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Xie J, Huck WTS, Bao M. Unveiling the Intricate Connection: Cell Volume as a Key Regulator of Mechanotransduction. Annu Rev Biophys 2024; 53:299-317. [PMID: 38424091 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-030822-035656] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The volumes of living cells undergo dynamic changes to maintain the cells' structural and functional integrity in many physiological processes. Minor fluctuations in cell volume can serve as intrinsic signals that play a crucial role in cell fate determination during mechanotransduction. In this review, we discuss the variability of cell volume and its role in vivo, along with an overview of the mechanisms governing cell volume regulation. Additionally, we provide insights into the current approaches used to control cell volume in vitro. Furthermore, we summarize the biological implications of cell volume regulation and discuss recent advances in understanding the fundamental relationship between cell volume and mechanotransduction. Finally, we delve into the potential underlying mechanisms, including intracellular macromolecular crowding and cellular mechanics, that govern the global regulation of cell fate in response to changes in cell volume. By exploring the intricate interplay between cell volume and mechanotransduction, we underscore the importance of considering cell volume as a fundamental signaling cue to unravel the basic principles of mechanotransduction. Additionally, we propose future research directions that can extend our current understanding of cell volume in mechanotransduction. Overall, this review highlights the significance of considering cell volume as a fundamental signal in understanding the basic principles in mechanotransduction and points out the possibility of controlling cell volume to control cell fate, mitigate disease-related damage, and facilitate the healing of damaged tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xie
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wilhelm T S Huck
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Min Bao
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China;
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2
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Sakai K, Kondo Y, Goto Y, Aoki K. Cytoplasmic fluidization contributes to breaking spore dormancy in fission yeast. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2405553121. [PMID: 38889144 PMCID: PMC11214080 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405553121] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytoplasm is a complex, crowded environment that influences myriad cellular processes including protein folding and metabolic reactions. Recent studies have suggested that changes in the biophysical properties of the cytoplasm play a key role in cellular homeostasis and adaptation. However, it still remains unclear how cells control their cytoplasmic properties in response to environmental cues. Here, we used fission yeast spores as a model system of dormant cells to elucidate the mechanisms underlying regulation of the cytoplasmic properties. By tracking fluorescent tracer particles, we found that particle mobility decreased in spores compared to vegetative cells and rapidly increased at the onset of dormancy breaking upon glucose addition. This cytoplasmic fluidization depended on glucose-sensing via the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A pathway. PKA activation led to trehalose degradation through trehalase Ntp1, thereby increasing particle mobility as the amount of trehalose decreased. In contrast, the rapid cytoplasmic fluidization did not require de novo protein synthesis, cytoskeletal dynamics, or cell volume increase. Furthermore, the measurement of diffusion coefficients with tracer particles of different sizes suggests that the spore cytoplasm impedes the movement of larger protein complexes (40 to 150 nm) such as ribosomes, while allowing free diffusion of smaller molecules (~3 nm) such as second messengers and signaling proteins. Our experiments have thus uncovered a series of signaling events that enable cells to quickly fluidize the cytoplasm at the onset of dormancy breaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Sakai
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
| | - Yohei Kondo
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Department of Gene Mechanisms, Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8315, Japan
- Center for Living Systems Information Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8315, Japan
| | - Yuhei Goto
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Department of Gene Mechanisms, Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8315, Japan
- Center for Living Systems Information Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8315, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi444-8787, Japan
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Department of Gene Mechanisms, Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8315, Japan
- Center for Living Systems Information Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8315, Japan
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3
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Schoenmakers LLJ, den Uijl MJ, Postma JL, van den Akker TAP, Huck WTS, Driessen AJM. SecYEG-mediated translocation in a model synthetic cell. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2024; 9:ysae007. [PMID: 38807757 PMCID: PMC11131593 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) provide a powerful model compartment for synthetic cells. However, a key challenge is the incorporation of membrane proteins that allow for transport, energy transduction, compartment growth and division. Here, we have successfully incorporated the membrane protein complex SecYEG-the key bacterial translocase that is essential for the incorporation of newly synthesized membrane proteins-in GUVs. Our method consists of fusion of small unilamellar vesicles containing reconstituted SecYEG into GUVs, thereby forming SecGUVs. These are suitable for large-scale experiments while maintaining a high protein:lipid ratio. We demonstrate that incorporation of SecYEG into GUVs does not inhibit its translocation efficiency. Robust membrane protein functionalized proteo-GUVs are promising and flexible compartments for use in the formation and growth of synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludo L J Schoenmakers
- Physical-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6525AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Max J den Uijl
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Molecular Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle L Postma
- General Instrumentation, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Tim A P van den Akker
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Molecular Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Wilhelm T S Huck
- Physical-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6525AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Arnold J M Driessen
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Molecular Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
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4
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Chen W, Li S, Albahi A, Ye S, Li J, Li B. The effect of konjac glucomannan on enzyme kinetics and fluorescence spectrometry of digestive enzymes: An in vitro research from the perspective of macromolecule crowding. Food Res Int 2024; 184:114247. [PMID: 38609226 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114247] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Konjac glucomannan (KGM) can significantly prolong gastrointestinal digestion. However, it is still worth investigating whether the macromolecular crowding (MMC) induced by KGM is correlated with digestion. In this paper, the MMC effect was quantified by fluorescence resonance energy transfer and microrheology, and the digests of starch, protein, and oil were determined. The digestive enzymes were analyzed by enzyme reaction kinetic and fluorescence quenching. The results showed that higher molecular weight (604.85 ∼ 1002.21 kDa) KGM created a larger MMC (>0.8), and influenced the digestion of macronutrients; the digests of starch, protein, and oil all decreased significantly. MMC induced by KGM decreased the Michaelis-Menten constants (Km and Vmax) of pancreatic α-amylase (PPA), pepsin (PEP), and pancreatic lipase (PPL). The larger MMC (>0.8) induced by KGM resulted in the decrease of fluorescence quenching constants (Ksv) in PPA and PPL, and the increase of Ksv in PEP. Therefore, varying degrees of MMC induced by KGM could play a role in regulating digestion and the inhibitory effect on digestion was more significant in a relatively more crowded environment induced by KGM. This study provides theoretical support for the strategies of nutrient digestion regulation from the perspective of MMC caused by dietary fiber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Chen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen 518000, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Sha Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Amgad Albahi
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shuxin Ye
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen 518000, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Bin Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen 518000, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China.
