1
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Leonard AC, Friedman AJ, Chayer R, Petersen BM, Woojuh J, Xing Z, Cutler SR, Kaar JL, Shirts MR, Whitehead TA. Rationalizing Diverse Binding Mechanisms to the Same Protein Fold: Insights for Ligand Recognition and Biosensor Design. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1757-1772. [PMID: 39017707 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00243] [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: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The engineering of novel protein-ligand binding interactions, particularly for complex drug-like molecules, is an unsolved problem, which could enable many practical applications of protein biosensors. In this work, we analyzed two engineered biosensors, derived from the plant hormone sensor PYR1, to recognize either the agrochemical mandipropamid or the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2. Using a combination of quantitative deep mutational scanning experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrated that mutations at common positions can promote protein-ligand shape complementarity and revealed prominent differences in the electrostatic networks needed to complement diverse ligands. MD simulations indicate that both PYR1 protein-ligand complexes bind a single conformer of their target ligand that is close to the lowest free-energy conformer. Computational design using a fixed conformer and rigid body orientation led to new WIN55,212-2 sensors with nanomolar limits of detection. This work reveals mechanisms by which the versatile PYR1 biosensor scaffold can bind diverse ligands. This work also provides computational methods to sample realistic ligand conformers and rigid body alignments that simplify the computational design of biosensors for novel ligands of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C Leonard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
| | - Anika J Friedman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
| | - Rachel Chayer
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
| | - Brian M Petersen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
| | - Janty Woojuh
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-9800, United States
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
- Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Zenan Xing
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-9800, United States
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
- Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Sean R Cutler
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-9800, United States
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
- Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Joel L Kaar
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
| | - Michael R Shirts
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
| | - Timothy A Whitehead
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
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2
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Pillai A, Idris A, Philomin A, Weidle C, Skotheim R, Leung PJY, Broerman A, Demakis C, Borst AJ, Praetorius F, Baker D. De novo design of allosterically switchable protein assemblies. Nature 2024:10.1038/s41586-024-07813-2. [PMID: 39143214 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07813-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Allosteric modulation of protein function, wherein the binding of an effector to a protein triggers conformational changes at distant functional sites, plays a central part in the control of metabolism and cell signalling1-3. There has been considerable interest in designing allosteric systems, both to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying such 'action at a distance' modulation and to create synthetic proteins whose functions can be regulated by effectors4-7. However, emulating the subtle conformational changes distributed across many residues, characteristic of natural allosteric proteins, is a significant challenge8,9. Here, inspired by the classic Monod-Wyman-Changeux model of cooperativity10, we investigate the de novo design of allostery through rigid-body coupling of peptide-switchable hinge modules11 to protein interfaces12 that direct the formation of alternative oligomeric states. We find that this approach can be used to generate a wide variety of allosterically switchable systems, including cyclic rings that incorporate or eject subunits in response to peptide binding and dihedral cages that undergo effector-induced disassembly. Size-exclusion chromatography, mass photometry13 and electron microscopy reveal that these designed allosteric protein assemblies closely resemble the design models in both the presence and absence of peptide effectors and can have ligand-binding cooperativity comparable to classic natural systems such as haemoglobin14. Our results indicate that allostery can arise from global coupling of the energetics of protein substructures without optimized side-chain-side-chain allosteric communication pathways and provide a roadmap for generating allosterically triggerable delivery systems, protein nanomachines and cellular feedback control circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Pillai
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Abbas Idris
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annika Philomin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Connor Weidle
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rebecca Skotheim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Philip J Y Leung
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Program in Molecular Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adam Broerman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cullen Demakis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Graduate Program in Biological Physics, Structure, and Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew J Borst
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Florian Praetorius
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria.
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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3
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Wang X, Zhang Y, Li Z, Duan Z, Guo M, Wang Z, Zhu F, Xue W. PROSCA: an online platform for humanized scaffold mining facilitating rational protein engineering. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:W272-W279. [PMID: 38738624 PMCID: PMC11223824 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae384] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein scaffolds with small size, high stability and low immunogenicity show important applications in the field of protein engineering and design. However, no relevant computational platform has been reported yet to mining such scaffolds with the desired properties from massive protein structures in human body. Here, we developed PROSCA, a structure-based online platform dedicated to explore the space of the entire human proteome, and to discovery new privileged protein scaffolds with potential engineering value that have never been noticed. PROSCA accepts structure of protein as an input, which can be subsequently aligned with a certain class of protein structures (e.g. the human proteome either from experientially resolved or AlphaFold2 predicted structures, and the human proteins belonging to specific families or domains), and outputs humanized protein scaffolds which are structurally similar with the input protein as well as other related important information such as families, sequences, structures and expression level in human tissues. Through PROSCA, the user can also get excellent experience in visualizations of protein structures and expression overviews, and download the figures and tables of results which can be customized according to the user's needs. Along with the advanced protein engineering and selection technologies, PROSCA will facilitate the rational design of new functional proteins with privileged scaffolds. PROSCA is freely available at https://idrblab.org/prosca/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yintao Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zengpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zixin Duan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Menghan Guo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
