1
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Dunkelmann DL, Chin JW. Engineering Pyrrolysine Systems for Genetic Code Expansion and Reprogramming. Chem Rev 2024; 124:11008-11062. [PMID: 39235427 PMCID: PMC11467909 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Over the past 16 years, genetic code expansion and reprogramming in living organisms has been transformed by advances that leverage the unique properties of pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS)/tRNAPyl pairs. Here we summarize the discovery of the pyrrolysine system and describe the unique properties of PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs that provide a foundation for their transformational role in genetic code expansion and reprogramming. We describe the development of genetic code expansion, from E. coli to all domains of life, using PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs, and the development of systems that biosynthesize and incorporate ncAAs using pyl systems. We review applications that have been uniquely enabled by the development of PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs for incorporating new noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs), and strategies for engineering PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs to add noncanonical monomers, beyond α-L-amino acids, to the genetic code of living organisms. We review rapid progress in the discovery and scalable generation of mutually orthogonal PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs that can be directed to incorporate diverse ncAAs in response to diverse codons, and we review strategies for incorporating multiple distinct ncAAs into proteins using mutually orthogonal PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs. Finally, we review recent advances in the encoded cellular synthesis of noncanonical polymers and macrocycles and discuss future developments for PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Dunkelmann
- Medical
Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, England, United Kingdom
- Max
Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Jason W. Chin
- Medical
Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, England, United Kingdom
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2
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Niu W, Guo J. Cellular Site-Specific Incorporation of Noncanonical Amino Acids in Synthetic Biology. Chem Rev 2024; 124:10577-10617. [PMID: 39207844 PMCID: PMC11470805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00938] [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] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, genetic code expansion (GCE)-enabled methods for incorporating noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins have significantly advanced the field of synthetic biology while also reaping substantial benefits from it. On one hand, they provide synthetic biologists with a powerful toolkit to enhance and diversify biological designs beyond natural constraints. Conversely, synthetic biology has not only propelled the development of ncAA incorporation through sophisticated tools and innovative strategies but also broadened its potential applications across various fields. This Review delves into the methodological advancements and primary applications of site-specific cellular incorporation of ncAAs in synthetic biology. The topics encompass expanding the genetic code through noncanonical codon addition, creating semiautonomous and autonomous organisms, designing regulatory elements, and manipulating and extending peptide natural product biosynthetic pathways. The Review concludes by examining the ongoing challenges and future prospects of GCE-enabled ncAA incorporation in synthetic biology and highlighting opportunities for further advancements in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Niu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, United States
- The Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication (NCIBC), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, United States
| | - Jiantao Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, United States
- The Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication (NCIBC), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588, United States
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3
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Jann C, Giofré S, Bhattacharjee R, Lemke EA. Cracking the Code: Reprogramming the Genetic Script in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes to Harness the Power of Noncanonical Amino Acids. Chem Rev 2024; 124:10281-10362. [PMID: 39120726 PMCID: PMC11441406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00878] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Over 500 natural and synthetic amino acids have been genetically encoded in the last two decades. Incorporating these noncanonical amino acids into proteins enables many powerful applications, ranging from basic research to biotechnology, materials science, and medicine. However, major challenges remain to unleash the full potential of genetic code expansion across disciplines. Here, we provide an overview of diverse genetic code expansion methodologies and systems and their final applications in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, represented by Escherichia coli and mammalian cells as the main workhorse model systems. We highlight the power of how new technologies can be first established in simple and then transferred to more complex systems. For example, whole-genome engineering provides an excellent platform in bacteria for enabling transcript-specific genetic code expansion without off-targets in the transcriptome. In contrast, the complexity of a eukaryotic cell poses challenges that require entirely new approaches, such as striving toward establishing novel base pairs or generating orthogonally translating organelles within living cells. We connect the milestones in expanding the genetic code of living cells for encoding novel chemical functionalities to the most recent scientific discoveries, from optimizing the physicochemical properties of noncanonical amino acids to the technological advancements for their in vivo incorporation. This journey offers a glimpse into the promising developments in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Jann
- Biocenter, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- IMB
Postdoc Programme (IPPro), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabrina Giofré
- Biocenter, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- IMB
Postdoc Programme (IPPro), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rajanya Bhattacharjee
- Biocenter, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- IMB
International PhD Programme (IPP), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Edward A. Lemke
- Biocenter, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Institute
of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany
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4
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Yang X, Su XC, Xuan W. Genetically Encoded Photocaged Proteinogenic and Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acids. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400393. [PMID: 38831474 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400393] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Photocaged amino acids could be genetically encoded into proteins via genetic code expansion (GCE) and constitute unique tools for innovative protein engineering. There are a number of photocaged proteinogenic amino acids that allow strategic conversion of proteins into their photocaged variants, thus enabling spatiotemporal and non-invasive regulation of protein functions using light. Meanwhile, there are a hand of photocaged non-proteinogenic amino acids that address the challenges in directly encoding certain non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) that structurally resemble proteinogenic ones or possess highly reactive functional groups. Herein, we would like to summarize the efforts in encoding photocaged proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids, hoping to draw more attention to this fruitful and exciting scientific campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Yang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xun-Cheng Su
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Weimin Xuan
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
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5
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Yi HB, Lee S, Seo K, Kim H, Kim M, Lee HS. Cellular and Biophysical Applications of Genetic Code Expansion. Chem Rev 2024; 124:7465-7530. [PMID: 38753805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Despite their diverse functions, proteins are inherently constructed from a limited set of building blocks. These compositional constraints pose significant challenges to protein research and its practical applications. Strategically manipulating the cellular protein synthesis system to incorporate novel building blocks has emerged as a critical approach for overcoming these constraints in protein research and application. In the past two decades, the field of genetic code expansion (GCE) has achieved significant advancements, enabling the integration of numerous novel functionalities into proteins across a variety of organisms. This technological evolution has paved the way for the extensive application of genetic code expansion across multiple domains, including protein imaging, the introduction of probes for protein research, analysis of protein-protein interactions, spatiotemporal control of protein function, exploration of proteome changes induced by external stimuli, and the synthesis of proteins endowed with novel functions. In this comprehensive Review, we aim to provide an overview of cellular and biophysical applications that have employed GCE technology over the past two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Bin Yi
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungeun Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungdeok Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeongjo Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Minah Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
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6
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Guo QR, Cao YJ. Applications of genetic code expansion technology in eukaryotes. Protein Cell 2024; 15:331-363. [PMID: 37847216 PMCID: PMC11074999 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad051] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Unnatural amino acids (UAAs) have gained significant attention in protein engineering and drug development owing to their ability to introduce new chemical functionalities to proteins. In eukaryotes, genetic code expansion (GCE) enables the incorporation of UAAs and facilitates posttranscriptional modification (PTM), which is not feasible in prokaryotic systems. GCE is also a powerful tool for cell or animal imaging, the monitoring of protein interactions in target cells, drug development, and switch regulation. Therefore, there is keen interest in utilizing GCE in eukaryotic systems. This review provides an overview of the application of GCE in eukaryotic systems and discusses current challenges that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-ru Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomic, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yu J Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomic, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