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5
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Waeterschoot J, Gosselé W, Lemež Š, Casadevall I Solvas X. Artificial cells for in vivo biomedical applications through red blood cell biomimicry. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2504. [PMID: 38509073 PMCID: PMC10954685 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46732-8] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research in artificial cell production holds promise for the development of delivery agents with therapeutic effects akin to real cells. To succeed in these applications, these systems need to survive the circulatory conditions. In this review we present strategies that, inspired by the endurance of red blood cells, have enhanced the viability of large, cell-like vehicles for in vivo therapeutic use, particularly focusing on giant unilamellar vesicles. Insights from red blood cells can guide modifications that could transform these platforms into advanced drug delivery vehicles, showcasing biomimicry's potential in shaping the future of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorik Waeterschoot
- Department of Biosystems - MeBioS, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Willemien Gosselé
- Department of Biosystems - MeBioS, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Špela Lemež
- Department of Biosystems - MeBioS, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
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6
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Kaufmann A, Vigogne M, Neuendorf TA, Reverte-López M, Rivas G, Thiele J. Studying Nucleoid-Associated Protein-DNA Interactions Using Polymer Microgels as Synthetic Mimics. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3695-3703. [PMID: 37965889 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00488] [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: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidically fabricated polymer microgels are used as an experimental platform to analyze protein-DNA interactions regulating bacterial cell division. In particular, we focused on the nucleoid-associated protein SlmA, which forms a nucleoprotein complex with short DNA binding sequences (SBS) that acts as a negative regulator of the division ring stability in Escherichia coli. To mimic the bacterial nucleoid as a dense DNA region of a bacterial cell and investigate the influence of charge and permeability on protein binding and diffusion in there, we have chosen nonionic polyethylene glycol and anionic hyaluronic acid as precursor materials for hydrogel formation, previously functionalized with SBS. SlmA binds specifically to the coupled SBS for both types of microgels while preferentially accumulating at the microgels' surface. We could control the binding specificity by adjusting the buffer composition of the DNA-functionalized microgels. The microgel charge did not impact protein binding; however, hyaluronic acid-based microgels exhibit a higher permeability, promoting protein diffusion; thus, they were the preferred choice for preparing nucleoid mimics. The approaches described here provide attractive tools for bottom-up reconstitution of essential cellular processes in media that more faithfully reproduce intracellular environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Kaufmann
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michelle Vigogne
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Talika A Neuendorf
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - María Reverte-López
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Germán Rivas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian Thiele
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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7
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García-Blay Ó, Verhagen PGA, Martin B, Hansen MMK. Exploring the role of transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes in mRNA co-expression. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300130. [PMID: 37926676 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300130] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Co-expression of two or more genes at the single-cell level is usually associated with functional co-regulation. While mRNA co-expression-measured as the correlation in mRNA levels-can be influenced by both transcriptional and post-transcriptional events, transcriptional regulation is typically considered dominant. We review and connect the literature describing transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of co-expression. To enhance our understanding, we integrate four datasets spanning single-cell gene expression data, single-cell promoter activity data and individual transcript half-lives. Confirming expectations, we find that positive co-expression necessitates promoter coordination and similar mRNA half-lives. Surprisingly, negative co-expression is favored by differences in mRNA half-lives, contrary to initial predictions from stochastic simulations. Notably, this association manifests specifically within clusters of genes. We further observe a striking compensation between promoter coordination and mRNA half-lives, which additional stochastic simulations suggest might give rise to the observed co-expression patterns. These findings raise intriguing questions about the functional advantages conferred by this compensation between distal kinetic steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar García-Blay
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter G A Verhagen
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Martin
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maike M K Hansen
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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8
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Morey K, Thomas-Fenderson T, Watson A, Sebesta J, Peebles C, Gentry-Weeks C. Toehold switch plus signal amplification enables rapid detection. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2200607. [PMID: 37641181 PMCID: PMC10840733 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202200607] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent world events have led to an increased interest in developing rapid and inexpensive clinical diagnostic platforms for viral detection. Here, the development of a cell-free toehold switch-based biosensor, which does not require upstream amplification of target RNA, is described for the detection of RNA viruses. Toehold switches were designed to avoid interfering secondary structure in the viral RNA binding region, mutational hotspots, and cross-reacting sequences of other coronaviruses. Using these design criteria, toehold switches were targeted to a low mutation region of the SARS-CoV-2 genome nonstructural protein 2 (nsp2). The designs were tested in a cell-free system using trigger RNA based on the viral genome and a highly sensitive fluorescent reporter gene, mNeonGreen. The detection sensitivity of our best toehold design, CSU 08, was in the low picomolar range of target (trigger) RNA. To increase the sensitivity of our cell-free biosensor to a clinically relevant level, we developed a modular downstream amplification system that utilizes toehold switch activation of tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease expression. The TEV protease cleaves a quenched fluorescent reporter, both increasing the signal fold change between control and sample and increasing the sensitivity to a clinically relevant low femtomolar range for target RNA detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Morey
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Tyler Thomas-Fenderson
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Al Watson
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Jacob Sebesta
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Christie Peebles
- Chemical and Biological Engineering Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Claudia Gentry-Weeks
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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9
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Holt LJ, Delarue M. Macromolecular crowding: Sensing without a sensor. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 85:102269. [PMID: 37897928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102269] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
All living cells are crowded with macromolecules. Crowding can directly modulate biochemical reactions to various degrees depending on the sizes, shapes, and binding affinities of the reactants. Here, we explore the possibility that cells can sense and adapt to changes in crowding through the widespread modulation of biochemical reactions without the need for a dedicated sensor. Additionally, we explore phase separation as a general physicochemical response to changes in crowding, and a mechanism to both transduce information and physically restore crowding homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J Holt
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Institute for Systems Genetics, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan Delarue