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4
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Robinson SA, Co JA, Banik SM. Molecular glues and induced proximity: An evolution of tools and discovery. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1089-1100. [PMID: 38688281 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Small molecule molecular glues can nucleate protein complexes and rewire interactomes. Molecular glues are widely used as probes for understanding functional proximity at a systems level, and the potential to instigate event-driven pharmacology has motivated their application as therapeutics. Despite advantages such as cell permeability and the potential for low off-target activity, glues are still rare when compared to canonical inhibitors in therapeutic development. Their often simple structure and specific ability to reshape protein-protein interactions pose several challenges for widespread, designer applications. Molecular glue discovery and design campaigns can find inspiration from the fields of synthetic biology and biophysics to mine chemical libraries for glue-like molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven Mark Banik
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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5
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Liu C, Li Y, He Q, Fu J, Wei Q, Lin H, Luo Y, Tu Z. Sequence-based design and construction of synthetic nanobody library. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:1973-1985. [PMID: 38548653 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28707] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Nanobody (Nb), the smallest antibody fragments known to bind antigens, is now widely applied to various studies, including protein structure analysis, bioassay, diagnosis, and biomedicine. The traditional approach to generating specific nanobodies involves animal immunization which is time-consuming and expensive. As the understanding of the antibody repertoire accumulation, the synthetic library, which is devoid of animals, has attracted attention widely in recent years. Here, we describe a synthetic phage display library (S-Library), designed based on the systematic analysis of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) of nanobody repertoire. The library consists of a single highly conserved scaffold (IGHV3S65*01-IGHJ4*01) and complementary determining regions of constrained diversity. The S-Library containing 2.19 × 108 independent clones was constructed by the one-step assembly and rapid electro-transformation. The S-Library was screened against various targets (Nb G8, fusion protein of Nb G8 and green fluorescent protein, bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, and acetylcholinesterase). In comparison, a naïve library (N-Library) from the source of 13 healthy animals was constructed and screened against the same targets as the S-Library. Binders were isolated from both S-Library and N-Library. The dynamic affinity was evaluated by the biolayer interferometry. The data confirms that the feature of the Nb repertoire is conducive to reducing the complexity of library design, thus allowing the S-Library to be built on conventional reagents and primers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanyong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Modern Analytical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi-OAI Joint Research Institution, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qinghua He
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Modern Analytical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi-OAI Joint Research Institution, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jinheng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi-OAI Joint Research Institution, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qingting Wei
- School of Software, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhui Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Modern Analytical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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6
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Leonard AC, Friedman AJ, Chayer R, Petersen BM, Kaar J, Shirts MR, Whitehead TA. Rationalizing diverse binding mechanisms to the same protein fold: insights for ligand recognition and biosensor design. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.25.586677. [PMID: 38586024 PMCID: PMC10996623 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.586677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The engineering of novel protein-ligand binding interactions, particularly for complex drug-like molecules, is an unsolved problem which could enable many practical applications of protein biosensors. In this work, we analyzed two engineer ed biosensors, derived from the plant hormone sensor PYR1, to recognize either the agrochemical mandipropamid or the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2. Using a combination of quantitative deep mutational scanning experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrated that mutations at common positions can promote protein-ligand shape complementarity and revealed prominent differences in the electrostatic networks needed to complement diverse ligands. MD simulations indicate that both PYR1 protein-ligand complexes bind a single conformer of their target ligand that is close to the lowest free energy conformer. Computational design using a fixed conformer and rigid body orientation led to new WIN55,212-2 sensors with nanomolar limits of detection. This work reveals mechanisms by which the versatile PYR1 biosensor scaffold can bind diverse ligands. This work also provides computational methods to sample realistic ligand conformers and rigid body alignments that simplify the computational design of biosensors for novel ligands of interest.
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7
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Ikbal MDA, Kang S, Chen X, Gu L, Wang C. Picomolar-Level Sensing of Cannabidiol by Metal Nanoparticles Functionalized with Chemically Induced Dimerization Binders. ACS Sens 2023; 8:4696-4706. [PMID: 38084058 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01758] [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: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Simple and fast detection of small molecules is critical for health and environmental monitoring. Methods for chemical detection often use mass spectrometers or enzymes; the former relies on expensive equipment, and the latter is limited to those that can act as enzyme substrates. Affinity reagents like antibodies can target a variety of small-molecule analytes, but the detection requires the successful design of chemically conjugated targets or analogs for competitive binding assays. Here, we developed a generalizable method for the highly sensitive and specific in-solution detection of small molecules, using cannabidiol (CBD) as an example. Our sensing platform uses gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a pair of chemically induced dimerization (CID) nanobody binders (nanobinders), where CID triggers AuNP aggregation and sedimentation in the presence of CBD. Despite moderate binding affinities of the two nanobinders to CBD (equilibrium dissociation constants KD of ∼6 and ∼56 μM), a scheme consisting of CBD-AuNP preanalytical incubation, centrifugation, and electronic detection (ICED) was devised to demonstrate a high sensitivity (limit of detection of ∼100 picomolar) in urine and saliva, a relatively short sensing time (∼2 h), a large dynamic range (5 logs), and a sufficiently high specificity to differentiate CBD from its analog, tetrahydrocannabinol. The high sensing performance was achieved with the multivalency of AuNP sensing, the ICED scheme that increases analyte concentrations in a small assay volume, and a portable electronic detector. This sensing system is readily applicable for wide molecular diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Ashif Ikbal
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Centre for Photonic Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Shoukai Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Xiahui Chen