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7
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Brown W, Davidson LA, Deiters A. Expanding the Genetic Code of Xenopus laevis Embryos. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:516-525. [PMID: 38277773 PMCID: PMC10877573 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00686] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins through genetic code expansion has been successfully adapted to African claw-toed frog embryos. Six unique unnatural amino acids are incorporated site-specifically into proteins and demonstrate robust and reliable protein expression. Of these amino acids, several are caged analogues that can be used to establish conditional control over enzymatic activity. Using light or small molecule triggers, we exhibit activation and tunability of protein functions in live embryos. This approach was then applied to optical control over the activity of a RASopathy mutant of NRAS, taking advantage of generating explant cultures from Xenopus. Taken together, genetic code expansion is a robust approach in the Xenopus model to incorporate novel chemical functionalities into proteins of interest to study their function and role in a complex biological setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Lance A. Davidson
- Departments
of Bioengineering, Developmental Biology, and Computational and Systems
Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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8
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Schene ME, Infield DT, Ahern CA. Expression and purification of fluorinated proteins from mammalian suspension culture. Methods Enzymol 2024; 696:341-354. [PMID: 38658087 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.01.004] [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: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The site-specific encoding of noncanonical amino acids allows for the introduction of rationalized chemistry into a target protein. Of the methods that enable this technology, evolved tRNA and synthetase pairs offer the potential for expanded protein production and purification. Such an approach combines the versatility of solid-phase peptide synthesis with the scalable features of recombinant protein production. We describe the large scale production and purification of eukaryotic proteins bearing fluorinated phenylalanine in mammalian suspension cell preparations. Downstream applications of this approach include scalable recombinant protein preparation for ligand binding assays with small molecules and ligands, protein structure determination, and protein stability assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda E Schene
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Daniel T Infield
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Christopher A Ahern
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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9
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Rahikainen R, Vester SK, Turkki P, Janosko CP, Deiters A, Hytönen VP, Howarth M. Visible Light-Induced Specific Protein Reaction Delineates Early Stages of Cell Adhesion. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:24459-24465. [PMID: 38104267 PMCID: PMC10655181 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07827] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Light is well-established for control of bond breakage but not for control of specific bond formation in complex environments. We previously engineered the diffusion-limited reactivity of the SpyTag003 peptide with its protein partner SpyCatcher003 through spontaneous isopeptide bond formation. This system enables precise and irreversible assembly of biological building blocks with applications from biomaterials to vaccines. Here we establish a system for the rapid control of this amide bond formation with visible light. We have generated a caged SpyCatcher003, which allows light triggering of covalent bond formation to SpyTag003 in mammalian cells. Photocaging is achieved through site-specific incorporation of an unnatural coumarin-lysine at the reactive site of SpyCatcher003. We showed a uniform specific reaction in cell lysate upon light activation. We then used the spatiotemporal precision of a 405 nm confocal laser for uncaging in seconds, probing the earliest events in mechanotransduction by talin, the key force sensor between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. Reconstituting talin induced rapid biphasic extension of lamellipodia, revealing the kinetics of talin-regulated cell spreading and polarization. Thereafter we determined the hierarchy of the recruitment of key components for cell adhesion. Precise control over site-specific protein reaction with visible light creates diverse opportunities for cell biology and nanoassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolle Rahikainen
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere
University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab
Laboratories, Biokatu 4, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Susan K. Vester
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, U.K.
| | - Paula Turkki
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere
University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab
Laboratories, Biokatu 4, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Chasity P. Janosko
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Vesa P. Hytönen
- Faculty
of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere
University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab
Laboratories, Biokatu 4, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Mark Howarth
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, U.K.
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, U.K.
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10
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Rahikainen R, Vester SK, Turkki P, Janosko CP, Deiters A, Hytönen VP, Howarth M. Visible light-induced specific protein reaction delineates early stages of cell adhesion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.21.549850. [PMID: 37503248 PMCID: PMC10370186 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.21.549850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Light is well established for control of bond breakage, but not for control of specific bond formation in complex environments. We previously engineered diffusion-limited reactivity of SpyTag003 peptide with its protein partner SpyCatcher003 through spontaneous transamidation. This system enables precise and irreversible assembly of biological building blocks, with applications from biomaterials to vaccines. Here, we establish a system for rapid control of this amide bond formation with visible light. We have generated a caged SpyCatcher003, which allows light triggering of covalent bond formation to SpyTag003 in mammalian cells. Photocaging is achieved through site-specific incorporation of an unnatural coumarin-lysine at the reactive site of SpyCatcher003. We showed uniform specific reaction in cell lysate upon light activation. We then used the spatiotemporal precision of a 405 nm confocal laser for uncaging in seconds, probing the earliest events in mechanotransduction by talin, the key force sensor between the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix. Reconstituting talin induced rapid biphasic extension of lamellipodia, revealing the kinetics of talin-regulated cell spreading and polarization. Thereafter we determined the hierarchy of recruitment of key components for cell adhesion. Precise control over site-specific protein reaction with visible light creates diverse opportunities for cell biology and nanoassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolle Rahikainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland and Fimlab Laboratories, Biokatu 4, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Susan K. Vester
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Current address: Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, New Hunt’s House, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Paula Turkki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland and Fimlab Laboratories, Biokatu 4, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Chasity P. Janosko
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Vesa P. Hytönen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland and Fimlab Laboratories, Biokatu 4, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mark Howarth
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK
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11
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Brown W, Wesalo J, Samanta S, Luo J, Caldwell SE, Tsang M, Deiters A. Genetically Encoded Aminocoumarin Lysine for Optical Control of Protein-Nucleotide Interactions in Zebrafish Embryos. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:1305-1314. [PMID: 37272594 PMCID: PMC10278064 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The strategic placement of unnatural amino acids into the active site of kinases and phosphatases has allowed for the generation of photocaged signaling proteins that offer spatiotemporal control over activation of these pathways through precise light exposure. However, deploying this technology to study cell signaling in the context of embryo development has been limited. The promise of optical control is especially useful in the early stages of an embryo where development is driven by tightly orchestrated signaling events. Here, we demonstrate light-induced activation of Protein Kinase A and a RASopathy mutant of NRAS in the zebrafish embryo using a new light-activated amino acid. We applied this approach to gain insight into the roles of these proteins in gastrulation and heart development and forge a path for further investigation of RASopathy mutant proteins in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Joshua Wesalo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Subhas Samanta
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Ji Luo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Steven E. Caldwell
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department
of Developmental Biology, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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12
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Qian W, Good MC. Peeking under the hood of early embryogenesis: Using tools and synthetic biology to understand native control systems and sculpt tissues. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 141:43-49. [PMID: 35525819 PMCID: PMC9633583 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.04.016] [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: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Early embryogenesis requires rapid division of pluripotent blastomeres, regulated genome activation, precise spatiotemporal signaling to pattern cell fate, and morphogenesis to shape primitive tissue architectures. The complexity of this process has inspired researchers to move beyond simple genetic perturbation into engineered devices and synthetic biology tools to permit temporal and spatial manipulation of the control systems guiding development. By precise alteration of embryo organization, it is now possible to advance beyond basic analytical strategies and directly test the sufficiency of models for developmental regulation. Separately, advances in micropatterning and embryoid culture have facilitated the bottom-up construction of complex embryo tissues allowing ex vivo systems to recapitulate even later stages of development. Embryos fertilized and grown ex vivo offer an excellent opportunity to exogenously perturb fundamental pathways governing embryogenesis. Here we review the technologies developed to thermally modulate the embryo cell cycle, and optically regulate morphogen and signaling pathways in space and time, specifically in the blastula embryo. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in cell patterning in two and three dimensions that have helped reveal the self-organizing properties and gene regulatory networks guiding early embryo organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Qian
