1
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Kusuma SH, Kakizuka T, Hattori M, Nagai T. Autonomous multicolor bioluminescence imaging in bacteria, mammalian, and plant hosts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2406358121. [PMID: 39356665 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2406358121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging has become a valuable tool in biological research, offering several advantages over fluorescence-based techniques, including the absence of phototoxicity and photobleaching, along with a higher signal-to-noise ratio. Common bioluminescence imaging methods often require the addition of an external chemical substrate (luciferin), which can result in a decrease in luminescence intensity over time and limit prolonged observations. Since the bacterial bioluminescence system is genetically encoded for luciferase-luciferin production, it enables autonomous bioluminescence (auto-bioluminescence) imaging. However, its application to multiple reporters is restricted due to a limited range of color variants. Here, we report five-color auto-bioluminescence system named Nano-lanternX (NLX), which can be expressed in bacterial, mammalian, and plant hosts, thereby enabling auto-bioluminescence in various living organisms. Utilizing spectral unmixing, we achieved the successful observation of multicolor auto-bioluminescence, enabling detailed single-cell imaging across both bacterial and mammalian cells. We have also expanded the applications of the NLX system, such as multiplexed auto-bioluminescence imaging for gene expression, protein localization, and dynamics of biomolecules within living mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhan Hadi Kusuma
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, SANKEN, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Taishi Kakizuka
- Department of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, SANKEN, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
- Transdimensional Life Imaging Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Hattori
- Department of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, SANKEN, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Takeharu Nagai
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Science and Engineering, SANKEN, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
- Transdimensional Life Imaging Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0020, Japan
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2
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Pradanas-González F, Cortés MG, Glahn-Martínez B, Del Barrio M, Purohit P, Benito-Peña E, Orellana G. Biosensing strategies using recombinant luminescent proteins and their use for food and environmental analysis. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024:10.1007/s00216-024-05552-x. [PMID: 39325139 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05552-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Progress in synthetic biology and nanotechnology plays at present a major role in the fabrication of sophisticated and miniaturized analytical devices that provide the means to tackle the need for new tools and methods for environmental and food safety. Significant research efforts have led to biosensing experiments experiencing a remarkable growth with the development and application of recombinant luminescent proteins (RLPs) being at the core of this boost. Integrating RLPs into biosensors has resulted in highly versatile detection platforms. These platforms include luminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based sensors, and genetically encoded luminescent biosensors. Increased signal-to-noise ratios, rapid response times, and the ability to monitor dynamic biological processes in live cells are advantages inherent to the approaches mentioned above. Furthermore, novel fusion proteins and optimized expression systems to improve their stability, brightness, and spectral properties have enhanced the performance and pertinence of luminescent biosensors in diverse fields. This review highlights recent progress in RLP-based biosensing, showcasing their implementation for monitoring different contaminants commonly found in food and environmental samples. Future perspectives and potential challenges in these two areas of interest are also addressed, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and a forecast of the biosensing strategies using recombinant luminescent proteins to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Pradanas-González
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ciencias 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta García Cortés
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ciencias 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bettina Glahn-Martínez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ciencias 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Melisa Del Barrio
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ciencias 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Purohit
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ciencias 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elena Benito-Peña
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ciencias 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Guillermo Orellana
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ciencias 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Asiminas A, Gomolka RS, Gregoriades S, Hirase H, Nedergaard M, Beinlich FRM. Protocol to study oxygen dynamics in the in vivo mouse brain using bioluminescence microscopy. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:103334. [PMID: 39331498 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103334] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) relies on the biochemical reaction between substrate and enzyme that triggers light emission upon convergence. Here, we present a protocol to study molecular oxygen dynamics in the in vivo mouse brain using the oxygen-dependent reaction between luciferase and its substrate. We describe steps for acute craniotomy, viral transfection, substrate administration, imaging, and analysis of hypoxic pockets. This protocol offers superior spatiotemporal properties compared to established approaches like electrodes and phosphorescence. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Beinlich et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Asiminas
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ryszard S Gomolka
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefanie Gregoriades
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hajime Hirase
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Felix R M Beinlich
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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4
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Labra B, Parag-Sharma K, Powers JJ, Srivastava S, Walker JR, Kirkland TA, Brennan CK, Prescher JA, Amelio AL. Optimized in vivo multispectral bioluminescent imaging of tumor biology using engineered BRET reporters. iScience 2024; 27:110655. [PMID: 39252965 PMCID: PMC11381837 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110655] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to visualize and track multiple biological processes in vivo in real time is highly desirable. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) has emerged as an attractive modality for non-invasive cell tracking, with various luciferase reporters enabling parallel monitoring of several processes. However, simultaneous multiplexed imaging in vivo is challenging due to suboptimal reporter intensities and the need to image one luciferase at a time. We report a multiplexed BLI approach using a single substrate that leverages bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based reporters with distinct spectral profiles for triple-color BLI. These luciferase-fluorophore fusion reporters address light transmission challenges and use optimized coelenterazine substrates. Comparing BRET reporters across two substrate analogs identified a green-yellow-orange combination that allows simultaneous imaging of three distinct cell populations in vitro and in vivo. These tools provide a template for imaging other biological processes in vivo during a single BLI session using a single reporter substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Labra
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kshitij Parag-Sharma
- Graduate Curriculum in Cell Biology & Physiology, Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John J Powers
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Sonal Srivastava
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Thomas A Kirkland
- Promega Biosciences, LLC, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
- Promega Corporation, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Caroline K Brennan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Antonio L Amelio
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Cancer Cell Biology Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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5
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Torrey ZR, Halbers LP, Scipioni L, Tedeschi G, Digman MA, Prescher JA. A versatile bioluminescent probe with tunable color. RSC Chem Biol 2024:d4cb00101j. [PMID: 39308479 PMCID: PMC11414822 DOI: 10.1039/d4cb00101j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence is a powerful method for imaging in vivo, but applications at the microscale are far from routine. This is due, in part, to a lack of versatile tools for visualizing dynamic events. To address this void, we developed a new platform-Bioluminescence Resonance Energy mAKe over with a Fluorescence-Activating absorption-Shifting Tag (BREAKFAST). BREAKFAST features a bright luciferase combined with a chemogenetic tag (pFAST) for rapid color switching. In the presence of luciferin and a discrete fluorogenic ligand, signal is observed via resonance energy transfer. We evaluated spectral outputs with various fluorogens and established the utility of BREAKFAST for combined fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging. Dynamic, four-color visualization was achieved with sequential ligand addition and spectral phasor analysis. We further showed selective signal quenching with a dark fluorogen. Collectively, this work establishes a new method for bioluminescence imaging at the cellular scale and sets the stage for continued probe development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Torrey
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine Irvine CA 92697 USA
| | - Lila P Halbers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine Irvine CA 92697 USA
| | - Lorenzo Scipioni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine Irvine CA 92697 USA
| | - Giulia Tedeschi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine Irvine CA 92697 USA
| | - Michelle A Digman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine Irvine CA 92697 USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine Irvine CA 92697 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine Irvine CA 92697 USA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California Irvine Irvine CA 92697 USA
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6
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Zhou H, Wang J, Zhu Z, Hu L, An E, Lu J, Zhao H. A New Perspective on Stroke Research: Unraveling the Role of Brain Oxygen Dynamics in Stroke Pathophysiology. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0548. [PMID: 39226161 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke, a leading cause of death and disability, often results from ischemic events that cut off the brain blood flow, leading to neuron death. Despite treatment advancements, survivors frequently endure lasting impairments. A key focus is the ischemic penumbra, the area around the stroke that could potentially recover with prompt oxygenation; yet its monitoring is complex. Recent progress in bioluminescence-based oxygen sensing, particularly through the Green enhanced Nano-lantern (GeNL), offers unprecedented views of oxygen fluctuations in vivo. Utilized in awake mice, GeNL has uncovered hypoxic pockets within the cerebral cortex, revealing the brain's oxygen environment as a dynamic landscape influenced by physiological states and behaviors like locomotion and wakefulness. These findings illuminate the complexity of oxygen dynamics and suggest the potential impact of hypoxic pockets on ischemic injury and recovery, challenging existing paradigms and highlighting the importance of microenvironmental oxygen control in stroke resilience. This review examines the implications of these novel findings for stroke research, emphasizing the criticality of understanding pre-existing oxygen dynamics for addressing brain ischemia. The presence of hypoxic pockets in non-stroke conditions indicates a more intricate hypoxic scenario in ischemic brains, suggesting strategies to alleviate hypoxia could lead to more effective treatments and rehabilitation. By bridging gaps in our knowledge, especially concerning microenvironmental changes post-stroke, and leveraging new technologies like GeNL, we can pave the way for therapeutic innovations that significantly enhance outcomes for stroke survivors, promising a future where an understanding of cerebral oxygenation dynamics profoundly informs stroke therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Zhou
