1
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Weakly HMJ, Keller SL. Coupling liquid phases in 3D condensates and 2D membranes: Successes, challenges, and tools. Biophys J 2024; 123:1329-1341. [PMID: 38160256 PMCID: PMC11163299 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This review describes the major experimental challenges researchers meet when attempting to couple phase separation between membranes and condensates. Although it is well known that phase separation in a 2D membrane could affect molecules capable of forming a 3D condensate (and vice versa), few researchers have quantified the effects to date. The scarcity of these measurements is not due to a lack of intense interest or effort in the field. Rather, it reflects significant experimental challenges in manipulating coupled membranes and condensates to yield quantitative values. These challenges transcend many molecular details, which means they impact a wide range of systems. This review highlights recent exciting successes in the field, and it lays out a comprehensive list of tools that address potential pitfalls for researchers who are considering coupling membranes with condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M J Weakly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington - Seattle, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sarah L Keller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington - Seattle, Seattle, Washington.
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2
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Peng Z, Iwabuchi S, Izumi K, Takiguchi S, Yamaji M, Fujita S, Suzuki H, Kambara F, Fukasawa G, Cooney A, Di Michele L, Elani Y, Matsuura T, Kawano R. Lipid vesicle-based molecular robots. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:996-1029. [PMID: 38239102 PMCID: PMC10898420 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00860f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A molecular robot, which is a system comprised of one or more molecular machines and computers, can execute sophisticated tasks in many fields that span from nanomedicine to green nanotechnology. The core parts of molecular robots are fairly consistent from system to system and always include (i) a body to encapsulate molecular machines, (ii) sensors to capture signals, (iii) computers to make decisions, and (iv) actuators to perform tasks. This review aims to provide an overview of approaches and considerations to develop molecular robots. We first introduce the basic technologies required for constructing the core parts of molecular robots, describe the recent progress towards achieving higher functionality, and subsequently discuss the current challenges and outlook. We also highlight the applications of molecular robots in sensing biomarkers, signal communications with living cells, and conversion of energy. Although molecular robots are still in their infancy, they will unquestionably initiate massive change in biomedical and environmental technology in the not too distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zugui Peng
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Shoji Iwabuchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Kayano Izumi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Sotaro Takiguchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Misa Yamaji
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Shoko Fujita
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Harune Suzuki
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Fumika Kambara
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Genki Fukasawa
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama 2-12-1, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Aileen Cooney
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Tomoaki Matsuura
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama 2-12-1, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
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3
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Ward EN, McClelland RM, Lamb JR, Rubio-Sánchez R, Christensen CN, Mazumder B, Kapsiani S, Mascheroni L, Di Michele L, Kaminski Schierle GS, Kaminski CF. Fast, multicolour optical sectioning over extended fields of view with patterned illumination and machine learning. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:1074-1088. [PMID: 38404329 PMCID: PMC10890859 DOI: 10.1364/boe.510912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Structured illumination can reject out-of-focus signal from a sample, enabling high-speed and high-contrast imaging over large areas with widefield detection optics. However, this optical sectioning technique is currently limited by image reconstruction artefacts and poor performance at low signal-to-noise ratios. We combine multicolour interferometric pattern generation with machine learning to achieve high-contrast, real-time reconstruction of image data that is robust to background noise and sample motion. We validate the method in silico and demonstrate imaging of diverse specimens, from fixed and live biological samples to synthetic biosystems, reconstructing data live at 11 Hz across a 44 × 44μm2 field of view, and demonstrate image acquisition speeds exceeding 154 Hz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward N. Ward
- Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Rebecca M. McClelland
- Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Jacob R. Lamb
- Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub,
Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ,
UK
| | - Charles N. Christensen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Bismoy Mazumder
- Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Sofia Kapsiani
- Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Luca Mascheroni
- Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub,
Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ,
UK
| | | | - Clemens F. Kaminski
- Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
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4
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Li Z, Wang J, O’Hagan MP, Huang F, Xia F, Willner I. Dynamic Fusion of Nucleic Acid Functionalized Nano-/Micro-Cell-Like Containments: From Basic Concepts to Applications. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15308-15327. [PMID: 37549398 PMCID: PMC10448756 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Membrane fusion processes play key roles in biological transformations, such as endocytosis/exocytosis, signal transduction, neurotransmission, or viral infections, and substantial research efforts have been directed to emulate these functions by artificial means. The recognition and dynamic reconfiguration properties of nucleic acids provide a versatile means to induce membrane fusion. Here we address recent advances in the functionalization of liposomes or membranes with structurally engineered lipidated nucleic acids guiding the fusion of cell-like containments, and the biophysical and chemical parameters controlling the fusion of the liposomes will be discussed. Intermembrane bridging by duplex or triplex nucleic acids and light-induced activation of membrane-associated nucleic acid constituents provide the means for spatiotemporal fusion of liposomes or nucleic acid modified liposome fusion with native cell membranes. The membrane fusion processes lead to exchange of loads in the fused containments and are a means to integrate functional assemblies. This is exemplified with the operation of biocatalytic cascades and dynamic DNA polymerization/nicking or transcription machineries in fused protocell systems. Membrane fusion processes of protocell assemblies are found to have important drug-delivery, therapeutic, sensing, and biocatalytic applications. The future challenges and perspectives of DNA-guided fused containments and membranes are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Li
- The
Institute of Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Jianbang Wang
- The
Institute of Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Michael P. O’Hagan
- The
Institute of Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Fujian Huang
- State
Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering
Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty
of Materials Science and Chemistry, China
University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Xia
- State
Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering
Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty
of Materials Science and Chemistry, China
University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, People’s Republic of China
| | - Itamar Willner
- The
Institute of Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
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5
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Walczak M, Mancini L, Xu J, Raguseo F, Kotar J, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. A Synthetic Signaling Network Imitating the Action of Immune Cells in Response to Bacterial Metabolism. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301562. [PMID: 37156014 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
State-of-the-art bottom-up synthetic biology allows to replicate many basic biological functions in artificial-cell-like devices. To mimic more complex behaviors, however, artificial cells would need to perform many of these functions in a synergistic and coordinated fashion, which remains elusive. Here, a sophisticated biological response is considered, namely the capture and deactivation of pathogens by neutrophil immune cells, through the process of netosis. A consortium consisting of two synthetic agents is designed-responsive DNA-based particles and antibiotic-loaded lipid vesicles-whose coordinated action mimics the sought immune-like response when triggered by bacterial metabolism. The artificial netosis-like response emerges from a series of interlinked sensing and communication pathways between the live and synthetic agents, and translates into both physical and chemical antimicrobial actions, namely bacteria immobilization and exposure to antibiotics. The results demonstrate how advanced life-like responses can be prescribed with a relatively small number of synthetic molecular components, and outlines a new strategy for artificial-cell-based antimicrobial solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Walczak
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Leonardo Mancini
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Jiayi Xu
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Federica Raguseo
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
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6
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Rubio-Sánchez R, Mognetti BM, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. DNA-Origami Line-Actants Control Domain Organization and Fission in Synthetic Membranes. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:11265-11275. [PMID: 37163977 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cells can precisely program the shape and lateral organization of their membranes using protein machinery. Aiming to replicate a comparable degree of control, here we introduce DNA-origami line-actants (DOLAs) as synthetic analogues of membrane-sculpting proteins. DOLAs are designed to selectively accumulate at the line-interface between coexisting domains in phase-separated lipid membranes, modulating the tendency of the domains to coalesce. With experiments and coarse-grained simulations, we demonstrate that DOLAs can reversibly stabilize two-dimensional analogues of Pickering emulsions on synthetic giant liposomes, enabling dynamic programming of membrane lateral organization. The control afforded over membrane structure by DOLAs extends to three-dimensional morphology, as exemplified by a proof-of-concept synthetic pathway leading to vesicle fission. With DOLAs we lay the foundations for mimicking, in synthetic systems, some of the critical membrane-hosted functionalities of biological cells, including signaling, trafficking, sensing, and division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Bortolo Matteo Mognetti
