging the luxAB genes from one bacterial strain by another, or analyzing protein complexes, such as luxCDE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Brodl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology
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Tang CY, Zhu LX, Yu JD, Chen Z, Gu MC, Mu CF, Liu Q, Xiong Y. Effect of β-elemene on the kinetics of intracellular transport of d-luciferin potassium salt (ABC substrate) in doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells and the associated molecular mechanism. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 120:20-29. [PMID: 29704644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In order to explore the mechanism of the reversing multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotypes by β-elemene (β-ELE) in doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/DOX), both the functionality and quantity of the ABC transporters in MCF-7/DOX were studied. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was used to study the efflux of d-luciferin potassium salt, the substrate of ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters), in MCF-7/DOX cells treated by β-ELE. At the same time three major ABC transport proteins and genes-related MDR, P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP, ABCC1) as well as breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) were analyzed by q-PCR and Western blot. To investigate the efflux functionality of ABC transporters, MCF-7/DOXFluc cell line with stably-overexpressed luciferase was established. BLI was then used to real-time monitor the efflux kinetics of d-luciferin potassium salt before and after MCF-7/DOXFluc cells being treated with β-ELE or not. The results showed that the efflux of d-luciferin potassium salt from MCF-7/DOXFluc was lessened when pretreated with β-ELE, which means that β-ELE may dampen the functionality of ABC transporters, thus decrease the efflux of d-fluorescein potassium or other chemotherapies which also serve as the substrates of ABC transporters. As the effect of β-ELE on the expression of ABC transporters, the results of q-PCR and Western blot showed that gene and protein expression of ABC transporters such as P-gp, MRP, and BCRP were down-regulated after the treatment of β-ELE. To verify the efficacy of β-ELE on reversing MDR, MCF-7/DOX cells were treated with the combination of DOX and β-ELE. MTT assay showed that β-ELE increased the inhibitory effect of DOX on the proliferation of MCF-7/DOX, and the IC50 of the combination group was much lower than that of the single DOX or β-ELE treatment. In all, β-ELE may reverse MDR through the substrates of ABC transporters by two ways, to lessen the ABC protein efflux by weakening their functionality, or to reduce the quantity of ABC gene and protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yuan Tang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Li-Xin Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China; Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310004, China
| | - Jian-Dong Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Man-Cang Gu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Chao-Feng Mu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill 27599, NC, USA
| | - Yang Xiong
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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Feng J, Jia K, Li Z, Pogue BW, Yang M, Wang Y. Bayesian sparse-based reconstruction in bioluminescence tomography improves localization accuracy and reduces computational time. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2018; 11:e201700214. [PMID: 29119702 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201700214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence tomography (BLT) provides fundamental insight into biological processes in vivo. To fully realize its potential, it is important to develop image reconstruction algorithms that accurately visualize and quantify the bioluminescence signals taking advantage of limited boundary measurements. In this study, a new 2-step reconstruction method for BLT is developed by taking advantage of the sparse a priori information of the light emission using multispectral measurements. The first step infers a wavelength-dependent prior by using all multi-wavelength measurements. The second step reconstructs the source distribution based on this developed prior. Simulation, phantom and in vivo results were performed to assess and compare the accuracy and the computational efficiency of this algorithm with conventional sparsity-promoting BLT reconstruction algorithms, and results indicate that the position errors are reduced from a few millimeters down to submillimeter, and reconstruction time is reduced by 3 orders of magnitude in most cases, to just under a few seconds. The recovery of single objects and multiple (2 and 3) small objects is simulated, and the recovery of images of a mouse phantom and an experimental animal with an existing luminescent source in the abdomen is demonstrated. Matlab code is available at https://github.com/jinchaofeng/code/tree/master.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinchao Feng
- Faculty of Information and Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Advanced Information Networks, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Internet Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Computational Intelligence and Intelligent System, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124
| | - Kebin Jia
- Faculty of Information and Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Advanced Information Networks, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Internet Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Computational Intelligence and Intelligent System, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124
| | - Zhe Li
