1
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Zheng B, Li M, Zhang T, Li B, Li Q, Saiding Q, Chen W, Guo M, Koo S, Ji X, Tao W. Functional modification of gut bacteria for disease diagnosis and treatment. MED 2024:S2666-6340(24)00249-6. [PMID: 38964334 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Intestinal bacteria help keep humans healthy by regulating lipid and glucose metabolism as well as the immunological and neurological systems. Oral treatment using intestinal bacteria is limited by the high acidity of stomach fluids and the immune system's attack on foreign bacteria. Scientists have created coatings and workarounds to overcome these limitations and improve bacterial therapy. These preparations have demonstrated promising outcomes, with advances in synthetic biology and optogenetics improving their focused colonization and controlled release. Engineering bacteria preparations have become a revolutionary therapeutic approach that converts intestinal bacteria into cellular factories for medicinal chemical synthesis. The present paper discusses various aspects of engineering bacteria preparations, including wrapping materials, biomedical uses, and future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zheng
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mengyi Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tiange Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qiuya Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mingming Guo
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Chemical and Molecular Engineering, Hanyang University ERICA, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Xiaoyuan Ji
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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2
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Zhang Z, Li F, Duan Z, Shi C, Wang X, Zhu F, Xue W. OPTICS: An interactive online platform for photosensory and bio-functional proteins in optogenetic systems. Comput Biol Med 2024; 178:108687. [PMID: 38870722 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
High-precise modulation of bio-functional proteins related to signaling is crucial in life sciences and human health. The cutting-edge technology of optogenetics, which combines optical method with genetically encoded protein expression, pioneered new pathways for the control of cellular bio-functional proteins (CPs) using optogenetic tools (OTs) in spatial and temporal. Over the past decade, hundreds of optogenetic systems (OSs) have been developed for various applications from living cells to freely moving organisms. However, no database has been constructed to comprehensively provide the valuable information of OSs yet. In this work, a new database named OPTICS (an interactive online platform for photosensory and bio-functional proteins in optogenetic systems) is introduced. Our OPTICS is unique in (i) systematically describing diverse OSs from the perspective of photoreceptor-based classification and mechanism of action, (ii) featuring the detailed biophysical properties and functional data of OSs, (iii) providing the interaction between OT and CP for each OS referring to distinct applications in research, diagnosis, and therapy, and (iv) enabling a light response property-based search against all OSs in the database. Since the information on OSs is essential for rapid and predictable design of optogenetic controls, the comprehensive data provided in OPTICS lay a solid foundation for the future development of novel OSs. OPTICS is freely accessible without login requirement at https://idrblab.org/optics/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Fengcheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zixin Duan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Chaoqun Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Xiaona Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Weiwei Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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3
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Motorina DM, Galimova YA, Battulina NV, Omelina ES. Systems for Targeted Silencing of Gene Expression and Their Application in Plants and Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5231. [PMID: 38791270 PMCID: PMC11121118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105231] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, there are a variety of different approaches to the targeted regulation of gene expression. However, most approaches are devoted to the activation of gene transcription, and the methods for gene silencing are much fewer in number. In this review, we describe the main systems used for the targeted suppression of gene expression (including RNA interference (RNAi), chimeric transcription factors, chimeric zinc finger proteins, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs)-based repressors, optogenetic tools, and CRISPR/Cas-based repressors) and their application in eukaryotes-plants and animals. We consider the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, compare their effectiveness, and discuss the peculiarities of their usage in plant and animal organisms. This review will be useful for researchers in the field of gene transcription suppression and will allow them to choose the optimal method for suppressing the expression of the gene of interest depending on the research object.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Evgeniya S. Omelina
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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4
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Baloban M, Kasatkina LA, Verkhusha VV. iLight2: A near-infrared optogenetic tool for gene transcription with low background activation. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4993. [PMID: 38647395 PMCID: PMC11034490 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4993] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Optogenetic tools (OTs) operating in the far-red and near-infrared (NIR) region offer advantages for light-controlling biological processes in deep tissues and spectral multiplexing with fluorescent probes and OTs acting in the visible range. However, many NIR OTs suffer from background activation in darkness. Through shortening linkers, we engineered a novel NIR OT, iLight2, which exhibits a significantly reduced background activity in darkness, thereby increasing the light-to-dark activation contrast. The resultant optimal configuration of iLight2 components suggests a molecular mechanism of iLight2 action. Using a biliverdin reductase knock-out mouse model, we show that iLight2 exhibits advanced performance in mouse primary cells and deep tissues in vivo. Efficient light-controlled cell migration in wound healing cellular model demonstrates the possibility of using iLight2 in therapy and, overall, positions it as a valuable addition to the NIR OT toolkit for gene transcription applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Baloban
- Department of Genetics and Gruss‐Lipper Biophotonics CenterAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Ludmila A. Kasatkina
- Department of Genetics and Gruss‐Lipper Biophotonics CenterAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Vladislav V. Verkhusha
- Department of Genetics and Gruss‐Lipper Biophotonics CenterAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkUSA
- Medicum, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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5
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Shkarina K, Broz P. Selective induction of programmed cell death using synthetic biology tools. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:74-92. [PMID: 37598045 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.012] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) controls the removal of dispensable, infected or malignant cells, and is thus essential for development, homeostasis and immunity of multicellular organisms. Over the last years different forms of RCD have been described (among them apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis and ferroptosis), and the cellular signaling pathways that control their induction and execution have been characterized at the molecular level. It has also become apparent that different forms of RCD differ in their capacity to elicit inflammation or an immune response, and that RCD pathways show a remarkable plasticity. Biochemical and genetic studies revealed that inhibition of a given pathway often results in the activation of back-up cell death mechanisms, highlighting close interconnectivity based on shared signaling components and the assembly of multivalent signaling platforms that can initiate different forms of RCD. Due to this interconnectivity and the pleiotropic effects of 'classical' cell death inducers, it is challenging to study RCD pathways in isolation. This has led to the development of tools based on synthetic biology that allow the targeted induction of RCD using chemogenetic or optogenetic methods. Here we discuss recent advances in the development of such toolset, highlighting their advantages and limitations, and their application for the study of RCD in cells and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Shkarina
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.