- Anesthesiology Department, The Second Hospital of Jiaxing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jialing Wang
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Joint Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhipeng Zhu
- Anesthesiology Department, The Second Hospital of Jiaxing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Li Hu
- Anesthesiology Department, The Second Hospital of Jiaxing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Erdan An
- Anesthesiology Department, The Second Hospital of Jiaxing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jian Lu
- Anesthesiology Department, The Second Hospital of Jiaxing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Heng Zhao
- Anesthesiology Department, The Second Hospital of Jiaxing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Joint Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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7
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Wang L, Lin H, Yang B, Jiang X, Chen J, Roy Chowdhury S, Cheng N, Nakata PA, Lonard DM, Wang MC, Wang J. Development of a Novel Amplifiable System to Quantify Hydrogen Peroxide in Living Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:22396-22404. [PMID: 39079063 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c05366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Although many redox signaling molecules are present at low concentrations, typically ranging from micromolar to submicromolar levels, they often play essential roles in a wide range of biological pathways and disease mechanisms. However, accurately measuring low-abundant analytes has been a significant challenge due to the lack of sensitivity and quantitative capability of existing measurement methods. In this study, we introduced a novel chemically induced amplifiable system for quantifying low-abundance redox signaling molecules in living cells. We utilized H2O2 as a proof-of-concept analyte and developed a probe that quantifies cellular peroxide levels by combining the NanoBiT system with androgen receptor dimerization as a reporting mechanism. Our system demonstrated a highly sensitive response to cellular peroxide changes induced both endogenously and exogenously. Furthermore, the system can be adapted for the quantification of other signaling molecules if provided with suitable probing chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Wang
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Hanfeng Lin
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Center for NextGen Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Bin Yang
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Center for NextGen Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Xiqian Jiang
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Jianwei Chen
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Sandipan Roy Chowdhury
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Center for NextGen Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ninghui Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Paul A Nakata
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - David M Lonard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Meng C Wang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Huffington Center on Aging, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Jin Wang
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Center for NextGen Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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8
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Kuchimaru T. Emerging Synthetic Bioluminescent Reactions for Non-Invasive Imaging of Freely Moving Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7338. [PMID: 39000448 PMCID: PMC11242611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is an indispensable technique for visualizing the dynamics of diverse biological processes in mammalian animal models, including cancer, viral infections, and immune responses. However, a critical scientific challenge remains: non-invasively visualizing homeostatic and disease mechanisms in freely moving animals to understand the molecular basis of exercises, social behavior, and other phenomena. Classical BLI relies on prolonged camera exposure to accumulate the limited number of photons that traveled from deep tissues in anesthetized or constrained animals. Recent advancements in synthetic bioluminescence reactions, utilizing artificial luciferin-luciferase pairs, have considerably increased the number of detectable photons from deep tissues, facilitating high-speed BLI to capture moving objects. In this review, I provide an overview of emerging synthetic bioluminescence reactions that enable the non-invasive imaging of freely moving animals. This approach holds the potential to uncover unique physiological processes that are inaccessible with current methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kuchimaru
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
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9
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Frei MS, Mehta S, Zhang J. Next-Generation Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors Illuminate Cell Signaling and Metabolism. Annu Rev Biophys 2024; 53:275-297. [PMID: 38346245 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-030722-021359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors have revolutionized the study of cell signaling and metabolism, as they allow for live-cell measurements with high spatiotemporal resolution. This success has spurred the development of tailor-made biosensors that enable the study of dynamic phenomena on different timescales and length scales. In this review, we discuss different approaches to enhancing and developing new biosensors. We summarize the technologies used to gain structural insights into biosensor design and comment on useful screening technologies. Furthermore, we give an overview of different applications where biosensors have led to key advances over recent years. Finally, we give our perspective on where future work is bound to make a large impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Frei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; , ,
| | - Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; , ,
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; , ,
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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10
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Tedeschi G, Navarro MX, Scipioni L, Sondhi TK, Prescher JA, Digman MA. Monitoring macrophage polarization with gene expression reporters and bioluminescence phasor analysis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.10.598305. [PMID: 38915606 PMCID: PMC11195121 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.598305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages exhibit a spectrum of behaviors upon activation and are generally classified as one of two types: inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2). Tracking these phenotypes in living cells can provide insight into immune function, but remains a challenging pursuit. Existing methods are mostly limited to static readouts or difficult to employ for multiplexed imaging in complex 3D environments while maintaining cellular resolution. We aimed to fill this void using bioluminescent technologies. Here we report genetically engineered luciferase reporters for long-term monitoring of macrophage polarization via spectral phasor analysis. M1- and M2- specific promoters were used to drive the expression of bioluminescent enzymes in macrophage cell lines. The readouts were multiplexed and discernable in both 2D and 3D formats with single cell resolution in living samples. Collectively, this work expands the toolbox of methods for monitoring macrophage polarization and provides a blueprint for monitoring other multifaceted networks in heterogeneous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Tedeschi
- Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics, Biomedical Engineering Department, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
| | - Mariana X. Navarro
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
| | - Lorenzo Scipioni
- Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics, Biomedical Engineering Department, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
| | - Tanvi K. Sondhi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
| | - Jennifer A. Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617
| | - Michelle A. Digman
- Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics, Biomedical Engineering Department, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617 (USA)
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11
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Russo F, Civili B, Winssinger N. Bright Red Bioluminescence from Semisynthetic NanoLuc (sNLuc). ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1035-1039. [PMID: 38717306 PMCID: PMC11106743 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Red-shifted bioluminescence is highly desirable for diagnostic and imaging applications. Herein, we report a semisynthetic NanoLuc (sNLuc) based on complementation of a split NLuc (LgBiT) with a synthetic peptide (SmBiT) functionalized with a fluorophore for BRET emission. We observed exceptional BRET ratios with diverse fluorophores, notably in the red (I674/I450 > 14), with a brightness that is sufficient for naked eye detection in blood or through tissues. To exemplify its utility, LgBiT was fused to a miniprotein that binds HER2 (affibody, ZHER2), and the selective detection of HER2+ SK-BR-3 cells over HER2- HeLa cells was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Russo
- Department of Organic Chemistry,
Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Civili
- Department of Organic Chemistry,
Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Winssinger
- Department of Organic Chemistry,
Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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12
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Zhao S, Xiong Y, Sunnapu R, Zhang Y, Tian X, Ai HW. Bioluminescence Imaging of Potassium Ion Using a Sensory Luciferin and an Engineered Luciferase. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:13406-13416. [PMID: 38698549 PMCID: PMC11100015 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescent indicators are power tools for studying dynamic biological processes. In this study, we present the generation of novel bioluminescent indicators by modifying the luciferin molecule with an analyte-binding moiety. Specifically, we have successfully developed the first bioluminescent indicator for potassium ions (K+), which are critical electrolytes in biological systems. Our approach involved the design and synthesis of a K+-binding luciferin named potassiorin. Additionally, we engineered a luciferase enzyme called BRIPO (bioluminescent red indicator for potassium) to work synergistically with potassiorin, resulting in optimized K+-dependent bioluminescence responses. Through extensive validation in cell lines, primary neurons, and live mice, we demonstrated the efficacy of this new tool for detecting K+. Our research demonstrates an innovative concept of incorporating sensory moieties into luciferins to modulate luciferase activity. This approach has great potential for developing a wide range of bioluminescent indicators, advancing bioluminescence imaging (BLI), and enabling the study of various analytes in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Zhao
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Ranganayakulu Sunnapu
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Hui-wang Ai
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
- The
UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University
of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
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13
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Tian X, Zhang Y, Ai HW. ATP-Independent Water-Soluble Luciferins Enable Non-Invasive High-Speed Video-Rate Bioluminescence Imaging of Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.30.591933. [PMID: 38746394 PMCID: PMC11092570 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.30.591933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
NanoLuc luciferase and its derivatives are attractive bioluminescent reporters recognized for their efficient photon production and ATP independence. However, utilizing them for in vivo imaging poses notable challenges. Low substrate solubility has been a prominent problem, limiting in vivo brightness, while substrate instability hampers consistent results and handling. To address these issues, we developed a range of caged PEGylated luciferins with improved stability and water solubility of up to 25 mM, resulting in substantial bioluminescence increases in mouse models. This advancement has created the brightest and most sensitive luciferase-luciferin combination, enabling high-speed video-rate imaging of freely moving mice with brain-expressed luciferase. Furthermore, we developed a bioluminescent Ca 2+ indicator with exceptional sensitivity to physiological Ca 2+ changes and paired it with a new substrate to showcase non-invasive, video-rate imaging of Ca 2+ activity in a defined brain region in awake mice. These innovative substrates and the Ca 2+ indicator are poised to become invaluable resources for biological and biomedical fields.