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew C. Good
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Lead Contact,Correspondence: (M.C.G), Address: 421 Curie Blvd, 1151 Biomedical Research Building, Philadelphia PA 19104
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13
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Beyond luciferase-luciferin system: Modification, improved imaging and biomedical application. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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14
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Brown W, Galpin JD, Rosenblum C, Tsang M, Ahern CA, Deiters A. Chemically Acylated tRNAs are Functional in Zebrafish Embryos. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:2414-2420. [PMID: 36669466 PMCID: PMC10155198 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11452] [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] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Genetic code expansion has pushed protein chemistry past the canonical 22 amino acids. The key enzymes that make this possible are engineered aminoacyl tRNA synthetases. However, as the number of genetically encoded amino acids has increased over the years, obvious limits in the type and size of novel side chains that can be accommodated by the synthetase enzyme become apparent. Here, we show that chemically acylating tRNAs allow for robust, site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins in zebrafish embryos, an important model organism for human health and development. We apply this approach to incorporate a unique photocaged histidine analogue for which synthetase engineering efforts have failed. Additionally, we demonstrate optical control over different enzymes in live embryos by installing photocaged histidine into their active sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Jason D Galpin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Carolyn Rosenblum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Christopher A Ahern
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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15
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Brown W, Wesalo J, Tsang M, Deiters A. Engineering Small Molecule Switches of Protein Function in Zebrafish Embryos. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:2395-2403. [PMID: 36662675 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Precise temporally regulated protein function directs the highly complex processes that make up embryo development. The zebrafish embryo is an excellent model organism to study development, and conditional control over enzymatic activity is desirable to target chemical intervention to specific developmental events and to investigate biological mechanisms. Surprisingly few, generally applicable small molecule switches of protein function exist in zebrafish. Genetic code expansion allows for site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins that contain caging groups that are removed through addition of small molecule triggers such as phosphines or tetrazines. This broadly applicable control of protein function was applied to activate several enzymes, including a GTPase and a protease, with temporal precision in zebrafish embryos. Simple addition of the small molecule to the media produces robust and tunable protein activation, which was used to gain insight into the development of a congenital heart defect from a RASopathy mutant of NRAS and to control DNA and protein cleavage events catalyzed by a viral recombinase and a viral protease, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Joshua Wesalo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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16
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Brown W, Rosenblum C, Deiters A. Small-Molecule Phosphine Activation of Protein Function in Zebrafish Embryos with an Expanded Genetic Code. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2676:247-263. [PMID: 37277638 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3251-2_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Conditional control of protein function in a living model organism is an important tool for studying the effects of that protein during development and disease. In this chapter, we walk through the steps to generate a small-molecule-activatable enzyme in zebrafish embryos through the incorporation of a noncanonical amino acid into the protein active site. This method can be applied to many enzyme classes, which we highlight with temporal control of a luciferase and a protease. We demonstrate that strategic placement of the noncanonical amino acid completely blocks enzyme activity, which is then promptly restored after addition of the nontoxic small molecule inducer to the embryo water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carolyn Rosenblum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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17
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Brown W, Albright S, Tsang M, Deiters A. Optogenetic Protein Cleavage in Zebrafish Embryos. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200297. [PMID: 36196665 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200297] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A wide array of optogenetic tools are available that allow for precise spatiotemporal control over cellular processes. These tools are particularly important to zebrafish researchers who take advantage of the embryo's transparency. However, photocleavable optogenetic proteins have not been utilized in zebrafish. We demonstrate successful optical control of protein cleavage in embryos using PhoCl, a photocleavable fluorescent protein. This optogenetic tool offers temporal and spatial control over protein cleavage events, which we demonstrate in light-triggered protein translocation and light-triggered apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Savannah Albright
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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18
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Ryan A, Janosko CP, Courtney TM, Deiters A. Engineering SHP2 Phosphatase for Optical Control. Biochemistry 2022; 61:2687-2697. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Chasity P. Janosko
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Taylor M. Courtney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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19
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Wu K, Moore JA, Miller MD, Chen Y, Lee C, Xu W, Peng Z, Duan Q, Phillips GN, Uribe RA, Xiao H. Expanding the eukaryotic genetic code with a biosynthesized 21st amino acid. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4443. [PMID: 36173166 PMCID: PMC9601876 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4443] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Genetic code expansion technology allows for the use of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) to create semisynthetic organisms for both biochemical and biomedical applications. However, exogenous feeding of chemically synthesized ncAAs at high concentrations is required to compensate for the inefficient cellular uptake and incorporation of these components into proteins, especially in the case of eukaryotic cells and multicellular organisms. To generate organisms capable of autonomously biosynthesizing an ncAA and incorporating it into proteins, we have engineered a metabolic pathway for the synthesis of O-methyltyrosine (OMeY). Specifically, we endowed organisms with a marformycins biosynthetic pathway-derived methyltransferase that efficiently converts tyrosine to OMeY in the presence of the co-factor S-adenosylmethionine. The resulting cells can produce and site-specifically incorporate OMeY into proteins at much higher levels than cells exogenously fed OMeY. To understand the structural basis for the substrate selectivity of the transferase, we solved the X-ray crystal structures of the ligand-free and tyrosine-bound enzymes. Most importantly, we have extended this OMeY biosynthetic system to both mammalian cells and the zebrafish model to enhance the utility of genetic code expansion. The creation of autonomous eukaryotes using a 21st amino acid will make genetic code expansion technology more applicable to multicellular organisms, providing valuable vertebrate models for biological and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan‐Lin Wu
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Joshua A. Moore
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology ProgramRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
| | | | - Yuda Chen
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Catherine Lee
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Weijun Xu
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Zane Peng
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Qinghui Duan
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
| | - George N. Phillips
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Rosa A. Uribe
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology ProgramRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of BioengineeringRice UniversityHoustonTexasUSA
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20
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Hilgers F, Hogenkamp F, Klaus O, Kruse L, Loeschcke A, Bier C, Binder D, Jaeger KE, Pietruszka J, Drepper T. Light-mediated control of gene expression in the anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus using photocaged inducers. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:902059. [PMID: 36246361 PMCID: PMC9561348 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.902059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Photocaged inducer molecules, especially photocaged isopropyl-β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (cIPTG), are well-established optochemical tools for light-regulated gene expression and have been intensively applied in Escherichia coli and other bacteria including Corynebacterium glutamicum, Pseudomonas putida or Bacillus subtilis. In this study, we aimed to implement a light-mediated on-switch for target gene expression in the facultative anoxygenic phototroph Rhodobacter capsulatus by using different cIPTG variants under both phototrophic and non-phototrophic cultivation conditions. We could demonstrate that especially 6-nitropiperonyl-(NP)-cIPTG can be applied for light-mediated induction of target gene expression in this facultative phototrophic bacterium. Furthermore, we successfully applied the optochemical approach to induce the intrinsic carotenoid biosynthesis to showcase engineering of a cellular function. Photocaged IPTG thus represents a light-responsive tool, which offers various promising properties suitable for future applications in biology and biotechnology including automated multi-factorial control of cellular functions as well as optimization of production processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Hilgers