| | - Petr Broz
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Fenelon KD, Krause J, Koromila T. Opticool: Cutting-edge transgenic optical tools. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011208. [PMID: 38517915 PMCID: PMC10959397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011208] [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: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Only a few short decades have passed since the sequencing of GFP, yet the modern repertoire of transgenically encoded optical tools implies an exponential proliferation of ever improving constructions to interrogate the subcellular environment. A myriad of tags for labeling proteins, RNA, or DNA have arisen in the last few decades, facilitating unprecedented visualization of subcellular components and processes. Development of a broad array of modern genetically encoded sensors allows real-time, in vivo detection of molecule levels, pH, forces, enzyme activity, and other subcellular and extracellular phenomena in ever expanding contexts. Optogenetic, genetically encoded optically controlled manipulation systems have gained traction in the biological research community and facilitate single-cell, real-time modulation of protein function in vivo in ever broadening, novel applications. While this field continues to explosively expand, references are needed to assist scientists seeking to use and improve these transgenic devices in new and exciting ways to interrogate development and disease. In this review, we endeavor to highlight the state and trajectory of the field of in vivo transgenic optical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli D. Fenelon
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Julia Krause
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Theodora Koromila
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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7
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Stepanov AI, Zhurlova PA, Shuvaeva AA, Sokolinskaya EL, Gurskaya NG, Lukyanov KA, Putlyaeva LV. Optogenetics for sensors: On-demand fluorescent labeling of histone epigenetics. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 687:149174. [PMID: 37939505 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149174] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications of histones to a large extent determine the functional state of chromatin loci. Dynamic visualization of histone modifications with genetically encoded fluorescent sensors makes it possible to monitor changes in the epigenetic state of a single living cell. At the same time, the sensors can potentially compete with endogenous factors recognizing these modifications. Thus, prolonged binding of the sensors to chromatin can affect normal epigenetic regulation. Here, we report an optogenetic sensor for live-cell visualization of histone H3 methylated at lysine-9 (H3K9me3) named MPP8-LAMS (MPP8-based light-activated modification sensor). MPP8-LAMS consists of several fusion protein parts (from N- to C-terminus): i) nuclear export signal (NES), ii) far-red fluorescent protein Katushka, iii) H3K9me3-binding reader domain of the human M phase phosphoprotein 8 (MPP8), iv) the light-responsive AsLOV2 domain, which exposes a nuclear localization signal (NLS) upon blue light stimulation. In the dark, due to the NES, MPP8-LAMS is localized in the cytosol. Under blue light illumination, MPP8-LAMS underwent an efficient translocation from cytosol to nucleus, enabling visualization of H3K9me3-enriched loci. Such an on-demand visualization minimizes potential impact on cell physiology as most of the time the sensor is separated from its target. In general, the present work extends the application of optogenetics to the area of advanced use of genetically encoded sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afanasii I Stepanov
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Boulevard 30, 121205 Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina A Zhurlova
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Boulevard 30, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra A Shuvaeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Pereulok, 9, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Elena L Sokolinskaya
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Boulevard 30, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadya G Gurskaya
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Boulevard 30, 121205 Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovityanova 1, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin A Lukyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Lidia V Putlyaeva
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Boulevard 30, 121205 Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
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8
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Karasev MM, Verkhusha VV, Shcherbakova DM. Near-Infrared Optogenetic Module for Conditional Protein Splicing. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168360. [PMID: 37949312 PMCID: PMC10842711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168360] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics has emerged as a powerful tool for spatiotemporal control of biological processes. Near-infrared (NIR) light, with its low phototoxicity and deep tissue penetration, holds particular promise. However, the optogenetic control of polypeptide bond formation has not yet been developed. In this study, we introduce a NIR optogenetic module for conditional protein splicing (CPS) based on the gp41-1 intein. We optimized the module to minimize background signals in the darkness and to maximize the contrast between light and dark conditions. Next, we engineered a NIR CPS gene expression system based on the protein ligation of a transcription factor. We applied the NIR CPS for light-triggered protein cleavage to activate gasdermin D, a pore-forming protein that induces pyroptotic cell death. Our NIR CPS optogenetic module represents a promising tool for controlling molecular processes through covalent protein linkage and cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksim M Karasev
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland; Department of Genetics, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Daria M Shcherbakova
- Department of Genetics, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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9
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Fischer T, Köhler L, Engel PD, Song C, Gärtner W, Wachtveitl J, Slavov C. Conserved tyrosine in phytochromes controls the photodynamics through steric demand and hydrogen bonding capabilities. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2023; 1864:148996. [PMID: 37437858 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2023.148996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Using ultrafast spectroscopy and site-specific mutagenesis, we demonstrate the central role of a conserved tyrosine within the chromophore binding pocket in the forward (Pr → Pfr) photoconversion of phytochromes. Taking GAF1 of the knotless phytochrome All2699g1 from Nostoc as representative member of phytochromes, it was found that the mutations have no influence on the early (<30 ps) dynamics associated with conformational changes of the chromophore in the excited state. Conversely, they drastically impact the extended protein-controlled excited state decay (>100 ps). Thus, the steric demand, position and H-bonding capabilities of the identified tyrosine control the chromophore photoisomerization while leaving the excited state chromophore dynamics unaffected. In effect, this residue operates as an isomerization-steric-gate that tunes the excited state lifetime and the photoreaction efficiency by modulating the available space of the chromophore and by stabilizing the primary intermediate Lumi-R. Understanding the role of such a conserved structural element sheds light on a key aspect of phytochrome functionality and provides a basis for rational design of optimized photoreceptors for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Fischer
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Lisa Köhler
- Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Linnéstraße 3, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Philipp D Engel
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Chen Song
- Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Linnéstraße 3, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Gärtner
- Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Linnéstraße 3, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Josef Wachtveitl
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Chavdar Slavov
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, 33620 Tampa, United States of America.
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10
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Wu JY, Yeager K, Tavakol DN, Morsink M, Wang B, Soni RK, Hung CT, Vunjak-Novakovic G. Directed differentiation of human iPSCs into mesenchymal lineages by optogenetic control of TGF-β signaling. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112509. [PMID: 37178118 PMCID: PMC10278972 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112509] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In tissue development and homeostasis, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling is finely coordinated by latent forms and matrix sequestration. Optogenetics can offer precise and dynamic control of cell signaling. We report the development of an optogenetic human induced pluripotent stem cell system for TGF-β signaling and demonstrate its utility in directing differentiation into the smooth muscle, tenogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. Light-activated TGF-β signaling resulted in expression of differentiation markers at levels close to those in soluble factor-treated cultures, with minimal phototoxicity. In a cartilage-bone model, light-patterned TGF-β gradients allowed the establishment of hyaline-like layer of cartilage tissue at the articular surface while attenuating with depth to enable hypertrophic induction at the osteochondral interface. By selectively activating TGF-β signaling in co-cultures of light-responsive and non-responsive cells, undifferentiated and differentiated cells were simultaneously maintained in a single culture with shared medium. This platform can enable patient-specific and spatiotemporally precise studies of cellular decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Y Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Keith Yeager
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Margaretha Morsink
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Bryan Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rajesh Kumar Soni
- Proteomics and Macromolecular Crystallography Shared Resource, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Clark T Hung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Liu S, Kumari S, He H, Mishra P, Singh BN, Singh D, Liu S, Srivastava P, Li C. Biosensors integrated 3D organoid/organ-on-a-chip system: A real-time biomechanical, biophysical, and biochemical monitoring and characterization. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 231:115285. [PMID: 37058958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
As a full-fidelity simulation of human cells, tissues, organs, and even systems at the microscopic scale, Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) has significant ethical advantages and development potential compared to animal experiments. The need for the design of new drug high-throughput screening platforms and the mechanistic study of human tissues/organs under pathological conditions, the evolving advances in 3D cell biology and engineering, etc., have promoted the updating of technologies in this field, such as the iteration of chip materials and 3D printing, which in turn facilitate the connection of complex multi-organs-on-chips for simulation and the further development of technology-composite new drug high-throughput screening platforms. As the most critical part of organ-on-a-chip design and practical application, verifying the success of organ model modeling, i.e., evaluating various biochemical and physical parameters in OOC devices, is crucial. Therefore, this paper provides a logical and comprehensive review and discussion of the advances in organ-on-a-chip detection and evaluation technologies from a broad perspective, covering the directions of tissue engineering scaffolds, microenvironment, single/multi-organ function, and stimulus-based evaluation, and provides a more comprehensive review of the progress in the significant organ-on-a-chip research areas in the physiological state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Shikha Kumari
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hongyi He
- West China School of Medicine & West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Parichita Mishra
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhisham Narayan Singh
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Divakar Singh
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sutong Liu
- Juxing College of Digital Economics, Haikou University of Economics, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Pradeep Srivastava
- School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Chenzhong Li
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong(Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518172, China.