- LAAS-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
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10
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Lu T, Javed S, Bonfio C, Spruijt E. Interfacing Coacervates with Membranes: From Artificial Organelles and Hybrid Protocells to Intracellular Delivery. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300294. [PMID: 37354057 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Compartmentalization is crucial for the functioning of cells. Membranes enclose and protect the cell, regulate the transport of molecules entering and exiting the cell, and organize cellular machinery in subcompartments. In addition, membraneless condensates, or coacervates, offer dynamic compartments that act as biomolecular storage centers, organizational hubs, or reaction crucibles. Emerging evidence shows that phase-separated membraneless bodies in the cell are involved in a wide range of functional interactions with cellular membranes, leading to transmembrane signaling, membrane remodeling, intracellular transport, and vesicle formation. Such functional and dynamic interplay between phase-separated droplets and membranes also offers many potential benefits to artificial cells, as shown by recent studies involving coacervates and liposomes. Depending on the relative sizes and interaction strength between coacervates and membranes, coacervates can serve as artificial membraneless organelles inside liposomes, as templates for membrane assembly and hybrid artificial cell formation, as membrane remodelers for tubulation and possibly division, and finally, as cargo containers for transport and delivery of biomolecules across membranes by endocytosis or direct membrane crossing. Here, recent experimental examples of each of these functions are reviewed and the underlying physicochemical principles and possible future applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiemei Lu
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Sadaf Javed
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Bonfio
- Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), CNRS UMR 7006, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67083, France
| | - Evan Spruijt
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
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11
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Du S, Elliman SJ, Zeugolis DI, O'Brien T. Carrageenan as a macromolecular crowding agent in human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stromal cell culture. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 251:126353. [PMID: 37591431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Cell sheet tissue engineering requires prolonged in vitro culture for the development of implantable devices. Unfortunately, lengthy in vitro culture is associated with cell phenotype loss and substantially higher cost of goods, which collectively hinder clinical translation and commercialisation of tissue engineered medicines. Although macromolecular crowding has been shown to enhance and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, whilst maintaining cellular phenotype, the optimal macromolecular crowding agent still remains elusive. Herein, we evaluated the biophysical properties of seven different carrageenan molecules at five different concentrations and their effect on human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cell morphology, viability, metabolic activity, proliferation, extracellular matrix deposition and surface marker expression. All types of carrageenan (CR) assessed demonstrated a hydrodynamic radius increase as a function of increasing concentration; high polydispersity; and negative charge. Two iota CRs were excluded from further analysis due to poor solubility in cell culture. Among the remaining five carrageenans, the lambda medium viscosity type at concentrations of 10 and 50 μg/ml did not affect cell morphology, viability, metabolic activity, proliferation and expression of surface markers and significantly increased the deposition of collagen types I, III and IV, fibronectin and laminin. Our data highlight the potential of lambda medium viscosity carrageenan as a macromolecular crowding agent for the accelerated development of functional tissue engineered medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Du
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Timothy O'Brien
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Orbsen Therapeutics Ltd, IDA Business Park, Dangan, Galway, Ireland.
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12
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Garnica-Galvez S, Skoufos I, Tzora A, Diakakis N, Prassinos N, Zeugolis DI. Macromolecular crowding in equine bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell cultures using single and double hyaluronic acid macromolecules. Acta Biomater 2023; 170:111-123. [PMID: 37634833 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Macromolecular crowding (MMC) enhances and accelerates extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in eukaryotic cell culture. Single hyaluronic acid (HA) molecules have not induced a notable increase in the amount and rate of deposited ECM. Thus, herein we assessed the physicochemical properties and biological consequences in equine bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell cultures of single and mixed HA molecules and correlated them to the most widely used MMC agents, the FicollⓇ cocktail (FC) and carrageenan (CR). Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that all HA cocktails had significantly higher hydrodynamic radius than the FC and CR; the FC and the 0.5 mg/ml 100 kDa and 500 kDa single HA molecules had the highest charge; and, in general, all molecules had high polydispersity index. Biological analyses revealed that none of the MMC agents affected cell morphology and basic cell functions; in general, CR outperformed all other macromolecules in collagen type I and V deposition; FC, the individual HA molecules and the HA cocktails outperformed CR in collagen type III deposition; FC outperformed CR and the individual HA molecules and the HA cocktails outperformed their constituent HA molecules in collagen type IV deposition; FC and certain HA cocktails outperformed CR and constituent HA molecules in collagen type VI deposition; and all individual HA molecules outperformed FC and CR and the HA cocktails outperformed their constituent HA molecules in laminin deposition. With respect to tri-lineage analysis, CR and HA enhanced chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, whilst FC enhanced adipogenesis. This work opens new avenues in mixed MMC in eukaryotic cell culture. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Mixed macromolecular crowding (MMC) in eukaryotic cell culture is still under-investigated. Herein, single and double hyaluronic acid (HA) macromolecules, along with the traditional MMC agents FicollⓇ cocktail (FC) and carrageenan (CR), were used as MMC agents in equine mesenchymal stromal cell cultures. Biological analysis showed that none of the MMC agents affected cell morphology and basic cell functions. Protein deposition analysis made apparent that CR outperformed all other macromolecules in collagen type I and collagen type V deposition, whilst FC, the individual HA macromolecules and the HA cocktails outperformed CR in collagen type III deposition. Tri-lineage analysis revealed that CR and HA enhanced chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, whilst FC enhanced adipogenesis. These data illustrate that MMC agents are not inert macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Garnica-Galvez
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece; School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Skoufos
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
| | - Athina Tzora
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Diakakis
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikitas Prassinos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
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13
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Bartelds MW, García-Blay Ó, Verhagen PGA, Wubbolts EJ, van Sluijs B, Heus HA, de Greef TFA, Huck WTS, Hansen MMK. Noise Minimization in Cell-Free Gene Expression. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2217-2225. [PMID: 37478000 PMCID: PMC10443034 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00174] [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: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Biochemical reactions that involve small numbers of molecules are accompanied by a degree of inherent randomness that results in noisy reaction outcomes. In synthetic biology, the ability to minimize noise particularly during the reconstitution of future synthetic protocells is an outstanding challenge to secure robust and reproducible behavior. Here we show that by encapsulation of a bacterial cell-free gene expression system in water-in-oil droplets, in vitro-synthesized MazF reduces cell-free gene expression noise >2-fold. With stochastic simulations we identify that this noise minimization acts through both increased degradation and the autoregulatory feedback of MazF. Specifically, we find that the expression of MazF enhances the degradation rate of mRNA up to 18-fold in a sequence-dependent manner. This sequence specificity of MazF would allow targeted noise control, making it ideal to integrate into synthetic gene networks. Therefore, including MazF production in synthetic biology can significantly minimize gene expression noise, impacting future design principles of more complex cell-free gene circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mart W. Bartelds