- Faculty of Information and Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Advanced Information Networks, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Internet Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Brian W Pogue
- Thayer school of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Mingjie Yang
- Faculty of Information and Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Advanced Information Networks, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Internet Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Faculty of Information and Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Advanced Information Networks, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Internet Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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Ueda Y, Ishiwata T, Shinji S, Arai T, Matsuda Y, Aida J, Sugimoto N, Okazaki T, Kikuta J, Ishii M, Sato M. In vivo imaging of T cell lymphoma infiltration process at the colon. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3978. [PMID: 29507328 PMCID: PMC5838227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22399-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The infiltration and proliferation of cancer cells in the secondary organs are of great interest, since they contribute to cancer metastasis. However, cancer cell dynamics in the secondary organs have not been elucidated at single-cell resolution. In the present study, we established an in vivo model using two-photon microscopy to observe how infiltrating cancer cells form assemblages from single T-cell lymphomas, EL4 cells, in the secondary organs. Using this model, after inoculation of EL4 cells in mice, we discovered that single EL4 cells infiltrated into the colon. In the early stage, sporadic elongated EL4 cells became lodged in small blood vessels. Real-time imaging revealed that, whereas more than 70% of EL4 cells did not move during a 1-hour observation, other EL4 cells irregularly moved even in small vessels and dynamically changed shape upon interacting with other cells. In the late stages, EL4 cells formed small nodules composed of several EL4 cells in blood vessels as well as crypts, suggesting the existence of diverse mechanisms of nodule formation. The present in vivo imaging system is instrumental to dissect cancer cell dynamics during metastasis in other organs at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshibumi Ueda
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.
- AMED-PRIME, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Toshiyuki Ishiwata
- Division of Aging and Carcinogenesis, Research Team for Geriatric Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Seiichi Shinji
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
| | - Tomio Arai
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Yoko Matsuda
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Junko Aida
- Division of Aging and Carcinogenesis, Research Team for Geriatric Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Naotoshi Sugimoto
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Toshiro Okazaki
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Junichi Kikuta
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaru Ishii
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Moritoshi Sato
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
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Rathod M, Mal A, De A. Reporter-Based BRET Sensors for Measuring Biological Functions In Vivo. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1790:51-74. [PMID: 29858783 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7860-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Genetic reporter systems provide a good alternative to monitor cellular functions in vitro and in vivo and are contributing immensely in experimental research. Reporters like fluorescence and bioluminescence genes, which support optical measurements, provide exquisite sensitivity to the assay systems. In recent years several activatable strategies have been developed, which can relay specialized molecular functions from inside the cells. The application of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) is one such strategy that has been proved to be extremely valuable as an in vitro or in vivo assay to measure dynamic events such as protein-protein interactions (PPIs).The BRET assay using RLuc-YFP was introduced in biological research in the late 1990s and demonstrated the interaction of two proteins involved in circadian rhythm. Since then, BRET has become a popular genetic reporter-based assay for PPI studies due to several inherent attributes that facilitate high-throughput assay development such as rapid and fairly sensitive ratio-metric measurement, the assessment of PPI irrespective of protein location in cellular compartment and cost effectiveness. In BRET-based screening, within a defined proximity range of 10-100 Å, the excited energy state of the luminescent molecule excites the acceptor fluorophore in the form of resonance energy transfer, causing it to emit at its characteristic emission wavelength. Based on this principle, several such donor-acceptor pairs, using Renilla luciferase or its mutants as donor and either GFP2, YFP, mOrange, TagRFP or TurboFP as acceptor, have been reported for use.In recent years, the applicability of BRET has been greatly enhanced by the adaptation of the assay to multiple detection devices such as a luminescence plate reader, a bioluminescence microscope and a small animal optical imaging platform. Apart from quantitative measurement studies of PPIs and protein dimerization, molecular spectral imaging has expanded the scope for fast screening of pharmacological compounds that modulate PPIs by unifying in vitro, live cell and in vivo animal/plant measurement, all using one assay. Using examples from the literature, we will describe methods to perform in vitro and in vivo BRET imaging experiments and some of its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitreyi Rathod