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Centre for Photonic Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Liangcai Gu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Centre for Photonic Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
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8
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Chin SE, Schindler C, Vinall L, Dodd RB, Bamber L, Legg S, Sigurdardottir A, Rees DG, Malcolm TIM, Spratley SJ, Granéli C, Sumner J, Tigue NJ. A simeprevir-inducible molecular switch for the control of cell and gene therapies. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7753. [PMID: 38012128 PMCID: PMC10682029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical inducer of dimerization (CID) modules can be used effectively as molecular switches to control biological processes, and thus there is significant interest within the synthetic biology community in identifying novel CID systems. To date, CID modules have been used primarily in engineering cells for in vitro applications. To broaden their utility to the clinical setting, including the potential to control cell and gene therapies, the identification of novel CID modules should consider factors such as the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of the small molecule inducer, and the orthogonality and immunogenicity of the protein components. Here we describe a CID module based on the orally available, approved, small molecule simeprevir and its target, the NS3/4A protease from hepatitis C virus. We demonstrate the utility of this CID module as a molecular switch to control biological processes such as gene expression and apoptosis in vitro, and show that the CID system can be used to rapidly induce apoptosis in tumor cells in a xenograft mouse model, leading to complete tumor regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey E Chin
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lisa Vinall
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roger B Dodd
- Biologics Engineering, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lisa Bamber
- Biologics Engineering, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sandrine Legg
- Biologics Engineering, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - D Gareth Rees
- Biologics Engineering, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tim I M Malcolm
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Cecilia Granéli
- BioPharmaceuticals R&D Cell Therapy Department, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonathan Sumner
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Natalie J Tigue
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
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9
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Shui S, Buckley S, Scheller L, Correia BE. Rational design of small-molecule responsive protein switches. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4774. [PMID: 37656809 PMCID: PMC10510469 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4774] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule responsive protein switches are powerful tools for controlling cellular processes. These switches are designed to respond rapidly and specifically to their inducer. They have been used in numerous applications, including the regulation of gene expression, post-translational protein modification, and signal transduction. Typically, small-molecule responsive protein switches consist of two proteins that interact with each other in the presence or absence of a small molecule. Recent advances in computational protein design already contributed to the development of protein switches with an expanded range of small-molecule inducers and increasingly sophisticated switch mechanisms. Further progress in the engineering of small-molecule responsive switches is fueled by cutting-edge computational design approaches, which will enable more complex and precise control over cellular processes and advance synthetic biology applications in biotechnology and medicine. Here, we discuss recent milestones and how technological advances are impacting the development of chemical switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailan Shui
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering (LPDI)STI, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Stephen Buckley
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering (LPDI)STI, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Leo Scheller
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering (LPDI)STI, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Bruno E. Correia
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering (LPDI)STI, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB)LausanneSwitzerland
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10
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Ikbal MDA, Kang S, Chen X, Gu L, Wang C. Picomolar-Level Sensing of Cannabidiol by Metal Nanoparticles Functionalized with Chemically Induced Dimerization Binders. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.13.557660. [PMID: 37745324 PMCID: PMC10515952 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.13.557660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Simple and fast detection of small molecules is critical to health and environmental monitoring. Methods for chemical detection often use mass spectrometers or enzymes; the former relies on expensive equipment and the latter is limited to those that can act as enzyme substrates. Affinity reagents like antibodies can target a variety of small-molecule analytes, but the detection requires successful design of chemically conjugated targets or analogs for competitive binding assays. Here, we developed a generalizable method for highly sensitive and specific in-solution detection of small molecules, using cannabidiol (CBD) as an example. Our sensing platform uses gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a pair of chemically induced dimerization (CID) nanobody binders (nano-binders), where CID triggers AuNPs aggregation and sedimentation in the presence of CBD. Despite moderate binding affinities of the two nano-binders to CBD (KDs of ~6 and ~56 μM), a scheme consisting of CBD-AuNP pre-analytical incubation, centrifugation, and electronic detection (ICED) was devised to demonstrate a high sensitivity (limit of detection of ~100 picomolar) in urine and saliva, a relatively short assay time (~2 hours), a large dynamic range (5 logs), and a sufficiently high specificity to differentiate CBD from its analog, tetrahydrocannabinol. The high sensing performance was achieved with the multivalency of AuNP sensing, the ICED scheme that increases analyte concentrations in a small assay volume, and a portable electronic detector. This sensing system is readily coupled to other binders for wide molecular diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- MD Ashif Ikbal
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Centre for Photonic Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Shoukai Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, WA 98195, USA
| | - Xiahui Chen
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Centre for Photonic Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Liangcai Gu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Center of Excellence in Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, WA 98195, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Centre for Photonic Innovation, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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11
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Luetkens T. Bypassing the cytokine sink: IL-2-independent IL-2 receptor signaling. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2304-2306. [PMID: 37482059 PMCID: PMC10422007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Luetkens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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12