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Óscar García-Blay
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter G. A. Verhagen
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elise J. Wubbolts
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bob van Sluijs
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans A. Heus
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational
Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology,
P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Center
for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht
Alliance, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wilhelm T. S. Huck
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maike M. K. Hansen
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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14
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Schaffter SW, Wintenberg ME, Murphy TM, Strychalski EA. Design Approaches to Expand the Toolkit for Building Cotranscriptionally Encoded RNA Strand Displacement Circuits. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1546-1561. [PMID: 37134273 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Cotranscriptionally encoded RNA strand displacement (ctRSD) circuits are an emerging tool for programmable molecular computation, with potential applications spanning in vitro diagnostics to continuous computation inside living cells. In ctRSD circuits, RNA strand displacement components are continuously produced together via transcription. These RNA components can be rationally programmed through base pairing interactions to execute logic and signaling cascades. However, the small number of ctRSD components characterized to date limits circuit size and capabilities. Here, we characterize over 200 ctRSD gate sequences, exploring different input, output, and toehold sequences and changes to other design parameters, including domain lengths, ribozyme sequences, and the order in which gate strands are transcribed. This characterization provides a library of sequence domains for engineering ctRSD components, i.e., a toolkit, enabling circuits with up to 4-fold more inputs than previously possible. We also identify specific failure modes and systematically develop design approaches that reduce the likelihood of failure across different gate sequences. Lastly, we show the ctRSD gate design is robust to changes in transcriptional encoding, opening a broad design space for applications in more complex environments. Together, these results deliver an expanded toolkit and design approaches for building ctRSD circuits that will dramatically extend capabilities and potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Schaffter
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Molly E Wintenberg
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Terence M Murphy
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
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15
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Nishio T, Masaoka T, Yoshikawa Y, Sadakane K, Kenmotsu T, Schiessel H, Yoshikawa K. Markedly Different Effects of Monovalent Cations on the Efficiency of Gene Expression. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200164. [PMID: 36328593 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200164] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The effect of monovalent cations on a cell-free transcription-translation (TX-TL) system is examined using a luciferase assay. It is found that the potency for all ions analyzed here is in the order Rb+ > K+ > Cs+ > Na+ ≈ Li+ > (CH3 )4 N+ , where Rb+ is most efficient at promoting TX-TL and the ions of Li+ , Na+ , and (CH3 )4 N+ exhibit an inhibitory effect. Similar promotion/inhibition effects are observed for cell-free TL alone with an mRNA template.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nishio
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technical University of Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tomoya Masaoka
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshikawa
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan
| | - Koichiro Sadakane
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kenmotsu
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan
| | - Helmut Schiessel
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technical University of Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kenichi Yoshikawa
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 610-0394, Japan
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Physics Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
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16
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Gonzales DT, Suraritdechachai S, Tang TYD. Compartmentalized Cell-Free Expression Systems for Building Synthetic Cells. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 186:77-101. [PMID: 37306700 DOI: 10.1007/10_2023_221] [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: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
One of the grand challenges in bottom-up synthetic biology is the design and construction of synthetic cellular systems. One strategy toward this goal is the systematic reconstitution of biological processes using purified or non-living molecular components to recreate specific cellular functions such as metabolism, intercellular communication, signal transduction, and growth and division. Cell-free expression systems (CFES) are in vitro reconstitutions of the transcription and translation machinery found in cells and are a key technology for bottom-up synthetic biology. The open and simplified reaction environment of CFES has helped researchers discover fundamental concepts in the molecular biology of the cell. In recent decades, there has been a drive to encapsulate CFES reactions into cell-like compartments with the aim of building synthetic cells and multicellular systems. In this chapter, we discuss recent progress in compartmentalizing CFES to build simple and minimal models of biological processes that can help provide a better understanding of the process of self-assembly in molecularly complex systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Gonzales
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - T -Y Dora Tang
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Physics of Life, Cluster of Excellence, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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17
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Fujino K, Nishio T, Fujioka K, Yoshikawa Y, Kenmotsu T, Yoshikawa K. Activation/Inhibition of Gene Expression Caused by Alcohols: Relationship with the Viscoelastic Property of a DNA Molecule. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 15:polym15010149. [PMID: 36616499 PMCID: PMC9823369 DOI: 10.3390/polym15010149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohols are used in the life sciences because they can condense and precipitate DNA. Alcohol consumption has been linked to many diseases and can alter genetic activity. In the present report, we carried out experiments to make clear how alcohols affect the efficiency of transcription-translation (TX-TL) and translation (TL) by adapting cell-free gene expression systems with plasmid DNA and RNA templates, respectively. In addition, we quantitatively analyzed intrachain fluctuations of single giant DNA molecules based on the fluctuation-dissipation theorem to gain insight into how alcohols affect the dynamical property of a DNA molecule. Ethanol (2-3%) increased gene expression levels four to five times higher than the control in the TX-TL reaction. A similar level of enhancement was observed with 2-propanol, in contrast to the inhibitory effect of 1-propanol. Similar alcohol effects were observed for the TL reaction. Intrachain fluctuation analysis through single DNA observation showed that 1-propanol markedly increased both the spring and damping constants of single DNA in contrast to the weak effects observed with ethanol, whereas 2-propanol exhibits an intermediate effect. This study indicates that the activation/inhibition effects of alcohol isomers on gene expression correlate with the changes in the viscoelastic mechanical properties of DNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Fujino
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishio
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.N.); (K.Y.)
| | - Keita Fujioka
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshikawa
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kenmotsu
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yoshikawa
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.N.); (K.Y.)
