1
|
Leopold AV, Verkhusha VV. Engineering signalling pathways in mammalian cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2024:10.1038/s41551-024-01237-z. [PMID: 39237709 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01237-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
In mammalian cells, signalling pathways orchestrate cellular growth, differentiation and survival, as well as many other processes that are essential for the proper functioning of cells. Here we describe cutting-edge genetic-engineering technologies for the rewiring of signalling networks in mammalian cells. Specifically, we describe the recombination of native pathway components, cross-kingdom pathway transplantation, and the development of de novo signalling within cells and organelles. We also discuss how, by designing signalling pathways, mammalian cells can acquire new properties, such as the capacity for photosynthesis, the ability to detect cancer and senescent cell markers or to synthesize hormones or metabolites in response to chemical or physical stimuli. We also review the applications of mammalian cells in biocomputing. Technologies for engineering signalling pathways in mammalian cells are advancing basic cellular biology, biomedical research and drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Leopold
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen H, Jiang S, Xu K, Ding Z, Wang J, Cao M, Yuan J. Design of Thermoresponsive Genetic Controls with Minimal Heat-Shock Response. ACS Synth Biol 2024. [PMID: 39150992 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00236] [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: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
As temperature serves as a versatile input signal, thermoresponsive genetic controls have gained significant interest for recombinant protein production and metabolic engineering applications. The conventional thermoresponsive systems normally require the continuous exposure of heat stimuli to trigger the prolonged expression of targeted genes, and the accompanied heat-shock response is detrimental to the bioproduction process. In this study, we present the design of thermoresponsive quorum-sensing (ThermoQS) circuits to make Escherichia coli record transient heat stimuli. By conversion of the heat input into the accumulation of quorum-sensing molecules such as acyl-homoserine lactone derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, sustained gene expressions were achieved by a minimal heat stimulus. Moreover, we also demonstrated that we reprogrammed the E. coli Lac operon to make it respond to heat stimuli with an impressive signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 15.3. Taken together, we envision that the ThermoQS systems reported in this study are expected to remarkably diminish both design and experimental expenditures for future metabolic engineering applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haofeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Kaixuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Ziyu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jiangkai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Mingfeng Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jifeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Burbano DA, Kiattisewee C, Karanjia AV, Cardiff RAL, Faulkner ID, Sugianto W, Carothers JM. CRISPR Tools for Engineering Prokaryotic Systems: Recent Advances and New Applications. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2024; 15:389-430. [PMID: 38598861 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-100522-114706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
In the past decades, the broad selection of CRISPR-Cas systems has revolutionized biotechnology by enabling multimodal genetic manipulation in diverse organisms. Rooted in a molecular engineering perspective, we recapitulate the different CRISPR components and how they can be designed for specific genetic engineering applications. We first introduce the repertoire of Cas proteins and tethered effectors used to program new biological functions through gene editing and gene regulation. We review current guide RNA (gRNA) design strategies and computational tools and how CRISPR-based genetic circuits can be constructed through regulated gRNA expression. Then, we present recent advances in CRISPR-based biosensing, bioproduction, and biotherapeutics across in vitro and in vivo prokaryotic systems. Finally, we discuss forthcoming applications in prokaryotic CRISPR technology that will transform synthetic biology principles in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alba Burbano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Cholpisit Kiattisewee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Ava V Karanjia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Ryan A L Cardiff
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Ian D Faulkner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Widianti Sugianto
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - James M Carothers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lam C. Mathematical and In Silico Analysis of Synthetic Inhibitory Circuits That Program Self-Organizing Multicellular Structures. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1925-1940. [PMID: 38781040 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Bottom-up approaches are becoming increasingly popular for studying multicellular self-organization and development. In contrast to the classic top-down approach, where parts of the organization/developmental process are broken to understand the process, the goal is to build the process to understand it. For example, synthetic circuits have been built to understand how cell-cell communication and differential adhesion can drive multicellular development. The majority of current bottom-up efforts focus on using activatory circuits to engineer and understand development, but efforts with inhibitory circuits have been minimal. Yet, inhibitory circuits are ubiquitous and vital to native developmental processes. Thus, inhibitory circuits are a crucial yet poorly studied facet of bottom-up multicellular development. To demonstrate the potential of inhibitory circuits for building and developing multicellular structures, several synthetic inhibitory circuits that combine engineered cell-cell communication and differential adhesion were designed, and then examined for synthetic development capability using a previously validated in silico framework. These designed inhibitory circuits can build a variety of patterned, self-organized structures and even morphological oscillations. These results support that inhibitory circuits can be powerful tools for building, studying, and understanding developmental processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Lam
- Independent Investigator, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang X, Mille-Fragoso LS, Kaseniit KE, Call CC, Zhang M, Hu Y, Xie Y, Gao XJ. Post-Transcriptional Modular Synthetic Receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.03.592453. [PMID: 38746461 PMCID: PMC11092781 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.03.592453] [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
Inspired by the power of transcriptional synthetic receptors and hoping to complement them to expand the toolbox for cell engineering, we establish LIDAR (Ligand-Induced Dimerization Activating RNA editing), a modular post-transcriptional synthetic receptor platform that harnesses RNA editing by ADAR. LIDAR is compatible with various receptor architectures in different cellular contexts, and enables the sensing of diverse ligands and the production of functional outputs. Furthermore, LIDAR can sense orthogonal signals in the same cell and produce synthetic spatial patterns, potentially enabling the programming of complex multicellular behaviors. Finally, LIDAR is compatible with compact encoding and can be delivered by synthetic mRNA. Thus, LIDAR expands the family of synthetic receptors, holding the promise to empower basic research and therapeutic applications.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kalogriopoulos NA, Tei R, Yan Y, Ravalin M, Li Y, Ting A. Synthetic G protein-coupled receptors for programmable sensing and control of cell behavior. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.15.589622. [PMID: 38659921 PMCID: PMC11042292 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.15.589622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic receptors that mediate antigen-dependent cell responses are transforming therapeutics, drug discovery, and basic research. However, established technologies such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can only detect immobilized antigens, have limited output scope, and lack built-in drug control. Here, we engineer synthetic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) capable of driving a wide range of native or nonnative cellular processes in response to user-defined antigen. We achieve modular antigen gating by engineering and fusing a conditional auto-inhibitory domain onto GPCR scaffolds. Antigen binding to a fused nanobody relieves auto-inhibition and enables receptor activation by drug, thus generating Programmable Antigen-gated G protein-coupled Engineered Receptors (PAGERs). We create PAGERs responsive to more than a dozen biologically and therapeutically important soluble and cell surface antigens, in a single step, from corresponding nanobody binders. Different PAGER scaffolds permit antigen binding to drive transgene expression, real-time fluorescence, or endogenous G protein activation, enabling control of cytosolic Ca 2+ , lipid signaling, cAMP, and neuronal activity. Due to its modular design and generalizability, we expect PAGER to have broad utility in discovery and translational science.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mao Y, Wang S, Yu J, Li W. Engineering pluripotent stem cells with synthetic biology for regenerative medicine. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:90-109. [PMID: 38680679 PMCID: PMC11046572 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), characterized by self-renewal and capacity of differentiating into three germ layers, are the programmable building blocks of life. PSC-derived cells and multicellular systems, particularly organoids, exhibit great potential for regenerative medicine. However, this field is still in its infancy, partly due to limited strategies to robustly and precisely control stem cell behaviors, which are tightly regulated by inner gene regulatory networks in response to stimuli from the extracellular environment. Synthetic receptors and genetic circuits are powerful tools to customize the cellular sense-and-response process, suggesting their underlying roles in precise control of cell fate decision and function reconstruction. Herein, we review the progress and challenges needed to be overcome in the fields of PSC-based cell therapy and multicellular system generation, respectively. Furthermore, we summarize several well-established synthetic biology tools and their applications in PSC engineering. Finally, we highlight the challenges and perspectives of harnessing synthetic biology to PSC engineering for regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihuan Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiazhen Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Verbič A, Lebar T, Praznik A, Jerala R. Subunits of an E3 Ligase Complex as Degrons for Efficient Degradation of Cytosolic, Nuclear, and Membrane Proteins. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:792-803. [PMID: 38404221 PMCID: PMC10949250 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00588] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Protein degradation is a highly regulated cellular process crucial to enable the high dynamic range of the response to external and internal stimuli and to balance protein biosynthesis to maintain cell homeostasis. Within mammalian cells, hundreds of E3 ubiquitin ligases target specific protein substrates and could be repurposed for synthetic biology. Here, we present a systematic analysis of the four protein subunits of the multiprotein E3 ligase complex as scaffolds for the designed degrons. While all of them were functional, the fusion of a fragment of Skp1 with the target protein enabled the most effective degradation. Combination with heterodimerizing peptides, protease substrate sites, and chemically inducible dimerizers enabled the regulation of protein degradation. While the investigated subunits of E3 ligases showed variable degradation efficiency of the membrane and cytosolic and nuclear proteins, the bipartite SSD (SOCSbox-Skp1(ΔC111)) degron enabled fast degradation of protein targets in all tested cellular compartments, including the nucleus and plasma membrane, in different cell lines and could be chemically regulated. These subunits could be employed for research as well as for diverse applications, as demonstrated in the regulation of Cas9 and chimeric antigen receptor proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anže Verbič
- Department of Synthetic Biology
and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | | | - Arne Praznik
- Department of Synthetic Biology
and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology
and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Teixeira AP, Fussenegger M. Synthetic Gene Circuits for Regulation of Next-Generation Cell-Based Therapeutics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309088. [PMID: 38126677 PMCID: PMC10885662 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Arming human cells with synthetic gene circuits enables to expand their capacity to execute superior sensing and response actions, offering tremendous potential for innovative cellular therapeutics. This can be achieved by assembling components from an ever-expanding molecular toolkit, incorporating switches based on transcriptional, translational, or post-translational control mechanisms. This review provides examples from the three classes of switches, and discusses their advantages and limitations to regulate the activity of therapeutic cells in vivo. Genetic switches designed to recognize internal disease-associated signals often encode intricate actuation programs that orchestrate a reduction in the sensed signal, establishing a closed-loop architecture. Conversely, switches engineered to detect external molecular or physical cues operate in an open-loop fashion, switching on or off upon signal exposure. The integration of such synthetic gene circuits into the next generation of chimeric antigen receptor T-cells is already enabling precise calibration of immune responses in terms of magnitude and timing, thereby improving the potency and safety of therapeutic cells. Furthermore, pre-clinical engineered cells targeting other chronic diseases are gathering increasing attention, and this review discusses the path forward for achieving clinical success. With synthetic biology at the forefront, cellular therapeutics holds great promise for groundbreaking treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Teixeira
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Teng F, Cui T, Zhou L, Gao Q, Zhou Q, Li W. Programmable synthetic receptors: the next-generation of cell and gene therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:7. [PMID: 38167329 PMCID: PMC10761793 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01680-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell and gene therapies hold tremendous promise for treating a range of difficult-to-treat diseases. However, concerns over the safety and efficacy require to be further addressed in order to realize their full potential. Synthetic receptors, a synthetic biology tool that can precisely control the function of therapeutic cells and genetic modules, have been rapidly developed and applied as a powerful solution. Delicately designed and engineered, they can be applied to finetune the therapeutic activities, i.e., to regulate production of dosed, bioactive payloads by sensing and processing user-defined signals or biomarkers. This review provides an overview of diverse synthetic receptor systems being used to reprogram therapeutic cells and their wide applications in biomedical research. With a special focus on four synthetic receptor systems at the forefront, including chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors, we address the generalized strategies to design, construct and improve synthetic receptors. Meanwhile, we also highlight the expanding landscape of therapeutic applications of the synthetic receptor systems as well as current challenges in their clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Teng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
| | - Tongtong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Li Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qingqin Gao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Wei Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Malaguti M, Lebek T, Blin G, Lowell S. Enabling neighbour labelling: using synthetic biology to explore how cells influence their neighbours. Development 2024; 151:dev201955. [PMID: 38165174 PMCID: PMC10820747 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201955] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cell-cell interactions are central to development, but exploring how a change in any given cell relates to changes in the neighbour of that cell can be technically challenging. Here, we review recent developments in synthetic biology and image analysis that are helping overcome this problem. We highlight the opportunities presented by these advances and discuss opportunities and limitations in applying them to developmental model systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Malaguti