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Campus Plaine, CP 231, Boulevard du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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7
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Maingi V, Zhang Z, Thachuk C, Sarraf N, Chapman ER, Rothemund PWK. Digital nanoreactors to control absolute stoichiometry and spatiotemporal behavior of DNA receptors within lipid bilayers. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1532. [PMID: 36941256 PMCID: PMC10027858 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36996-x] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions between membrane proteins are essential for cell survival but are often poorly understood. Even the biologically functional ratio of components within a multi-subunit membrane complex-the native stoichiometry-is difficult to establish. Here we demonstrate digital nanoreactors that can control interactions between lipid-bound molecular receptors along three key dimensions: stoichiometric, spatial, and temporal. Each nanoreactor is based on a DNA origami ring, which both templates the synthesis of a liposome and provides tethering sites for DNA-based receptors (modelling membrane proteins). Receptors are released into the liposomal membrane using strand displacement and a DNA logic gate measures receptor heterodimer formation. High-efficiency tethering of receptors enables the kinetics of receptors in 1:1 and 2:2 absolute stoichiometries to be observed by bulk fluorescence, which in principle is generalizable to any ratio. Similar single-molecule-in-bulk experiments using DNA-linked membrane proteins could determine native stoichiometry and the kinetics of membrane protein interactions for applications ranging from signalling research to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Maingi
- Department of Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Chris Thachuk
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Namita Sarraf
- Department of Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Edwin R Chapman
- Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - Paul W K Rothemund
- Department of Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
- Department of Computation & Neural Systems, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
- Department of Computation + Mathematical Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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8
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Zhang Q, Gao L, Li F, Bi Y. Sensing and manipulating single lipid vesicles using dynamic DNA nanotechnology. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:5158-5166. [PMID: 36825547 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr07192d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Natural and artificial lipid vesicles have been widely involved in nano-delivery, bio-analysis and diagnosis. For sensing and manipulating single lipid vesicles, dynamic DNA reactions were constructed inside or on the surface of lipid vesicles. In this review, we interpreted various ways of integrating lipid vesicles and dynamic DNA nanotechnology by summarizing the latest reports in bio-analysis and biomimetic cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University, Tai'An, Shandong, 271016, P. R. China.
- Key laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Lu Gao
- Key laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Feng Li
- Key laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China.
| | - Yanping Bi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University, Tai'An, Shandong, 271016, P. R. China.
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9
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Walczak M, Brady RA, Leathers A, Kotar J, Di Michele L. Influence of hydrophobic moieties on the crystallization of amphiphilic DNA nanostructures. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:084501. [PMID: 36859089 DOI: 10.1063/5.0132484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional crystalline frameworks with nanoscale periodicity are valuable for many emerging technologies, from nanophotonics to nanomedicine. DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a prime route for constructing these materials, with most approaches taking advantage of the structural rigidity and bond directionality programmable for DNA building blocks. Recently, we have introduced an alternative strategy reliant on flexible, amphiphilic DNA junctions dubbed C-stars, whose ability to crystallize is modulated by design parameters, such as nanostructure topology, conformation, rigidity, and size. While C-stars have been shown to form ordered phases with controllable lattice parameter, response to stimuli, and embedded functionalities, much of their vast design space remains unexplored. Here, we investigate the effect of changing the chemical nature of the hydrophobic modifications and the structure of the DNA motifs in the vicinity of these moieties. While similar