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12
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Huang Q, Zhu W, Gao X, Liu X, Zhang Z, Xing B. Nanoparticles-mediated ion channels manipulation: From their membrane interactions to bioapplications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 195:114763. [PMID: 36841331 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels are transmembrane proteins ubiquitously expressed in all cells that control various ions (e.g. Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl- etc) crossing cellular plasma membrane, which play critical roles in physiological processes including regulating signal transduction, cell proliferation as well as excitatory cell excitation and conduction. Abnormal ion channel function is usually associated with dysfunctions and many diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, ophthalmic diseases, pulmonary diseases and even cancers. The precise regulation of ion channels not only helps to decipher physiological and pathological processes, but also is expected to become cutting-edge means for disease treatment. Recently, nanoparticles-mediated ion channel manipulation emerges as a highly promising way to meet the increasing requirements with respect to their simple, efficient, precise, spatiotemporally controllable and non-invasive regulation in biomedicine and other research frontiers. Thanks the advantages of their unique properties, nanoparticles can not only directly block the pore sites or kinetics of ion channels through their tiny size effect, and perturb active voltage-gated ion channel by their charged surface, but they can also act as antennas to conduct or enhance external physical stimuli to achieve spatiotemporal, precise and efficient regulation of various ion channel activities (e.g. light-, mechanical-, and temperature-gated ion channels etc). So far, nanoparticles-mediated ion channel regulation has shown potential prospects in many biomedical fields at the interfaces of neuro- and cardiovascular modulation, physiological function regeneration and tumor therapy et al. Towards such important fields, in this typical review, we specifically outline the latest studies of different types of ion channels and their activities relevant to the diseases. In addition, the different types of stimulation responsive nanoparticles, their interaction modes and targeting strategies towards the plasma membrane ion channels will be systematically summarized. More importantly, the ion channel regulatory methods mediated by functional nanoparticles and their bioapplications associated with physiological modulation and therapeutic development will be discussed. Last but not least, current challenges and future perspectives in this field will be covered as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Surface & Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Weisheng Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Surface & Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xiaoyin Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Surface & Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xinping Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Surface & Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Bengang Xing
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore.
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13
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Chernov KG, Manoilov KY, Oliinyk OS, Shcherbakova DM, Verkhusha VV. Photodegradable by Yellow-Orange Light degFusionRed Optogenetic Module with Autocatalytically Formed Chromophore. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6526. [PMID: 37047499 PMCID: PMC10095432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic systems driven by yellow-orange light are required for the simultaneous regulation of several cellular processes. We have engineered the red fluorescent protein FusionRed into a 26 kDa monomeric optogenetic module, called degFusionRed. Unlike other fluorescent protein-based optogenetic domains, which exhibit light-induced self-inactivation by generating reactive oxygen species, degFusionRed undergoes proteasomal degradation upon illumination with 567 nm light. Similarly to the parent protein, degFusionRed has minimal absorbance at 450 nm and above 650 nm, making it spectrally compatible with blue and near-infrared-light-controlled optogenetic tools. The autocatalytically formed chromophore provides degFusionRed with an additional advantage over most optogenetic tools that require the binding of the exogenous chromophores, the amount of which varies in different cells. The degFusionRed efficiently performed in the engineered light-controlled transcription factor and in the targeted photodegradation of the protein of interest, demonstrating its versatility as the optogenetic module of choice for spectral multiplexed interrogation of various cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyrylo Yu. Manoilov
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Olena S. Oliinyk
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daria M. Shcherbakova
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Vladislav V. Verkhusha
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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14
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Jang J, Tang K, Youn J, McDonald S, Beyer HM, Zurbriggen MD, Uppalapati M, Woolley GA. Engineering of bidirectional, cyanobacteriochrome-based light-inducible dimers (BICYCL)s. Nat Methods 2023; 20:432-441. [PMID: 36823330 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01764-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic tools for controlling protein-protein interactions (PPIs) have been developed from a small number of photosensory modules that respond to a limited selection of wavelengths. Cyanobacteriochrome (CBCR) GAF domain variants respond to an unmatched array of colors; however, their natural molecular mechanisms of action cannot easily be exploited for optogenetic control of PPIs. Here we developed bidirectional, cyanobacteriochrome-based light-inducible dimers (BICYCL)s by engineering synthetic light-dependent interactors for a red/green GAF domain. The systematic approach enables the future engineering of the broad chromatic palette of CBCRs for optogenetics use. BICYCLs are among the smallest optogenetic tools for controlling PPIs and enable either green-ON/red-OFF (BICYCL-Red) or red-ON/green-OFF (BICYCL-Green) control with up to 800-fold state selectivity. The access to green wavelengths creates new opportunities for multiplexing with existing tools. We demonstrate the utility of BICYCLs for controlling protein subcellular localization and transcriptional processes in mammalian cells and for multiplexing with existing blue-light tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewan Jang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kun Tang
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jeffrey Youn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sherin McDonald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Hannes M Beyer
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany. .,CEPLAS - Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Maruti Uppalapati
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - G Andrew Woolley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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15
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Nagasaki SC, Fukuda TD, Yamada M, Suzuki YIII, Kakutani R, Guy AT, Imayoshi I. Enhancement of Vivid-based photo-activatable Gal4 transcription factor in mammalian cells. Cell Struct Funct 2023; 48:31-47. [PMID: 36529516 PMCID: PMC10721950 DOI: 10.1247/csf.22074] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gal4/UAS system is a versatile tool to manipulate exogenous gene expression of cells spatially and temporally in many model organisms. Many variations of light-controllable Gal4/UAS system are now available, following the development of photo-activatable (PA) molecular switches and integration of these tools. However, many PA-Gal4 transcription factors have undesired background transcription activities even in dark conditions, and this severely attenuates reliable light-controlled gene expression. Therefore, it is important to develop reliable PA-Gal4 transcription factors with robust light-induced gene expression and limited background activity. By optimization of synthetic PA-Gal4 transcription factors, we have validated configurations of Gal4 DNA biding domain, transcription activation domain and blue light-dependent dimer formation molecule Vivid (VVD), and applied types of transcription activation domains to develop a new PA-Gal4 transcription factor we have named eGAV (enhanced Gal4-VVD transcription factor). Background activity of eGAV in dark conditions was significantly lower than that of hGAVPO, a commonly used PA-Gal4 transcription factor, and maximum light-induced gene expression levels were also improved. Light-controlled gene expression was verified in cultured HEK293T cells with plasmid-transient transfections, and in mouse EpH4 cells with lentivirus vector-mediated transduction. Furthermore, light-controlled eGAV-mediated transcription was confirmed in transfected neural stem cells and progenitors in developing and adult mouse brain and chick spinal cord, and in adult mouse hepatocytes, demonstrating that eGAV can be applied to a wide range of experimental systems and model organisms.Key words: optogenetics, Gal4/UAS system, transcription, gene expression, Vivid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji C. Nagasaki
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tomonori D. Fukuda
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mayumi Yamada
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Research Center for Dynamic Living Systems, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yusuke III Suzuki
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Research Center for Dynamic Living Systems, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ryo Kakutani
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Adam T. Guy
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Laboratory of Science Communication, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Itaru Imayoshi
- Laboratory of Brain Development and Regeneration, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Research Center for Dynamic Living Systems, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Laboratory of Deconstruction of Stem Cells, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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16
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Lan TH, He L, Huang Y, Zhou Y. Optogenetics for transcriptional programming and genetic engineering. Trends Genet 2022; 38:1253-1270. [PMID: 35738948 PMCID: PMC10484296 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics combines genetics and biophotonics to enable noninvasive control of biological processes with high spatiotemporal precision. When engineered into protein machineries that govern the cellular information flow as depicted in the central dogma, multiple genetically encoded non-opsin photosensory modules have been harnessed to modulate gene transcription, DNA or RNA modifications, DNA recombination, and genome engineering by utilizing photons emitting in the wide range of 200-1000 nm. We present herein generally applicable modular strategies for optogenetic engineering and highlight latest advances in the broad applications of opsin-free optogenetics to program transcriptional outputs and precisely manipulate the mammalian genome, epigenome, and epitranscriptome. We also discuss current challenges and future trends in opsin-free optogenetics, which has been rapidly evolving to meet the growing needs in synthetic biology and genetics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien-Hung Lan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lian He