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14
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Jensen GC, Janis MK, Nguyen HN, David OW, Zastrow ML. Fluorescent Protein-Based Sensors for Detecting Essential Metal Ions across the Tree of Life. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1622-1643. [PMID: 38587931 PMCID: PMC11073808 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent metal ion sensors are powerful tools for elucidating metal dynamics in living systems. Over the last 25 years since the first examples of genetically encoded fluorescent protein-based calcium indicators, this toolbox of probes has expanded to include other essential and non-essential metal ions. Collectively, these tools have illuminated fundamental aspects of metal homeostasis and trafficking that are crucial to fields ranging from neurobiology to human nutrition. Despite these advances, much of the application of metal ion sensors remains limited to mammalian cells and tissues and a limited number of essential metals. Applications beyond mammalian systems and in vivo applications in living organisms have primarily used genetically encoded calcium ion sensors. The aim of this Perspective is to provide, with the support of historical and recent literature, an updated and critical view of the design and use of fluorescent protein-based sensors for detecting essential metal ions in various organisms. We highlight the historical progress and achievements with calcium sensors and discuss more recent advances and opportunities for the detection of other essential metal ions. We also discuss outstanding challenges in the field and directions for future studies, including detecting a wider variety of metal ions, developing and implementing a broader spectral range of sensors for multiplexing experiments, and applying sensors to a wider range of single- and multi-species biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary C Jensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Makena K Janis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Hazel N Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Ogonna W David
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Melissa L Zastrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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15
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Björefeldt A, Murphy J, Crespo EL, Lambert GG, Prakash M, Ikefuama EC, Friedman N, Brown TM, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Hochgeschwender U, Shaner NC. Efficient opto- and chemogenetic control in a single molecule driven by FRET-modified bioluminescence. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:021005. [PMID: 38450294 PMCID: PMC10917299 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.021005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Significance Bioluminescent optogenetics (BL-OG) offers a unique and powerful approach to manipulate neural activity both opto- and chemogenetically using a single actuator molecule (a LuMinOpsin, LMO). Aim To further enhance the utility of BL-OG by improving the efficacy of chemogenetic (bioluminescence-driven) LMO activation. Approach We developed novel luciferases optimized for Förster resonance energy transfer when fused to the fluorescent protein mNeonGreen, generating bright bioluminescent (BL) emitters spectrally tuned to Volvox Channelrhodopsin 1 (VChR1). Results A new LMO generated from this approach (LMO7) showed significantly stronger BL-driven opsin activation compared to previous and other new variants. We extensively benchmarked LMO7 against LMO3 (current standard) and found significantly stronger neuronal activity modulation ex vivo and in vivo, and efficient modulation of behavior. Conclusions We report a robust new option for achieving multiple modes of control in a single actuator and a promising engineering strategy for continued improvement of BL-OG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Björefeldt
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
- University of Gothenburg, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jeremy Murphy
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Emmanuel L. Crespo
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Gerard G. Lambert
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Mansi Prakash
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Ebenezer C. Ikefuama
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Nina Friedman
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Tariq M. Brown
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Christopher I. Moore
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Nathan C. Shaner
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
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16
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Porta-de-la-Riva M, Morales-Curiel LF, Carolina Gonzalez A, Krieg M. Bioluminescence as a functional tool for visualizing and controlling neuronal activity in vivo. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024203. [PMID: 38348359 PMCID: PMC10861157 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The use of bioluminescence as a reporter for physiology in neuroscience is as old as the discovery of the calcium-dependent photon emission of aequorin. Over the years, luciferases have been largely replaced by fluorescent reporters, but recently, the field has seen a renaissance of bioluminescent probes, catalyzed by unique developments in imaging technology, bioengineering, and biochemistry to produce luciferases with previously unseen colors and intensity. This is not surprising as the advantages of bioluminescence make luciferases very attractive for noninvasive, longitudinal in vivo observations without the need of an excitation light source. Here, we review how the development of dedicated and specific sensor-luciferases afforded, among others, transcranial imaging of calcium and neurotransmitters, or cellular metabolites and physical quantities such as forces and membrane voltage. Further, the increased versatility and light output of luciferases have paved the way for a new field of functional bioluminescence optogenetics, in which the photon emission of the luciferase is coupled to the gating of a photosensor, e.g., a channelrhodopsin and we review how they have been successfully used to engineer synthetic neuronal connections. Finally, we provide a primer to consider important factors in setting up functional bioluminescence experiments, with a particular focus on the genetic model Caenorhabditis elegans, and discuss the leading challenges that the field needs to overcome to regain a competitive advantage over fluorescence modalities. Together, our paper caters to experienced users of bioluminescence as well as novices who would like to experience the advantages of luciferases in their own hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Porta-de-la-Riva
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis-Felipe Morales-Curiel
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Carolina Gonzalez
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Krieg
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Townsend KM, Prescher JA. Recent advances in bioluminescent probes for neurobiology. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024204. [PMID: 38390217 PMCID: PMC10883388 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescence is a popular modality for imaging in living organisms. The platform relies on enzymatically (luciferase) generated light via the oxidation of small molecule luciferins. Since no external light is needed for photon production, there are no concerns with background autofluorescence or photobleaching over time-features that have historically limited other optical readouts. Bioluminescence is thus routinely used for longitudinal tracking across whole animals. Applications in the brain, though, have been more challenging due to a lack of sufficiently bioavailable, bright, and easily multiplexed probes. Recent years have seen the development of designer luciferase and luciferin pairs that address these issues, providing more sensitive and real-time readouts of biochemical features relevant to neurobiology. This review highlights many of the advances in bioluminescent probe design, with a focus on the small molecule light emitter, the luciferin. Specific efforts to improve luciferin pharmacokinetics and tissue-penetrant emission are covered, in addition to applications that such probes have enabled. The continued development of improved bioluminescent probes will aid in illuminating critical neurochemical processes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Townsend
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Chemistry, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Chemistry, Irvine, California, United States
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Irvine, California, United States
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irvine, California, United States
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18
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Beinlich FR, Asiminas A, Untiet V, Bojarowska Z, Plá V, Sigurdsson B, Timmel V, Gehrig L, Graber MH, Hirase H, Nedergaard M. Oxygen imaging of hypoxic pockets in the mouse cerebral cortex. Science 2024; 383:1471-1478. [PMID: 38547288 PMCID: PMC11251491 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Consciousness is lost within seconds upon cessation of cerebral blood flow. The brain cannot store oxygen, and interruption of oxidative phosphorylation is fatal within minutes. Yet only rudimentary knowledge exists regarding cortical partial oxygen tension (Po2) dynamics under physiological conditions. Here we introduce Green enhanced Nano-lantern (GeNL), a genetically encoded bioluminescent oxygen indicator for Po2 imaging. In awake behaving mice, we uncover the existence of spontaneous, spatially defined "hypoxic pockets" and demonstrate their linkage to the abrogation of local capillary flow. Exercise reduced the burden of hypoxic pockets by 52% compared with rest. The study provides insight into cortical oxygen dynamics in awake behaving animals and concurrently establishes a tool to delineate the importance of oxygen tension in physiological processes and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix R.M. Beinlich
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen; 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Antonios Asiminas
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen; 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Verena Untiet
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen; 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zuzanna Bojarowska
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen; 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Virginia Plá
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen; 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Björn Sigurdsson
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen; 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vincenzo Timmel
- School of Engineering, FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland; 5210 Windisch, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Gehrig
- School of Engineering, FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland; 5210 Windisch, Switzerland
| | - Michael H. Graber
- School of Engineering, FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland; 5210 Windisch, Switzerland
| | - Hajime Hirase
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen; 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center; Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen; 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center; Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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19
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van Aalen EA, Lurvink JJJ, Vermeulen L, van Gerven B, Ni Y, Arts R, Merkx M. Turning Antibodies into Ratiometric Bioluminescent Sensors for Competition-Based Homogeneous Immunoassays. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1401-1409. [PMID: 38380622 PMCID: PMC10964239 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02478] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Here we present LUCOS (Luminescent Competition Sensor), a modular and broadly applicable bioluminescent diagnostic platform enabling the detection of both small molecules and protein biomarkers. The construction of LUCOS sensors entails the covalent and site-specific coupling of a bioluminescent sensor component to an analyte-specific antibody via protein G-mediated photoconjugation. Target detection is accomplished through intramolecular competition with a tethered analyte competitor for antibody binding. We established two variants of LUCOS: an inherent ratiometric LUCOSR variant and an intensiometric LUCOSI version, which can be used for ratiometric detection upon the addition of a split calibrator luciferase. To demonstrate the versatility of the LUCOS platform, sensors were developed for the detection of the small molecule cortisol and the protein biomarker NT-proBNP. Sensors for both targets displayed analyte-dependent changes in the emission ratio and enabled detection in the micromolar concentration range (KD,app = 16-92 μM). Furthermore, we showed that the response range of the LUCOS sensor can be adjusted by attenuating the affinity of the tethered NT-proBNP competitor, which enabled detection in the nanomolar concentration range (KD,app = 317 ± 26 nM). Overall, the LUCOS platform offers a highly versatile and easy method to convert commercially available monoclonal antibodies into bioluminescent biosensors that provide a homogeneous alternative for the competitive immunoassay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva A. van Aalen