design variations should strongly alter key properties of the hydrophobic interactions between C-stars, such as strength and valency, only limited differences in self-assembly behavior are observed. This finding suggests that long-range order in C-star crystals is likely imposed by structural features of the building block itself rather than the specific characteristics of the hydrophobic tags. Nonetheless, we find that altering the hydrophobic regions influences the ability of C-star crystals to uptake hydrophobic molecular cargoes, which we exemplify by studying the encapsulation of antibiotic penicillin V. Besides advancing our understanding of the principles governing the self-assembly of amphiphilic DNA building blocks, our observations thus open up new routes to chemically program the materials without affecting their structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Walczak
- Department of Physics-Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan A Brady
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Leathers
- Department of Physics-Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Department of Physics-Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
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10
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Morzy D, Tekin C, Caroprese V, Rubio-Sánchez R, Di Michele L, Bastings MMC. Interplay of the mechanical and structural properties of DNA nanostructures determines their electrostatic interactions with lipid membranes. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:2849-2859. [PMID: 36688792 PMCID: PMC9909679 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05368c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids and lipids function in close proximity in biological processes, as well as in nanoengineered constructs for therapeutic applications. As both molecules carry a rich charge profile, and frequently coexist in complex ionic solutions, the electrostatics surely play a pivotal role in interactions between them. Here we discuss how each component of a DNA/ion/lipid system determines its electrostatic attachment. We examine membrane binding of a library of DNA molecules varying from nanoengineered DNA origami through plasmids to short DNA domains, demonstrating the interplay between the molecular structure of the nucleic acid and the phase of lipid bilayers. Furthermore, the magnitude of DNA/lipid interactions is tuned by varying the concentration of magnesium ions in the physiologically relevant range. Notably, we observe that the structural and mechanical properties of DNA are critical in determining its attachment to lipid bilayers and demonstrate that binding is correlated positively with the size, and negatively with the flexibility of the nucleic acid. The findings are utilized in a proof-of-concept comparison of membrane interactions of two DNA origami designs - potential nanotherapeutic platforms - showing how the results can have a direct impact on the choice of DNA geometry for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Morzy
- Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, School of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
| | - Cem Tekin
- Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, School of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
| | - Vincenzo Caroprese
- Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, School of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
| | - Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Maartje M C Bastings
- Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, School of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.
- Interfaculty Bioengineering Institute, School of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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11
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Shahhosseini M, Beshay PE, Akbari E, Roki N, Lucas CR, Avendano A, Song JW, Castro CE. Multiplexed Detection of Molecular Interactions with DNA Origami Engineered Cells in 3D Collagen Matrices. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:55307-55319. [PMID: 36509424 PMCID: PMC9785045 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c07971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The interactions of cells with signaling molecules present in their local microenvironment maintain cell proliferation, differentiation, and spatial organization and mediate progression of diseases such as metabolic disorders and cancer. Real-time monitoring of the interactions between cells and their extracellular ligands in a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment can inform detection and understanding of cell processes and the development of effective therapeutic agents. DNA origami technology allows for the design and fabrication of biocompatible and 3D functional nanodevices via molecular self-assembly for various applications including molecular sensing. Here, we report a robust method to monitor live cell interactions with molecules in their surrounding environment in a 3D tissue model using a microfluidic device. We used a DNA origami cell sensing platform (CSP) to detect two specific nucleic acid sequences on the membrane of B cells and dendritic cells. We further demonstrated real-time detection of biomolecules with the DNA sensing platform on the surface of dendritic cells in a 3D microfluidic tissue model. Our results establish the integration of live cells with membranes engineered with DNA nanodevices into microfluidic chips as a highly capable biosensor approach to investigate subcellular interactions in physiologically relevant 3D environments under controlled biomolecular transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Shahhosseini