- KS325, Molecular Functional Imaging Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre(TMC), Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Arijit Mal
- KS325, Molecular Functional Imaging Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre(TMC), Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhijit De
- KS325, Molecular Functional Imaging Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre(TMC), Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
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Sharifian S, Homaei A, Hemmati R, Khajeh K. Light emission miracle in the sea and preeminent applications of bioluminescence in recent new biotechnology. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2017; 172:115-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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McKinnon E, Moore A, Dixit S, Zhu Y, Broome AM. Fluorescence and Bioluminescence Imaging of Orthotopic Brain Tumors in Mice. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1530:283-305. [PMID: 28150209 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6646-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Optical imaging strategies, such as fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging, are non-invasive, in vivo whole body imaging techniques utilized to study cancer. Optical imaging is widely used in preclinical work because of its ease of use and cost-friendliness. It also provides the opportunity to study animals and biological responses longitudinally over time. Important considerations include depth of tissue penetration, photon scattering, absorption and the choice of light emitting probe, all of which affect the resolution (image quality and data information) and the signal to noise ratio of the image. We describe how to use bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging to track a chemotherapeutic delivery nanocarrier conjugated with a fluorophore to determine its localization in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie McKinnon
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Alfred Moore
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Center of Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Suraj Dixit
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ann-Marie Broome
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Center of Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, 68 President Street, MSC 120/BEB 213, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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Sanada Y, Yamamoto T, Satake R, Yamashita A, Kanai S, Kato N, van de Loo FA, Nishimura F, Scherer PE, Yanaka N. Serum Amyloid A3 Gene Expression in Adipocytes is an Indicator of the Interaction with Macrophages. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38697. [PMID: 27929048 PMCID: PMC5144138 DOI: 10.1038/srep38697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The infiltration of macrophages into adipose tissue and their interaction with adipocytes are essential for the chronic low-grade inflammation of obese adipose tissue. In this study, we identified the serum amyloid A3 (Saa3) gene as a key adipocyte-derived factor that is affected by interaction with macrophages. We showed that the Saa3 promoter in adipocytes actually responds to activated macrophages in a co-culture system. Decreasing C/EBPβ abundance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes or point mutation of C/EBPβ elements suppressed the increased promoter activity in response to activated macrophages, suggesting an essential role of C/EBPβ in Saa3 promoter activation. Bioluminescence based on Saa3 promoter activity in Saa3-luc mice was promoted in obese adipose tissue, showing that Saa3 promoter activity is most likely related to macrophage infiltration. This study suggests that the level of expression of the Saa3 gene could be utilized for the number of infiltrated macrophages in obese adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Sanada
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Takafumi Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Rika Satake
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | | | - Sumire Kanai
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Norihisa Kato
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Fons Aj van de Loo
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Philipp E Scherer
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, USA
| | - Noriyuki Yanaka
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
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Alizai PH, Bertram L, Fragoulis A, Wruck CJ, Kroy DC, Klinge U, Neumann UP, Schmeding M. In vivo imaging of antioxidant response element activity during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. J Surg Res 2016; 206:525-535. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abstract
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Genetically encoded
FRET-based sensor proteins have significantly
contributed to our current understanding of the intracellular functions
of Zn2+. However, the external excitation required for
these fluorescent sensors can give rise to photobleaching and phototoxicity
during long-term imaging, limits applications that suffer from autofluorescence
and light scattering, and is not compatible with light-sensitive cells.
For these applications, sensor proteins based on Bioluminescence Resonance
Energy Transfer (BRET) would provide an attractive alternative. In
this work, we used the bright and stable luciferase NanoLuc to create
the first genetically encoded BRET sensors for measuring intracellular
Zn2+. Using a new sensor approach, the NanoLuc domain was
fused to the Cerulean donor domain of two previously developed FRET
sensors, eCALWY and eZinCh-2. In addition to preserving the excellent
Zn2+ affinity and specificity of their predecessors, these
newly developed sensors enable both BRET- and FRET-based detection.