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Joep J. J. Lurvink
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Leandra Vermeulen
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Benice van Gerven
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Yan Ni
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Remco Arts
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
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20
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Zhao S, Xiong Y, Sunnapu R, Zhang Y, Tian X, Ai HW. Bioluminescence Imaging of Potassium Ion Using a Sensory Luciferin and an Engineered Luciferase. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.13.581057. [PMID: 38559024 PMCID: PMC10980066 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.13.581057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescent indicators are power tools for studying dynamic biological processes. In this study, we present the generation of novel bioluminescent indicators by modifying the luciferin molecule with an analyte-binding moiety. Specifically, we have successfully developed the first bioluminescent indicator for potassium ions (K+), which are critical electrolytes in biological systems. Our approach involved the design and synthesis of a K+-binding luciferin named potassiorin. Additionally, we engineered a luciferase enzyme called BRIPO (bioluminescent red indicator for potassium) to work synergistically with potassiorin, resulting in optimized K+-dependent bioluminescence responses. Through extensive validation in cell lines, primary neurons, and live mice, we demonstrated the efficacy of this new tool for detecting K+. Our research demonstrates an innovative concept of incorporating sensory moieties into luciferins to modulate luciferase activity. This approach has great potential for developing a wide range of bioluminescent indicators, advancing bioluminescence imaging (BLI), and enabling the study of various analytes in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Zhao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Ranganayakulu Sunnapu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Hui-Wang Ai
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
- The UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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21
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Dunuweera AN, Dunuweera SP, Ranganathan K. A Comprehensive Exploration of Bioluminescence Systems, Mechanisms, and Advanced Assays for Versatile Applications. Biochem Res Int 2024; 2024:8273237. [PMID: 38347947 PMCID: PMC10861286 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8273237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence has been a fascinating natural phenomenon of light emission from living creatures. It happens when the enzyme luciferase facilitates the oxidation of luciferin, resulting in the creation of an excited-state species that emits light. Although there are many bioluminescent systems, few have been identified. D-luciferin-dependent systems, coelenterazine-dependent systems, Cypridina luciferin-based systems, tetrapyrrole-based luciferins, bacterial bioluminescent systems, and fungal bioluminescent systems are natural bioluminescent systems. Since different bioluminescence systems, such as various combinations of luciferin-luciferase pair reactions, have different light emission wavelengths, they benefit industrial applications such as drug discovery, protein-protein interactions, in vivo imaging in small animals, and controlling neurons. Due to the expression of luciferase and easy permeation of luciferin into most cells and tissues, bioluminescence assays are applied nowadays with modern technologies in most cell and tissue types. It is a versatile technique in a variety of biomedical research. Furthermore, there are some investigated blue-sky research projects, such as bioluminescent plants and lamps. This review article is mainly based on the theory of diverse bioluminescence systems and their past, present, and future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - K. Ranganathan
- Department of Botany, University of Jaffna, Jaffna 40000, Sri Lanka
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22
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Sakama A, Orioka M, Hiruta Y. Current advances in the development of bioluminescent probes toward spatiotemporal trans-scale imaging. Biophys Physicobiol 2024; 21:e211004. [PMID: 39175853 PMCID: PMC11338684 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v21.s004] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging has recently attracted great attention as a highly sensitive and non-invasive analytical method. However, weak signal and low chemical stability of the luciferin are conventional drawbacks of bioluminescence imaging. In this review article, we describe the recent progress on the development and applications of bioluminescent probes for overcoming the aforementioned limitations, thereby enabling spatiotemporal trans-scale imaging. The detailed molecular design for manipulation of their luminescent properties and functions enabled a variety of applications, including in vivo deep tissue imaging, long-term imaging, and chemical sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Sakama
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Mariko Orioka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Yuki Hiruta
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
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23
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Rabinowitch I, Colón-Ramos DA, Krieg M. Understanding neural circuit function through synaptic engineering. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:131-139. [PMID: 38172626 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00777-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Synapses are a key component of neural circuits, facilitating rapid and specific signalling between neurons. Synaptic engineering - the synthetic insertion of new synaptic connections into in vivo neural circuits - is an emerging approach for neural circuit interrogation. This approach is especially powerful for establishing causality in neural circuit structure-function relationships, for emulating synaptic plasticity and for exploring novel patterns of circuit connectivity. Contrary to other approaches for neural circuit manipulation, synaptic engineering targets specific connections between neurons and functions autonomously with no user-controlled external activation. Synaptic engineering has been successfully implemented in several systems and in different forms, including electrical synapses constructed from ectopically expressed connexin gap junction proteins, synthetic optical synapses composed of presynaptic photon-emitting luciferase coupled with postsynaptic light-gated channels, and artificial neuropeptide signalling pathways. This Perspective describes these different methods and how they have been applied, and examines how the field may advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ithai Rabinowitch
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Daniel A Colón-Ramos
- Wu Tsai Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Krieg
- ICFO - Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Spain
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24
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Klein MA, Lazarev S, Gervasi C, Cowan C, Machleidt T, Friedman Ohana R. Luciferase Calibrants Enable Absolute Quantitation of Bioluminescence Power. ACS MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AU 2023; 3:496-503. [PMID: 38145021 PMCID: PMC10740115 DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.3c00036] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence emitted from a luciferase-catalyzed oxidation of luciferin has been broadly utilized to report on biological events, predominantly through relative changes in the light output. Recent advances in protein engineering and synthetic chemistry have yielded bioluminescent systems with markedly improved brightness and bioavailability. These developments have enabled not only the detection of biological events at far lower expression levels but also new opportunities utilizing bioluminescence to power photochemistry in cells. Regardless of the application, bioluminescence analyses have leaned heavily on the use of luminometers to measure the light output of a system. Current luminometers report the light output of a sample in relative units, limiting the ability to compare data between instruments and preventing the absolute power of a bioluminescent system from being quantified. Luminescent solution calibrants comprising luciferases and their cognate luciferins that have been characterized for absolute light output would enable calibration of any given luminometer for absolute photon counting. To this end, we have built a custom light detection apparatus and used it alongside wavelength-matched LED light sources emitting at 450 and 561 nm to characterize the absolute power of a series of NanoLuc and firefly luciferase solutions, respectively. This approach revealed that these two common luciferases produce 3.72 × 10-18 and 7.25 × 10-20 watts/molecule, respectively. Components of these luminescent solution calibrants are commercially available and produce stable bioluminescent signals over 2-5 min, enabling any luminometer to be calibrated for power measurements of bioluminescence emitted by these two luciferases in units of watts or photons per second.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Klein
- Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Sergey Lazarev
- Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Charles Gervasi
- Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
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25
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Esmail T, Nedergaard M, Beinlich FRM. Protocol to study molecule exchange between venous blood and CSF in live mice using transcranial bioluminescence imaging. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102652. [PMID: 37883226 PMCID: PMC10630673 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In bioluminescence imaging (BLI), the biochemical reaction between a substrate and enzyme triggers light emission upon convergence. Unlike fluorescence imaging, BLI does not require excitation. In this protocol, we utilize the high signal-to-background ratio of the reaction between luciferase and its substrate to study the exchange of molecules between blood and cerebrospinal fluid. We outline steps for skull window thinning, cisterna magna infusion, intravascular retro-orbital injection, and imaging. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Møllgård et al. (2023).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Esmail
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Felix R M Beinlich
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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26
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Bjorefeldt A, Murphy J, Crespo EL, Lambert GG, Prakash M, Ikefuama EC, Friedman N, Brown TM, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Hochgeschwender U, Shaner NC. A New Highly Efficient Molecule for Both Optogenetic and Chemogenetic Control Driven by FRET Amplification of BioLuminescence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.26.545546. [PMID: 37425735 PMCID: PMC10327108 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.26.545546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Bioluminescent optogenetics (BL-OG) offers a unique and powerful approach to manipulate neural activity both opto- and chemogenetically using a single actuator molecule (a LuMinOpsin, LMO). AIM To further enhance the utility of BL-OG by improving the efficacy of chemogenetic (bioluminescence-driven) LMO activation. APPROACH We developed novel luciferases optimized for Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) when fused to the fluorescent protein mNeonGreen, generating bright bioluminescent (BL) emitters spectrally tuned to Volvox Channelrhodopsin 1 (VChR1). RESULTS A new LMO generated from this approach (LMO7) showed significantly stronger BL-driven opsin activation compared to previous and other new variants. We extensively benchmarked LMO7 against LMO3 (current standard), and found significantly stronger neuronal activity modulation ex vivo and in vivo, and efficient modulation of behavior. CONCLUSIONS We report a robust new option for achieving multiple modes of control in a single actuator, and a promising engineering strategy for continued improvement of BL-OG.