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18
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Vibhute MA, Mutschler H. A Primer on Building Life‐Like Systems. CHEMSYSTEMSCHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/syst.202200033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh A. Vibhute
- TU Dortmund University Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Hannes Mutschler
- TU Dortmund University Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a 44227 Dortmund Germany
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19
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Chauhan G, Norred SE, Dabbs RM, Caveney PM, George JKV, Collier CP, Simpson ML, Abel SM. Crowding-Induced Spatial Organization of Gene Expression in Cell-Sized Vesicles. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3733-3742. [PMID: 36260840 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis is an important tool for studying gene expression and harnessing it for applications. In cells, gene expression is regulated in part by the spatial organization of transcription and translation. Unfortunately, current cell-free approaches are unable to control the organization of molecular components needed for gene expression, which limits the ability to probe and utilize its effects. Here, we show, using complementary computational and experimental approaches, that macromolecular crowding can be used to control the spatial organization and translational efficiency of gene expression in cell-sized vesicles. Computer simulations and imaging experiments reveal that, as crowding is increased, DNA plasmids become localized at the inner surface of vesicles. Ribosomes, in contrast, remain uniformly distributed, demonstrating that crowding can be used to differentially organize components of gene expression. We further carried out cell-free protein synthesis reactions in cell-sized vesicles and quantified mRNA and protein abundance. At sufficiently high levels of crowding, we observed localization of mRNA near vesicle surfaces, a decrease in translational efficiency and protein abundance, and anomalous scaling of protein abundance as a function of vesicle size. These results are consistent with high levels of crowding causing altered spatial organization and slower diffusion. Our work demonstrates a straightforward way to control the organization of gene expression in cell-sized vesicles and provides insight into the spatial regulation of gene expression in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Chauhan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
| | - S Elizabeth Norred
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee37831, United States.,Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
| | - Rosemary M Dabbs
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
| | - Patrick M Caveney
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee37831, United States.,Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
| | - John K Vincent George
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee37831, United States.,Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
| | - C Patrick Collier
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee37831, United States
| | - Michael L Simpson
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee37831, United States.,Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
| | - Steven M Abel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee37996, United States
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20
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Yewdall NA, André AAM, van Haren MHI, Nelissen FHT, Jonker A, Spruijt E. ATP:Mg 2+ shapes material properties of protein-RNA condensates and their partitioning of clients. Biophys J 2022; 121:3962-3974. [PMID: 36004782 PMCID: PMC9674983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cellular condensates are heterotypic mixtures of proteins and RNA formed in complex environments. Magnesium ions (Mg2+) and ATP can impact RNA folding, and local intracellular levels of these factors can vary significantly. However, the effect of ATP:Mg2+ on the material properties of protein-RNA condensates is largely unknown. Here, we use an in vitro condensate model of nucleoli, made from nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), to study the effect of ATP:Mg2+. While NPM1 dynamics remain unchanged at increasing Mg2+ concentrations, the internal RNA dynamics dramatically slowed until a critical point, where gel-like states appeared, suggesting the RNA component alone forms a viscoelastic network that undergoes maturation driven by weak multivalent interactions. ATP reverses this arrest and liquefies the gel-like structures. ATP:Mg2+ also influenced the NPM1-rRNA composition of condensates and enhanced the partitioning of two clients: an arginine-rich peptide and a small nuclear RNA. By contrast, larger ribosome partitioning shows dependence on ATP:Mg2+ and can become reversibly trapped around NPM1-rRNA condensates. Lastly, we show that dissipative enzymatic reactions that deplete ATP can be used to control the shape, composition, and function of condensates. Our results illustrate how intracellular environments may regulate the state and client partitioning of RNA-containing condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Amy Yewdall
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Alain A M André
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Merlijn H I van Haren
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank H T Nelissen
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Aafke Jonker
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Evan Spruijt
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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21
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Guerzoni LPB, de Goes AVC, Kalacheva M, Haduła J, Mork M, De Laporte L, Boersma AJ. High Macromolecular Crowding in Liposomes from Microfluidics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201169. [PMID: 35904258 PMCID: PMC9507340 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular environment is crowded with macromolecules that influence biochemical equilibria and biomacromolecule diffusion. The incorporation of such crowding in synthetic cells would be needed to mimic the biochemistry of living cells. However, only a few methods provide crowded artificial cells, moreover providing cells with either heterogeneous size and composition or containing a significant oil fraction. Therefore, a method that generates monodisperse liposomes with minimal oil content and tunable macromolecular crowding using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidics is presented. Lipid stabilized water-in-oil-in-water emulsions that are stable for at least several months and with a high macromolecular crowder concentration that can be controlled with the external osmolality are formed. A crucial feature is that the oil phase can be removed using high flow conditions at any point after production, providing the highly crowded liposomes. Genetically encoded macromolecular crowding sensors show that the high level of macromolecular crowding in the emulsions is fully retained throughout the generation of minimal-oil lipid bilayers. This modular and robust platform will serve the study of biochemistry under physiologically relevant crowding conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis P. B. Guerzoni
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
| | - André V. C. de Goes
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Milara Kalacheva
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Jakub Haduła
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Matthias Mork
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
- Department Advanced Materials for BiomedicineInstitute of Applied Medical EngineeringUniversity Hospital RWTH AachenForckenbeckstrasse 5552074AachenGermany
| | - Arnold J. Boersma
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
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22
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Abstract
Recent years have seen substantial efforts aimed at constructing artificial cells from various molecular components with the aim of mimicking the processes, behaviours and architectures found in biological systems. Artificial cell development ultimately aims to produce model constructs that progress our understanding of biology, as well as forming the basis for functional bio-inspired devices that can be used in fields such as therapeutic delivery, biosensing, cell therapy and bioremediation. Typically, artificial cells rely on a bilayer membrane chassis and have fluid aqueous interiors to mimic biological cells. However, a desire to more accurately replicate the gel-like properties of intracellular and extracellular biological environments has driven increasing efforts to build cell mimics based on hydrogels. This has enabled researchers to exploit some of the unique functional properties of hydrogels that have seen them deployed in fields such as tissue engineering, biomaterials and drug delivery. In this Review, we explore how hydrogels can be leveraged in the context of artificial cell development. We also discuss how hydrogels can potentially be incorporated within the next generation of artificial cells to engineer improved biological mimics and functional microsystems.
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23
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Maeda YT. Negative autoregulation controls size scaling in confined gene expression reactions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10516. [PMID: 35732682 PMCID: PMC9217826 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression via transcription-translation is the most fundamental reaction to sustain biological systems, and complex reactions occur in a small compartment of living cells. There is increasing evidence that physical effects, such as molecular crowding or excluded volume effects of transcriptional-translational machinery, affect the yield of reaction products. On the other hand, transcriptional feedback that controls gene expression during mRNA synthesis is also a vital mechanism that regulates protein synthesis in cells. However, the excluded volume effect of spatial constraints on feedback regulation is not well understood. Here, we study the confinement effect on transcriptional autoregulatory feedbacks of gene expression reactions using a theoretical model. The excluded volume effects between molecules and the membrane interface suppress the gene expression in a small cell-sized compartment. We find that negative feedback regulation at the transcription step mitigates this size-induced gene repression and alters the scaling relation of gene expression level on compartment volume, approaching the regular scaling relation without the steric effect. This recovery of regular size-scaling of gene expression does not appear in positive feedback regulation, suggesting that negative autoregulatory feedback is crucial for maintaining reaction products constant regardless of compartment size in heterogeneous cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke T Maeda
- Department of Physics, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan.