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yun Huang
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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17
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Li H, Wu Y, Qiu Y, Li X, Guan Y, Cao X, Liu M, Zhang D, Huang S, Lin L, Hui L, Ma X, Liu M, Zhang X, Wang L, Li D. Stable Transgenic Mouse Strain with Enhanced Photoactivatable Cre Recombinase for Spatiotemporal Genome Manipulation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201352. [PMID: 36266974 PMCID: PMC9731692 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic genome engineering is a powerful technology for high-resolution spatiotemporal genetic manipulation, especially for in vivo studies. It is difficult to generate stable transgenic animals carrying a tightly regulated optogenetic system, as its long-term expression induces high background activity. Here, the generation of an enhanced photoactivatable Cre recombinase (ePA-Cre) transgenic mouse strain with stringent light responsiveness and high recombination efficiency is reported. Through serial optimization, ePA-Cre is developed to generate a transgenic mouse line that exhibits 175-fold induction upon illumination. Efficient light-dependent recombination is detected in embryos and various adult tissues of ePA-Cre mice crossed with the Ai14 tdTomato reporter. Importantly, no significant background Cre activity is detected in the tested tissues except the skin. Moreover, efficient light-inducible cell ablation is achieved in ePA-Cre mice crossed with Rosa26-LSL-DTA mice. In conclusion, ePA-Cre mice offer a tightly inducible, highly efficient, and spatiotemporal-specific genome engineering tool for multiple applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian HospitalShanghai201499China
| | - Yingyin Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Yuhao Qiu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Xinru Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Yuting Guan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Xiya Cao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Meizhen Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Sijie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education)Institute of Brain Functional GenomicsEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200062China
| | - Longnian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education)Institute of Brain Functional GenomicsEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200062China
| | - Lijian Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyCAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Xueyun Ma
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian HospitalShanghai201499China
| | - Liren Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell TherapyShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghai200241China
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18
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Qian ZG, Huang SC, Xia XX. Synthetic protein condensates for cellular and metabolic engineering. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:1330-1340. [DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01203-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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19
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A red light-responsive photoswitch for deep tissue optogenetics. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:1672-1679. [PMID: 35697806 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Red light penetrates deep into mammalian tissues and has low phototoxicity, but few optogenetic tools that use red light have been developed. Here we present MagRed, a red light-activatable photoswitch that consists of a red light-absorbing bacterial phytochrome incorporating a mammalian endogenous chromophore, biliverdin and a photo-state-specific binder that we developed using Affibody library selection. Red light illumination triggers the binding of the two components of MagRed and the assembly of split-proteins fused to them. Using MagRed, we developed a red light-activatable Cre recombinase, which enables light-activatable DNA recombination deep in mammalian tissues. We also created red light-inducible transcriptional regulators based on CRISPR-Cas9 that enable an up to 378-fold activation (average, 135-fold induction) of multiple endogenous target genes. MagRed will facilitate optogenetic applications deep in mammalian organisms in a variety of biological research areas.
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20
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Plug-and-Display Photo-Switchable Systems on Plant Virus Nanoparticles. BIOTECH (BASEL (SWITZERLAND)) 2022; 11:biotech11040049. [PMID: 36278561 PMCID: PMC9589989 DOI: 10.3390/biotech11040049] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Light can be used to regulate protein interactions with a high degree of spatial and temporal precision. Photo-switchable systems therefore allow the development of controllable protein complexes that can influence various cellular and molecular processes. Here, we describe a plant virus-based nanoparticle shuttle for the distribution of proteins that can be released when exposed to light. Potato virus X (PVX) is often used as a presentation system for heterologous proteins and epitopes, and has ideal properties for biomedical applications such as good tissue penetration and the ability to form hydrogels that present signaling molecules and promote cell adhesion. In this study, we describe three different systems attached to the surface of PVX particles: LOVTRAP, BphP1/QPAS1 and Dronpa145N. We demonstrated the functionality of all three photo-switchable protein complexes in vitro and the successful loading and unloading of PVX particles. The new systems provide the basis for promising applications in the biomedical and biomaterial sciences.
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21
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Ohlendorf R, Möglich A. Light-regulated gene expression in Bacteria: Fundamentals, advances, and perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1029403. [PMID: 36312534 PMCID: PMC9614035 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1029403] [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: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous photoreceptors and genetic circuits emerged over the past two decades and now enable the light-dependent i.e., optogenetic, regulation of gene expression in bacteria. Prompted by light cues in the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, gene expression can be up- or downregulated stringently, reversibly, non-invasively, and with precision in space and time. Here, we survey the underlying principles, available options, and prominent examples of optogenetically regulated gene expression in bacteria. While transcription initiation and elongation remain most important for optogenetic intervention, other processes e.g., translation and downstream events, were also rendered light-dependent. The optogenetic control of bacterial expression predominantly employs but three fundamental strategies: light-sensitive two-component systems, oligomerization reactions, and second-messenger signaling. Certain optogenetic circuits moved beyond the proof-of-principle and stood the test of practice. They enable unprecedented applications in three major areas. First, light-dependent expression underpins novel concepts and strategies for enhanced yields in microbial production processes. Second, light-responsive bacteria can be optogenetically stimulated while residing within the bodies of animals, thus prompting the secretion of compounds that grant health benefits to the animal host. Third, optogenetics allows the generation of precisely structured, novel biomaterials. These applications jointly testify to the maturity of the optogenetic approach and serve as blueprints bound to inspire and template innovative use cases of light-regulated gene expression in bacteria. Researchers pursuing these lines can choose from an ever-growing, versatile, and efficient toolkit of optogenetic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ohlendorf
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- *Correspondence: Andreas Möglich,
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22
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Shikata H, Denninger P. Plant optogenetics: Applications and perspectives. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 68:102256. [PMID: 35780691 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To understand cell biological processes, like signalling pathways, protein movements, or metabolic processes, precise tools for manipulation are desired. Optogenetics allows to control cellular processes by light and can be applied at a high temporal and spatial resolution. In the last three decades, various optogenetic applications have been developed for animal, fungal, and prokaryotic cells. However, using optogenetics in plants has been difficult due to biological and technical issues, like missing cofactors, the presence of endogenous photoreceptors, or the necessity of light for photosynthesis, which potentially activates optogenetic tools constitutively. Recently developed tools overcome these limitations, making the application of optogenetics feasible also in plants. Here, we highlight the most useful recent applications in plants and give a perspective for future optogenetic approaches in plants science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Shikata
- Division of Plant Environmental Responses, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Japan; PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8, Honcho, Kawaguchi, Japan.
| | - Philipp Denninger
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences, Plant Systems Biology, Emil-Ramann-Strasse 8, 85354 Freising, Germany.
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23
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Skeeters SS, Camp T, Fan H, Zhang K. The expanding role of split protein complementation in opsin-free optogenetics. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 65:102236. [PMID: 35609383 PMCID: PMC9308681 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of signaling mechanisms helps interpret fundamental biological processes and restore cell behavior from pathological conditions. Signaling outcome depends not only on the activity of each signaling component but also on their dynamic interaction in time and space, which remains challenging to probe by biochemical and cell-based assays. Opsin-based optogenetics has transformed neural science research with its spatiotemporal modulation of the activity of excitable cells. Motivated by this advantage, opsin-free optogenetics extends the power of light to a larger spectrum of signaling molecules. This review summarizes commonly used opsin-free optogenetic strategies, presents a historical overview of split protein complementation, and highlights the adaptation of split protein recombination as optogenetic sensors and actuators.