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Ma D, Yuan Q, Peng F, Paredes V, Zeng H, Yang Q, Peddi A, Patel A, Liu MS, Sun Z, Gao X. Engineered PROTAC-CID Systems for Mammalian Inducible Gene Regulation. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:1593-1606. [PMID: 36626587 PMCID: PMC10162582 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c09129] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Gene regulation via chemically induced dimerization (CID) is useful for biomedical research. However, the number, type, versatility, and in vivo applications of CID tools remain limited. Here, we demonstrate the development of proteolysis-targeting chimera-based scalable CID (PROTAC-CID) platforms by systematically engineering the available PROTAC systems for inducible gene regulation and gene editing. Further, we show orthogonal PROTAC-CIDs that can fine-tune gene expression at gradient levels or multiplex biological signals with different logic gating operations. Coupling the PROTAC-CID platform with genetic circuits, we achieve digitally inducible expression of DNA recombinases, base- and prime-editors for transient genome manipulation. Finally, we package a compact PROTAC-CID system into adeno-associated viral vectors for inducible and reversible gene activation in vivo. This work provides a versatile molecular toolbox that expands the scope of chemically inducible gene regulation in human cells and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dacheng Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Qichen Yuan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Fei Peng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Victor Paredes
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Hongzhi Zeng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Qiaochu Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Advaith Peddi
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Anika Patel
- Department of Computer Sciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Megan S. Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Xue Gao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
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13
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Chemically inducible split protein regulators for mammalian cells. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:64-71. [PMID: 36163385 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chemically inducible systems represent valuable synthetic biology tools that enable the external control of biological processes. However, their translation to therapeutic applications has been limited because of unfavorable ligand characteristics or the immunogenicity of xenogeneic protein domains. To address these issues, we present a strategy for engineering inducible split protein regulators (INSPIRE) in which ligand-binding proteins of human origin are split into two fragments that reassemble in the presence of a cognate physiological ligand or clinically approved drug. We show that the INSPIRE platform can be used for dynamic, orthogonal and multiplex control of gene expression in mammalian cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate the functionality of a glucocorticoid-responsive INSPIRE platform in vivo and apply it for perturbing an endogenous regulatory network. INSPIRE presents a generalizable approach toward designing small-molecule responsive systems that can be implemented for the construction of new sensors, regulatory networks and therapeutic applications.
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14
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In vivo protein-based biosensors: seeing metabolism in real time. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:19-26. [PMID: 35918219 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.07.002] [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: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Biological homeostasis is a dynamic and elastic equilibrium of countless interlinked biochemical reactions. A key goal of life sciences is to understand these dynamics; bioengineers seek to reconfigure such networks. Both goals require the ability to monitor the concentration of individual intracellular metabolites with sufficient spatiotemporal resolution. To achieve this, a range of protein or protein/DNA signalling circuits with optical readouts have been constructed. Protein biosensors can provide quantitative information at subsecond temporal and suborganelle spatial resolution. However, their construction is fraught with difficulties related to integrating the affinity- and selectivity-endowing components with the signal reporters. We argue that development of efficient approaches for construction of chemically induced dimerisation systems and reporter domains with large dynamic ranges will solve these problems.
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15
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Leonard AC, Whitehead TA. Design and engineering of genetically encoded protein biosensors for small molecules. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 78:102787. [PMID: 36058141 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetically encoded protein biosensors controlled by small organic molecules are valuable tools for many biotechnology applications, including control of cellular decisions in living cells. Here, we review recent advances in protein biosensor design and engineering for binding to novel ligands. We categorize sensor architecture as either integrated or portable, where portable biosensors uncouple molecular recognition from signal transduction. Proposed advances to improve portable biosensor development include standardizing a limited set of protein scaffolds, and automating ligand-compatibility screening and ligand-protein-interface design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C Leonard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Timothy A Whitehead
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80305, USA.
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16
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Fu X, Sun L, Dong R, Chen JY, Silakit R, Condon LF, Lin Y, Lin S, Palmiter RD, Gu L. Polony gels enable amplifiable DNA stamping and spatial transcriptomics of chronic pain. Cell 2022; 185:4621-4633.e17. [PMID: 36368323 PMCID: PMC9691594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Methods for acquiring spatially resolved omics data from complex tissues use barcoded DNA arrays of low- to sub-micrometer features to achieve single-cell resolution. However, fabricating such arrays (randomly assembled beads, DNA nanoballs, or clusters) requires sequencing barcodes in each array, limiting cost-effectiveness and throughput. Here, we describe a vastly scalable stamping method to fabricate polony gels, arrays of ∼1-micrometer clonal DNA clusters bearing unique barcodes. By enabling repeatable enzymatic replication of barcode-patterned gels, this method, compared with the sequencing-dependent array fabrication, reduced cost by at least 35-fold and time to approximately 7 h. The gel stamping was implemented with a simple robotic arm and off-the-shelf reagents. We leveraged the resolution and RNA capture efficiency of polony gels to develop Pixel-seq, a single-cell spatial transcriptomic assay, and applied it to map the mouse parabrachial nucleus and analyze changes in neuropathic pain-regulated transcriptomes and cell-cell communication after nerve ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Fu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; TopoGene Inc., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Runze Dong
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Graduate Program in Biological Physics, Structure and Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jane Y Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Runglawan Silakit
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Logan F Condon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Graduate Programs in Medical Scientist Training and Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yiing Lin
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shin Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Liangcai Gu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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17