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Fabian Hogenkamp
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Oliver Klaus
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Luzie Kruse
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Anita Loeschcke
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Claus Bier
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dennis Binder
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences: Biotechnology (IBG-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jörg Pietruszka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences: Biotechnology (IBG-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Thomas Drepper
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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21
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Feng Z, Ducos B, Scerbo P, Aujard I, Jullien L, Bensimon D. The Development and Application of Opto-Chemical Tools in the Zebrafish. Molecules 2022; 27:6231. [PMID: 36234767 PMCID: PMC9572478 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is one of the most widely adopted animal models in both basic and translational research. This popularity of the zebrafish results from several advantages such as a high degree of similarity to the human genome, the ease of genetic and chemical perturbations, external fertilization with high fecundity, transparent and fast-developing embryos, and relatively low cost-effective maintenance. In particular, body translucency is a unique feature of zebrafish that is not adequately obtained with other vertebrate organisms. The animal's distinctive optical clarity and small size therefore make it a successful model for optical modulation and observation. Furthermore, the convenience of microinjection and high embryonic permeability readily allow for efficient delivery of large and small molecules into live animals. Finally, the numerous number of siblings obtained from a single pair of animals offers large replicates and improved statistical analysis of the results. In this review, we describe the development of opto-chemical tools based on various strategies that control biological activities with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. We also discuss the reported applications of these tools in zebrafish and highlight the current challenges and future possibilities of opto-chemical approaches, particularly at the single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Feng
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Bertrand Ducos
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- High Throughput qPCR Core Facility, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, 46 Rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Pierluigi Scerbo
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Inovarion, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Aujard
- Laboratoire PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Jullien
- Laboratoire PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - David Bensimon
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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22
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Heiss TK, Dorn RS, Ferreira AJ, Love AC, Prescher JA. Fluorogenic Cyclopropenones for Multicomponent, Real-Time Imaging. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:7871-7880. [PMID: 35442034 PMCID: PMC9377832 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Fluorogenic bioorthogonal reactions enable biomolecule visualization in real time. These reactions comprise reporters that "light up" upon reaction with complementary partners. While the spectrum of fluorogenic chemistries is expanding, few transformations are compatible with live cells due to cross-reactivities or insufficient signal turn-on. To address the need for more suitable chemistries for cellular imaging, we developed a fluorogenic reaction featuring cyclopropenone reporters and phosphines. The transformation involves regioselective activation and cyclization of cyclopropenones to form coumarin products. With optimal probes, the reaction provides >1600-fold signal turn-on, one of the highest fluorescence enhancements reported to date. The bioorthogonal motifs were evaluated in vitro and in cells. The reaction was also found to be compatible with other common fluorogenic transformations, enabling multicomponent, real-time imaging. Collectively, these data suggest that the cyclopropenone-phosphine reaction will bolster efforts to track biomolecule targets in their native settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler K Heiss
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Robert S Dorn
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Andrew J Ferreira
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Anna C Love
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.,Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.,Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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23
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Kneuttinger AC. A guide to designing photocontrol in proteins: methods, strategies and applications. Biol Chem 2022; 403:573-613. [PMID: 35355495 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Light is essential for various biochemical processes in all domains of life. In its presence certain proteins inside a cell are excited, which either stimulates or inhibits subsequent cellular processes. The artificial photocontrol of specifically proteins is of growing interest for the investigation of scientific questions on the organismal, cellular and molecular level as well as for the development of medicinal drugs or biocatalytic tools. For the targeted design of photocontrol in proteins, three major methods have been developed over the last decades, which employ either chemical engineering of small-molecule photosensitive effectors (photopharmacology), incorporation of photoactive non-canonical amino acids by genetic code expansion (photoxenoprotein engineering), or fusion with photoreactive biological modules (hybrid protein optogenetics). This review compares the different methods as well as their strategies and current applications for the light-regulation of proteins and provides background information useful for the implementation of each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Kneuttinger
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry and Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
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24
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Therapeutic peptides: current applications and future directions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:48. [PMID: 35165272 PMCID: PMC8844085 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 527] [Impact Index Per Article: 263.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide drug development has made great progress in the last decade thanks to new production, modification, and analytic technologies. Peptides have been produced and modified using both chemical and biological methods, together with novel design and delivery strategies, which have helped to overcome the inherent drawbacks of peptides and have allowed the continued advancement of this field. A wide variety of natural and modified peptides have been obtained and studied, covering multiple therapeutic areas. This review summarizes the efforts and achievements in peptide drug discovery, production, and modification, and their current applications. We also discuss the value and challenges associated with future developments in therapeutic peptides.
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25
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He J, Fan Z, Tian Y, Yang W, Zhou Y, Zhu Q, Zhang W, Qin W, Yi W. Spatiotemporal Activation of Protein O-GlcNAcylation in Living Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:4289-4293. [PMID: 35138101 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c11041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a prevalent protein modification that plays fundamental roles in both cell physiology and pathology. O-GlcNAc is catalyzed solely by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT). The study of protein O-GlcNAc function is limited by the lack of tools to control OGT activity with spatiotemporal resolution in cells. Here, we report light control of OGT activity in cells by replacing a catalytically essential lysine residue with a genetically encoded photocaged lysine. This enables the expression of a transiently inactivated form of OGT, which can be rapidly reactivated by photo-decaging. We demonstrate the activation of OGT activity by monitoring the time-dependent increase of cellular O-GlcNAc and profile glycoproteins using mass-spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics. We further apply this activation strategy to control the morphological contraction of fibroblasts. Furthermore, we achieved spatial activation of OGT activity predominantly in the cytosol. Thus, our approach provides a valuable chemical tool to control cellular O-GlcNAc with much needed spatiotemporal precision, which aids in a better understanding of O-GlcNAc function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui He
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhiya Fan
- National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yinping Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,Carbohydrate-Based Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yichao Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wanjun Zhang
- National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Weijie Qin
- National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wen Yi
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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26
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Qin X, Liu T. Recent Advances in Genetic Code Expansion Techniques for Protein Phosphorylation Studies. J Mol Biol 2021; 434:167406. [PMID: 34929199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is a reversible, residue-specific posttranslational modification that plays a pivotal role in cell signaling, and the phosphorylation state of proteins is tightly regulated by kinases and phosphatases. Malfunction of this regulation is often associated with human diseases, and therefore elucidation of the function and regulation of this posttranslational modification is important. Genetic code expansion, which allows for site-specific introduction of noncanonical amino acids directly into target proteins in response to a non-sense codon is a powerful method for preparing homogeneously phosphorylated proteins both in Escherichia coli and mammalian cells and therefore is useful for studying protein phosphorylation. Herein, we summarize recent developments in the application of genetic code expansion for protein phosphorylation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China.