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, 201 West 19th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Peter E. Beshay
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, 201 West 19th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ehsan Akbari
- Biophysics
Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Niksa Roki
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, 201 West 19th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Comprehensive
Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 United States
| | - Christopher R. Lucas
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, 201 West 19th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Comprehensive
Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 United States
| | - Alex Avendano
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Jonathan W. Song
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, 201 West 19th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Comprehensive
Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 United States
| | - Carlos E. Castro
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, 201 West 19th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Biophysics
Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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12
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Li L, Liu S, Zhang C, Guo Z, Shao S, Deng X, Liu Q. Recent Advances in DNA-Based Cell Surface Engineering for Biological Applications. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202202070. [PMID: 35977912 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Due to its excellent programmability and biocompatibility, DNA molecule has unique advantages in cell surface engineering. Recent progresses provide a reliable and feasible way to engineer cell surfaces with diverse DNA molecules and DNA nanostructures. The abundant form of DNA nanostructures has greatly expanded the toolbox of DNA-based cell surface engineering and gave rise to a variety of novel and fascinating applications. In this review, we summarize recent advances in DNA-based cell surface engineering and its biological applications. We first introduce some widely used methods of immobilizing DNA molecules on cell surfaces and their application features. Then we discuss the approaches of employing DNA nanostructures and dynamic DNA nanotechnology as elements for creating functional cell surfaces. Finally, we review the extensive biological applications of DNA-based cell surface engineering and discuss the challenges and prospects of DNA-based cell surface engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexun Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics College of Biology, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics College of Biology, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunjuan Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics College of Biology, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Guo
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics College of Biology, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxuan Shao
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics College of Biology, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodan Deng
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics College of Biology, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoling Liu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics College of Biology, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, People's Republic of China
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13
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Fletcher M, Zhu J, Rubio-Sánchez R, Sandler SE, Nahas KA, Michele LD, Keyser UF, Tivony R. DNA-Based Optical Quantification of Ion Transport across Giant Vesicles. ACS NANO 2022; 16:17128-17138. [PMID: 36222833 PMCID: PMC9620405 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Accurate measurements of ion permeability through cellular membranes remains challenging due to the lack of suitable ion-selective probes. Here we use giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) as membrane models for the direct visualization of mass translocation at the single-vesicle level. Ion transport is indicated with a fluorescently adjustable DNA-based sensor that accurately detects sub-millimolar variations in K+ concentration. In combination with microfluidics, we employed our DNA-based K+ sensor for extraction of the permeation coefficient of potassium ions. We measured K+ permeability coefficients at least 1 order of magnitude larger than previously reported values from bulk experiments and show that permeation rates across the lipid bilayer increase in the presence of octanol. In addition, an analysis of the K+ flux in different concentration gradients allows us to estimate the complementary H+ flux that dissipates the charge imbalance across the GUV membrane. Subsequently, we show that our sensor can quantify the K+ transport across prototypical cation-selective ion channels, gramicidin A and OmpF, revealing their relative H+/K+ selectivity. Our results show that gramicidin A is much more selective to protons than OmpF with a H+/K+ permeability ratio of ∼104.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Fletcher
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Jinbo Zhu
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, LondonW12 0BZ, U.K.
- fabriCELL,
Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial
College London, LondonW12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Sarah E Sandler
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Kareem Al Nahas
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, LondonW12 0BZ, U.K.
