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Gonzalez-Hernandez AJ, Munguba H, Levitz J. Emerging modes of regulation of neuromodulatory G protein-coupled receptors. Trends Neurosci 2024:S0166-2236(24)00088-2. [PMID: 38862331 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
In the nervous system, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) control neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, and, ultimately, behavior through spatiotemporally precise initiation of a variety of signaling pathways. However, despite their critical importance, there is incomplete understanding of how these receptors are regulated to tune their signaling to specific neurophysiological contexts. A deeper mechanistic picture of neuromodulatory GPCR function is needed to fully decipher their biological roles and effectively harness them for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we highlight recent progress in identifying novel modes of regulation of neuromodulatory GPCRs, including G protein- and receptor-targeting mechanisms, receptor-receptor crosstalk, and unique features that emerge in the context of chemical synapses. These emerging principles of neuromodulatory GPCR tuning raise critical questions to be tackled at the molecular, cellular, synaptic, and neural circuit levels in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hermany Munguba
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joshua Levitz
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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2
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Song Y, Zhao Z, Xu L, Huang P, Gao J, Li J, Wang X, Zhou Y, Wang J, Zhao W, Wang L, Zheng C, Gao B, Jiang L, Liu K, Guo Y, Yao X, Duan L. Using an ER-specific optogenetic mechanostimulator to understand the mechanosensitivity of the endoplasmic reticulum. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1396-1409.e5. [PMID: 38569547 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.014] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells to perceive and respond to mechanical cues is essential for numerous biological activities. Emerging evidence indicates important contributions of organelles to cellular mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction. However, whether and how the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) senses and reacts to mechanical forces remains elusive. To fill the knowledge gap, after developing a light-inducible ER-specific mechanostimulator (LIMER), we identify that mechanostimulation of ER elicits a transient, rapid efflux of Ca2+ from ER in monkey kidney COS-7 cells, which is dependent on the cation channels transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1) and polycystin-2 (PKD2) in an additive manner. This ER Ca2+ release can be repeatedly stimulated and tuned by varying the intensity and duration of force application. Moreover, ER-specific mechanostimulation inhibits ER-to-Golgi trafficking. Sustained mechanostimuli increase the levels of binding-immunoglobulin protein (BiP) expression and phosphorylated eIF2α, two markers for ER stress. Our results provide direct evidence for ER mechanosensitivity and tight mechanoregulation of ER functions, placing ER as an important player on the intricate map of cellular mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Zhihao Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Linyu Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Peiyuan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jiayang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jingxuan Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Xuejie Wang
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yiren Zhou
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Wenting Zhao
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | - Likun Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chaogu Zheng
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Bo Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Liwen Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yusong Guo
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Yao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Liting Duan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
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3
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Leemann S, Schneider-Warme F, Kleinlogel S. Cardiac optogenetics: shining light on signaling pathways. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1421-1437. [PMID: 38097805 PMCID: PMC10730638 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
In the early 2000s, the field of neuroscience experienced a groundbreaking transformation with the advent of optogenetics. This innovative technique harnesses the properties of naturally occurring and genetically engineered rhodopsins to confer light sensitivity upon target cells. The remarkable spatiotemporal precision offered by optogenetics has provided researchers with unprecedented opportunities to dissect cellular physiology, leading to an entirely new level of investigation. Initially revolutionizing neuroscience, optogenetics quickly piqued the interest of the wider scientific community, and optogenetic applications were expanded to cardiovascular research. Over the past decade, researchers have employed various optical tools to observe, regulate, and steer the membrane potential of excitable cells in the heart. Despite these advancements, achieving control over specific signaling pathways within the heart has remained an elusive goal. Here, we review the optogenetic tools suitable to control cardiac signaling pathways with a focus on GPCR signaling, and delineate potential applications for studying these pathways, both in healthy and diseased hearts. By shedding light on these exciting developments, we hope to contribute to the ongoing progress in basic cardiac research to facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic possibilities for treating cardiovascular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Leemann
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Schneider-Warme
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Kleinlogel