While the dynamic range of the BRET signal for the eCALWY-based BLCALWY-1
sensor was limited by the presence of two competing BRET pathways,
BRET/FRET sensors based on the eZinCh-2 scaffold (BLZinCh-1 and -2)
yielded robust 25–30% changes in BRET ratio. In addition, introduction
of a chromophore-silencing mutation resulted in a BRET-only sensor
(BLZinCh-3) with increased BRET response (50%) and an unexpected 10-fold
increase in Zn2+ affinity. The combination of robust ratiometric
response, physiologically relevant Zn2+ affinities, and
stable and bright luminescence signal offered by the BLZinCh sensors
allowed monitoring of intracellular Zn2+ in plate-based
assays as well as intracellular BRET-based imaging in single living
cells in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn J. A. Aper
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS),
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pieterjan Dierickx
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division
of Heart and Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS),
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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24
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Breen M, Nogales A, Baker SF, Martínez-Sobrido L. Replication-Competent Influenza A Viruses Expressing Reporter Genes. Viruses 2016; 8:v8070179. [PMID: 27347991 PMCID: PMC4974514 DOI: 10.3390/v8070179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAV) cause annual seasonal human respiratory disease epidemics. In addition, IAV have been implicated in occasional pandemics with inordinate health and economic consequences. Studying IAV, in vitro or in vivo, requires the use of laborious secondary methodologies to identify virus-infected cells. To circumvent this requirement, replication-competent IAV expressing an easily traceable reporter protein can be used. Here we discuss the development and applications of recombinant replication-competent IAV harboring diverse fluorescent or bioluminescent reporter genes in different locations of the viral genome. These viruses have been employed for in vitro and in vivo studies, such as the screening of neutralizing antibodies or antiviral compounds, the identification of host factors involved in viral replication, cell tropism, the development of vaccines, or the assessment of viral infection dynamics. In summary, reporter-expressing, replicating-competent IAV represent a powerful tool for the study of IAV both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Breen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Aitor Nogales
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Steven F Baker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Luis Martínez-Sobrido
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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25
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Coutant EP, Janin YL. Synthetic Routes to Coelenterazine and Other Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazin-3-one Luciferins: Essential Tools for Bioluminescence-Based Investigations. Chemistry 2015; 21:17158-71. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201501531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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26
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27
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Yao X, Liu Y, Gao J, Yang L, Mao D, Stefanitsch C, Li Y, Zhang J, Ou L, Kong D, Zhao Q, Li Z. Nitric oxide releasing hydrogel enhances the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells for myocardial infarction. Biomaterials 2015; 60:130-40. [PMID: 25988728 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has been proved to be an effective approach to ameliorate the heart remodeling post myocardial infarction (MI). However, poor cell engraftment and survival in ischemic myocardium limits the successful use of cellular therapy for treating MI. Here, we sought to transplant adipose derived-mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) with a hydrogel (NapFF-NO), naphthalene covalently conjugated a short peptide, FFGGG, and β-galactose caged nitric oxide (NO) donor, which can release NO molecule in response to β-galactosidase. AD-MSCs, either from transgenic mice that constitutively express GFP and firefly luciferase (Fluc), or express Fluc under the control of VEGFR2 promoter, were co-transplanted with NapFF-NO hydrogel into murine MI models. Improved cell survival and enhanced cardiac function were confirmed by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and echocardiogram respectively. Moreover, increasing VEGFR2-luc expression was also tracked in real-time in vivo, indicating NapFF-NO hydrogel stimulated VEGF secretion of AD-MSCs. To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of NapFF-NO hydrogel, cell migration assay, paracrine action of AD-MSCs, and histology analysis were carried out. Our results revealed that condition medium from AD-MSCs cultured with NapFF-NO hydrogel could promote endothelial cell migration. Additionally, AD-MSCs showed significant improvement secretion of angiogenic factors VEGF and SDF-1α in the presence of NapFF-NO hydrogel. Finally, postmortem analysis confirmed that transplanted AD-MSCs with NapFF-NO hydrogel could ameliorate heart function by promoting angiogenesis and attenuating ventricular remodeling. In conclusion, NapFF-NO hydrogel can obviously improve therapeutic efficacy of AD-MSCs for MI by increasing cell engraftment and angiogenic paracrine action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpeng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Duo Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Christina Stefanitsch
- Department for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Yang Li
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lailiang Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Deling Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Zongjin Li
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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28