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Tamina Lebek
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Guillaume Blin
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Sally Lowell
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Almeida‐Pinto J, Lagarto MR, Lavrador P, Mano JF, Gaspar VM. Cell Surface Engineering Tools for Programming Living Assemblies. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2304040. [PMID: 37823678 PMCID: PMC10700290 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Breakthroughs in precision cell surface engineering tools are supporting the rapid development of programmable living assemblies with valuable features for tackling complex biological problems. Herein, the authors overview the most recent technological advances in chemically- and biologically-driven toolboxes for engineering mammalian cell surfaces and triggering their assembly into living architectures. A particular focus is given to surface engineering technologies for enabling biomimetic cell-cell social interactions and multicellular cell-sorting events. Further advancements in cell surface modification technologies may expand the currently available bioengineering toolset and unlock a new generation of personalized cell therapeutics with clinically relevant biofunctionalities. The combination of state-of-the-art cell surface modifications with advanced biofabrication technologies is envisioned to contribute toward generating living materials with increasing tissue/organ-mimetic bioactivities and therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Almeida‐Pinto
- Department of ChemistryCICECO‐Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
| | - Matilde R. Lagarto
- Department of ChemistryCICECO‐Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
| | - Pedro Lavrador
- Department of ChemistryCICECO‐Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
| | - João F. Mano
- Department of ChemistryCICECO‐Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
| | - Vítor M. Gaspar
- Department of ChemistryCICECO‐Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro Campus Universitário de SantiagoAveiro3810‐193Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu J, Chen Y, Nong B, Luo X, Cui K, Li Z, Zhang P, Tan W, Yang Y, Ma W, Liang P, Songyang Z. CRISPR-assisted transcription activation by phase-separation proteins. Protein Cell 2023; 14:874-887. [PMID: 36905356 PMCID: PMC10691850 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 system has been widely used for genome engineering and transcriptional regulation in many different organisms. Current CRISPR-activation (CRISPRa) platforms often require multiple components because of inefficient transcriptional activation. Here, we fused different phase-separation proteins to dCas9-VPR (dCas9-VP64-P65-RTA) and observed robust increases in transcriptional activation efficiency. Notably, human NUP98 (nucleoporin 98) and FUS (fused in sarcoma) IDR domains were best at enhancing dCas9-VPR activity, with dCas9-VPR-FUS IDR (VPRF) outperforming the other CRISPRa systems tested in this study in both activation efficiency and system simplicity. dCas9-VPRF overcomes the target strand bias and widens gRNA designing windows without affecting the off-target effect of dCas9-VPR. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using phase-separation proteins to assist in the regulation of gene expression and support the broad appeal of the dCas9-VPRF system in basic and clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yuxi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Baoting Nong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Kaixin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zhan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | | | - Yue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Puping Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zhou Songyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lam C. Design and mathematical analysis of activating transcriptional amplifiers that enable modular temporal control in synthetic juxtacrine circuits. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2023; 8:654-672. [PMID: 37868744 PMCID: PMC10587772 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to control mammalian cells such that they self-organize or enact therapeutic effects as desired has incredible implications. Not only would it further our understanding of native processes such as development and the immune response, but it would also have powerful applications in medical fields such as regenerative medicine and immunotherapy. This control is typically obtained by synthetic circuits that use synthetic receptors, but control remains incomplete. The synthetic juxtacrine receptors (SJRs) are widely used as they are fully modular and enable spatial control, but they have limited gene expression amplification and temporal control. As these are integral facets to cell control, I therefore designed transcription factor based amplifiers that amplify gene expression and enable unidirectional temporal control by prolonging duration of target gene expression. Using a validated in silico framework for SJR signaling, I combined these amplifiers with SJRs and show that these SJR amplifier circuits can direct spatiotemporal patterning and improve the quality of self-organization. I then show that these circuits can improve chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell tumor killing against various heterogenous antigen expression tumors. These amplifiers are flexible tools that improve control over SJR based circuits with both basic and therapeutic applications.