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24
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Karasev MM, Baloban M, Verkhusha VV, Shcherbakova DM. Nuclear Localization Signals for Optimization of Genetically Encoded Tools in Neurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:931237. [PMID: 35927988 PMCID: PMC9344056 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.931237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear transport in neurons differs from that in non-neuronal cells. Here we developed a non-opsin optogenetic tool (OT) for the nuclear export of a protein of interest induced by near-infrared (NIR) light. In darkness, nuclear import reverses the OT action. We used this tool for comparative analysis of nuclear transport dynamics mediated by nuclear localization signals (NLSs) with different importin specificities. We found that widely used KPNA2-binding NLSs, such as Myc and SV40, are suboptimal in neurons. We identified uncommon NLSs mediating fast nuclear import and demonstrated that the performance of the OT for nuclear export can be adjusted by varying NLSs. Using these NLSs, we optimized the NIR OT for light-controlled gene expression for lower background and higher contrast in neurons. The selected NLSs binding importins abundant in neurons could improve performance of genetically encoded tools in these cells, including OTs and gene-editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksim M. Karasev
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikhail Baloban
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Vladislav V. Verkhusha
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Daria M. Shcherbakova
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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25
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Optogenetic technologies in translational cancer research. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108005. [PMID: 35690273 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108005] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Gene and cell therapies are widely recognized as future cancer therapeutics but poor controllability limits their clinical applications. Optogenetics, the use of light-controlled proteins to precisely spatiotemporally regulate the activity of genes and cells, opens up new possibilities for cancer treatment. Light of specific wavelength can activate the immune response, oncolytic activity and modulate cell signaling in tumor cells non-invasively, in dosed manner, with tissue confined action and without side effects of conventional therapies. Here, we review optogenetic approaches in cancer research, their clinical potential and challenges of incorporating optogenetics in cancer therapy. We critically discuss beneficial combinations of optogenetic technologies with therapeutic nanobodies, T-cell activation and CAR-T cell approaches, genome editors and oncolytic viruses. We consider viral vectors and nanoparticles for delivering optogenetic payloads and activating light to tumors. Finally, we highlight herein the prospects for integrating optogenetics into immunotherapy as a novel, fast, reversible and safe approach to cancer treatment.
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26
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Guan N, Gao X, Ye H. Engineering of optogenetic devices for biomedical applications in mammalian synthetic biology. ENGINEERING BIOLOGY 2022; 6:35-49. [PMID: 36969102 PMCID: PMC9996731 DOI: 10.1049/enb2.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene- and cell-based therapies are the next frontiers in the field of medicine. Both are transformative and innovative therapies; however, a lack of safety data limits the translation of such promising technologies to the clinic. Improving the safety and promoting the clinical translation of these therapies can be achieved by tightly regulating the release and delivery of therapeutic outputs. In recent years, the rapid development of optogenetic technology has provided opportunities to develop precision-controlled gene- and cell-based therapies, in which light is introduced to precisely and spatiotemporally manipulate the behaviour of genes and cells. This review focuses on the development of optogenetic tools and their applications in biomedicine, including photoactivated genome engineering and phototherapy for diabetes and tumours. The prospects and challenges of optogenetic tools for future clinical applications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningzi Guan
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering LaboratoryBiomedical Synthetic Biology Research CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory BiologyInstitute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xianyun Gao
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering LaboratoryBiomedical Synthetic Biology Research CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory BiologyInstitute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Haifeng Ye
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering LaboratoryBiomedical Synthetic Biology Research CenterShanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory BiologyInstitute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
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27
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Mazraeh D, Di Ventura B. Synthetic microbiology applications powered by light. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 68:102158. [PMID: 35660240 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is a field of research in which molecular parts (mostly nucleic acids and proteins) are de novo created or modified and then used either alone or in combination to achieve new functions that can help solve the problems of our modern society. In synthetic microbiology, microbes are employed rather than other organisms or cell-free systems. Optogenetics, a relatively recently established technology that relies on the use of genetically encoded photosensitive proteins to control biological processes with high spatiotemporal precision, offers the possibility to empower synthetic (micro)biology applications due to the many positive features that light has as an external trigger. In this review, we describe recent synthetic microbiology applications that made use of optogenetics after briefly introducing the molecular mechanism behind some of the most employed optogenetic tools. We highlight the power and versatility of this technique, which opens up new horizons for both research and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mazraeh
- Signaling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, and Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Di Ventura
- Signaling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, and Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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28
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Barykina NV, Karasev MM, Verkhusha VV, Shcherbakova DM. Technologies for large-scale mapping of functional neural circuits active during a user-defined time window. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 216:102290. [PMID: 35654210 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The mapping of neural circuits activated during behavior down to individual neurons is crucial for decoding how the brain processes information. Technologies allowing activity-dependent labeling of neurons during user-defined restricted time windows are rapidly developing. Precise marking of the time window with light, in addition to chemicals, is now possible. In these technologies, genetically encoded molecules integrate molecular events resulting from neuronal activity with light/drug-dependent events. The outputs are either changes in fluorescence or activation of gene expression. Molecular reporters allow labeling of activated neurons for visualization and cell-type identification. The transcriptional readout also allows further control of activated neuronal populations using optogenetic tools as reporters. Here we review the design of these technologies and discuss their demonstrated applications to reveal previously unknown connections in the mammalian brain. We also consider the strengths and weaknesses of the current approaches and provide a perspective for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Barykina
- P.K. Anokhin Institute of Normal Physiology, Moscow 125315, Russia; Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Maksim M Karasev
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Department of Genetics, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Daria M Shcherbakova
- Department of Genetics, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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29
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Kasatkina LA, Ma C, Matlashov ME, Vu T, Li M, Kaberniuk AA, Yao J, Verkhusha VV. Optogenetic manipulation and photoacoustic imaging using a near-infrared transgenic mouse model. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2813. [PMID: 35589810 PMCID: PMC9120076 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30547-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic manipulation and optical imaging in the near-infrared range allow non-invasive light-control and readout of cellular and organismal processes in deep tissues in vivo. Here, we exploit the advantages of Rhodopseudomonas palustris BphP1 bacterial phytochrome, which incorporates biliverdin chromophore and reversibly photoswitches between the ground (740-800 nm) and activated (620-680 nm) states, to generate a loxP-BphP1 transgenic mouse model. The mouse enables Cre-dependent temporal and spatial targeting of BphP1 expression in vivo. We validate the optogenetic performance of endogenous BphP1, which in the activated state binds its engineered protein partner QPAS1, to trigger gene transcription in primary cells and living mice. We demonstrate photoacoustic tomography of BphP1 expression in different organs, developing embryos, virus-infected tissues and regenerating livers, with the centimeter penetration depth. The transgenic mouse model provides opportunities for both near-infrared optogenetics and photoacoustic imaging in vivo and serves as a source of primary cells and tissues with genomically encoded BphP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila A Kasatkina
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Chenshuo Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Mikhail E Matlashov
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Tri Vu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Mucong Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Andrii A Kaberniuk
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Junjie Yao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA. .,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00290, Finland.