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Jackson C, Anderson A, Alexandrov K. The present and the future of protein biosensor engineering. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 75:102424. [PMID: 35870398 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Protein biosensors play increasingly important roles in cell and neurobiology and have the potential to revolutionise the way clinical and industrial analytics are performed. The gradual transition from multicomponent biosensors to fully integrated single chain allosteric biosensors has brought the field closer to commercial applications. We evaluate various approaches for converting constitutively active protein reporter domains into analyte operated switches. We discuss the paucity of the natural receptors that undergo conformational changes sufficiently large to control the activity of allosteric reporter domains. This problem can be overcome by constructing artificial versions of such receptors. The design path to such receptors involves the construction of Chemically Induced Dimerisation systems (CIDs) that can be configured to operate single and two-component biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Alisha Anderson
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Kirill Alexandrov
- CSIRO-QUT Synthetic Biology Alliance, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia; Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
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18
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Kretschmer S, Kortemme T. Advances in the Computational Design of Small-Molecule-Controlled Protein-Based Circuits for Synthetic Biology. PROCEEDINGS OF THE IEEE. INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS 2022; 110:659-674. [PMID: 36531560 PMCID: PMC9754107 DOI: 10.1109/jproc.2022.3157898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology approaches living systems with an engineering perspective and promises to deliver solutions to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. A critical component is the design of biomolecular circuits with programmable input-output behaviors. Such circuits typically rely on a sensor module that recognizes molecular inputs, which is coupled to a functional output via protein-level circuits or regulating the expression of a target gene. While gene expression outputs can be customized relatively easily by exchanging the target genes, sensing new inputs is a major limitation. There is a limited repertoire of sensors found in nature, and there are often difficulties with interfacing them with engineered circuits. Computational protein design could be a key enabling technology to address these challenges, as it allows for the engineering of modular and tunable sensors that can be tailored to the circuit's application. In this article, we review recent computational approaches to design protein-based sensors for small-molecule inputs with particular focus on those based on the widely used Rosetta software suite. Furthermore, we review mechanisms that have been harnessed to couple ligand inputs to functional outputs. Based on recent literature, we illustrate how the combination of protein design and synthetic biology enables new sensors for diverse applications ranging from biomedicine to metabolic engineering. We conclude with a perspective on how strategies to address frontiers in protein design and cellular circuit design may enable the next generation of sense-response networks, which may increasingly be assembled from de novo components to display diverse and engineerable input-output behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kretschmer
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA, and affiliated with the California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Tanja Kortemme
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA, and affiliated with the California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
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19
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Chen X, Kang S, Ikbal MA, Zhao Z, Pan Y, Zuo J, Gu L, Wang C. Synthetic nanobody-functionalized nanoparticles for accelerated development of rapid, accessible detection of viral antigens. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 202:113971. [PMID: 35051851 PMCID: PMC8734080 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.113971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Successful control of emerging infectious diseases requires accelerated development of fast, affordable, and accessible assays for wide implementation at a high frequency. This paper presents a design for an in-solution assay pipeline, featuring nanobody-functionalized nanoparticles for rapid, electronic detection (Nano2RED) of Ebola and COVID-19 antigens. Synthetic nanobody binders with high affinity, specificity, and stability are selected from a combinatorial library and site-specifically conjugated to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Without requiring any fluorescent labelling, washing, or enzymatic amplification, these multivalent AuNP sensors reliably transduce antigen binding signals upon mixing into physical AuNP aggregation and sedimentation processes, displaying antigen-dependent optical extinction readily detectable by spectrometry or portable electronic circuitry. With Ebola virus secreted glycoprotein (sGP) and a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) as targets, Nano2RED showed a high sensitivity (the limit of detection of ∼10 pg /mL, or 0.13 pM for sGP and ∼40 pg/mL, or ∼1.3 pM for RBD in diluted human serum), a high specificity, a large dynamic range (∼7 logs),and fast readout within minutes. The rapid detection, low material cost (estimated <$0.01 per test), inexpensive and portable readout system (estimated <$5), and digital data output, make Nano2RED a particularly accessible assay in screening of patient samples towards successful control of infectious diseases.
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20
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Zhang X, Pan Y, Kang S, Gu L. Combinatorial Approaches for Efficient Design of Photoswitchable Protein-Protein Interactions as In Vivo Actuators. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:844405. [PMID: 35211467 PMCID: PMC8863173 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.844405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Light switchable two-component protein dimerization systems offer versatile manipulation and dissection of cellular events in living systems. Over the past 20 years, the field has been driven by the discovery of photoreceptor-based interaction systems, the engineering of light-actuatable binder proteins, and the development of photoactivatable compounds as dimerization inducers. This perspective is to categorize mechanisms and design approaches of these dimerization systems, compare their advantages and limitations, and bridge them to emerging applications. Our goal is to identify new opportunities in combinatorial protein design that can address current engineering challenges and expand in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yuxin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Shoukai Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Liangcai Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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21
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Engineering and exploiting synthetic allostery of NanoLuc luciferase. Nat Commun 2022; 13:789. [PMID: 35145068 PMCID: PMC8831504 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Allostery enables proteins to interconvert different biochemical signals and form complex metabolic and signaling networks. We hypothesize that circular permutation of proteins increases the probability of functional coupling of new N- and C- termini with the protein's active center through increased local structural disorder. To test this we construct a synthetically allosteric version of circular permutated NanoLuc luciferase that can be activated through ligand-induced intramolecular non-covalent cyclisation. This switch module is tolerant of the structure of binding domains and their ligands, and can be used to create biosensors of proteins and small molecules. The developed biosensors covers a range of emission wavelengths and displays sensitivity as low as 50pM and dynamic range as high as 16-fold and could quantify their cognate ligand in human fluids. We apply hydrogen exchange kinetic mass spectroscopy to analyze time resolved structural changes in the developed biosensors and observe ligand-mediated folding of newly created termini.