- fabriCELL,
Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial
College London, LondonW12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Ulrich F Keyser
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Ran Tivony
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
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14
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Gurdap CO, Wedemann L, Sych T, Sezgin E. Influence of the extracellular domain size on the dynamic behavior of membrane proteins. Biophys J 2022; 121:3826-3836. [PMID: 36110044 PMCID: PMC9674980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.09.010] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic behavior of plasma membrane proteins mediates various cellular processes such as cellular motility, communication, and signaling. It is widely accepted that the dynamics of the membrane proteins is determined either by the interactions of the transmembrane domain with the surrounding lipids or by the interactions of the intracellular domain with cytosolic components such as cortical actin. Although initiation of different cellular signaling events at the plasma membrane has been attributed to the extracellular domain (ECD) properties recently, the impact of ECDs on the dynamic behavior of membrane proteins is rather unexplored. Here, we investigate how ECD properties influence protein dynamics in the lipid bilayer by reconstituting ECDs of different sizes or glycosylation in model membrane systems and analyzing ECD-driven protein sorting in lipid domains as well as protein mobility. Our data show that increasing the ECD mass or glycosylation leads to a decrease in ordered domain partitioning and diffusivity. Our data reconcile different mechanisms proposed for the initiation of cellular signaling by linking the ECD size of membrane proteins with their localization and diffusion dynamics in the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cenk Onur Gurdap
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Linda Wedemann
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Taras Sych
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Erdinc Sezgin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
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15
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Paez-Perez M, Russell IA, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Modulating membrane fusion through the design of fusogenic DNA circuits and bilayer composition. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:7035-7044. [PMID: 36000473 PMCID: PMC9516350 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00863g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Membrane fusion is a ubiquitous phenomenon linked to many biological processes, and represents a crucial step in liposome-based drug delivery strategies. The ability to control, ever more precisely, membrane fusion pathways would thus be highly valuable for next generation nano-medical solutions and, more generally, the design of advanced biomimetic systems such as synthetic cells. In this article, we present fusogenic nanostructures constructed from synthetic DNA which, different from previous solutions, unlock routes for modulating the rate of fusion and making it conditional to the presence of soluble DNA molecules, thus demonstrating how membrane fusion can be controlled through simple DNA-based molecular circuits. We then systematically explore the relationship between lipid-membrane composition, its biophysical properties, and measured fusion efficiency, linking our observations to the stability of transition states in the fusion pathway. Finally, we observe that specific lipid compositions lead to the emergence of complex bilayer architectures in the fusion products, such as nested morphologies, which are accompanied by alterations in biophysical behaviour. Our findings provide multiple, orthogonal strategies to program lipid-membrane fusion, which leverage the design of either the fusogenic DNA constructs or the physico/chemical properties of the membranes, and could thus be valuable in applications where some design parameters are constrained by other factors such as material cost and biocompatibility, as it is often the case in biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Paez-Perez
- Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- fabriCELL, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - I Alasdair Russell
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- fabriCELL, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
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16
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Das S, Noh J, Cao W, Sun H, Gianneschi NC, Abbott NL. Using Nanoscopic Solvent Defects for the Spatial and Temporal Manipulation of Single Assemblies of Molecules. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:7506-7514. [PMID: 36094850 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c02454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Here we report the use of defects in ordered solvents to form, manipulate, and characterize individual molecular assemblies of either small-molecule amphiphiles or polymers. The approach exploits nanoscopic control of the structure of nematic solvents (achieved by the introduction of topological defects) to trigger the formation of molecular assemblies and the subsequent manipulation of defects using electric fields. We show that molecular assemblies formed in solvent defects slow defect motion in the presence of an electric field and that time-of-flight measurements correlate with assembly size, suggesting methods for the characterization of single assemblies of molecules. Solvent defects are also used to transport single assemblies of molecules between solvent locations that differ in composition, enabling the assembly and disassembly of molecular "nanocontainers". Overall, our results provide new methods for studying molecular self-assembly at the single-assembly level and new principles for integrated nanoscale chemical systems that use solvent defects to transport and position molecular cargo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumik Das
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - JungHyun Noh
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Nicholas L Abbott
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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17