Collapse
|
15
|
Makri Pistikou AM, Cremers GAO, Nathalia BL, Meuleman TJ, Bögels BWA, Eijkens BV, de Dreu A, Bezembinder MTH, Stassen OMJA, Bouten CCV, Merkx M, Jerala R, de Greef TFA. Engineering a scalable and orthogonal platform for synthetic communication in mammalian cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7001. [PMID: 37919273 PMCID: PMC10622552 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42810-5] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The rational design and implementation of synthetic mammalian communication systems can unravel fundamental design principles of cell communication circuits and offer a framework for engineering of designer cell consortia with potential applications in cell therapeutics. Here, we develop the foundations of an orthogonal, and scalable mammalian synthetic communication platform that exploits the programmability of synthetic receptors and selective affinity and tunability of diffusing coiled-coil peptides. Leveraging the ability of coiled-coils to exclusively bind to a cognate receptor, we demonstrate orthogonal receptor activation and Boolean logic operations at the receptor level. We show intercellular communication based on synthetic receptors and secreted multidomain coiled-coils and demonstrate a three-cell population system that can perform AND gate logic. Finally, we show CC-GEMS receptor-dependent therapeutic protein expression. Our work provides a modular and scalable framework for the engineering of complex cell consortia, with the potential to expand the aptitude of cell therapeutics and diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Makri Pistikou
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Glenn A O Cremers
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bryan L Nathalia
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Theodorus J Meuleman
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Center for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bas W A Bögels
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno V Eijkens
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anne de Dreu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten T H Bezembinder
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar M J A Stassen
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn C V Bouten
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tom F A de Greef
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Center for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vlahos AE, Call CC, Kadaba SE, Guo S, Gao XJ. Compact Programmable Control of Protein Secretion in Mammalian Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.04.560774. [PMID: 37873144 PMCID: PMC10592972 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.04.560774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology currently holds immense potential to engineer the spatiotemporal control of intercellular signals for biomedicine. Programming behaviors using protein-based circuits has advantages over traditional gene circuits such as compact delivery and direct interactions with signaling proteins. Previously, we described a generalizable platform called RELEASE to enable the control of intercellular signaling through the proteolytic removal of ER-retention motifs compatible with pre-existing protease-based circuits. However, these tools lacked the ability to reliably program complex expression profiles and required numerous proteases, limiting delivery options. Here, we harness the recruitment and antagonistic behavior of endogenous 14-3-3 proteins to create RELEASE-NOT to turn off protein secretion in response to protease activity. By combining RELEASE and RELEASE-NOT, we establish a suite of protein-level processing and output modules called Compact RELEASE (compRELEASE). This innovation enables functions such as logic processing and analog signal filtering using a single input protease. Furthermore, we demonstrate the compactness of the post-translational design by using polycistronic single transcripts to engineer cells to control protein secretion via lentiviral integration and leverage mRNA delivery to selectively express cell surface proteins only in engineered cells harboring inducible proteases. CompRELEASE enables complex control of protein secretion and enhances the potential of synthetic protein circuits for therapeutic applications, while minimizing the overall genetic payload.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E. Vlahos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Connor C. Call
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Samarth E. Kadaba
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Siqi Guo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- The Chinese Undergraduate Visiting Research (UGVR) Program, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Xiaojing J. Gao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Poudel B, Rajeshwar T R, Vanegas JM. Membrane mediated mechanical stimuli produces distinct active-like states in the AT1 receptor. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4690. [PMID: 37542033 PMCID: PMC10403497 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40433-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Angiotensin II Type 1 (AT1) receptor is one of the most widely studied GPCRs within the context of biased signaling. While the AT1 receptor is activated by agonists such as the peptide AngII, it can also be activated by mechanical stimuli such as membrane stretch or shear in the absence of a ligand. Despite the importance of mechanical activation of the AT1 receptor in biological processes such as vasoconstriction, little is known about the structural changes induced by external physical stimuli mediated by the surrounding lipid membrane. Here, we present a systematic simulation study that characterizes the activation of the AT1 receptor under various membrane environments and mechanical stimuli. We show that stability of the active state is highly sensitive to membrane thickness and tension. Structural comparison of membrane-mediated vs. agonist-induced activation shows that the AT1 receptor has distinct active conformations. This is supported by multi-microsecond free energy calculations that show unique landscapes for the inactive and various active states. Our modeling results provide structural insights into the mechanical activation of the AT1 receptor and how it may produce different functional outcomes within the framework of biased agonism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Poudel