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22
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Cao S, Kang S, Mao H, Yao J, Gu L, Zheng N. Defining molecular glues with a dual-nanobody cannabidiol sensor. Nat Commun 2022; 13:815. [PMID: 35145136 PMCID: PMC8831599 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28507-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
"Molecular glue" (MG) is a term coined to describe the mechanism of action of the plant hormone auxin and subsequently used to characterize synthetic small molecule protein degraders exemplified by immune-modulatory imide drugs (IMiDs). Prospective development of MGs, however, has been hampered by its elusive definition and thermodynamic characteristics. Here, we report the crystal structure of a dual-nanobody cannabidiol-sensing system, in which the ligand promotes protein-protein interaction in a manner analogous to auxin. Through quantitative analyses, we draw close parallels among the dual-nanobody cannabidiol sensor, the auxin perception complex, and the IMiDs-bound CRL4CRBN E3, which can bind and ubiquitinate "neo-substrates". All three systems, including the recruitment of IKZF1 and CK1α to CRBN, are characterized by the lack of ligand binding activity in at least one protein partner and an under-appreciated preexisting low micromolar affinity between the two proteinaceous subunits that is enhanced by the ligand to reach the nanomolar range. These two unifying features define MGs as a special class of proximity inducers distinct from bifunctional compounds and can be used as criteria to guide target selection for future rational discovery of MGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Cao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Shoukai Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Haibin Mao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jiayu Yao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Liangcai Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Ning Zheng
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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23
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Design of a methotrexate-controlled chemical dimerization system and its use in bio-electronic devices. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7137. [PMID: 34880210 PMCID: PMC8654847 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27184-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural evolution produced polypeptides that selectively recognize chemical entities and their polymers, ranging from ions to proteins and nucleic acids. Such selective interactions serve as entry points to biological signaling and metabolic pathways. The ability to engineer artificial versions of such entry points is a key goal of synthetic biology, bioengineering and bioelectronics. We set out to map the optimal strategy for developing artificial small molecule:protein complexes that function as chemically induced dimerization (CID) systems. Using several starting points, we evolved CID systems controlled by a therapeutic drug methotrexate. Biophysical and structural analysis of methotrexate-controlled CID system reveals the critical role played by drug-induced conformational change in ligand-controlled protein complex assembly. We demonstrate utility of the developed CID by constructing electrochemical biosensors of methotrexate that enable quantification of methotrexate in human serum. Furthermore, using the methotrexate and functionally related biosensor of rapamycin we developed a multiplexed bioelectronic system that can perform repeated measurements of multiple analytes. The presented results open the door for construction of genetically encoded signaling systems for use in bioelectronics and diagnostics, as well as metabolic and signaling network engineering.
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24
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Wang X, Li F, Qiu W, Xu B, Li Y, Lian X, Yu H, Zhang Z, Wang J, Li Z, Xue W, Zhu F. SYNBIP: synthetic binding proteins for research, diagnosis and therapy. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:D560-D570. [PMID: 34664670 PMCID: PMC8728148 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of protein engineering and design has extensively expanded the protein space, which presents a promising strategy for creating next-generation proteins of diverse functions. Among these proteins, the synthetic binding proteins (SBPs) are smaller, more stable, less immunogenic, and better of tissue penetration than others, which make the SBP-related data attracting extensive interest from worldwide scientists. However, no database has been developed to systematically provide the valuable information of SBPs yet. In this study, a database named ‘Synthetic Binding Proteins for Research, Diagnosis, and Therapy (SYNBIP)’ was thus introduced. This database is unique in (a) comprehensively describing thousands of SBPs from the perspectives of scaffolds, biophysical & functional properties, etc.; (b) panoramically illustrating the binding targets & the broad application of each SBP and (c) enabling a similarity search against the sequences of all SBPs and their binding targets. Since SBP is a human-made protein that has not been found in nature, the discovery of novel SBPs relied heavily on experimental protein engineering and could be greatly facilitated by in-silico studies (such as AI and computational modeling). Thus, the data provided in SYNBIP could lay a solid foundation for the future development of novel SBPs. The SYNBIP is accessible without login requirement at both official (https://idrblab.org/synbip/) and mirror (http://synbip.idrblab.net/) sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Fengcheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Wenqi Qiu
- Department of Surgery, HKU-SZH & Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Binbin Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yanlin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xichen Lian
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Hongyan Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Jianxin Wang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Zhaorong Li
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.,Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou 330110, China
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25
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Yang J, Zhang Z, Yang F, Zhang H, Wu H, Zhu F, Xue W. Computational design and modeling of nanobodies toward SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:1-18. [PMID: 33894099 PMCID: PMC8250495 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has become a global health concern and pose a serious threat to humanity. There is an urgent need for developing therapeutic drugs and (or) biologics to prevent the spread of the virus. The life cycle of SARS‐CoV‐2 shows that the virus enters host cells by first binding to angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through its spike protein receptor‐binding domain (RBD). Therefore, blocking the binding between of ACE2 and SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD can inhibit the virus infection in the host cells. In this study, by grafting the complementarity‐determining regions (CDRs) of developed SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoVs specific neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as well as SARS‐CoV‐2 mAbs onto a known stable nanobody (Nb) scaffold, and a total of 16 Nbs sequences were designed. Five Nbs, namely CS01, CS02, CS03, CS10, and CS16, were selected based on the free energy landscape of protein docking verified by the recently