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30
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Baumschlager A. Engineering Light-Control in Biology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:901300. [PMID: 35573251 PMCID: PMC9096073 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.901300] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unraveling the transformative power of optogenetics in biology requires sophisticated engineering for the creation and optimization of light-regulatable proteins. In addition, diverse strategies have been used for the tuning of these light-sensitive regulators. This review highlights different protein engineering and synthetic biology approaches, which might aid in the development and optimization of novel optogenetic proteins (Opto-proteins). Focusing on non-neuronal optogenetics, chromophore availability, general strategies for creating light-controllable functions, modification of the photosensitive domains and their fusion to effector domains, as well as tuning concepts for Opto-proteins are discussed. Thus, this review shall not serve as an encyclopedic summary of light-sensitive regulators but aims at discussing important aspects for the engineering of light-controllable proteins through selected examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Baumschlager
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
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31
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Wang T, Liu S, Huang Y, Zhou Y. Red-shifted optogenetics comes to the spotlight. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e807. [PMID: 35389568 PMCID: PMC8989019 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tianlu Wang
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Siyao Liu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yun Huang
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA
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32
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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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33
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Optogenetic and Chemical Induction Systems for Regulation of Transgene Expression in Plants: Use in Basic and Applied Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031737. [PMID: 35163658 PMCID: PMC8835832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous and ubiquitous expression of foreign genes sometimes results in harmful effects on the growth, development and metabolic activities of plants. Tissue-specific promoters help to overcome this disadvantage, but do not allow one to precisely control transgene expression over time. Thus, inducible transgene expression systems have obvious benefits. In plants, transcriptional regulation is usually driven by chemical agents under the control of chemically-inducible promoters. These systems are diverse, but usually contain two elements, the chimeric transcription factor and the reporter gene. The commonly used chemically-induced expression systems are tetracycline-, steroid-, insecticide-, copper-, and ethanol-regulated. Unlike chemical-inducible systems, optogenetic tools enable spatiotemporal, quantitative and reversible control over transgene expression with light, overcoming limitations of chemically-inducible systems. This review updates and summarizes optogenetic and chemical induction methods of transgene expression used in basic plant research and discusses their potential in field applications.
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34
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Abstract
Optogenetics combines light and genetics to enable precise control of living cells, tissues, and organisms with tailored functions. Optogenetics has the advantages of noninvasiveness, rapid responsiveness, tunable reversibility, and superior spatiotemporal resolution. Following the initial discovery of microbial opsins as light-actuated ion channels, a plethora of naturally occurring or engineered photoreceptors or photosensitive domains that respond to light at varying wavelengths has ushered in the next chapter of optogenetics. Through protein engineering and synthetic biology approaches, genetically-encoded photoswitches can be modularly engineered into protein scaffolds or host cells to control a myriad of biological processes, as well as to enable behavioral control and disease intervention in vivo. Here, we summarize these optogenetic tools on the basis of their fundamental photochemical properties to better inform the chemical basis and design principles. We also highlight exemplary applications of opsin-free optogenetics in dissecting cellular physiology (designated "optophysiology"), and describe the current progress, as well as future trends, in wireless optogenetics, which enables remote interrogation of physiological processes with minimal invasiveness. This review is anticipated to spark novel thoughts on engineering next-generation optogenetic tools and devices that promise to accelerate both basic and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States.,Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Lian He
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Yun Huang
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
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35
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Optogenetic approaches in biotechnology and biomaterials. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:858-874. [PMID: 35031132 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Advances in genetic engineering, combined with the development of optical technologies, have allowed optogenetics to broaden its area of possible applications in recent years. However, the application of optogenetic tools in industry, including biotechnology and the production of biomaterials, is still limited, because each practical task requires the engineering of a specific optogenetic system. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the use of optogenetic tools in the production of biofuels and valuable chemicals, the synthesis of biomedical and polymer materials, and plant agrobiology. We also offer a comprehensive analysis of the properties and industrial applicability of light-controlled and other smart biomaterials. These data allow us to outline the prospects for the future use of optogenetics in bioindustry.
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36
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Lehtinen K, Nokia MS, Takala H. Red Light Optogenetics in Neuroscience. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:778900. [PMID: 35046775 PMCID: PMC8761848 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.778900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics, a field concentrating on controlling cellular functions by means of light-activated proteins, has shown tremendous potential in neuroscience. It possesses superior spatiotemporal resolution compared to the surgical, electrical, and pharmacological methods traditionally used in studying brain function. A multitude of optogenetic tools for neuroscience have been created that, for example, enable the control of action potential generation via light-activated ion channels. Other optogenetic proteins have been used in the brain, for example, to control long-term potentiation or to ablate specific subtypes of neurons. In in vivo applications, however, the majority of optogenetic tools are operated with blue, green, or yellow light, which all have limited penetration in biological tissues compared to red light and especially infrared light. This difference is significant, especially considering the size of the rodent brain, a major research model in neuroscience. Our review will focus on the utilization of red light-operated optogenetic tools in neuroscience. We first outline the advantages of red light for in vivo studies. Then we provide a brief overview of the red light-activated optogenetic proteins and systems with a focus on new developments in the field. Finally, we will highlight different tools and applications, which further facilitate the use of red light optogenetics in neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimmo Lehtinen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Miriam S. Nokia
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Heikki Takala
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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37
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Huang P, Zhao Z, Duan L. Optogenetic activation of intracellular signaling based on light-inducible protein-protein homo-interactions. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:25-30. [PMID: 34100422 PMCID: PMC8451544 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.314293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic protein-protein interactions are essential for proper cell functioning. Homo-interaction events—physical interactions between the same type of proteins—represent a pivotal subset of protein-protein interactions that are widely exploited in activating intracellular signaling pathways. Capacities of modulating protein-protein interactions with spatial and temporal resolution are greatly desired to decipher the dynamic nature of signal transduction mechanisms. The emerging optogenetic technology, based on genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins, provides promising opportunities to dissect the highly complex signaling networks with unmatched specificity and spatiotemporal precision. Here we review recent achievements in the development of optogenetic tools enabling light-inducible protein-protein homo-interactions and their applications in optical activation of signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyuan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhihao Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Liting Duan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Shun Hing Institute of Advanced Engineering (SHIAE), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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38
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Tang K, Beyer HM, Zurbriggen MD, Gärtner W. The Red Edge: Bilin-Binding Photoreceptors as Optogenetic Tools and Fluorescence Reporters. Chem Rev 2021; 121:14906-14956. [PMID: 34669383 PMCID: PMC8707292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This review adds the bilin-binding phytochromes to the Chemical Reviews thematic issue "Optogenetics and Photopharmacology". The work is structured into two parts. We first outline the photochemistry of the covalently bound tetrapyrrole chromophore and summarize relevant spectroscopic, kinetic, biochemical, and physiological properties of the different families of phytochromes. Based on this knowledge, we then describe the engineering of phytochromes to further improve these chromoproteins as photoswitches and review their employment in an ever-growing number of different optogenetic applications. Most applications rely on the light-controlled complex formation between the plant photoreceptor PhyB and phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) or C-terminal light-regulated domains with enzymatic functions present in many bacterial and algal phytochromes. Phytochrome-based optogenetic tools are currently implemented in bacteria, yeast, plants, and animals to achieve light control of a wide range of biological activities. These cover the regulation of gene expression, protein transport into cell organelles, and the recruitment of phytochrome- or PIF-tagged proteins to membranes and other cellular compartments. This compilation illustrates the intrinsic advantages of phytochromes compared to other photoreceptor classes, e.g., their bidirectional dual-wavelength control enabling instant ON and OFF regulation. In particular, the long wavelength range of absorption and fluorescence within the "transparent window" makes phytochromes attractive for complex applications requiring deep tissue penetration or dual-wavelength control in combination with blue and UV light-sensing photoreceptors. In addition to the wide variability of applications employing natural and engineered phytochromes, we also discuss recent progress in the development of bilin-based fluorescent proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Tang
- Institute
of Synthetic Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University
Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hannes M. Beyer
- Institute
of Synthetic Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University
Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Matias D. Zurbriggen
- Institute
of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, Heinrich-Heine-University
Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse
1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gärtner
- Retired: Max Planck Institute
for Chemical Energy Conversion. At present: Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University
Leipzig, Linnéstrasse
3, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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39
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Directed evolution approaches for optogenetic tool development. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2737-2748. [PMID: 34783342 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210700] [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] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Photoswitchable proteins enable specific molecular events occurring in complex biological settings to be probed in a rapid and reversible fashion. Recent progress in the development of photoswitchable proteins as components of optogenetic tools has been greatly facilitated by directed evolution approaches in vitro, in bacteria, or in yeast. We review these developments and suggest future directions for this rapidly advancing field.