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27
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Shang W, Hu Z, Li M, Wang Y, Rao Y, Tan L, Chen J, Huang X, Liu L, Liu H, Guo Z, Peng H, Yang Y, Hu Q, Li S, Hu X, Zou J, Rao X. Optimizing a high-sensitivity NanoLuc-based bioluminescence system for in vivo evaluation of antimicrobial treatment. MLIFE 2023; 2:462-478. [PMID: 38818266 PMCID: PMC10989145 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Focal and systemic infections are serious threats to human health. Preclinical models enable the development of new drugs and therapeutic regimens. In vivo, animal bioluminescence (BL) imaging has been used with bacterial reporter strains to evaluate antimicrobial treatment effects. However, high-sensitivity bioluminescent systems are required because of the limited tissue penetration and low brightness of the BL signals of existing approaches. Here, we report that NanoLuc (Nluc) showed better performance than LuxCDABE in bacteria. However, the retention rate of plasmid constructs in bacteria was low. To construct stable Staphylococcus aureus reporter strains, a partner protein enolase (Eno) was identified by screening of S. aureus strain USA300 for fusion expression of Nluc-based luciferases, including Nluc, Teluc, and Antares2. Different substrates, such as hydrofurimazine (HFZ), furimazine (FUR), and diphenylterazine (DTZ), were used to optimize a stable reporter strain/substrate pair for BL imaging. S. aureus USA300/Eno-Antares2/HFZ produced the highest number of photons of orange-red light in vitro and enabled sensitive BL tracking of S. aureus in vivo, with sensitivities of approximately 10 CFU from mouse skin and 750 CFU from mouse kidneys. USA300/Eno-Antares2/HFZ was a powerful combination based on the longitudinal evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics. The optimized S. aureus Eno-Antares2/HFZ pair provides a technological advancement for the in vivo evaluation of antimicrobial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilong Shang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Zhen Hu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Mengyang Li
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine Chongqing University Chongqing China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Yifan Rao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Li Tan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Xiaonan Huang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine Chongqing University Chongqing China
| | - He Liu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Zuwen Guo
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Huagang Peng
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Qiwen Hu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Xiaomei Hu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Jiao Zou
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
| | - Xiancai Rao
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing China
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28
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van Aalen EA, de Vries IR, Hanckmann ETL, Stevens JRF, Romagnoli TR, Derijks LJJ, Broeren MAC, Merkx M. Point-of-care therapeutic drug monitoring of tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors using a single step immunoassay. SENSORS & DIAGNOSTICS 2023; 2:1492-1500. [PMID: 38013761 PMCID: PMC10633107 DOI: 10.1039/d3sd00131h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-inhibitors adalimumab and infliximab is important to establish optimal drug dose and maximize treatment efficacy. Currently, TDM is primarily performed with ELISA techniques in clinical laboratories, resulting in a long sample-to-result workflow. Point-of-care (POC) detection of these therapeutic antibodies could significantly decrease turnaround times and allow for user-friendly home-testing. Here, we adapted the recently developed bioluminescent dRAPPID (dimeric Ratiometric Plug-and-Play Immunodiagnostics) sensor platform to allow POC TDM of infliximab and adalimumab. We applied the two best performing dRAPPID sensors, with limit-of-detections of 1 pM and 17 pM, to measure the infliximab and adalimumab levels in 49 and 40 patient serum samples, respectively. The analytical performance of dRAPPID was benchmarked with commercial ELISAs and yielded Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.93 and 0.94 for infliximab and adalimumab, respectively. Furthermore, a dedicated bioluminescence reader was fabricated and used as a readout device for the TDM dRAPPID sensors. Subsequently, infliximab and adalimumab patient serum samples were measured with the TDM dRAPPID sensors and bioluminescence reader, yielding Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.97 and 0.86 for infliximab and adalimumab, respectively, and small proportional differences with ELISA (slope was 0.97 ± 0.09 and 0.96 ± 0.20, respectively). The adalimumab and infliximab dRAPPID sensors, in combination with the dedicated bioluminescence reader, allow for ease-of-use TDM with a fast turnaround time and show potential for POC TDM outside of clinical laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva A van Aalen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands +31 40 247 4728
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Ivar R de Vries
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Eva T L Hanckmann
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands +31 40 247 4728
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Jeannot R F Stevens
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands +31 40 247 4728
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Thomas R Romagnoli
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands +31 40 247 4728
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Luc J J Derijks
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Máxima Medical Center P.O. Box 7777 5500 MB Veldhoven The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Maastricht University Medical Center P.O. Box 5800 6202 AZ Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Maarten A C Broeren
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Máxima Medical Center P.O. Box 7777 5500 MB Veldhoven The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands +31 40 247 4728
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
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29
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Crespo EL, Pal A, Prakash M, Silvagnoli AD, Zaidi Z, Gomez-Ramirez M, Tree MO, Shaner NC, Lipscombe D, Moore C, Hochgeschwender U. A Bioluminescent Activity Dependent (BLADe) Platform for Converting Neuronal Activity to Photoreceptor Activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.25.546469. [PMID: 37425742 PMCID: PMC10327117 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.25.546469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
We developed a platform that utilizes a calcium-dependent luciferase to convert neuronal activity into activation of light sensing domains within the same cell. The platform is based on a Gaussia luciferase variant with high light emission split by calmodulin-M13 sequences that depends on influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) for functional reconstitution. In the presence of its luciferin, coelenterazine (CTZ), Ca2+ influx results in light emission that drives activation of photoreceptors, including optogenetic channels and LOV domains. Critical features of the converter luciferase are light emission low enough to not activate photoreceptors under baseline condition and high enough to activate photosensing elements in the presence of Ca2+ and luciferin. We demonstrate performance of this activity-dependent sensor and integrator for changing membrane potential and driving transcription in individual and populations of neurons in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel L. Crespo
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Akash Pal
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Mansi Prakash
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Alexander D. Silvagnoli
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Zohair Zaidi
- Duke University, Undergraduate Neuroscience Program, Durham, NC 27710
| | | | - Maya O. Tree
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Nathan C. Shaner
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92093-0662, USA
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Christopher Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
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30
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Petersen ED, Lapan AP, Castellanos Franco EA, Fillion AJ, Crespo EL, Lambert GG, Grady CJ, Zanca AT, Orcutt R, Hochgeschwender U, Shaner NC, Gilad AA. Bioluminescent Genetically Encoded Glutamate Indicators for Molecular Imaging of Neuronal Activity. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2301-2309. [PMID: 37450884 PMCID: PMC10443529 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded optical sensors and advancements in microscopy instrumentation and techniques have revolutionized the scientific toolbox available for probing complex biological processes such as release of specific neurotransmitters. Most genetically encoded optical sensors currently used are based on fluorescence and have been highly successful tools for single-cell imaging in superficial brain regions. However, there remains a need to develop new tools for reporting neuronal activity in vivo within deeper structures without the need for hardware such as lenses or fibers to be implanted within the brain. Our approach to this problem is to replace the fluorescent elements of the existing biosensors with bioluminescent elements. This eliminates the need of external light sources to illuminate the sensor, thus allowing deeper brain regions to be imaged noninvasively. Here, we report the development of the first genetically encoded neurotransmitter indicators based on bioluminescent light emission. These probes were optimized by high-throughput screening of linker libraries. The selected probes exhibit robust changes in light output in response to the extracellular presence of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. We expect this new approach to neurotransmitter indicator design to enable the engineering of specific bioluminescent probes for multiple additional neurotransmitters in the future, ultimately allowing neuroscientists to monitor activity associated with a specific neurotransmitter as it relates to behavior in a variety of neuronal and psychiatric disorders, among many other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D. Petersen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- College
of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, United States
| | - Alexandra P. Lapan
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | | | - Adam J. Fillion
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Emmanuel L. Crespo
- College
of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, United States
| | - Gerard G. Lambert
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Connor J. Grady
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Albertina T. Zanca
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Richard Orcutt
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- College
of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, United States
| | - Nathan C. Shaner
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Assaf A. Gilad
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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31
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Porta-de-la-Riva M, Gonzalez AC, Sanfeliu-Cerdán N, Karimi S, Malaiwong N, Pidde A, Morales-Curiel LF, Fernandez P, González-Bolívar S, Hurth C, Krieg M. Neural engineering with photons as synaptic transmitters. Nat Methods 2023; 20:761-769. [PMID: 37024651 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01836-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal computation is achieved through connections of individual neurons into a larger network. To expand the repertoire of endogenous cellular communication, we developed a synthetic, photon-assisted synaptic transmission (PhAST) system. PhAST is based on luciferases and channelrhodopsins that enable the transmission of a neuronal state across space, using photons as neurotransmitters. PhAST overcomes synaptic barriers and rescues the behavioral deficit of a glutamate mutant with conditional, calcium-triggered photon emission between two neurons of the Caenorhabditis elegans nociceptive avoidance circuit. To demonstrate versatility and flexibility, we generated de novo synaptic transmission between two unconnected cells in a sexually dimorphic neuronal circuit, suppressed endogenous nocifensive response through activation of an anion channelrhodopsin and switched attractive to aversive behavior in an olfactory circuit. Finally, we applied PhAST to dissect the calcium dynamics of the temporal pattern generator in a motor circuit for ovipositioning. In summary, we established photon-based synaptic transmission that facilitates the modification of animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shadi Karimi
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cedric Hurth
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Michael Krieg
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain.