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Translational Medicine Neuroscience, Basel, Switzerland
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4
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Marcus DJ, Bruchas MR. Optical Approaches for Investigating Neuromodulation and G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1119-1139. [PMID: 37429736 PMCID: PMC10595021 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that roughly 40% of all US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved pharmacological therapeutics target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), there remains a gap in our understanding of the physiologic and functional role of these receptors at the systems level. Although heterologous expression systems and in vitro assays have revealed a tremendous amount about GPCR signaling cascades, how these cascades interact across cell types, tissues, and organ systems remains obscure. Classic behavioral pharmacology experiments lack both the temporal and spatial resolution to resolve these long-standing issues. Over the past half century, there has been a concerted effort toward the development of optical tools for understanding GPCR signaling. From initial ligand uncaging approaches to more recent development of optogenetic techniques, these strategies have allowed researchers to probe longstanding questions in GPCR pharmacology both in vivo and in vitro. These tools have been employed across biologic systems and have allowed for interrogation of everything from specific intramolecular events to pharmacology at the systems level in a spatiotemporally specific manner. In this review, we present a historical perspective on the motivation behind and development of a variety of optical toolkits that have been generated to probe GPCR signaling. Here we highlight how these tools have been used in vivo to uncover the functional role of distinct populations of GPCRs and their signaling cascades at a systems level. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain one of the most targeted classes of proteins for pharmaceutical intervention, yet we still have a limited understanding of how their unique signaling cascades effect physiology and behavior at the systems level. In this review, we discuss a vast array of optical techniques that have been devised to probe GPCR signaling both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Marcus
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain and Emotion (D.J.M., M.R.B.), Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.J.M., M.R.B.), Department of Pharmacology (M.R.B.), and Department of Bioengineering (M.R.B.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain and Emotion (D.J.M., M.R.B.), Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (D.J.M., M.R.B.), Department of Pharmacology (M.R.B.), and Department of Bioengineering (M.R.B.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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5
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Lockyer J, Reading A, Vicenzi S, Delandre C, Marshall O, Gasperini R, Foa L, Lin JY. Optogenetic inhibition of Gα signalling alters and regulates circuit functionality and early circuit formation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.06.539674. [PMID: 37214843 PMCID: PMC10197587 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.06.539674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques provide genetically targeted, spatially and temporally precise approaches to correlate cellular activities and physiological outcomes. In the nervous system, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have essential neuromodulatory functions through binding extracellular ligands to induce intracellular signaling cascades. In this work, we develop and validate a new optogenetic tool that disrupt Gαq signaling through membrane recruitment of a minimal Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) domain. This approach, Photo-induced Modulation of Gα protein - Inhibition of Gαq (PiGM-Iq), exhibited potent and selective inhibition of Gαq signaling. We alter the behavior of C. elegans and Drosophila with outcomes consistent with GPCR-Gαq disruption. PiGM-Iq also changes axon guidance in culture dorsal root ganglia neurons in response to serotonin. PiGM-Iq activation leads to developmental deficits in zebrafish embryos and larvae resulting in altered neuronal wiring and behavior. By altering the choice of minimal RGS domain, we also show that this approach is amenable to Gαi signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayde Lockyer
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Andrew Reading
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Silvia Vicenzi
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
- Current affiliation, Moores Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Caroline Delandre
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Owen Marshall
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Robert Gasperini
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Lisa Foa
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - John Y. Lin
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
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6
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Berlew EE, Kuznetsov IA, Yamada K, Bugaj LJ, Boerckel JD, Chow BY. Single-Component Optogenetic Tools for Inducible RhoA GTPase Signaling. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2100810. [PMID: 34288599 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202100810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic tools are created to control RhoA GTPase, a central regulator of actin organization and actomyosin contractility. RhoA GTPase, or its upstream activator ARHGEF11, is fused to BcLOV4, a photoreceptor that can be dynamically recruited to the plasma membrane by a light-regulated protein-lipid electrostatic interaction with the inner leaflet. Direct membrane recruitment of these proteins induces potent contractile signaling sufficient to separate adherens junctions with as little as one pulse of blue light. Induced cytoskeletal morphology changes are dependent on the alignment of the spatially patterned stimulation with the underlying cell polarization. RhoA-mediated cytoskeletal activation drives yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear localization within minutes and consequent mechanotransduction verified by YAP-transcriptional enhanced associate domain transcriptional activity. These single-transgene tools do not require protein binding partners for dynamic membrane localization and permit spatiotemporally precise control over RhoA signaling to advance the study of its diverse regulatory roles in cell migration, morphogenesis, and cell cycle maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Berlew