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27
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Genetic Code Expansion System for Tight Control of Gene Expression in Bombyx mori Cell Lines. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121081. [PMID: 34940169 PMCID: PMC8709394 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121081] [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: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Bombyx mori is a lepidopteran insect with economic value. Its genetic background is clear, and genome sequence is relatively complete, but the function of many genes has not been determined. The genetic code expansion system has become an important means of gene function research. In this study, a genetic code expansion system suitable for B. mori cells was established. This system included a modified tRNAPyl/Pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) pair from Methanosarcina mazei, the reporter gene D[TAG]G formed by DsRed and EGFP through amber stop codon TAG connection and the unnatural amino acid H-Lys(Boc)-OH. In silkworm BmE and BmNs cell lines, the reporter gene expression was strictly controlled by H-Lys(Boc)-OH in the presence of both PylRS and tRNAPyl. The silkworm genetic code expansion system established here is another useful controllable gene expression system besides tetracycline induced expression system. Abstract Inducible gene expression systems are important tools for studying gene function and to control protein synthesis. With the completion of the detailed map of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) genome, the study of Bombyx mori has entered the post-genome era. While the functions of many genes have been described in detail, many coding genes remain unidentified. Except for the available tetracycline induction system, there is currently a dearth of other effective induction systems for B. mori. A genetic code expansion system can be used for protein labeling and to regulate gene expression. Here, we have established a genetic code expansion system for B. mori based on the well-researched tRNAPyl/PylRS pair from Methanosarcina mazei. We used H-Lys(Boc)-OH, which is a lysine derivative to efficiently and tightly control the expression of the reporter gene DsRed[TAG]EGFP (D[TAG]G), which encoded a H-Lys(Boc)-OH-bearing protein fused with DsRed and EGFP (here regarded as D[Boc]G) in B. mori cell lines BmE and BmNs. In D[TAG]G, the amber stop codon is recognized as the orthogonal tRNAPyl. Successful application of genetic code expansion system in silkworm cell lines will support the research into the function of silkworm genes and paves the way for the identification of new genes and protein markers in silkworm.
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28
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Ryan A, Hammond GRV, Deiters A. Optical Control of Phosphoinositide Binding: Rapid Activation of Subcellular Protein Translocation and Cell Signaling. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:2886-2895. [PMID: 34748306 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cells utilize protein translocation to specific compartments for spatial and temporal regulation of protein activity, in particular in the context of signaling processes. Protein recognition and binding to various subcellular membranes is mediated by a network of phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) species bearing one or multiple phosphate moieties on the polar inositol head. Here, we report a new, highly efficient method for optical control of protein localization through the site-specific incorporation of a photocaged amino acid for steric and electrostatic disruption of inositol phosphate recognition and binding. We demonstrate general applicability of the approach by photocaging two unrelated proteins, sorting nexin 3 (SNX3) and the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of phospholipase C delta 1 (PLCδ1), with two distinct PIP binding domains and distinct subcellular localizations. We have established the applicability of this methodology through its application to Son of Sevenless 2 (SOS2), a signaling protein involved in the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) cascade. Upon fusing the photocaged plasma membrane-targeted construct PH-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), to the catalytic domain of SOS2, we demonstrated light-induced membrane localization of the construct resulting in fast and extensive activation of the ERK signaling pathway in NIH 3T3 cells. This approach can be readily extended to other proteins, with minimal protein engineering, and provides a method for acute optical control of protein translocation with rapid and complete activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Gerald R. V. Hammond
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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29
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Mills EM, Barlow VL, Jones AT, Tsai YH. Development of mammalian cell logic gates controlled by unnatural amino acids. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2021; 1:100073. [PMID: 35474893 PMCID: PMC9017196 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2021.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian cell logic gates hold great potential for wide-ranging applications. However, most of those currently available are controlled by drug(-like) molecules with inherent biological activities. To construct truly orthogonal circuits and artificial regulatory pathways, biologically inert molecules are ideal molecular switches. Here, we applied genetic code expansion and engineered logic gates controlled by two biologically inert unnatural amino acids. Genetic code expansion relies on orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pairs for co-translational and site-specific unnatural amino acid incorporation conventionally in response to an amber (UAG) codon. By screening 11 quadruplet-decoding pyrrolysyl tRNA variants from the literature, we found that all variants decoding CUAG or AGGA tested here are functional in mammalian cells. Using a quadruplet-decoding orthogonal pair together with an amber-decoding pair, we constructed logic gates that can be successfully controlled by two different unnatural amino acids, expanding the scope of genetic code expansion and mammalian cell logic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Mills
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Victoria L. Barlow
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Arwyn T. Jones
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Yu-Hsuan Tsai
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AT, UK
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518132, China
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30
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Zhou W, Deiters A. Chemogenetic and optogenetic control of post-translational modifications through genetic code expansion. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:123-131. [PMID: 33845403 PMCID: PMC8384655 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins extensively diversify the biological information flow from the genome to the proteome and thus have profound pathophysiological implications. Precise dissection of the regulatory networks of PTMs benefits from the ability to achieve conditional control through external optogenetic or chemogenetic triggers. Genetic code expansion provides a unique solution by allowing for site-specific installation of functionally masked unnatural amino acids (UAAs) into proteins, such as enzymes and enzyme substrates, rendering them inert until rapid activation through exposure to light or small molecules. Here, we summarize the most recent advances harnessing this methodology to study various forms of PTMs, as well as generalizable approaches to externally control nodes-of-interest in PTM networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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31
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Bartoschek MD, Ugur E, Nguyen TA, Rodschinka G, Wierer M, Lang K, Bultmann S. Identification of permissive amber suppression sites for efficient non-canonical amino acid incorporation in mammalian cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e62. [PMID: 33684219 PMCID: PMC8216290 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic code of mammalian cells can be expanded to allow the incorporation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) by suppressing in-frame amber stop codons (UAG) with an orthogonal pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS)/tRNAPylCUA (PylT) pair. However, the feasibility of this approach is substantially hampered by unpredictable variations in incorporation efficiencies at different stop codon positions within target proteins. Here, we apply a proteomics-based approach to quantify ncAA incorporation rates at hundreds of endogenous amber stop codons in mammalian cells. With these data, we compute iPASS (Identification of Permissive Amber Sites for Suppression; available at www.bultmannlab.eu/tools/iPASS), a linear regression model to predict relative ncAA incorporation efficiencies depending on the surrounding sequence context. To verify iPASS, we develop a dual-fluorescence reporter for high-throughput flow-cytometry analysis that reproducibly yields context-specific ncAA incorporation efficiencies. We show that nucleotides up- and downstream of UAG synergistically influence ncAA incorporation efficiency independent of cell line and ncAA identity. Additionally, we demonstrate iPASS-guided optimization of ncAA incorporation rates by synonymous exchange of codons flanking the amber stop codon. This combination of in silico analysis followed by validation in living mammalian cells substantially simplifies identification as well as adaptation of sites within a target protein to confer high ncAA incorporation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Bartoschek
- Department of Biology II and Center for Molecular Biosystems (BioSysM), Human Biology and BioImaging, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Enes Ugur
- Department of Biology II and Center for Molecular Biosystems (BioSysM), Human Biology and BioImaging, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany.,Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Tuan-Anh Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Synthetic Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Geraldine Rodschinka
- Department of Biology II and Center for Molecular Biosystems (BioSysM), Human Biology and BioImaging, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Michael Wierer
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Kathrin Lang
- Department of Chemistry, Synthetic Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bultmann
- Department of Biology II and Center for Molecular Biosystems (BioSysM), Human Biology and BioImaging, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
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32