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32
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van der Veer H, van Aalen EA, Michielsen CMS, Hanckmann ETL, Deckers J, van Borren MMGJ, Flipse J, Loonen AJM, Schoeber JPH, Merkx M. Glow-in-the-Dark Infectious Disease Diagnostics Using CRISPR-Cas9-Based Split Luciferase Complementation. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:657-667. [PMID: 37122471 PMCID: PMC10141630 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid detection methods based on CRISPR and isothermal amplification techniques show great potential for point-of-care diagnostic applications. However, most current methods rely on fluorescent or lateral flow assay readout, requiring external excitation or postamplification reaction transfer. Here, we developed a bioluminescent nucleic acid sensor (LUNAS) platform in which target dsDNA is sequence-specifically detected by a pair of dCas9-based probes mediating split NanoLuc luciferase complementation. LUNAS is easily integrated with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), providing attomolar sensitivity in a rapid one-pot assay. A calibrator luciferase is included for a robust ratiometric readout, enabling real-time monitoring of the RPA reaction using a simple digital camera. We designed an RT-RPA-LUNAS assay that allows SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection without the need for cumbersome RNA isolation and demonstrated its diagnostic performance for COVID-19 patient nasopharyngeal swab samples. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 from samples with viral RNA loads of ∼200 cp/μL was achieved within ∼20 min, showing that RPA-LUNAS is attractive for point-of-care infectious disease testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmen
J. van der Veer
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
| | - Eva A. van Aalen
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
| | - Claire M. S. Michielsen
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
| | - Eva T. L. Hanckmann
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Deckers
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
| | | | - Jacky Flipse
- Laboratory
for Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Rijnstate Hospital, P.O. Box 8, Velp 6880 AA, The Netherlands
| | - Anne J. M. Loonen
- Research
Group Applied Natural Sciences, Fontys University
of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven 5612 AP, The Netherlands
- Pathologie-DNA,
Lab for Molecular Diagnostics, Location
Jeroen Bosch Hospital, ’s-Hertogenbosch 5223 GZ, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P. H. Schoeber
- Research
Group Applied Natural Sciences, Fontys University
of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven 5612 AP, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
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33
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Beyond luciferase-luciferin system: Modification, improved imaging and biomedical application. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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34
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Yu J, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Ren H. Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Inorganic Phosphates in the Water Environment by Biosensors Based on Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer. Anal Chem 2023; 95:4904-4913. [PMID: 36942460 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The accurate detection of phosphate in water is very important to prevent water eutrophication and ensure the health of water quality. However, traditional phosphomolybdenum blue spectrophotometry is not sensitive, is time-consuming, and demands large amounts of chemical reagents. Therefore, highly sensitive, rapid, and environmentally friendly Pi detection methods are urgently needed. Here, we developed a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based biosensor, which can detect Pi in water quickly, highly sensitively, and highly selectively. The NanoLuc and the Venus fluorescent protein were selected as the bioluminescence donor and energy acceptor, respectively. The best-performing BRET sensor variant, VenusΔC10-PΔC12-ΔN4Nluc, was identified by Pi-specific binding protein (PiBP) screening and systematic truncation. Single-factor experiments optimized the key parameters affecting the detection performance of the sensor. Under the optimal detection conditions, the detection limit of this method was 1.3 μg·L-1, the detection range was 3.3-434 μg·L-1, and it had excellent selectivity, repeatability, and stability. This low-cost and environment-friendly BRET sensor showed a good application prospect in real water quality detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yanping Zhao
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Xuxiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Hongqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
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Jiang T, Song J, Zhang Y. Coelenterazine-Type Bioluminescence-Induced Optical Probes for Sensing and Controlling Biological Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065074. [PMID: 36982148 PMCID: PMC10049153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence-based probes have long been used to quantify and visualize biological processes in vitro and in vivo. Over the past years, we have witnessed the trend of bioluminescence-driven optogenetic systems. Typically, bioluminescence emitted from coelenterazine-type luciferin–luciferase reactions activate light-sensitive proteins, which induce downstream events. The development of coelenterazine-type bioluminescence-induced photosensory domain-based probes has been applied in the imaging, sensing, and control of cellular activities, signaling pathways, and synthetic genetic circuits in vitro and in vivo. This strategy can not only shed light on the mechanisms of diseases, but also promote interrelated therapy development. Here, this review provides an overview of these optical probes for sensing and controlling biological processes, highlights their applications and optimizations, and discusses the possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Jiang
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University–Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Shandong University, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Correspondence: (T.J.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jingwen Song
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University–Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Youming Zhang
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University–Helmholtz Institute of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: (T.J.); (Y.Z.)
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36
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An optimized bioluminescent substrate for non-invasive imaging in the brain. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:731-739. [PMID: 36759751 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01265-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) allows non-invasive visualization of cells and biochemical events in vivo and thus has become an indispensable technique in biomedical research. However, BLI in the central nervous system remains challenging because luciferases show relatively poor performance in the brain with existing substrates. Here, we report the discovery of a NanoLuc substrate with improved brain performance, cephalofurimazine (CFz). CFz paired with Antares luciferase produces greater than 20-fold more signal from the brain than the standard combination of D-luciferin with firefly luciferase. At standard doses, Antares-CFz matches AkaLuc-AkaLumine/TokeOni in brightness, while occasional higher dosing of CFz can be performed to obtain threefold more signal. CFz should allow the growing number of NanoLuc-based indicators to be applied to the brain with high sensitivity. Using CFz, we achieve video-rate non-invasive imaging of Antares in brains of freely moving mice and demonstrate non-invasive calcium imaging of sensory-evoked activity in genetically defined neurons.