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24
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Natsume Y. Thermo-Statistical Effects of Inclusions on Vesicles: Division into Multispheres and Polyhedral Deformation. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12060608. [PMID: 35736315 PMCID: PMC9229943 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12060608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The construction of simple cellular models has attracted much attention as a way to explore the origin of life or elucidate the mechanisms of cell division. In the absence of complex regulatory systems, some bacteria spontaneously divide through thermostatistically elucidated mechanisms, and incorporating these simple physical principles could help to construct primitive or artificial cells. Because thermodynamic interactions play an essential role in such mechanisms, this review discusses the thermodynamic aspects of spontaneous division models of vesicles that contain a high density of inclusions, with their membrane serving as a boundary. Vesicles with highly dense inclusions are deformed according to the volume-to-area ratio. The phase separation of beads at specific intermediate volume fractions and the associated polyhedral deformation of the membrane are considered in relation to the Alder transition. Current advances in the development of a membrane-growth vesicular model are summarized. The thermostatistical understanding of these mechanisms could become a cornerstone for the construction of vesicular models that display spontaneous cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuno Natsume
- Schoolteacher Training Course/Natural Sciences, Cooperative Faculty of Education, Utsunomiya University, Mine-machi 350, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Japan;
- Institute for Promotion of Research Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Mine-machi 350, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Japan
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25
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Li C, Zhang X, Dong M, Han X. Progress on Crowding Effect in Cell-like Structures. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12060593. [PMID: 35736300 PMCID: PMC9228500 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12060593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Several biological macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, occupy about 30% of the space in cells, resulting in a crowded macromolecule environment. The crowding effect within cells exerts an impact on the functions of biological components, the assembly behavior of biomacromolecules, and the thermodynamics and kinetics of metabolic reactions. Cell-like structures provide confined and independent compartments for studying the working mechanisms of cells, which can be used to study the physiological functions arising from the crowding effect of macromolecules in cells. This article mainly summarizes the progress of research on the macromolecular crowding effects in cell-like structures. It includes the effects of this crowding on actin assembly behavior, tubulin aggregation behavior, and gene expression. The challenges and future trends in this field are presented at the end of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin 150001, China; (C.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiangxiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin 150001, China; (C.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Mingdong Dong
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (X.H.)
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin 150001, China; (C.L.); (X.Z.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (X.H.)
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26
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Liu Z, Chen J, Bai Q, Lin YN, Liang D. Coacervate Formed by an ATP-Binding Aptamer and Its Dynamic Behavior under Nonequilibrium Conditions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:6425-6434. [PMID: 35543367 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although numerous protocell models have been developed to explore the possible pathway of the origin of life on the early earth, few truly fulfill the roles of the DNA/RNA sequence and ATP molecules, which are keys to cell replication and evolution. The ATP-binding aptamer offers an opportunity to combine sequence and energy molecules. In this work, we choose the coacervate droplet as the protocell model and investigate the interaction of the DNA aptamer, poly(l-lysine)(PLL), and ATP under varying conditions. PLL and aptamers form solid precipitates, which spontaneously transform to coacervate droplets as ATP is introduced. The selective uptake and sequestration of exogenous molecules is achieved by the ATP-containing coacervates. As an electric field is applied to expel ATP, the portion of the droplet deficient in ATP becomes solid. The solid/liquid phase ratio is tunable by varying the electric field strength and excitation time. Together with the vacuolization process, a solid head with a soft mouth periodically opening and closing is created. Moreover, the composite coacervate droplet gradually grows as it is treated with an electric field and cannot recover to the original liquid phase after the power is turned off and replenished with ATP. Our work highlights that the proper integration of the DNA sequence, ATP, and energy input could be a powerful strategy for creating a protocell with certain living features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qingwen Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ya-Nan Lin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Dehai Liang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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27
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Alric B, Formosa-Dague C, Dague E, Holt LJ, Delarue M. Macromolecular crowding limits growth under pressure. NATURE PHYSICS 2022; 18:411-416. [PMID: 37152719 PMCID: PMC10162713 DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cells that grow in confined spaces eventually build up mechanical compressive stress. This growth-induced pressure (GIP) decreases cell growth. GIP is important in a multitude of contexts from cancer, to microbial infections, to biofouling, yet our understanding of its origin and molecular consequences remains limited. Here, we combine microfluidic confinement of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with rheological measurements using genetically encoded multimeric nanoparticles (GEMs) to reveal that growth-induced pressure is accompanied with an increase in a key cellular physical property: macromolecular crowding. We develop a fully calibrated model that predicts how increased macromolecular crowding hinders protein expression and thus diminishes cell growth. This model is sufficient to explain the coupling of growth rate to pressure without the need for specific molecular sensors or signaling cascades. As molecular crowding is similar across all domains of life, this could be a deeply conserved mechanism of biomechanical feedback that allows environmental sensing originating from the fundamental physical properties of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Alric
- MILE team, CNRS, UPR8001, LAAS-CNRS, 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, F-31400 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Etienne Dague
- ELIA team, CNRS, UPR8001, LAAS-CNRS, 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, F-31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Liam J. Holt
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Institute for Systems Genetics, 435 E 30th Street, New York, NY, United States
- to whom correspondence should be addressed: ;
| | - Morgan Delarue
- MILE team, CNRS, UPR8001, LAAS-CNRS, 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, F-31400 Toulouse, France
- to whom correspondence should be addressed: ;
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28
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Gonzales D, Yandrapalli N, Robinson T, Zechner C, Tang TYD. Cell-Free Gene Expression Dynamics in Synthetic Cell Populations. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:205-215. [PMID: 35057626 PMCID: PMC8787815 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ability to build synthetic cellular populations from the bottom-up provides the groundwork to realize minimal living tissues comprising single cells which can communicate and bridge scales into multicellular systems. Engineered systems made of synthetic micron-sized compartments and integrated reaction networks coupled with mathematical modeling can facilitate the design and construction of complex and multiscale chemical systems from the bottom-up. Toward this goal, we generated populations of monodisperse liposomes encapsulating cell-free expression systems (CFESs) using double-emulsion microfluidics and quantified transcription and translation dynamics within individual synthetic cells of the population using a fluorescent Broccoli RNA aptamer and mCherry protein reporter. CFE dynamics in bulk reactions were used to test different coarse-grained resource-limited gene expression models using model selection to obtain transcription and translation rate parameters by likelihood-based parameter estimation. The selected model was then applied to quantify cell-free gene expression dynamics in populations of synthetic cells. In combination, our experimental and theoretical approaches provide a statistically robust analysis of CFE dynamics in bulk and monodisperse synthetic cell populations. We demonstrate that compartmentalization of CFESs leads to different transcription and translation rates compared to bulk CFE and show that this is due to the semipermeable lipid membrane that allows the exchange of materials between the synthetic cells and the external environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David
T. Gonzales
- Max
Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center
for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Tom Robinson
- Max
Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Christoph Zechner
- Max
Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center
for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Physics
of Life, Cluster of Excellence, TU Dresden, 01603 Dresden, Germany
| | - T-Y. Dora Tang
- Max
Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center
for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Physics
of Life, Cluster of Excellence, TU Dresden, 01603 Dresden, Germany
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29
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Studying cell volume beyond cell volume. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 88:165-188. [PMID: 34862025 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The first part of the paper describes two simple microscopic techniques that we use in our laboratory. One measures cell volumes in adherent cultures and the other measures cell dry mass; both measurements are done on the same instrument (a standard bright-field transmission microscope with only one or two narrow-band color filters added) and on the same cells. The reason for combining cell volume with dry mass is that the ratio of the two-dry mass concentration (MC)-is an important and insufficiently utilized biological parameter. We then describe a few applications of MC. The available experimental data strongly suggest its critical role in biological processes, including cell volume regulation. For example, most eukaryotic cells have surprisingly similar values of MC. Moreover, MC (and not cell volume) is tightly controlled in growing cell cultures at highly variable external osmolarities. We review the results showing that elevation of MC is a direct cause of shrinkage-induced apoptosis. Also, by focusing on MC, one can study heterogenous processes, such as necrotic swelling, or discriminate between apoptotic dehydration and the loss of cell fragments.