reported Nb‐RBD cocrystal structures. CS01, CS02, and CS03 occupied the ACE2 binding site of RBD, while CS10 and CS16 were proposed to inhibit the interaction between RBD and ACE2 through an allosteric mechanism. Based on the structures of the five Nbs in complex with RBD, seven brand‐new Nbs with enhanced binding affinities (CS02_RD01, CS03_RD01, CS03_RD02, CS03_RD03, CS03_RD04, CS16_RD01, and CS16_RD02) were generated by redesign of residues on the interface of the five Nbs contact with SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD. In addition, the identified “hot spots” on the interface of each complex provide useful information to understand the binding mechanism of designed Nbs to SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD. In sum, the predicted stabilities and high binding affinities of the 11 (re)designed Nbs indicating the potential of the developed computational framework in this work to design effective agents to block the infection of SARS‐CoV‐2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Innovative Drug Research Centre, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Innovative Drug Research Centre, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fengyuan Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Innovative Drug Research Centre, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiwei Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Innovative Drug Research Centre, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Innovative Drug Research Centre, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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26
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Ferrando J, Solomon LA. Recent Progress Using De Novo Design to Study Protein Structure, Design and Binding Interactions. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11030225. [PMID: 33802210 PMCID: PMC7999464 DOI: 10.3390/life11030225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo protein design is a powerful methodology used to study natural functions in an artificial-protein context. Since its inception, it has been used to reproduce a plethora of reactions and uncover biophysical principles that are often difficult to extract from direct studies of natural proteins. Natural proteins are capable of assuming a variety of different structures and subsequently binding ligands at impressively high levels of both specificity and affinity. Here, we will review recent examples of de novo design studies on binding reactions for small molecules, nucleic acids, and the formation of protein-protein interactions. We will then discuss some new structural advances in the field. Finally, we will discuss some advancements in computational modeling and design approaches and provide an overview of some modern algorithmic tools being used to design these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ferrando
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
| | - Lee A. Solomon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +703-993-6418
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27
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Vacek J, Vostalova J, Papouskova B, Skarupova D, Kos M, Kabelac M, Storch J. Antioxidant function of phytocannabinoids: Molecular basis of their stability and cytoprotective properties under UV-irradiation. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 164:258-270. [PMID: 33453360 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In this contribution, a comprehensive study of the redox transformation, electronic structure, stability and photoprotective properties of phytocannabinoids is presented. The non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and psychotropic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isomers and iso-THC were included in the study. The results show that under aqueous ambient conditions at pH 7.4, non-psychotropic cannabinoids are slight or moderate electron-donors and they are relatively stable, in the following order: CBD > CBG ≥ CBN > CBC. In contrast, psychotropic Δ9-THC degrades approximately one order of magnitude faster than CBD. The degradation (oxidation) is associated with the transformation of OH groups and changes in the double-bond system of the investigated molecules. The satisfactory stability of cannabinoids is associated with the fact that their OH groups are fully protonated at pH 7.4 (pKa is ≥ 9). The instability of CBN and CBC was accelerated after exposure to UVA radiation, with CBD (or CBG) being stable for up to 24 h. To support their topical applications, an in vitro dermatological comparative study of cytotoxic, phototoxic and UVA or UVB photoprotective effects using normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and keratinocytes (HaCaT) was done. NHDF are approx. twice as sensitive to the cannabinoids' toxicity as HaCaT. Specifically, toxicity IC50 values for CBD after 24 h of incubation are 7.1 and 12.8 μM for NHDF and HaCaT, respectively. None of the studied cannabinoids were phototoxic. Extensive testing has shown that CBD is the most effective protectant against UVA radiation of the studied cannabinoids. For UVB radiation, CBN was the most effective. The results acquired could be used for further redox biology studies on phytocannabinoids and evaluations of their mechanism of action at the molecular level. Furthermore, the UVA and UVB photoprotectivity of phytocannabinoids could also be utilized in the development of new cannabinoid-based topical preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Vacek
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 775 15, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Jitka Vostalova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 775 15, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Papouskova
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. Listopadu 12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Denisa Skarupova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 775 15, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kos
- Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i., Rozvojova 135, 165 02, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kabelac
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Storch
- Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i., Rozvojova 135, 165 02, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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28
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Huang Z, Li Z, Zhang X, Kang S, Dong R, Sun L, Fu X, Vaisar D, Watanabe K, Gu L. Creating Red Light-Switchable Protein Dimerization Systems as Genetically Encoded Actuators with High Specificity. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:3322-3333. [PMID: 33179507 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein dimerization systems controlled by red light with increased tissue penetration depth are a highly needed tool for clinical applications such as cell and gene therapies. However, mammalian applications of existing red light-induced dimerization systems are hampered by limitations of their two components: a photosensory protein (or photoreceptor) which often requires a mammalian exogenous chromophore and a naturally occurring photoreceptor binding protein typically having a complex structure and nonideal binding properties. Here, we introduce an efficient, generalizable method (COMBINES-LID) for creating highly specific, reversible light-induced heterodimerization systems independent of any existing binders to a photoreceptor. It involves a two-step binder screen (phage display and yeast two-hybrid) of a combinatorial nanobody library to obtain binders that selectively engage a light-activated form of a photoswitchable protein or domain not the dark form. Proof-of-principle was provided by engineering nanobody-based, red light-induced dimerization (nanoReD) systems comprising a truncated bacterial phytochrome sensory module using a mammalian endogenous chromophore, biliverdin, and light-form specific nanobodies. Selected nanoReD systems were biochemically characterized, exhibiting low dark activity and high induction specificity, and further demonstrated for the reversible control of protein translocation and activation of gene expression in mice. Overall, COMBINES-LID opens new opportunities for creating genetically encoded actuators for the optical manipulation of biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Zengpeng Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Collaborative Innovation Centre for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, PR China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Shoukai Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Runze Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Xiaonan Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - David Vaisar