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Møllgård K, Beinlich FRM, Kusk P, Miyakoshi LM, Delle C, Plá V, Hauglund NL, Esmail T, Rasmussen MK, Gomolka RS, Mori Y, Nedergaard M. A mesothelium divides the subarachnoid space into functional compartments. Science 2023; 379:84-88. [PMID: 36603070 DOI: 10.1126/science.adc8810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system is lined by meninges, classically known as dura, arachnoid, and pia mater. We show the existence of a fourth meningeal layer that compartmentalizes the subarachnoid space in the mouse and human brain, designated the subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM). SLYM is morpho- and immunophenotypically similar to the mesothelial membrane lining of peripheral organs and body cavities, and it encases blood vessels and harbors immune cells. Functionally, the close apposition of SLYM with the endothelial lining of the meningeal venous sinus permits direct exchange of small solutes between cerebrospinal fluid and venous blood, thus representing the mouse equivalent of the arachnoid granulations. The functional characterization of SLYM provides fundamental insights into brain immune barriers and fluid transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjeld Møllgård
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Felix R M Beinlich
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Kusk
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leo M Miyakoshi
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christine Delle
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Virginia Plá
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Natalie L Hauglund
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Esmail
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin K Rasmussen
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ryszard S Gomolka
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yuki Mori
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Baljinnyam B, Ronzetti M, Simeonov A. Advances in luminescence-based technologies for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:25-35. [PMID: 36562206 PMCID: PMC9892298 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2160441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Luminescence-based technologies, specifically bioluminescence and chemiluminescence, are powerful tools with extensive use in drug discovery. Production of light during chemiluminescence and bioluminescence, unlike fluorescence, doesn't require an excitation light source, resulting in high signal-to-noise ratio, less background interference, and no issues from phototoxicity and photobleaching. These characteristics of luminescence technologies offer unique advantages for experimental designs, allowing for greater flexibility to target a wide range of proteins and biological processes for drug discovery at different stages. AREAS COVERED This review provides a basic overview of luciferase-based technologies and details recent advances and use cases of luciferase and luciferin variations and their applicability in the drug discovery toolset. The authors expand upon specific applications of luciferase technologies, including chemiluminescent and bioluminescent-based microscopy. Finally, the authors lay out forward-looking statements on the field of luminescence and how it may shape the translational scientists' work moving forward. EXPERT OPINION The demand for improved luciferase and luciferin pairs correlates strongly with efforts to improve the sensitivity and robustness of high-throughput assays. As luminescent reporter systems improve, so will the expansion of use cases for luminescence-based technologies in early-stage drug discovery. With the synthesis of novel, non-enzymatic chemiluminescence-based probes, which previously were restrained to only basic research applications, they may now be readily implemented in drug discovery campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolormaa Baljinnyam
- Staff Scientist, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Michael Ronzetti
- Predoctoral IRTA Fellow, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- Group Leader, Scientific Director, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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Perez GI, Bachmann MH, Kanada M. In Vivo Analysis of Heterogeneous Extracellular Vesicles Using a Red-Shifted Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Reporter Protein. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2668:23-32. [PMID: 37140787 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3203-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Current methods for characterizing the biodistribution of extracellular vesicles (EVs) are not sensitive enough to track EVs in vivo, despite significant advances over the past decade. Commonly used lipophilic fluorescent dyes are convenient, but lack specificity and yield inaccurate spatiotemporal images in the long-term tracking of EVs. In contrast, protein-based fluorescent or bioluminescent EV reporters have more accurately revealed their distribution in cells and mouse models. Here, we describe a red-shifted bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) EV reporter, PalmReNL, to analyze the trafficking of small EVs (<200 nm; sEVs) and medium/large EVs (>200 nm; m/lEVs) in mice. Its advantages are that (i) background signals in bioluminescence imaging (BLI) are negligible and (ii) the photons PalmReNL emits have spectral wavelengths longer than 600 nm and can more efficiently penetrate tissues than reporters emitting shorter wavelength light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria I Perez
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ), College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Michael H Bachmann
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Masamitsu Kanada
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Gräwe A, Merkx M. Bioluminescence Goes Dark: Boosting the Performance of Bioluminescent Sensor Proteins Using Complementation Inhibitors. ACS Sens 2022; 7:3800-3808. [PMID: 36450135 PMCID: PMC9791688 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c01726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent sensor proteins have recently gained popularity in both basic research and point-of-care diagnostics. Sensor proteins based on intramolecular complementation of split NanoLuc are particularly attractive because their intrinsic modular design enables for systematic tuning of sensor properties. Here we show how the sensitivity of these sensors can be enhanced by the introduction of catalytically inactive variants of the small SmBiT subunit (DarkBiTs) as intramolecular inhibitors. Starting from previously developed bioluminescent antibody sensor proteins (LUMABS), we developed single component, biomolecular switches with a strongly reduced background signal for the detection of three clinically relevant antibodies, anti-HIV1-p17, cetuximab (CTX), and an RSV neutralizing antibody (101F). These new dark-LUMABS sensors showed 5-13-fold increases in sensitivity which translated into lower limits of detection. The use of DarkBiTs as competitive intramolecular inhibitor domains is not limited to the LUMABS sensor family and might be used to boost the performance of other bioluminescent sensor proteins based on split luciferase complementation.
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Morales-Curiel LF, Gonzalez AC, Castro-Olvera G, Lin LCL, El-Quessny M, Porta-de-la-Riva M, Severino J, Morera LB, Venturini V, Ruprecht V, Ramallo D, Loza-Alvarez P, Krieg M. Volumetric imaging of fast cellular dynamics with deep learning enhanced bioluminescence microscopy. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1330. [PMID: 36463346 PMCID: PMC9719505 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04292-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence microscopy is an appealing alternative to fluorescence microscopy, because it does not depend on external illumination, and consequently does neither produce spurious background autofluorescence, nor perturb intrinsically photosensitive processes in living cells and animals. The low photon emission of known luciferases, however, demands long exposure times that are prohibitive for imaging fast biological dynamics. To increase the versatility of bioluminescence microscopy, we present an improved low-light microscope in combination with deep learning methods to image extremely photon-starved samples enabling subsecond exposures for timelapse and volumetric imaging. We apply our method to image subcellular dynamics in mouse embryonic stem cells, epithelial morphology during zebrafish development, and DAF-16 FoxO transcription factor shuttling from the cytoplasm to the nucleus under external stress. Finally, we concatenate neural networks for denoising and light-field deconvolution to resolve intracellular calcium dynamics in three dimensions of freely moving Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jacqueline Severino
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Battle Morera
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valeria Venturini
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verena Ruprecht
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diego Ramallo
- ICFO, Institut de Ciencies Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
| | | | - Michael Krieg
- ICFO, Institut de Ciencies Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain.
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Macromolecular assembly of bioluminescent protein nanoparticles for enhanced imaging. Mater Today Bio 2022; 17:100455. [PMID: 36304975 PMCID: PMC9593766 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100455] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging has advantages over fluorescence imaging, such as minimal photobleaching and autofluorescence, and greater signal-to-noise ratios in many complex environments. Although significant achievements have been made in luciferase engineering for generating bright and stable reporters, the full capability of luciferases for nanoparticle tracking has not been comprehensively examined. In biocatalysis, enhanced enzyme performance after immobilization on nanoparticles has been reported. Thus, we hypothesized that by assembling luciferases onto a nanoparticle, the resulting complex could lead to substantially improved imaging properties. Using a modular bioconjugation strategy, we attached NanoLuc (NLuc) or Akaluc bioluminescent proteins to a protein nanoparticle platform (E2), yielding nanoparticles NLuc-E2 and Akaluc-E2, both with diameters of ∼45 nm. Although no significant differences were observed between different conditions involving Akaluc and Akaluc-E2, free NLuc at pH 5.0 showed significantly lower emission values than free NLuc at pH 7.4. Interestingly, NLuc immobilization on E2 nanoparticles (NLuc-E2) emitted increased luminescence at pH 7.4, and at pH 5.0 showed over two orders of magnitude (>200-fold) higher luminescence (than free NLuc), expanding the potential for imaging detection using the nanoparticle even upon endocytic uptake. After uptake by macrophages, the resulting luminescence with NLuc-E2 nanoparticles was up to 7-fold higher than with free NLuc at 48 h. Cells incubated with NLuc-E2 could also be imaged using live bioluminescence microscopy. Finally, biodistribution of nanoparticles into lymph nodes was detected through imaging using NLuc-E2, but not with conventionally-labeled fluorescent E2. Our data demonstrate that NLuc-bound nanoparticles have advantageous properties that can be utilized in applications ranging from single-cell imaging to in vivo biodistribution.