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30
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Zheng Y, Wu Z, Lin L, Zheng X, Hou Y, Lin JM. Microfluidic droplet-based functional materials for cell manipulation. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4311-4329. [PMID: 34668510 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00618e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Functional materials from the microfluidic-based droplet community are emerging as enabling tools for various applications in tissue engineering and cell biology. The innovative micro- and nano-scale materials with diverse sizes, shapes and components can be fabricated without the use of complicated devices, allowing unprecedented control over the cells that interact with them. Here, we review the current development of microfluidic-based droplet techniques for creation of functional materials (i.e., liquid droplet, microcapsule, and microparticle). We also describe their various applications for manipulating cell fate and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Zengnan Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, China.
| | - Xiaonan Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Ying Hou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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31
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Abstract
A major goal of synthetic biology is to understand the transition between non-living matter and life. The bottom-up development of an artificial cell would provide a minimal system with which to study the border between chemistry and biology. So far, a fully synthetic cell has remained elusive, but chemists are progressing towards this goal by reconstructing cellular subsystems. Cell boundaries, likely in the form of lipid membranes, were necessary for the emergence of life. In addition to providing a protective barrier between cellular cargo and the external environment, lipid compartments maintain homeostasis with other subsystems to regulate cellular processes. In this Review, we examine different chemical approaches to making cell-mimetic compartments. Synthetic strategies to drive membrane formation and function, including bioorthogonal ligations, dissipative self-assembly and reconstitution of biochemical pathways, are discussed. Chemical strategies aim to recreate the interactions between lipid membranes, the external environment and internal biomolecules, and will clarify our understanding of life at the interface of chemistry and biology.
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32
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Kato S, Garenne D, Noireaux V, Maeda YT. Phase Separation and Protein Partitioning in Compartmentalized Cell-Free Expression Reactions. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:3451-3459. [PMID: 34258998 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is important to control a wide range of reactions from gene expression to protein degradation in a cell-sized space. To bring a better understanding of the compatibility of such phase-separated structures with protein synthesis, we study emergent LLPS in a cell-free transcription-translation (TXTL) reaction. When the TXTL reaction composed of many proteins is concentrated, the uniformly mixed state becomes unstable, and membrane-less phases form spontaneously. This LLPS droplet formation is induced when the TXTL reaction is enclosed in water-in-oil emulsion droplets, in which water evaporates from the surface. As the emulsion droplets shrink, smaller LLPS droplets appear inside the emulsion droplets and coalesce into large phase-separated domains that partition the localization of synthesized reporter proteins. The presence of PEG in the TXTL reaction is important not only for versatile cell-free protein synthesis but also for the formation of two large domains capable of protein partitioning. Our results may shed light on the dynamic interplay of LLPS formation and cell-free protein synthesis toward the construction of synthetic organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzo Kato
- Department of Physics, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - David Garenne
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, 115 Union Street Se, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Vincent Noireaux
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, 115 Union Street Se, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Yusuke T Maeda
- Department of Physics, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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33
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Oriola D, Spagnoli FM. Engineering life in synthetic systems. Development 2021; 148:270849. [PMID: 34251450 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The second EMBO-EMBL Symposium 'Synthetic Morphogenesis: From Gene Circuits to Tissue Architecture' was held virtually in March 2021, with participants from all over the world joining from the comfort of their sofas to discuss synthetic morphogenesis at large. Leading scientists from a range of disciplines, including developmental biology, physics, chemistry and computer science, covered a gamut of topics from the principles of cell and tissue organization, patterning and gene regulatory networks, to synthetic approaches for exploring evolutionary and developmental biology principles. Here, we describe some of the high points.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Oriola
- EMBL Barcelona, Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca M Spagnoli
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Floor 28, Tower Wing, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
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34
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Deshwal A, Maiti S. Macromolecular Crowding Effect on the Activity of Liposome-Bound Alkaline Phosphatase: A Paradoxical Inhibitory Action. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:7273-7284. [PMID: 34086469 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c01177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The cytoplasm of a cell is extremely crowded, with 20-30% being large biomolecules. This crowding enforces a significant amount of the physical and chemical barrier around biomolecules, so understanding any biomolecular event within the cellular system is challenging. Unsurprisingly, enzymes show a diverse kind of catalytic behavior inside a crowded environment and thus have remained an area of active interest in the last few decades. The situation can become even more complex and exciting in the case of understanding the behavior of a membrane-bound enzyme (almost 25-30% of enzymes are membrane-bound) in such a crowded environment that until now has remained unexplored. Herein, we have particularly investigated how a membrane-bound enzyme (using liposome-bound alkaline phosphatase) can behave in a crowded environment comprising polymer molecule-like poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) of different weights (PEG400, PEG4000, and PEG9000) and Ficoll 400. We have compared the activity using a polymer microbead conjugated enzyme and have found that liposome-bound alkaline phosphatase had much higher activity in crowded environments, showing the importance and superiority of soft-deformable particles (i.e., vesicles) over hard spheres in macro-molecularly crowded media. Interstingly, we have found a paradoxical behavior of inhibitors in terms of both their extent and pathway of inhibitory action. For instance, phosphates, known as competitive inhibitors in buffer, behave as uncompetitive inhibitors in liposome-bound enzymes in crowded media with an ∼5-fold less inhibitory effect, whereas phenyl alanine (an uncompetitive inhibitor in buffer) did not show any inhibitory potential when the enzyme was membrane-bound and in crowded media containing PEG9000 (30 wt %). Overall, this demonstration elucidates aspects of membrane-bound enzymes in crowded media in terms of both catalytic behavior and inhibitory actions and can lead to further studies of the understanding of enzymatic behavior in such complex crowded environments having a dampening effect in regular diffusive transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshi Deshwal
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, Department of Chemical Sciences, Knowledge City, Manauli 140306, India
| | - Subhabrata Maiti
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, Department of Chemical Sciences, Knowledge City, Manauli 140306, India
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35
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It is time to crowd your cell culture media - Physicochemical considerations with biological consequences. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120943. [PMID: 34139505 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In vivo, the interior and exterior of cells is populated by various macromolecules that create an extremely crowded milieu. Yet again, in vitro eukaryotic cell culture is conducted in dilute culture media that hardly imitate the native tissue density. Herein, the concept of macromolecular crowding is discussed in both intracellular and extracellular context. Particular emphasis is given on how the physicochemical properties of the crowding molecules govern and determine kinetics, equilibria and mechanism of action of biochemical and biological reactions, processes and functions. It is evidenced that we are still at the beginning of appreciating, let alone effectively implementing, the potential of macromolecular crowding in permanently differentiated and stem cell culture systems.