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Scheidegger L, Stricker L, Beltramo PJ, Vermant J. Domain Size Regulation in Phospholipid Model Membranes Using Oil Molecules and Hybrid Lipids. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:5842-5854. [PMID: 35895895 PMCID: PMC9377339 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c02862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The formation of domains in multicomponent lipid mixtures has been suggested to play a role in moderating signal transduction in cells. Understanding how domain size may be regulated by both hybrid lipid molecules and impurities is important for understanding real biological processes; at the same time, developing model systems where domain size can be regulated is crucial to enable systematic studies of domain formation kinetics and thermodynamics. Here, we perform a model study of the effects of oil molecules, which swell the bilayer, and line-active hybrid phospholipids using a thermally induced liquid-solid phase separation in planar, free-standing lipid bilayers consisting of DOPC and DPPC (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, respectively). The experiments show that the kinetics of domain growth are significantly affected by the type and molecular structure of the oil (squalene, hexadecane, or decane), with the main contributing factors being the degree of swelling of the bilayer and the changes in line tension induced by the different oils, with smaller domains resulting from systems with smaller values of the line tension. POPC (1-palmitoyl-sn-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine), on the other hand, acts as a line-active hybrid lipid, reducing the domain size when added in small amounts and slowing down domain coarsening. Finally, we show that despite the regulation of domain size by both methods, the phase transition temperature is influenced by the presence of oil molecules but not significantly by the presence of hybrid lipids. Overall, our results show how to regulate domain size in binary membrane model systems, over a wide range of length scales, by incorporating oil molecules and hybrid lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Scheidegger
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Stricker
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Peter J Beltramo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Jan Vermant
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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18
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Abstract
Lipid-DNA conjugates have emerged as highly useful tools to modify the cell membranes. These conjugates generally consist of a lipid anchor for membrane modification and a functional DNA nanostructure for membrane analysis or regulation. There are several unique properties of these lipid-DNA conjugates, especially including their programmability, fast and efficient membrane insertion, and precise sequence-specific assembly. These unique properties have enabled a broad range of biophysical applications on live cell membranes. In this review, we will mainly focus on recent tremendous progress, especially during the past three years, in regulating the biophysical features of these lipid-DNA conjugates and their key applications in studying cell membrane biophysics. Some insights into the current challenges and future directions of this interdisciplinary field have also been provided.
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19
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Tseng CY, Wang WX, Douglas TR, Chou LYT. Engineering DNA Nanostructures to Manipulate Immune Receptor Signaling and Immune Cell Fates. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101844. [PMID: 34716686 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells sense, communicate, and logically integrate a multitude of environmental signals to make important cell-fate decisions and fulfill their effector functions. These processes are initiated and regulated by a diverse array of immune receptors and via their dynamic spatiotemporal organization upon ligand binding. Given the widespread relevance of the immune system to health and disease, there have been significant efforts toward understanding the biophysical principles governing immune receptor signaling and activation, as well as the development of biomaterials which exploit these principles for therapeutic immune engineering. Here, how advances in the field of DNA nanotechnology constitute a growing toolbox for further pursuit of these endeavors is discussed. Key cellular players involved in the induction of immunity against pathogens or diseased cells are first summarized. How the ability to design DNA nanostructures with custom shapes, dynamics, and with site-specific incorporation of diverse guests can be leveraged to manipulate the signaling pathways that regulate these processes is then presented. It is followed by highlighting emerging applications of DNA nanotechnology at the crossroads of immune engineering, such as in vitro reconstitution platforms, vaccines, and adjuvant delivery systems. Finally, outstanding questions that remain for further advancing immune-modulatory DNA nanodevices are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung Yi Tseng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto Toronto Ontario M5S 3G9 Canada
| | - Wendy Xueyi Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto Toronto Ontario M5S 3G9 Canada
| | - Travis Robert Douglas
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto Toronto Ontario M5S 3G9 Canada
| | - Leo Y. T. Chou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto Toronto Ontario M5S 3G9 Canada
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20
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Daljit Singh JK, Luu MT, Berengut JF, Abbas A, Baker MAB, Wickham SFJ. Minimizing Cholesterol-Induced Aggregation of Membrane-Interacting DNA Origami Nanostructures. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11120950. [PMID: 34940451 PMCID: PMC8707602 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11120950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology provides methods for building custom membrane-interacting nanostructures with diverse functions, such as shaping membranes, tethering defined numbers of membrane proteins, and transmembrane nanopores. The modification of DNA nanostructures with hydrophobic groups, such as cholesterol, is required to facilitate membrane interactions. However, cholesterol-induced aggregation of DNA origami nanostructures remains a challenge. Aggregation can result in reduced assembly yield, defective structures, and the inhibition of membrane interaction. Here, we quantify the assembly yield of two cholesterol-modified DNA origami nanostructures: a 2D DNA origami tile (DOT) and a 3D DNA origami barrel (DOB), by gel electrophoresis. We found that the DOT assembly yield (relative to the no cholesterol control) could be maximised by reducing the number of cholesterols from 6 to 1 (2 ± 0.2% to 100 ± 2%), optimising the separation between adjacent cholesterols (64 ± 26% to 78 ± 30%), decreasing spacer length (38 ± 20% to 95 ± 5%), and using protective ssDNA 10T overhangs (38 ± 20% to 87 ± 6%). Two-step folding protocols for the DOB, where cholesterol strands are added in a second step, did not improve the yield. Detergent improved the yield of distal cholesterol configurations (26 ± 22% to 92 ± 12%), but samples re-aggregated after detergent removal (74 ± 3%). Finally, we confirmed functional membrane binding of the cholesterol-modified nanostructures. These findings provide fundamental guidelines to reducing the cholesterol-induced aggregation of membrane-interacting 2D and 3D DNA origami nanostructures, improving the yield of well-formed structures to facilitate future applications in nanomedicine and biophysics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasleen Kaur Daljit Singh
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.K.D.S.); (M.T.L.); (J.F.B.)