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40
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Sakai K, Kondo Y, Fujioka H, Kamiya M, Aoki K, Goto Y. Near-infrared imaging in fission yeast using a genetically encoded phycocyanobilin biosynthesis system. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:273759. [PMID: 34806750 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Near-infrared fluorescent protein (iRFP) is a bright and stable fluorescent protein with near-infrared excitation and emission maxima. Unlike the other conventional fluorescent proteins, iRFP requires biliverdin (BV) as a chromophore. Here, we report that phycocyanobilin (PCB) functions as a brighter chromophore for iRFP than BV, and that biosynthesis of PCB allows live-cell imaging with iRFP in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We initially found that fission yeast cells did not produce BV and therefore did not show any iRFP fluorescence. The brightness of iRFP-PCB was higher than that of iRFP-BV both in vitro and in fission yeast. We introduced SynPCB2.1, a PCB biosynthesis system, into fission yeast, resulting in the brightest iRFP fluorescence. To make iRFP readily available in fission yeast, we developed an endogenous gene tagging system with iRFP and all-in-one integration plasmids carrying the iRFP-fused marker proteins together with SynPCB2.1. These tools not only enable the easy use of multiplexed live-cell imaging in fission yeast with a broader color palette, but also open the door to new opportunities for near-infrared fluorescence imaging in a wider range of living organisms. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Sakai
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Yohei Kondo
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Fujioka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Mako Kamiya
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Yuhei Goto
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
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41
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Wang X, Dong K, Kong D, Zhou Y, Yin J, Cai F, Wang M, Ye H. A far-red light-inducible CRISPR-Cas12a platform for remote-controlled genome editing and gene activation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabh2358. [PMID: 34890237 PMCID: PMC8664267 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abh2358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas12a has been harnessed as a powerful tool for manipulating targeted gene expression. The possibility to manipulate the activity of CRISPR-Cas12a with a more precise spatiotemporal resolution and deep tissue permeability will enable targeted genome engineering and deepen our understanding of the gene functions underlying complex cellular behaviors. However, currently available inducible CRISPR-Cas12a systems are limited by diffusion, cytotoxicity, and poor tissue permeability. Here, we developed a far-red light (FRL)–inducible CRISPR-Cas12a (FICA) system that can robustly induce gene editing in mammalian cells, and an FRL-inducible CRISPR-dCas12a (FIdCA) system based on the protein-tagging system SUperNova (SunTag) that can be used for gene activation under light-emitting diode–based FRL. Moreover, we show that the FIdCA system can be deployed to activate target genes in mouse livers. These results demonstrate that these systems developed here provide robust and efficient platforms for programmable genome manipulation in a noninvasive and spatiotemporal fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Wang
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Kaili Dong
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Deqiang Kong
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jianli Yin
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Fengfeng Cai
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 450 Tengyue Road, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Meiyan Wang
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
- Corresponding author. (M.W.); (H.Y.)
| | - Haifeng Ye
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
- Corresponding author. (M.W.); (H.Y.)
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Fischer T, van Wilderen LJGW, Gnau P, Bredenbeck J, Essen LO, Wachtveitl J, Slavov C. Ultrafast Photoconversion Dynamics of the Knotless Phytochrome SynCph2. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910690. [PMID: 34639031 PMCID: PMC8508867 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The family of phytochrome photoreceptors contains proteins with different domain architectures and spectral properties. Knotless phytochromes are one of the three main subgroups classified by their distinct lack of the PAS domain in their photosensory core module, which is in contrast to the canonical PAS-GAF-PHY array. Despite intensive research on the ultrafast photodynamics of phytochromes, little is known about the primary kinetics in knotless phytochromes. Here, we present the ultrafast Pr ⇆ Pfr photodynamics of SynCph2, the best-known knotless phytochrome. Our results show that the excited state lifetime of Pr* (~200 ps) is similar to bacteriophytochromes, but much longer than in most canonical phytochromes. We assign the slow Pr* kinetics to relaxation processes of the chromophore-binding pocket that controls the bilin chromophore’s isomerization step. The Pfr photoconversion dynamics starts with a faster excited state relaxation than in canonical phytochromes, but, despite the differences in the respective domain architectures, proceeds via similar ground state intermediate steps up to Meta-F. Based on our observations, we propose that the kinetic features and overall dynamics of the ultrafast photoreaction are determined to a great extent by the geometrical context (i.e., available space and flexibility) within the binding pocket, while the general reaction steps following the photoexcitation are most likely conserved among the red/far-red phytochromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Fischer
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue Straße 7, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Luuk J. G. W. van Wilderen
- Institute of Biophysics, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue Straße 1, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (L.J.G.W.v.W.); (J.B.)
| | - Petra Gnau
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (P.G.); (L.-O.E.)
| | - Jens Bredenbeck
- Institute of Biophysics, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue Straße 1, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany; (L.J.G.W.v.W.); (J.B.)
| | - Lars-Oliver Essen
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany; (P.G.); (L.-O.E.)
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Josef Wachtveitl
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue Straße 7, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany;
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Chavdar Slavov
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue Straße 7, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany;
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (C.S.)
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Manoilov KY, Verkhusha VV, Shcherbakova DM. A guide to the optogenetic regulation of endogenous molecules. Nat Methods 2021; 18:1027-1037. [PMID: 34446923 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-021-01240-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genetically encoded tools for the regulation of endogenous molecules (RNA, DNA elements and protein) are needed to study and control biological processes with minimal interference caused by protein overexpression and overactivation of signaling pathways. Here we focus on light-controlled optogenetic tools (OTs) that allow spatiotemporally precise regulation of gene expression and protein function. To control endogenous molecules, OTs combine light-sensing modules from natural photoreceptors with specific protein or nucleic acid binders. We discuss OT designs and group OTs according to the principles of their regulation. We outline characteristics of OT performance, discuss considerations for their use in vivo and review available OTs and their applications in cells and in vivo. Finally, we provide a brief outlook on the development of OTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyrylo Yu Manoilov
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA. .,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Science Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia.