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Kurumi Watanabe
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Liangcai Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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Yamamoto Y, Terai T, Kumachi S, Nemoto N. In Vitro Construction of Large-scale DNA Libraries from Fragments Containing Random Regions using Deoxyinosine-containing Oligonucleotides and Endonuclease V. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2020; 22:165-171. [PMID: 32212679 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.9b00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Efficient and precise construction of DNA libraries is a fundamental starting point for directed evolution of polypeptides. Recently, several in vitro selection methods have been reported that do not rely on cells for protein expression, where peptide libraries in the order of 1013 species are used for in vitro affinity selection. To maximize their potential, simple yet versatile construction of DNA libraries from several fragments containing random regions without bacterial transformation is essential. To address this issue, we herein propose a novel DNA construction methodology based on the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers containing a single deoxyinosine (I) residue near their 5' end. Treatment of the PCR products with endonuclease V generates 3' overhangs with customized lengths and sequences, which can be ligated accurately and efficiently with other fragments having exactly complementary overhangs. As a proof of concept, we constructed an artificial gene library of single-domain antibodies from four DNA fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhide Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Takuya Terai
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Shigefumi Kumachi
- Epsilon Molecular Engineering, Inc., 255 Shimo-okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City 338-8570, Saitama, Japan
| | - Naoto Nemoto
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, 338-8570, Japan
- Epsilon Molecular Engineering, Inc., 255 Shimo-okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City 338-8570, Saitama, Japan
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30
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Gamboa L, Zamat AH, Kwong GA. Synthetic immunity by remote control. Theranostics 2020; 10:3652-3667. [PMID: 32206114 PMCID: PMC7069089 DOI: 10.7150/thno.41305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based immunotherapies, such as T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), have the potential to cure patients of disease otherwise refractory to conventional treatments. Early-on-treatment and long-term durability of patient responses depend critically on the ability to control the potency of adoptively transferred T cells, as overactivation can lead to complications like cytokine release syndrome, and immunosuppression can result in ineffective responses to therapy. Drugs or biologics (e.g., cytokines) that modulate immune activity are limited by mass transport barriers that reduce the local effective drug concentration, and lack site or target cell specificity that results in toxicity. Emerging technologies that enable site-targeted, remote control of key T cell functions - including proliferation, antigen-sensing, and target-cell killing - have the potential to increase treatment precision and safety profile. These technologies are broadly applicable to other immune cells to expand immune cell therapies across many cancers and diseases. In this review, we highlight the opportunities, challenges and the current state-of-the-art for remote control of synthetic immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Gamboa
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ali H. Zamat
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Gabriel A. Kwong
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Integrated Cancer Research Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Georgia Immunoengineering Consortium, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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31
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Gomez-Castillo L, Watanabe K, Jiang H, Kang S, Gu L. Creating Highly Specific Chemically Induced Protein Dimerization Systems by Stepwise Phage Selection of a Combinatorial Single-Domain Antibody Library. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 32009651 DOI: 10.3791/60738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein dimerization events that occur only in the presence of a small-molecule ligand enable the development of small-molecule biosensors for the dissection and manipulation of biological pathways. Currently, only a limited number of chemically induced dimerization (CID) systems exist and engineering new ones with desired sensitivity and selectivity for specific small-molecule ligands remains a challenge in the field of protein engineering. We here describe a high throughput screening method, combinatorial binders-enabled selection of CID (COMBINES-CID), for the de novo engineering of CID systems applicable to a large variety of ligands. This method uses the two-step selection of a phage-displayed combinatorial nanobody library to obtain 1) "anchor binders" that first bind to a ligand of interest and then 2) "dimerization binders" that only bind to anchor binder-ligand complexes. To select anchor binders, a combinatorial library of over 109 complementarity-determining region (CDR)-randomized nanobodies is screened with a biotinylated ligand and hits are validated with the unlabeled ligand by bio-layer interferometry (BLI). To obtain dimerization binders, the nanobody library is screened with anchor binder-ligand complexes as targets for positive screening and the unbound anchor binders for negative screening. COMBINES-CID is broadly applicable to select CID binders with other immunoglobulin, non-immunoglobulin, or computationally designed scaffolds to create biosensors for in vitro and in vivo detection of drugs, metabolites, signaling molecules, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Gomez-Castillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington
| | - Kurumi Watanabe
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington
| | - Huayi Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington
| | - Shoukai Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington
| | - Liangcai Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington;
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