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Porter JJ, Heil CS, Lueck JD. Therapeutic promise of engineered nonsense suppressor tRNAs. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2021; 12:e1641. [PMID: 33567469 PMCID: PMC8244042 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nonsense mutations change an amino acid codon to a premature termination codon (PTC) generally through a single-nucleotide substitution. The generation of a PTC results in a defective truncated protein and often in severe forms of disease. Because of the exceedingly high prevalence of nonsense-associated diseases and a unifying mechanism, there has been a concerted effort to identify PTC therapeutics. Most clinical trials for PTC therapeutics have been conducted with small molecules that promote PTC read through and incorporation of a near-cognate amino acid. However, there is a need for PTC suppression agents that recode PTCs with the correct amino acid while being applicable to PTC mutations in many different genomic landscapes. With these characteristics, a single therapeutic will be able to treat several disease-causing PTCs. In this review, we will focus on the use of nonsense suppression technologies, in particular, suppressor tRNAs (sup-tRNAs), as possible therapeutics for correcting PTCs. Sup-tRNAs have many attractive qualities as possible therapeutic agents although there are knowledge gaps on their function in mammalian cells and technical hurdles that need to be overcome before their promise is realized. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > tRNA Processing Translation > Translation Regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Porter
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Christina S. Heil
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - John D. Lueck
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNew YorkUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNew YorkUSA
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33
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Abstract
Over the past decade, harnessing the cellular protein synthesis machinery to incorporate non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into tailor-made peptides has significantly advanced many aspects of molecular science. More recently, groundbreaking progress in our ability to engineer this machinery for improved ncAA incorporation has led to significant enhancements of this powerful tool for biology and chemistry. By revealing the molecular basis for the poor or improved incorporation of ncAAs, mechanistic studies of ncAA incorporation by the protein synthesis machinery have tremendous potential for informing and directing such engineering efforts. In this chapter, we describe a set of complementary biochemical and single-molecule fluorescence assays that we have adapted for mechanistic studies of ncAA incorporation. Collectively, these assays provide data that can guide engineering of the protein synthesis machinery to expand the range of ncAAs that can be incorporated into peptides and increase the efficiency with which they can be incorporated, thereby enabling the full potential of ncAA mutagenesis technology to be realized.
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34
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Illes B, Fuchs A, Gegenfurtner F, Ploetz E, Zahler S, Vollmar AM, Engelke H. Spatio-selective activation of nuclear translocation of YAP with light directs invasion of cancer cell spheroids. iScience 2021; 24:102185. [PMID: 33718837 PMCID: PMC7921841 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix strongly influence tumor progression and invasion. Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been shown to be a key regulator of this process translating mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix into intracellular signals. Despite its apparent role in tumor progression and metastasis, it is not clear yet, whether YAP activation can actively trigger the onset of invasion. To address this question, we designed a photo-activatable YAP (optoYAP), which allows for spatiotemporal control of its activation. The activation mechanism of optoYAP is based on optically triggered nuclear translocation of the protein. Activation of optoYAP induces downstream signaling for several hours and leads to increased proliferation in two- and three-dimensional cultures. Applied to cancer spheroids, optoYAP activation induces invasion. Site-selective activation of optoYAP in cancer spheroids strikingly directs invasion into the activated direction. Thus, nuclear translocation of YAP may be enough to trigger the onset of invasion. Photoactivation of nuclear translocation of yes-associated protein (YAP) Photoactivation of YAP induces downstream signaling Site-selective activation of YAP triggers directed invasion of cancer spheroids
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Illes
- Department of Chemistry and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 11, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Adrian Fuchs
- Department of Chemistry and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 11, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Gegenfurtner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ploetz
- Department of Chemistry and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 11, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Zahler
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Angelika M Vollmar
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hanna Engelke
- Department of Chemistry and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 11, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Humboldtstr. 46, 8010 Graz, Austria
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35
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Weinstain R, Slanina T, Kand D, Klán P. Visible-to-NIR-Light Activated Release: From Small Molecules to Nanomaterials. Chem Rev 2020; 120:13135-13272. [PMID: 33125209 PMCID: PMC7833475 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Photoactivatable (alternatively, photoremovable, photoreleasable, or photocleavable) protecting groups (PPGs), also known as caged or photocaged compounds, are used to enable non-invasive spatiotemporal photochemical control over the release of species of interest. Recent years have seen the development of PPGs activatable by biologically and chemically benign visible and near-infrared (NIR) light. These long-wavelength-absorbing moieties expand the applicability of this powerful method and its accessibility to non-specialist users. This review comprehensively covers organic and transition metal-containing photoactivatable compounds (complexes) that absorb in the visible- and NIR-range to release various leaving groups and gasotransmitters (carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulfide). The text also covers visible- and NIR-light-induced photosensitized release using molecular sensitizers, quantum dots, and upconversion and second-harmonic nanoparticles, as well as release via photodynamic (photooxygenation by singlet oxygen) and photothermal effects. Release from photoactivatable polymers, micelles, vesicles, and photoswitches, along with the related emerging field of photopharmacology, is discussed at the end of the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Weinstain
- School
of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Tomáš Slanina
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dnyaneshwar Kand
- School
of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Petr Klán
- Department
of Chemistry and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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36
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Hogenkamp F, Hilgers F, Knapp A, Klaus O, Bier C, Binder D, Jaeger KE, Drepper T, Pietruszka J. Effect of Photocaged Isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside Solubility on the Light Responsiveness of LacI-controlled Expression Systems in Different Bacteria. Chembiochem 2020; 22:539-547. [PMID: 32914927 PMCID: PMC7894499 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Photolabile protecting groups play a significant role in controlling biological functions and cellular processes in living cells and tissues, as light offers high spatiotemporal control, is non‐invasive as well as easily tuneable. In the recent past, photo‐responsive inducer molecules such as 6‐nitropiperonyl‐caged IPTG (NP‐cIPTG) have been used as optochemical tools for Lac repressor‐controlled microbial expression systems. To further expand the applicability of the versatile optochemical on‐switch, we have investigated whether the modulation of cIPTG water solubility can improve the light responsiveness of appropriate expression systems in bacteria. To this end, we developed two new cIPTG derivatives with different hydrophobicity and demonstrated both an easy applicability for the light‐mediated control of gene expression and a simple transferability of this optochemical toolbox to the biotechnologically relevant bacteria Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis. Notably, the more water‐soluble cIPTG derivative proved to be particularly suitable for light‐mediated gene expression in these alternative expression hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Hogenkamp
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Fabienne Hilgers
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Knapp
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Oliver Klaus
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Claus Bier
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dennis Binder
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-1: Biotechnology), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Thomas Drepper
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jörg Pietruszka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-1: Biotechnology), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany
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37
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Gang D, Park HS. Noncanonical Amino Acids in Synthetic Biosafety and Post-translational Modification Studies. Chembiochem 2020; 22:460-468. [PMID: 32794239 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The incorporation of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) has been extensively studied because of its broad applicability. In the past decades, various in vitro and in vivo ncAA incorporation approaches have been developed to generate synthetic recombinant proteins. Herein, we discuss the methodologies for ncAA incorporation, and their use in diverse research areas, such as in synthetic biosafety and for studies of post-translational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghyeok Gang
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Hee-Sung Park
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 341418, Korea
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38
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Genetic code expansion in mammalian cells: A plasmid system comparison. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115772. [PMID: 33069552 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Genetic code expansion with unnatural amino acids (UAAs) has significantly broadened the chemical repertoire of proteins. Applications of this method in mammalian cells include probing of molecular interactions, conditional control of biological processes, and new strategies for therapeutics and vaccines. A number of methods have been developed for transient UAA mutagenesis in mammalian cells, each with unique features and advantages. All have in common a need to deliver genes encoding additional protein biosynthetic machinery (an orthogonal tRNA/tRNA synthetase pair) and a gene for the protein of interest. In this study, we present a comparative evaluation of select plasmid-based genetic code expansion systems and a detailed analysis of suppression efficiency with different UAAs and in different cell lines.