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Rojas-Fernandez A, Herhaus L, Macartney T, Lachaud C, Hay RT, Sapkota GP. Rapid generation of endogenously driven transcriptional reporters in cells through CRISPR/Cas9. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9811. [PMID: 25922883 PMCID: PMC4413877 DOI: 10.1038/srep09811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 technologies have been employed for genome editing to achieve gene knockouts and knock-ins in somatic cells. Similarly, certain endogenous genes have been tagged with fluorescent proteins. Often, the detection of tagged proteins requires high expression and sophisticated tools such as confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Therefore, a simple, sensitive and robust transcriptional reporter system driven by endogenous promoter for studies into transcriptional regulation is desirable. We report a CRISPR/Cas9-based methodology for rapidly integrating a firefly luciferase gene in somatic cells under the control of endogenous promoter, using the TGFβ-responsive gene PAI-1. Our strategy employed a polycistronic cassette containing a non-fused GFP protein to ensure the detection of transgene delivery and rapid isolation of positive clones. We demonstrate that firefly luciferase cDNA can be efficiently delivered downstream of the promoter of the TGFβ-responsive gene PAI-1. Using chemical and genetic regulators of TGFβ signalling, we show that it mimics the transcriptional regulation of endogenous PAI-1 expression. Our unique approach has the potential to expedite studies on transcription of any gene in the context of its native chromatin landscape in somatic cells, allowing for robust high-throughput chemical and genetic screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Rojas-Fernandez
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Lina Herhaus
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Macartney
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Christophe Lachaud
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ronald T. Hay
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Gopal P. Sapkota
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
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29
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Jathoul AP, Grounds H, Anderson JC, Pule MA. A dual-color far-red to near-infrared firefly luciferin analogue designed for multiparametric bioluminescence imaging. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:13059-63. [PMID: 25266918 PMCID: PMC4501308 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201405955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Red-shifted bioluminescent emitters allow improved in vivo tissue penetration and signal quantification, and have led to the development of beetle luciferin analogues that elicit red-shifted bioluminescence with firefly luciferase (Fluc). However, unlike natural luciferin, none have been shown to emit different colors with different luciferases. We have synthesized and tested the first dual-color, far-red to near-infrared (nIR) emitting analogue of beetle luciferin, which, akin to natural luciferin, exhibits pH dependent fluorescence spectra and emits bioluminescence of different colors with different engineered Fluc enzymes. Our analogue produces different far-red to nIR emission maxima up to λ(max)=706 nm with different Fluc mutants. This emission is the most red-shifted bioluminescence reported without using a resonance energy transfer acceptor. This improvement should allow tissues to be more effectively probed using multiparametric deep-tissue bioluminescence imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit P Jathoul
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute and NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research CentreLondon, WC1E 6BT (UK)
| | - Helen Grounds
- Department of Chemistry, University College LondonLondon, WC1E 6BT (UK)
| | - James C Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University College LondonLondon, WC1E 6BT (UK)
| | - Martin A Pule
- Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute and NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research CentreLondon, WC1E 6BT (UK)
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30
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Jathoul AP, Grounds H, Anderson JC, Pule MA. A Dual-Color Far-Red to Near-Infrared Firefly Luciferin Analogue Designed for Multiparametric Bioluminescence Imaging. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201405955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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31
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Abstract
Recent developments and improvements of multimodal imaging methods for use in animal research have substantially strengthened the options of in vivo visualization of cancer-related processes over time. Moreover, technological developments in probe synthesis and labelling have resulted in imaging probes with the potential for basic research, as well as for translational and clinical applications. In addition, more sophisticated cancer models are available to address cancer-related research questions. This Review gives an overview of developments in these three fields, with a focus on imaging approaches in animal cancer models and how these can help the translation of new therapies into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion de Jong
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Room Na-610, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Essers
- Departments of Genetics (Cancer Genomics Centre), Radiation Oncology and Vascular Surgery, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, P.O Box 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wytske M van Weerden
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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32
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Li W, Claypool MD, Friera AM, McLaughlin J, Baltgalvis KA, Smith IJ, Kinoshita T, White K, Lang W, Godinez G, Payan DG, Kinsella TM. Noninvasive imaging of in vivo MuRF1 expression during muscle atrophy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94032. [PMID: 24710205 PMCID: PMC3977994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous human diseases can lead to atrophy of skeletal muscle, and loss of this tissue has been correlated with increased mortality and morbidity rates. Clinically addressing muscle atrophy remains an unmet medical need, and the development of preclinical tools to assist drug discovery and basic research in this effort is important for advancing this goal. In this report, we describe the development of a bioluminescent gene reporter rat, based on the zinc finger nuclease-targeted insertion of a bicistronic luciferase reporter into the 3′ untranslated region of a muscle specific E3 ubiquitin ligase gene, MuRF1 (Trim63). In longitudinal studies, we noninvasively assess atrophy-related expression of this reporter in three distinct models of muscle loss (sciatic denervation, hindlimb unloading and dexamethasone-treatment) and show that these animals are capable of generating refined detail on in vivo MuRF1 expression with high temporal and anatomical resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Mark D. Claypool