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 South 33 rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ivan A Kuznetsov
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 South 33 rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Keisuke Yamada
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Bioscience, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8050, Japan
| | - Lukasz J Bugaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 South 33 rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Joel D Boerckel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 South 33 rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Brian Y Chow
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 South 33 rd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Oh TJ, Fan H, Skeeters SS, Zhang K. Steering Molecular Activity with Optogenetics: Recent Advances and Perspectives. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000180. [PMID: 34028216 PMCID: PMC8218620 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics utilizes photosensitive proteins to manipulate the localization and interaction of molecules in living cells. Because light can be rapidly switched and conveniently confined to the sub-micrometer scale, optogenetics allows for controlling cellular events with an unprecedented resolution in time and space. The past decade has witnessed an enormous progress in the field of optogenetics within the biological sciences. The ever-increasing amount of optogenetic tools, however, can overwhelm the selection of appropriate optogenetic strategies. Considering that each optogenetic tool may have a distinct mode of action, a comparative analysis of the current optogenetic toolbox can promote the further use of optogenetics, especially by researchers new to this field. This review provides such a compilation that highlights the spatiotemporal accuracy of current optogenetic systems. Recent advances of optogenetics in live cells and animal models are summarized, the emerging work that interlinks optogenetics with other research fields is presented, and exciting clinical and industrial efforts to employ optogenetic strategy toward disease intervention are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teak-Jung Oh
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Huaxun Fan
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Savanna S Skeeters
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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8
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Abreu N, Levitz J. Optogenetic Techniques for Manipulating and Sensing G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2173:21-51. [PMID: 32651908 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0755-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form the largest class of membrane receptors in the mammalian genome with nearly 800 human genes encoding for unique subtypes. Accordingly, GPCR signaling is implicated in nearly all physiological processes. However, GPCRs have been difficult to study due in part to the complexity of their function which can lead to a plethora of converging or diverging downstream effects over different time and length scales. Classic techniques such as pharmacological control, genetic knockout and biochemical assays often lack the precision required to probe the functions of specific GPCR subtypes. Here we describe the rapidly growing set of optogenetic tools, ranging from methods for optical control of the receptor itself to optical sensing and manipulation of downstream effectors. These tools permit the quantitative measurements of GPCRs and their downstream signaling with high specificity and spatiotemporal precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nohely Abreu
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua Levitz
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Nguyen NT, Ma G, Zhou Y, Jing J. Optogenetic approaches to control Ca 2+-modulated physiological processes. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 17:187-196. [PMID: 33184610 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
As a versatile intracellular second messenger, calcium ion (Ca2+) regulates a plethora of physiological processes. To achieve precise control over Ca2+ signals in living cells and organisms, a set of optogenetic tools have recently been crafted by engineering photosensitive domains into intracellular signaling proteins, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and Ca2+ channels. We highlight herein the optogenetic engineering strategies, kinetic properties, advantages and limitations of these genetically-encoded Ca2+ channel actuators (GECAs) and modulators. In parallel, we present exemplary applications in both excitable and non-excitable cells and tissues. Furthermore, we briefly discuss potential solutions for wireless optogenetics to accelerate the in vivo applications of GECAs under physiological conditions, with an emphasis on integrating near-infrared (NIR) light-excitable upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and bioluminescence with optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhung T Nguyen
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guolin Ma
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ji Jing