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39
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Chen Y, Tang J, Wang L, Tian Z, Cardenas A, Fang X, Chatterjee A, Xiao H. Creation of Bacterial cells with 5-Hydroxytryptophan as a 21 st Amino Acid Building Block. Chem 2020; 6:2717-2727. [PMID: 33102928 DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While most organisms utilize 20 canonical amino acid building blocks for protein synthesis, adding additional candidates to the amino acid repertoire can greatly facilitate the investigation and manipulation of protein structures and functions. In this study, we report the generation of completely autonomous organisms with a 21st ncAA, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP). Like 20 canonical amino acids, 5-hydroxytryptophan can be biosynthesized in vivo from simple carbon sources and is subsequently incorporated into proteins in response to the amber stop codon. Using this unnatural organism, we have prepared a single-chain immunoglobulin variable fragment conjugated with a fluorophore and demonstrated the utility of these autonomous cells to monitor oxidative stress. Creation of this and other cells containing the 21st amino acid will provide an opportunity to generate proteins and organisms with novel activities, as well as to determine the evolutionary consequences of using additional amino acid buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuda Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005. U.S.A
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005. U.S.A
| | - Lushun Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005. U.S.A
| | - Zeru Tian
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005. U.S.A
| | - Adam Cardenas
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005. U.S.A
| | - Xinlei Fang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005. U.S.A
| | - Abhishek Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, 2609 Beacon Street, 246B Merkert Chemistry Center, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, U.S.A
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005. U.S.A.,Department of Biosciences, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A.,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A.,Lead Contact
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40
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Rahman SMT, Zhou W, Deiters A, Haugh JM. Optical control of MAP kinase kinase 6 (MKK6) reveals that it has divergent roles in pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative signaling. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:8494-8504. [PMID: 32371393 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The selective pressure imposed by extrinsic death signals and stressors adds to the challenge of isolating and interpreting the roles of proteins in stress-activated signaling networks. By expressing a kinase with activating mutations and a caged lysine blocking the active site, we can rapidly switch on catalytic activity with light and monitor the ensuing dynamics. Applying this approach to MAP kinase 6 (MKK6), which activates the p38 subfamily of MAPKs, we found that decaging active MKK6 in fibroblasts is sufficient to trigger apoptosis in a p38-dependent manner. Both in fibroblasts and in a murine melanoma cell line expressing mutant B-Raf, MKK6 activation rapidly and potently inhibited the pro-proliferative extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway; to our surprise, this negative cross-regulation was equally robust when all p38 isoforms were inhibited. These results position MKK6 as a new pleiotropic signal transducer that promotes both pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative signaling, and they highlight the utility of caged, light-activated kinases for dissecting stress-activated signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Md Toufiqur Rahman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wenyuan Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jason M Haugh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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41
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Zhou W, Hankinson CP, Deiters A. Optical Control of Cellular ATP Levels with a Photocaged Adenylate Kinase. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1832-1836. [PMID: 32187807 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a new tool for the optical control of cellular ATP concentrations with a photocaged adenylate kinase (Adk). The photocaged Adk is generated by substituting a catalytically essential lysine with a hydroxycoumarin-protected lysine through site-specific unnatural amino acid mutagenesis in both E. coli and mammalian cells. Caging of the critical lysine residue offers complete suppression of Adk's phosphotransferase activity and rapid restoration of its function both in vitro and in vivo upon optical stimulation. Light-activated Adk renders faster rescue of cell growth than chemically inducible expression of wild-type Adk in E. coli as well as rapid ATP depletion in mammalian cells. Thus, caging Adk provides a new tool for direct conditional perturbation of cellular ATP concentrations thereby enabling the investigation of ATP-coupled physiological events in temporally dynamic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA
| | - Chasity P Hankinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA
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42
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Sitkowska K, Hoes MF, Lerch MM, Lameijer LN, van der Meer P, Szymański W, Feringa BL. Red-light-sensitive BODIPY photoprotecting groups for amines and their biological application in controlling heart rhythm. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:5480-5483. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc02178d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Protection of amine functionality with a BODIPY-derived photocleavable protecting group enables the control of heart beat frequency with red light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Sitkowska
- Centre for Systems Chemistry
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry
- University of Groningen
- Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - Martijn F. Hoes
- Department of Cardiology
- University of Groningen
- University Medical Centre Groningen
- 9713 GZ Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - Michael M. Lerch
- Centre for Systems Chemistry
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry
- University of Groningen
- Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - Lucien N. Lameijer
- Centre for Systems Chemistry
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry
- University of Groningen
- Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - Peter van der Meer
- Department of Cardiology
- University of Groningen
- University Medical Centre Groningen
- 9713 GZ Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - Wiktor Szymański
- Centre for Systems Chemistry
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry
- University of Groningen
- Groningen
- The Netherlands
| | - Ben L. Feringa
- Centre for Systems Chemistry
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry
- University of Groningen
- Groningen
- The Netherlands
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43
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Courtney TM, Deiters A. Optical control of protein phosphatase function. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4384. [PMID: 31558717 PMCID: PMC6763421 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12260-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatases are involved in embryonic development, metabolic homeostasis, stress response, cell cycle transitions, and many other essential biological mechanisms. Unlike kinases, protein phosphatases remain understudied and less characterized. Traditional genetic and biochemical methods have contributed significantly to our understanding; however, these methodologies lack precise and acute spatiotemporal control. Here, we report the development of a light-activated protein phosphatase, the dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6 or MKP3). Through genetic code expansion, MKP3 is placed under optical control via two different approaches: (i) incorporation of a caged cysteine into the active site for controlling catalytic activity and (ii) incorporation of a caged lysine into the kinase interaction motif for controlling the protein-protein interaction between the phosphatase and its substrate. Both strategies are expected to be applicable to the engineering of a wide range of light-activated phosphatases. Applying the optogenetically controlled MKP3 in conjunction with live cell reporters, we discover that ERK nuclear translocation is regulated in a graded manner in response to increasing MKP3 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M Courtney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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44
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Mayer SV, Murnauer A, Wrisberg M, Jokisch M, Lang K. Photo‐induced and Rapid Labeling of Tetrazine‐Bearing Proteins via Cyclopropenone‐Caged Bicyclononynes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201908209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne V. Mayer
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry Technical University of Munich Institute for Advanced Study Lichtenbergstr. 4 85748 Garching Germany
| | - Anton Murnauer
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry Technical University of Munich Institute for Advanced Study Lichtenbergstr. 4 85748 Garching Germany
| | - Marie‐Kristin Wrisberg