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Annabelle M. Friera
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - John McLaughlin
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kristen A. Baltgalvis
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Ira J. Smith
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Taisei Kinoshita
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kathy White
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Wayne Lang
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Guillermo Godinez
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Donald G. Payan
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Todd M. Kinsella
- Discovery Research, Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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33
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Nayak TR, Krasteva LK, Cai W. Multimodality imaging of RNA interference. Curr Med Chem 2014; 20:3664-75. [PMID: 23745567 DOI: 10.2174/0929867311320290012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and their potential to knock down virtually any gene of interest has ushered in a new era of RNA interference (RNAi). Clinical use of RNAi faces severe limitations due to inefficiency delivery of siRNA or short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Many molecular imaging techniques have been adopted in RNAi-related research for evaluation of siRNA/shRNA delivery, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and the therapeutic effect. In this review article, we summarize the current status of in vivo imaging of RNAi. The molecular imaging techniques that have been employed include bioluminescence/fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging/ spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and various combinations of these techniques. Further development of non-invasive imaging strategies for RNAi, not only focusing on the delivery of siRNA/shRNA but also the therapeutic efficacy, is critical for future clinical translation. Rigorous validation will be needed to confirm that biodistribution of the carrier is correlated with that of siRNA/shRNA, since imaging only detects the label (e.g. radioisotopes) but not the gene or carrier themselves. It is also essential to develop multimodality imaging approaches for realizing the full potential of therapeutic RNAi, as no single imaging modality may be sufficient to simultaneously monitor both the gene delivery and silencing effect of RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Nayak
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA
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34
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Paley MA, Prescher JA. Bioluminescence: a versatile technique for imaging cellular and molecular features. MEDCHEMCOMM 2014; 5:255-267. [PMID: 27594981 PMCID: PMC5006753 DOI: 10.1039/c3md00288h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescence is a ubiquitous imaging modality for visualizing biological processes in vivo. This technique employs visible light and interfaces readily with most cell and tissue types, making it a versatile technology for preclinical studies. Here we review basic bioluminescence imaging principles, along with applications of the technology that are relevant to the medicinal chemistry community. These include noninvasive cell tracking experiments, analyses of protein function, and methods to visualize small molecule metabolites. In each section, we also discuss how bioluminescent tools have revealed insights into experimental therapies and aided drug discovery. Last, we highlight the development of new bioluminescent tools that will enable more sensitive and multi-component imaging experiments and, thus, expand our broader understanding of living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda A. Paley
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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35
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Maltsev OV, Nath NK, Naumov P, Hintermann L. Why is Firefly Oxyluciferin a Notoriously Labile Substance? Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201307972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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36
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Maltsev OV, Nath NK, Naumov P, Hintermann L. Why is Firefly Oxyluciferin a Notoriously Labile Substance? Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2013; 53:847-50. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201307972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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37
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Crispo M, Van Maele L, Tabareau J, Cayet D, Errea A, Ferreira AM, Rumbo M, Sirard JC. Transgenic mouse model harboring the transcriptional fusion ccl20-luciferase as a novel reporter of pro-inflammatory response. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78447. [PMID: 24265691 PMCID: PMC3827052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine CCL20, the unique ligand of CCR6 functions as an attractant of immune cells. Expression of CCL20 is induced by Toll-like Receptor (TLR) signaling or proinflammatory cytokine stimulation. However CCL20 is also constitutively produced at specific epithelial sites of mucosa. This expression profile is achieved by transcriptional regulation. In the present work we characterized regulatory features of mouse Ccl20 gene. Transcriptional fusions between the mouse Ccl20 promoter and the firefly luciferase (luc) encoding gene were constructed and assessed in in vitro and in vivo assays. We found that liver CCL20 expression and luciferase activity were upregulated by systemic administration of the TLR5 agonist flagellin. Using shRNA and dominant negative form specific for mouse TLR5, we showed that this expression was controlled by TLR5. To address in situ the regulation of gene activity, a transgenic mouse line harboring a functional Ccl20-luc fusion was generated. The luciferase expression was highly concordant with Ccl20 expression in different tissues. Our data indicate that the transgenic mouse model can be used to monitor activation of innate response in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Crispo