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Berlew EE, Kuznetsov IA, Yamada K, Bugaj LJ, Chow BY. Optogenetic Rac1 engineered from membrane lipid-binding RGS-LOV for inducible lamellipodia formation. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2020; 19:353-361. [PMID: 32048687 PMCID: PMC7141788 DOI: 10.1039/c9pp00434c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We report the construction of a single-component optogenetic Rac1 (opto-Rac1) to control actin polymerization by dynamic membrane recruitment. Opto-Rac1 is a fusion of wildtype human Rac1 small GTPase to the C-terminal region of BcLOV4, a LOV (light-oxygen-voltage) photoreceptor that rapidly binds the plasma membrane upon blue-light activation via a direct electrostatic interaction with anionic membrane phospholipids. Translocation of the fused wildtype Rac1 effector permits its activation by GEFs (guanine nucleotide exchange factors) and consequent actin polymerization and lamellipodia formation, unlike in existing single-chain systems that operate by allosteric photo-switching of constitutively active Rac1 or the heterodimerization-based (i.e. two-component) membrane recruitment of a Rac1-activating GEF. Opto-Rac1 induction of lamellipodia formation was spatially restricted to the patterned illumination field and was efficient, requiring sparse stimulation duty ratios of ∼1-2% (at the sensitivity threshold for flavin photocycling) to cause significant changes in cell morphology. This work exemplifies how the discovery of LOV proteins of distinct signal transmission modes can beget new classes of optogenetic tools for controlling cellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Berlew
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 South 33rd Street, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ivan A Kuznetsov
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 South 33rd Street, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Keisuke Yamada
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 South 33rd Street, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lukasz J Bugaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 South 33rd Street, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian Y Chow
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 South 33rd Street, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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11
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Optically inducible membrane recruitment and signaling systems. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 57:84-92. [PMID: 30884362 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Optical induction of intracellular signaling by membrane-associated and integral membrane proteins allows spatiotemporally precise control over second messenger signaling and cytoskeletal rearrangements that are important to cell migration, development, and proliferation. Optogenetic membrane recruitment of a protein-of-interest to control its signaling by altering subcellular localization is a versatile means to these ends. Here, we summarize the signaling characteristics and underlying structure-function of RGS-LOV photoreceptors as single-component membrane recruitment tools that rapidly, reversibly, and efficiently carry protein cargo from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane by a light-regulated electrostatic interaction with the membrane itself. We place the technology-relevant features of these recently described natural photosensory proteins in context of summarized protein engineering and design strategies for optically controlling membrane protein signaling.
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12
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Directly light-regulated binding of RGS-LOV photoreceptors to anionic membrane phospholipids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E7720-E7727. [PMID: 30065115 PMCID: PMC6099885 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1802832115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Light–oxygen–voltage (LOV) domain photoreceptors are found ubiquitously in nature and possess highly diverse signaling roles and mechanisms. Here, we show that a class of fungal LOV proteins dynamically associates with anionic plasma membrane phospholipids by a blue light-switched electrostatic interaction. This reversible association is rapidly triggered by blue light and ceases within seconds when illumination ceases. Within the native host, we predict that these proteins regulate G-protein signaling by the controlled recruitment of fused regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) domains; in applied contexts, we anticipate that engineered chimeric versions of such proteins will be useful for rapid optogenetic membrane localization of fused proteins through direct interaction with the membrane itself, without requiring additional components to direct subcellular localization. We report natural light–oxygen–voltage (LOV) photoreceptors with a blue light-switched, high-affinity (KD ∼ 10−7 M), and direct electrostatic interaction with anionic phospholipids. Membrane localization of one such photoreceptor, BcLOV4 from Botrytis cinerea, is directly coupled to its flavin photocycle, and is mediated by a polybasic amphipathic helix in the linker region between the LOV sensor and its C-terminal domain of unknown function (DUF), as revealed through a combination of bioinformatics, computational protein modeling, structure–function studies, and optogenetic assays in yeast and mammalian cell line expression systems. In model systems, BcLOV4 rapidly translocates from the cytosol to plasma membrane (∼1 second). The reversible electrostatic interaction is nonselective among anionic phospholipids, exhibiting binding strengths dependent on the total anionic content of the membrane without preference for a specific headgroup. The in vitro and cellular responses were also observed with a BcLOV4 homolog and thus are likely to be general across the dikarya LOV class, whose members are associated with regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) domains. Natural photoreceptors are not previously known to directly associate with membrane phospholipids in a light-dependent manner, and thus this work establishes both a photosensory signal transmission mode and a single-component optogenetic tool with rapid membrane localization kinetics that approaches the diffusion limit.
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