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Minh Tri Luu
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.K.D.S.); (M.T.L.); (J.F.B.)
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathan F. Berengut
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.K.D.S.); (M.T.L.); (J.F.B.)
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ali Abbas
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Matthew A. B. Baker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Shelley F. J. Wickham
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.K.D.S.); (M.T.L.); (J.F.B.)
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence:
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21
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Rubio-Sánchez R, Fabrini G, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Amphiphilic DNA nanostructures for bottom-up synthetic biology. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:12725-12740. [PMID: 34750602 PMCID: PMC8631003 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc04311k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology enables the construction of sophisticated biomimetic nanomachines that are increasingly central to the growing efforts of creating complex cell-like entities from the bottom-up. DNA nanostructures have been proposed as both structural and functional elements of these artificial cells, and in many instances are decorated with hydrophobic moieties to enable interfacing with synthetic lipid bilayers or regulating bulk self-organisation. In this feature article we review recent efforts to design biomimetic membrane-anchored DNA nanostructures capable of imparting complex functionalities to cell-like objects, such as regulated adhesion, tissue formation, communication and transport. We then discuss the ability of hydrophobic modifications to enable the self-assembly of DNA-based nanostructured frameworks with prescribed morphology and functionality, and explore the relevance of these novel materials for artificial cell science and beyond. Finally, we comment on the yet mostly unexpressed potential of amphiphilic DNA-nanotechnology as a complete toolbox for bottom-up synthetic biology - a figurative and literal scaffold upon which the next generation of synthetic cells could be built.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Giacomo Fabrini
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
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22
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Morzy D, Joshi H, Sandler SE, Aksimentiev A, Keyser UF. Membrane Activity of a DNA-Based Ion Channel Depends on the Stability of Its Double-Stranded Structure. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:9789-9796. [PMID: 34767378 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a promising method for designing spontaneously inserting and fully controllable synthetic ion channels. However, both insertion efficiency and stability of existing DNA-based membrane channels leave much room for improvement. Here, we demonstrate an approach to overcoming the unfavorable DNA-lipid interactions that hinder the formation of a stable transmembrane pore. Our all-atom MD simulations and experiments show that the insertion-driving cholesterol modifications can cause fraying of terminal base pairs of nicked DNA constructs, distorting them when embedded in a lipid bilayer. Importantly, we show that DNA nanostructures with no backbone discontinuities form more stable conductive pores and insert into membranes with a higher efficiency than the equivalent nicked constructs. Moreover, lack of nicks allows design and maintenance of membrane-spanning helices in a tilted orientation within the lipid bilayer. Thus, reducing the conformational degrees of freedom of the DNA nanostructures enables better control over their function as synthetic ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Morzy
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Himanshu Joshi
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Sarah E Sandler
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksei Aksimentiev
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Ulrich F Keyser
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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