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Tran Q, Osabe K, Entani T, Wazawa T, Hattori M, Nagai T. Application of Green-enhanced Nano-lantern as a bioluminescent ratiometric indicator for measurement of Arabidopsis thaliana root apoplastic fluid pH. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:3157-3170. [PMID: 35864560 PMCID: PMC9542637 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plant root absorbs water and nutrients from the soil, and the root apoplastic fluid (AF) is an important intermediate between cells and the surrounding environment. The acid growth theory suggests that an acidic AF is needed for cell wall expansion during root growth. However, technical limitations have precluded the quantification of root apoplastic fluid pH (AF-pH). Here, we used Green-enhanced Nano-lantern (GeNL), a chimeric protein of the luciferase NanoLuc (Nluc) and the green fluorescent protein mNeonGreen (mNG), as a ratiometric pH indicator based on the pH dependency of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer efficiency from Nluc to mNG. Luminescence spectrum of GeNL changed reciprocally from pH 4.5 to 7.5, with a pKa of 5.5. By fusing GeNL to a novel signal peptide from Arabidopsis thaliana Cellulase 1, we localised GeNL in A. thaliana AF. We visualised AF dynamics at subcellular resolution over 30 min and determined flow velocity in the maturation zone to be 0.97± 0.06 μm/s. We confirmed that the developing root AF is acidic in the pH range of 5.1-5.7, suggesting that the AF-pH is tightly regulated during root elongation. These results support the acid growth theory and provide evidence for AF-pH maintenance despite changes in ambient pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang Tran
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)Osaka UniversityIbarakiJapan
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Kenji Osabe
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)Osaka UniversityIbarakiJapan
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Tetsuyuki Entani
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)Osaka UniversityIbarakiJapan
| | - Tetsuichi Wazawa
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)Osaka UniversityIbarakiJapan
| | - Mitsuru Hattori
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)Osaka UniversityIbarakiJapan
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Takeharu Nagai
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)Osaka UniversityIbarakiJapan
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
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Ng KK, Prescher JA. Generalized Bioluminescent Platform To Observe and Track Cellular Interactions. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1876-1884. [PMID: 36166258 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communications are critical to biological processes ranging from embryonic development to cancer progression. Several imaging strategies have been developed to capture such interactions, but many are challenging to deploy in thick tissues and other complex environments. Here, we report a platform termed Luminescence to Observe and Track Intercellular Interactions (LOTIIS). The approach features split fragments of a luciferase enzyme that reassemble when target cells come into proximity. One fragment is secreted by "sender" cells, and the complementary piece is secreted by "receiver" cells. Split reporter assembly is facilitated by a single chain variable fragment (scFv)-peptide interaction on the receiver cell, resulting in localized light production. We demonstrate that LOTIIS can rapidly label cells in close proximity in a time- and distance-dependent fashion. The platform is also compatible with bioluminescence resonance energy transfer probes for multiplexed imaging. Collectively, these data suggest that LOTIIS will enable a variety of cellular interactions to be tracked in biological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Ng
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.,Departments of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States.,Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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45
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Boitet M, Eun H, Achek A, Carla de Almeida Falcão V, Delorme V, Grailhe R. Biolum' RGB: A Low-Cost, Versatile, and Sensitive Bioluminescence Imaging Instrument for a Broad Range of Users. ACS Sens 2022; 7:2556-2566. [PMID: 36001874 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Luminometer and imaging systems are used to detect and quantify low light produced by a broad range of bioluminescent proteins. Despite their everyday use in research, such instruments are costly and lack the flexibility to accommodate the variety of bioluminescence experiment formats that may require top or bottom signal acquisition, high or medium sensitivity, or multiple wavelength detection. To address the growing need for versatile technologies, we developed a highly customizable bioluminescence imager called Biolum' RGB that uses a consumer color digital camera with a high-aperture lens mounted at the bottom or top of a 3D-printed dark chamber and can quantify bioluminescence emission from cells grown in 384-well microplates and Petri dishes. Taking advantage of RGB detectors, Biolum' RGB can distinguish spectral signatures from various bioluminescence probes and quantify bioluminescence resonant energy transfer occurring during protein-protein interaction events. Although Biolum' RGB can be used with any smartphone, in particular for low bioluminescence signals, we recommend the use of recent digital cameras which offer better sensitivity and high signal/noise ratio. Altogether, Biolum' RGB combines the benefits of a plate reader and imager while providing better image resolution and faster acquisition speed, and as such, it offers an exciting alternative for any laboratory looking for a versatile, low-cost bioluminescence imaging instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maylis Boitet
- Technology Development Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam13488, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeju Eun
- Technology Development Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Asma Achek
- Technology Development Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam13488, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Vincent Delorme
- Tuberculosis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Regis Grailhe
- Technology Development Platform, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam13488, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon34113, Republic of Korea.,Smart-MD, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam13488, Republic of Korea
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Sekhon H, Ha JH, Loh SN. Engineering protein and DNA tools for creating DNA-dependent protein switches. Methods Enzymol 2022; 675:1-32. [PMID: 36220266 PMCID: PMC10314797 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Switchable proteins are capable of changing conformations from inactive (OFF) to active (ON) forms in response to inputs such as ligand binding, pH or temperature change, or light absorption. A particularly powerful class of protein switches, exemplified by the Cas nucleases of CRISPR systems, are activated by binding of specific DNA or RNA sequences. The mechanism by which oligonucleotide binding regulates biological activity is complex and highly specialized in the case of Cas enzymes, but recent advancements in protein and DNA engineering have made it possible to introduce this mode of control into other enzymes. This chapter highlights recent examples of protein switches that combine these two fields of engineering for the purpose of creating biosensors that detect pathogen and other genomic sequences. One protein engineering method-alternate frame folding-has the potential to convert many proteins into ligand-activated switches by inserting a binding protein (input domain) into an enzyme (output domain). The steps for doing so are illustrated using GCN4 as a DNA recognition domain and nanoluciferase as a luminescent reporter that changes color as a result of DNA binding. DNA engineering protocols are included for creating DNA tools (de novo designed hairpins and modified aptamers), that enable the biosensor to be activated by arbitrary DNA/RNA sequences and small molecules/proteins, respectively. These methodologies can be applied to other proteins to gain control of their functions by DNA binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsimranjit Sekhon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Jeung-Hoi Ha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Stewart N Loh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States.
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Xiong Y, Zhang Y, Li Z, Reza MS, Li X, Tian X, Ai HW. Engineered Amber-Emitting Nano Luciferase and Its Use for Immunobioluminescence Imaging In Vivo. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:14101-14111. [PMID: 35913786 PMCID: PMC9425369 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The NanoLuc luciferase (NLuc) and its furimazine (FRZ) substrate have revolutionized bioluminescence (BL) assays and imaging. However, the use of the NLuc-FRZ luciferase-luciferin pair for mammalian tissue imaging is hindered by the low tissue penetration of the emitting blue photons. Here, we present the development of an NLuc mutant, QLuc, which catalyzes the oxidation of a synthetic QTZ luciferin for bright and red-shifted emission peaking at ∼585 nm. Compared to other small single-domain NLuc mutants, this amber-light-emitting luciferase exhibited improved performance for imaging deep-tissue targets in live mice. Leveraging this novel bioluminescent reporter, we further pursued in vivo immunobioluminescence imaging (immunoBLI), which used a fusion protein of a single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) and QLuc for molecular imaging of tumor-associated antigens in a xenograft mouse model. As one of the most red-shifted NLuc variants, we expect QLuc to find broad applications in noninvasive mammalian imaging. Moreover, the immunoBLI method complements immunofluorescence imaging and immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET), serving as a convenient and nonradioactive molecular imaging tool for animal models in basic and preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xiong
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Zefan Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Md Shamim Reza
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Hui-wang Ai
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- The UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
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Tian X, Zhang Y, Li X, Xiong Y, Wu T, Ai HW. A luciferase prosubstrate and a red bioluminescent calcium indicator for imaging neuronal activity in mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3967. [PMID: 35803917 PMCID: PMC9270435 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Although fluorescent indicators have been broadly utilized for monitoring bioactivities, fluorescence imaging, when applied to mammals, is limited to superficial targets or requires invasive surgical procedures. Thus, there is emerging interest in developing bioluminescent indicators for noninvasive mammalian imaging. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) of neuronal activity is highly desired but hindered by insufficient photons needed to digitalize fast brain activities. In this work, we develop a luciferase prosubstrate deliverable at an increased dose and activated in vivo by nonspecific esterase. We further engineer a bright, bioluminescent indicator with robust responsiveness to calcium ions (Ca2+) and appreciable emission above 600 nm. Integration of these advantageous components enables the imaging of the activity of neuronal ensembles in awake mice minimally invasively with excellent signal-to-background and subsecond temporal resolution. This study thus establishes a paradigm for studying brain function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Tian
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Tianchen Wu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Hui-Wang Ai
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- The UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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Spectral phasor analysis enables multiplexed microscopy with bioluminescent probes. Nat Methods 2022; 19:801-802. [PMID: 35739312 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01530-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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