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry Technical University of Munich Institute for Advanced Study Lichtenbergstr. 4 85748 Garching Germany
| | - Marie‐Lena Jokisch
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry Technical University of Munich Institute for Advanced Study Lichtenbergstr. 4 85748 Garching Germany
| | - Kathrin Lang
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry Technical University of Munich Institute for Advanced Study Lichtenbergstr. 4 85748 Garching Germany
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45
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Mayer SV, Murnauer A, von Wrisberg MK, Jokisch ML, Lang K. Photo-induced and Rapid Labeling of Tetrazine-Bearing Proteins via Cyclopropenone-Caged Bicyclononynes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:15876-15882. [PMID: 31476269 PMCID: PMC6856800 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201908209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Inverse electron‐demand Diels–Alder cycloadditions (iEDDAC) between tetrazines and strained alkenes/alkynes have emerged as essential tools for studying and manipulating biomolecules. A light‐triggered version of iEDDAC (photo‐iEDDAC) is presented that confers spatio‐temporal control to bioorthogonal labeling in vitro and in cellulo. A cyclopropenone‐caged dibenzoannulated bicyclo[6.1.0]nonyne probe (photo‐DMBO) was designed that is unreactive towards tetrazines before light‐activation, but engages in iEDDAC after irradiation at 365 nm. Aminoacyl tRNA synthetase/tRNA pairs were discovered for efficient site‐specific incorporation of tetrazine‐containing amino acids into proteins in living cells. In situ light activation of photo‐DMBO conjugates allows labeling of tetrazine‐modified proteins in living E. coli. This allows proteins in living cells to be modified in a spatio‐temporally controlled manner and may be extended to photo‐induced and site‐specific protein labeling in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne V Mayer
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Institute for Advanced Study, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Anton Murnauer
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Institute for Advanced Study, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Marie-Kristin von Wrisberg
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Institute for Advanced Study, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Marie-Lena Jokisch
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Institute for Advanced Study, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Kathrin Lang
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Chemistry, Group of Synthetic Biochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Institute for Advanced Study, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
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46
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NIR-light-mediated spatially selective triggering of anti-tumor immunity via upconversion nanoparticle-based immunodevices. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2839. [PMID: 31253798 PMCID: PMC6599017 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10847-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory therapies are becoming a paradigm-shifting treatment modality for cancer. Despite promising clinical results, cancer immunotherapy is accompanied with off-tumor toxicity and autoimmune adverse effects. Thus, the development of smarter systems to regulate immune responses with superior spatiotemporal precision and enhanced safety is urgently needed. Here we report an activatable engineered immunodevice that enables remote control over the antitumor immunity in vitro and in vivo with near-infrared (NIR) light. The immunodevice is composed of a rationally designed UV light-activatable immunostimulatory agent and upconversion nanoparticle, which acts as a transducer to shift the light sensitivity of the device to the NIR window. The controlled immune regulation allows the generation of effective immune response within tumor without disturbing immunity elsewhere in the body, thereby maintaining the antitumor efficacy while mitigating systemic toxicity. The present work illustrates the potential of the remote-controlled immunodevice for triggering of immunoactivity at the right time and site.
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47
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Syed J, Palani S, Clarke ST, Asad Z, Bottrill AR, Jones AME, Sampath K, Balasubramanian MK. Expanding the Zebrafish Genetic Code through Site-Specific Introduction of Azido-lysine, Bicyclononyne-lysine, and Diazirine-lysine. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2577. [PMID: 31130675 PMCID: PMC6566996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Site-specific incorporation of un-natural amino acids (UNAA) is a powerful approach to engineer and understand protein function. Site-specific incorporation of UNAAs is achieved through repurposing the amber codon (UAG) as a sense codon for the UNAA, using a tRNACUA that base pairs with an UAG codon in the mRNA and an orthogonal amino-acyl tRNA synthetase (aaRS) that charges the tRNACUA with the UNAA. Here, we report an expansion of the zebrafish genetic code to incorporate the UNAAs, azido-lysine (AzK), bicyclononyne-lysine (BCNK), and diazirine-lysine (AbK) into green fluorescent protein (GFP) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST). We also present proteomic evidence for UNAA incorporation into GFP. Our work sets the stage for the use of AzK, BCNK, and AbK introduction into proteins as a means to investigate and engineer their function in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junetha Syed
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK.
| | - Saravanan Palani
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK.
| | - Scott T Clarke
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK.
| | - Zainab Asad
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK.
| | - Andrew R Bottrill
- Proteomics Research Technology Platform and School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK.
| | - Alexandra M E Jones
- Proteomics Research Technology Platform and School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK.
| | - Karuna Sampath
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK.
| | - Mohan K Balasubramanian
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK.
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48
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Development of photolabile protecting groups and their application to the optochemical control of cell signaling. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 57:164-175. [PMID: 31132552 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many biological processes are naturally regulated with spatiotemporal control. In order to perturb and investigate them, optochemical tools have been developed that convey similar spatiotemporal precision. Pivotal to optochemical probes are photolabile protecting groups, so called caging groups, and recent developments have enabled new applications to cellular processes, including cell signaling. This review focuses on the advances made in the field of caging groups and their application in cell signaling through caged molecules such as neurotransmitters, lipids, secondary messengers, and proteins.
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49
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Brown W, Deiters A. Light-activation of Cre recombinase in zebrafish embryos through genetic code expansion. Methods Enzymol 2019; 624:265-281. [PMID: 31370934 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cre recombinase-mediated DNA recombination is an established method for conditional control of gene expression in animal models. Regulation of its activity has been accomplished to impart spatial and/or temporal control over recombination of the target gene. In this chapter, optical control of Cre recombinase in developing zebrafish embryos through genetic code expansion is discussed. This method takes advantage of an evolved aminoacyl tRNA synthetase and tRNA pair that can incorporate an unnatural amino acid (UAA) into proteins in response to an amber stop codon (TAG). Genetic code expansion is used to replace a lysine residue critical to Cre recombinase function with a photocaged analogue of lysine, successfully blocking DNA recombination until irradiation with 405nm light. Use of optically controlled Cre recombinase for cell-lineage tracing experiments in zebrafish embryos is highlighted, demonstrating the ability to target small populations of cells at different developmental time points for recombination. Optically controlled Cre recombinase showed no background activity and precise activation upon irradiation, making it a useful new tool for studying development and disease in the zebrafish embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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50
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Fleming CL, Grøtli M, Andréasson J. On‐Command Regulation of Kinase Activity using Photonic Stimuli. CHEMPHOTOCHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/cptc.201800253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L. Fleming
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Gothenburg SE-41296 Göteborg Sweden
| | - Morten Grøtli
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Gothenburg SE-41296 Göteborg Sweden
| | - Joakim Andréasson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and BiochemistryChalmers University of Technology SE-41296 Göteborg Sweden
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