- Unidad de Animales Transgénicos y de Experimentación – Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laurye Van Maele
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1019, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8204, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais France
- Univ Lille Nord de France, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais, France
| | - Julien Tabareau
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1019, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8204, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais France
- Univ Lille Nord de France, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais, France
| | - Delphine Cayet
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1019, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8204, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais France
- Univ Lille Nord de France, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais, France
| | - Agustina Errea
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones del Sistema Inmune (LISIN) – National University of La Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana María Ferreira
- Catedra de Inmunologia, Facultad de Ciencias/Facultad de Quimica, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Martin Rumbo
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones del Sistema Inmune (LISIN) – National University of La Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jean Claude Sirard
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1019, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8204, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais France
- Univ Lille Nord de France, F-59000 Lille, Region Nord-Pas de Calais, France
- * E-mail:
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38
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Efficient ROSA26-Based Conditional and/or Inducible Transgenesis Using RMCE-Compatible F1 Hybrid Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2013; 9:774-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s12015-013-9458-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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39
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Godinat A, Park HM, Miller SC, Cheng K, Hanahan D, Sanman LE, Bogyo M, Yu A, Nikitin GF, Stahl A, Dubikovskaya EA. A biocompatible in vivo ligation reaction and its application for noninvasive bioluminescent imaging of protease activity in living mice. ACS Chem Biol 2013; 8:987-99. [PMID: 23463944 DOI: 10.1021/cb3007314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of biocompatible reactions had a tremendous impact on chemical biology, allowing the study of numerous biological processes directly in complex systems. However, despite the fact that multiple biocompatible reactions have been developed in the past decade, very few work well in living mice. Here we report that D-cysteine and 2-cyanobenzothiazoles can selectively react with each other in vivo to generate a luciferin substrate for firefly luciferase. The success of this "split luciferin" ligation reaction has important implications for both in vivo imaging and biocompatible labeling strategies. First, the production of a luciferin substrate can be visualized in a live mouse by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and furthermore allows interrogation of targeted tissues using a "caged" luciferin approach. We therefore applied this reaction to the real-time noninvasive imaging of apoptosis associated with caspase 3/7. Caspase-dependent release of free D-cysteine from the caspase 3/7 peptide substrate Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-D-Cys (DEVD-(D-Cys)) allowed selective reaction with 6-amino-2-cyanobenzothiazole (NH(2)-CBT) in vivo to form 6-amino-D-luciferin with subsequent light emission from luciferase. Importantly, this strategy was found to be superior to the commercially available DEVD-aminoluciferin substrate for imaging of caspase 3/7 activity. Moreover, the split luciferin approach enables the modular construction of bioluminogenic sensors, where either or both reaction partners could be caged to report on multiple biological events. Lastly, the luciferin ligation reaction is 3 orders of magnitude faster than Staudinger ligation, suggesting further applications for both bioluminescence and specific molecular targeting in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Godinat
- Institute of Chemical Sciences
and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne, LCBIM, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hyo Min Park
- Department of Nutritional Science
and Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Stephen C. Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ke Cheng
- The Swiss Institute for Experimental
Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne,
Switzerland
| | - Douglas Hanahan
- The Swiss Institute for Experimental
Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne,
Switzerland
| | | | | | - Allen Yu
- Department of Nutritional Science
and Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Gennady F. Nikitin
- Institute of Chemical Sciences
and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne, LCBIM, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Nutritional Science
and Toxicology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Elena A. Dubikovskaya
- Institute of Chemical Sciences
and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne, LCBIM, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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van Rossum T, Kengen SWM, van der Oost J. Reporter-based screening and selection of enzymes. FEBS J 2013; 280:2979-96. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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