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36
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Chen Y, Zhang Y, Li M, Liu S, Yang X, Wang K, Mann S, Liu J. Self-immobilization of coacervate droplets by enzyme-mediated hydrogelation. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:5438-5441. [PMID: 33949484 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc01483h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An artificial protocell model mimicking stimuli-triggered extracellular matrix formation is demonstrated based on the self-immobilization of coacervate microdroplets. Endogenous enzyme activity within the microdroplets results in the release of Ca2+ ions that trigger hydrogelation throughout the external environment, which in turn mechanically supports and chemically stabilizes the protocells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Mei Li
- Centre for Protolife Research, Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
| | - Songyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaohai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research, Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China.
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37
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A Relationship between NTP and Cell Extract Concentration for Cell-Free Protein Expression. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11030237. [PMID: 33805612 PMCID: PMC7999496 DOI: 10.3390/life11030237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) that synthesizes mRNA and protein from a template DNA has been featured as an important tool to emulate living systems in vitro. However, an obstacle to emulate living cells by CFPS is the loss of activity in the case of usage of high concentration cell extracts. In this study, we found that a high concentration of NTP which inhibits in the case of lower concentration cell extract restored the loss of CFPS activity using high concentration cell extracts. The NTP restoration was independent of the energy regeneration system used, and NTP derivatives also restored the levels of CFPS using a high concentration cell extract. Experiments using dialysis mode of CFPS showed that continuous exchange of small molecule reduced levels of NTP requirement and improved reaction speed of CFPS using the high concentration of cell extract. These findings contribute to the development of a method to understand the condition of living cells by in vitro emulation, and are expected to lead to the achievement of the reconstitution of living cells from biomolecule mixtures.
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38
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Wilcox XE, Chung CB, Slade KM. Macromolecular crowding effects on the kinetics of opposing reactions catalyzed by alcohol dehydrogenase. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 26:100956. [PMID: 33665382 PMCID: PMC7905371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.100956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to better understand how the complex, densely packed, heterogeneous milieu of a cell influences enzyme kinetics, we exposed opposing reactions catalyzed by yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH) to both synthetic and protein crowders ranging from 10 to 550 kDa. The results reveal that the effects from macromolecular crowding depend on the direction of the reaction. The presence of the synthetic polymers, Ficoll and dextran, decrease Vmax and Km for ethanol oxidation. In contrast, these crowders have little effect or even increase these kinetic parameters for acetaldehyde reduction. This increase in Vmax is likely due to excluded volume effects, which are partially counteracted by viscosity hindering release of the NAD+ product. Macromolecular crowding is further complicated by the presence of a depletion layer in solutions of dextran larger than YADH, which diminishes the hindrance from viscosity. The disparate effects from 25 g/L dextran or glucose compared to 25 g/L Ficoll or sucrose reveals that soft interactions must also be considered. Data from binary mixtures of glucose, dextran, and Ficoll support this “tuning” of opposing factors. While macromolecular crowding was originally proposed to influence proteins mainly through excluded volume effects, this work compliments the growing body of evidence revealing that other factors, such as preferential hydration, chemical interactions, and the presence of a depletion layer also contribute to the overall effect of crowding. Yeast alcohol dehydrogenase reduction of acetaldehyde is enhanced by crowding. Crowding effects on YADH kinetics depend on the direction of the reaction. Crowders like dextran can be used as a tool to elucidate enzyme mechanism. Excluded volume optimizes YADH hydride transfer; viscosity hinders product release. The presence of a depletion layer with large crowders mitigates their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xander E Wilcox
- Department of Chemistry, University of California at Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Charmaine B Chung
- Department of Chemistry, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 300 Pulteney St, Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
| | - Kristin M Slade
- Department of Chemistry, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 300 Pulteney St, Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
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39
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Zeugolis DI. Bioinspired in vitro microenvironments to control cell fate: focus on macromolecular crowding. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C842-C849. [PMID: 33656930 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00380.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of therapeutic regenerative medicine and accurate drug discovery cell-based products requires effective, with respect to obtaining sufficient numbers of viable, proliferative, and functional cell populations, cell expansion ex vivo. Unfortunately, traditional cell culture systems fail to recapitulate the multifaceted tissue milieu in vitro, resulting in cell phenotypic drift, loss of functionality, senescence, and apoptosis. Substrate-, environment-, and media-induced approaches are under intense investigation as a means to maintain cell phenotype and function while in culture. In this context, herein, the potential of macromolecular crowding, a biophysical phenomenon with considerable biological consequences, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular, and Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biomedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Regenerative, Modular, and Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.,Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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