| | - Daria M Shcherbakova
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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44
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Lalwani MA, Zhao EM, Wegner SA, Avalos JL. The Neurospora crassa Inducible Q System Enables Simultaneous Optogenetic Amplification and Inversion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for Bidirectional Control of Gene Expression. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:2060-2075. [PMID: 34346207 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Bidirectional optogenetic control of yeast gene expression has great potential for biotechnological applications. Our group has developed optogenetic inverter circuits that activate transcription using darkness, as well as amplifier circuits that reach high expression levels under limited light. However, because both types of circuits harness Gal4p and Gal80p from the galactose (GAL) regulon they cannot be used simultaneously. Here, we apply the Q System, a transcriptional activator/inhibitor system from Neurospora crassa, to build circuits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that are inducible using quinic acid, darkness, or blue light. We develop light-repressed OptoQ-INVRT circuits that initiate darkness-triggered transcription within an hour of induction, as well as light-activated OptoQ-AMP circuits that achieve up to 39-fold induction. The Q System does not exhibit crosstalk with the GAL regulon, allowing coutilization of OptoQ-AMP circuits with previously developed OptoINVRT circuits. As a demonstration of practical applications in metabolic engineering, we show how simultaneous use of these circuits can be used to dynamically control both growth and production to improve acetoin production, as well as enable light-tunable co-production of geraniol and linalool, two terpenoids implicated in the hoppy flavor of beer. OptoQ-AMP and OptoQ-INVRT circuits enable simultaneous optogenetic signal amplification and inversion, providing powerful additions to the yeast optogenetic toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto A. Lalwani
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Evan M. Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Scott A. Wegner
- Department of Molecular Biology. Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - José L. Avalos
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology. Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
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45
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Wichert N, Witt M, Blume C, Scheper T. Clinical applicability of optogenetic gene regulation. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:4168-4185. [PMID: 34287844 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27895] [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] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The field of optogenetics is rapidly growing in relevance and number of developed tools. Among other things, the optogenetic repertoire includes light-responsive ion channels and methods for gene regulation. This review will be confined to the optogenetic control of gene expression in mammalian cells as suitable models for clinical applications. Here optogenetic gene regulation might offer an excellent method for spatially and timely regulated gene and protein expression in cell therapeutic approaches. Well-known systems for gene regulation, such as the LOV-, CRY2/CIB-, PhyB/PIF-systems, as well as other, in mammalian cells not yet fully established systems, will be described. Advantages and disadvantages with regard to clinical applications are outlined in detail. Among the many unanswered questions concerning the application of optogenetics, we discuss items such as the use of exogenous chromophores and their effects on the biology of the cells and methods for a gentle, but effective gene transfection method for optogenetic tools for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wichert
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Witt
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cornelia Blume
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheper
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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46
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Kolesov DV, Sokolinskaya EL, Lukyanov KA, Bogdanov AM. Molecular Tools for Targeted Control of Nerve Cell Electrical Activity. Part I. Acta Naturae 2021; 13:52-64. [PMID: 34707897 PMCID: PMC8526180 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern life sciences, the issue of a specific, exogenously directed
manipulation of a cell’s biochemistry is a highly topical one. In the
case of electrically excitable cells, the aim of the manipulation is to control
the cells’ electrical activity, with the result being either excitation
with subsequent generation of an action potential or inhibition and suppression
of the excitatory currents. The techniques of electrical activity stimulation
are of particular significance in tackling the most challenging basic problem:
figuring out how the nervous system of higher multicellular organisms
functions. At this juncture, when neuroscience is gradually abandoning the
reductionist approach in favor of the direct investigation of complex neuronal
systems, minimally invasive methods for brain tissue stimulation are becoming
the basic element in the toolbox of those involved in the field. In this
review, we describe three approaches that are based on the delivery of
exogenous, genetically encoded molecules sensitive to external stimuli into the
nervous tissue. These approaches include optogenetics (Part I) as well as
chemogenetics and thermogenetics (Part II), which are significantly different
not only in the nature of the stimuli and structure of the appropriate effector
proteins, but also in the details of experimental applications. The latter
circumstance is an indication that these are rather complementary than
competing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. V. Kolesov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - E. L. Sokolinskaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - K. A. Lukyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - A. M. Bogdanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
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Kaberniuk AA, Baloban M, Monakhov MV, Shcherbakova DM, Verkhusha VV. Single-component near-infrared optogenetic systems for gene transcription regulation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3859. [PMID: 34162879 PMCID: PMC8222386 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Near-infrared (NIR) optogenetic systems for transcription regulation are in high demand because NIR light exhibits low phototoxicity, low scattering, and allows combining with probes of visible range. However, available NIR optogenetic systems consist of several protein components of large size and multidomain structure. Here, we engineer single-component NIR systems consisting of evolved photosensory core module of Idiomarina sp. bacterial phytochrome, named iLight, which are smaller and packable in adeno-associated virus. We characterize iLight in vitro and in gene transcription repression in bacterial and gene transcription activation in mammalian cells. Bacterial iLight system shows 115-fold repression of protein production. Comparing to multi-component NIR systems, mammalian iLight system exhibits higher activation of 65-fold in cells and faster 6-fold activation in deep tissues of mice. Neurons transduced with viral-encoded iLight system exhibit 50-fold induction of fluorescent reporter. NIR light-induced neuronal expression of green-light-activatable CheRiff channelrhodopsin causes 20-fold increase of photocurrent and demonstrates efficient spectral multiplexing. Current near-IR optogenetic systems to regulate transcription consist of a number of large protein components. Here the authors report a smaller single-component near-IR system, iLight, developed from a bacterial phytochrome that they use to control gene transcription in bacterial and mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrii A Kaberniuk
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mikhail Baloban
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mikhail V Monakhov
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Daria M Shcherbakova
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA. .,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Science Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia.
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Smart-watch-programmed green-light-operated percutaneous control of therapeutic transgenes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3388. [PMID: 34099676 PMCID: PMC8184832 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23572-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wearable smart electronic devices, such as smart watches, are generally equipped with green-light-emitting diodes, which are used for photoplethysmography to monitor a panoply of physical health parameters. Here, we present a traceless, green-light-operated, smart-watch-controlled mammalian gene switch (Glow Control), composed of an engineered membrane-tethered green-light-sensitive cobalamin-binding domain of Thermus thermophilus (TtCBD) CarH protein in combination with a synthetic cytosolic TtCBD-transactivator fusion protein, which manage translocation of TtCBD-transactivator into the nucleus to trigger expression of transgenes upon illumination. We show that Apple-Watch-programmed percutaneous remote control of implanted Glow-controlled engineered human cells can effectively treat experimental type-2 diabetes by producing and releasing human glucagon-like peptide-1 on demand. Directly interfacing wearable smart electronic devices with therapeutic gene expression will advance next-generation personalized therapies by linking biopharmaceutical interventions to the internet of things.
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49
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Khan FI, Song H, Hassan F, Tian J, Tang L, Lai D, Juan F. Impact of amino acid substitutions on the behavior of a photoactivatable near infrared fluorescent protein PAiRFP1. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 253:119572. [PMID: 33631627 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.119572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A photoactivatable near-infrared fluorescent protein (NIR-FP) PAiRFP1 has been developed by 15 amino acid substitutions in its nonfluorescent template Agp2. In our previous communication, we investigated the role of three amino acids in PHY domain distal from BV molecule. The impact of the twelve amino acids in GAF domain, especially five residues near BV-binding pocket is unclear. In this paper, PCR based reverse mutagenesis, spectroscopic methods, molecular modelling and simulations have been employed to explore the roles of these substitutions during the molecular evolution of PAiRFP1. It was found that the residue L163 is important for protein folding in PAiRFP1. The residues F244 and C280 exerted remarkable effects on molar extinction coefficient, NIR fluorescence quantum yield, molecular brightness, fluorescence fold, and dark recovery rate. The residues F244 and V276 modulate the maximum absorption and emission peak position. The reverse mutant L168M exhibited a higher fluorescence fold than PAiRFP1. Additionally, the reverse mutants V203A, V294E, S218G and D127G possessed better spectral properties than PAiRFP1. This study is important for the rational design of a better BphP-based photoactivatable NIR-FPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faez Iqbal Khan
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Honghong Song
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Fakhrul Hassan
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lixia Tang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Dakun Lai
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Feng Juan
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
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50
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Forlani G, Di Ventura B. A light way for nuclear cell biologists. J Biochem 2021; 169:273-286. [PMID: 33245128 PMCID: PMC8053400 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvaa139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleus is a very complex organelle present in eukaryotic cells. Having the crucial task to safeguard, organize and manage the genetic information, it must tightly control its molecular constituents, its shape and its internal architecture at any given time. Despite our vast knowledge of nuclear cell biology, much is yet to be unravelled. For instance, only recently we came to appreciate the existence of a dynamic nuclear cytoskeleton made of actin filaments that regulates processes such as gene expression, DNA repair and nuclear expansion. This suggests further exciting discoveries ahead of us. Modern cell biologists embrace a new methodology relying on precise perturbations of cellular processes that require a reversible, highly spatially confinable, rapid, inexpensive and tunEable external stimulus: light. In this review, we discuss how optogenetics, the state-of-the-art technology that uses genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins to steer biological processes, can be adopted to specifically investigate nuclear cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Forlani
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM)
- Centers for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS and CIBSS
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology II, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Di Ventura
- Centers for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS and CIBSS
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology II, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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