- Materials Science Graduate Program, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Rajitha Rajeshwar T
- Department of Physics, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Juan M Vanegas
- Materials Science Graduate Program, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
- Department of Physics, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97330, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chavez M, Rane DA, Chen X, Qi LS. Stable expression of large transgenes via the knock-in of an integrase-deficient lentivirus. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:661-671. [PMID: 37127707 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The targeted insertion and stable expression of a large genetic payload in primary human cells demands methods that are robust, efficient and easy to implement. Large payload insertion via retroviruses is typically semi-random and hindered by transgene silencing. Leveraging homology-directed repair to place payloads under the control of endogenous essential genes can overcome silencing but often results in low knock-in efficiencies and cytotoxicity. Here we report a method for the knock-in and stable expression of a large payload and for the simultaneous knock-in of two genes at two endogenous loci. The method, which we named CLIP (for 'CRISPR for long-fragment integration via pseudovirus'), leverages an integrase-deficient lentivirus encoding a payload flanked by homology arms and 'cut sites' to insert the payload upstream and in-frame of an endogenous essential gene, followed by the delivery of a CRISPR-associated ribonucleoprotein complex via electroporation. We show that CLIP enables the efficient insertion and stable expression of large payloads and of two difficult-to-express viral antigens in primary T cells at low cytotoxicity. CLIP offers a scalable and efficient method for manufacturing engineered primary cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chavez
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Draven A Rane
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang T, Lin X, Li Y, Lu Y. Artificial Lipid Biomembranes for Full-Length SARS-CoV-2 Receptor. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2300575. [PMID: 36932971 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), as a functional receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is essential for assessing potential hosts and treatments. However, many studies are based on its truncated version but not full-length structure. Indeed, a single transmembrane (TM) helix presents in the full-length ACE2, influencing its interaction with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, synthesis of the full-length ACE2 is an urgent requirement. Here, cell-free membrane protein synthesis systems (CFMPSs) are constructed for full-length membrane proteins. MscL is screened as a model among ten membrane proteins based on their expression and solubility. Next, CFMPSs are constructed and optimized based on natural vesicles, vesicles with four membrane proteins removed or two chaperonins added, and 37 types of nanodiscs. They all increase membrane protein solubility to over 50%. Finally, the full-length ACE2 of 21 species are successfully expressed with yields between 0.4 and 0.9 mg mL-1 . The definite functional differences from the truncated version suggest that the TM region affects ACE2's structure and function. CFMPSs can be extended to more membrane proteins, paving the way for further applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaomei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuting Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Coutinho-Abreu IV, Akbari OS. Technological advances in mosquito olfaction neurogenetics. Trends Genet 2023; 39:154-166. [PMID: 36414481 PMCID: PMC10564117 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.10.007] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene-editing technologies have revolutionized the field of mosquito sensory biology. These technologies have been used to knock in reporter genes in-frame with neuronal genes and tag specific mosquito neurons to detect their activities using binary expression systems. Despite these advances, novel tools still need to be developed to elucidate the transmission of olfactory signals from the periphery to the brain. Here, we propose the development of a set of tools, including novel driver lines as well as sensors of neuromodulatory activities, which can advance our knowledge of how sensory input triggers behavioral outputs. This information can change our understanding of mosquito neurobiology and lead to the development of strategies for mosquito behavioral manipulation to reduce bites and disease transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iliano V Coutinho-Abreu
- School of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Omar S Akbari
- School of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Trentesaux C, Yamada T, Klein OD, Lim WA. Harnessing synthetic biology to engineer organoids and tissues. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:10-19. [PMID: 36608674 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of an organism depends on intrinsic genetic programs of progenitor cells and their spatiotemporally complex extrinsic environment. Ex vivo generation of organoids from progenitor cells provides a platform for recapitulating and exploring development. Current approaches rely largely on soluble morphogens or engineered biomaterials to manipulate the physical environment, but the emerging field of synthetic biology provides a powerful toolbox to genetically manipulate cell communication, adhesion, and even cell fate. Applying these modular tools to organoids should lead to a deeper understanding of developmental principles, improved organoid models, and an enhanced capability to design tissues for regenerative purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Trentesaux
- Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Toshimichi Yamada
- Cell Design Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| | - Wendell A Lim
- Cell Design Institute, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Donaldson J, Kleinjan DJ, Rosser S. Synthetic biology approaches for dynamic CHO cell engineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 78:102806. [PMID: 36194920 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fed-batch culture of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells remains the most commonly used method for producing biopharmaceuticals. Static CHO cell-line engineering approaches have incrementally improved productivity, growth and product quality through permanent knockout of genes with a negative impact on production, or constitutive overexpression of genes with a positive impact. However, during fed-batch culture, conditions (such as nutrient availability) are continually changing. Therefore, traits that are most beneficial during early-phase culture (such as high growth rate) may be less desirable in late phase. Unlike with static approaches, dynamic cell line engineering strategies can optimise such traits by implementing synthetic sense-and-respond programmes. Here, we review emerging synthetic biology tools that can be used to build dynamic, self-regulating CHO cells, capable of detecting intra-/extracellular cues and generating user-defined responses tailored to the stage-specific needs of the production process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Donaldson
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology at the Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dirk-Jan Kleinjan
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology at the Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Susan Rosser
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology at the Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Chemical biosensors are an increasingly ubiquitous part of our lives. Beyond enzyme-coupled assays, recent synthetic biology advances now allow us to hijack more complex biosensing systems to respond to difficult to detect analytes, such as chemical small molecules. Here, we briefly overview recent advances in the biosensing of small molecules, including nucleic acid aptamers, allosteric transcription factors, and two-component systems. We then look more closely at a recently developed chemical sensing system, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-based sensors. Finally, we consider the chemical sensing capabilities of the largest GPCR subfamily, olfactory receptors (ORs). We examine ORs' role in nature, their potential as a biomedical target, and their ability to detect compounds not amenable for detection using other biological scaffolds. We conclude by evaluating the current challenges, opportunities, and future applications of GPCR- and OR-based sensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amisha Patel
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Pamela Peralta-Yahya
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States,School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States,E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fink T, Jerala R. Designed protease-based signaling networks. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 68:102146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
25
|
Manhas J, Edelstein HI, Leonard JN, Morsut L. The evolution of synthetic receptor systems. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:244-255. [PMID: 35058646 PMCID: PMC9041813 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00926-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Receptors enable cells to detect, process and respond to information about their environments. Over the past two decades, synthetic biologists have repurposed physical parts and concepts from natural receptors to engineer synthetic receptors. These technologies implement customized sense-and-respond programs that link a cell's interaction with extracellular and intracellular cues to user-defined responses. When combined with tools for information processing, these advances enable programming of sophisticated customized functions. In recent years, the library of synthetic receptors and their capabilities has substantially evolved-a term we employ here to mean systematic improvement and expansion. Here, we survey the existing mammalian synthetic biology toolkit of protein-based receptors and signal-processing components, highlighting efforts to evolve and integrate some of the foundational synthetic receptor systems. We then propose a generalized strategy for engineering and improving receptor systems to meet defined functional objectives called a 'metric-enabled approach for synthetic receptor engineering' (MEASRE).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janvie Manhas
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- The Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hailey I Edelstein
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Joshua N Leonard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
| | - Leonardo Morsut
- The Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Synthetic Biology-based Optimization of T cell Immunotherapies for Cancer. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2022.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
27
|
Lee D, Kwon HB. Current and future techniques for detecting oxytocin: Focusing on genetically-encoded GPCR sensors. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 366:109407. [PMID: 34763021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a neuropituitary hormone that is involved in a wide range of psychosocial behaviors. Despite its psychophysiological importance as a neuromodulator in the CNS, effective techniques capable of monitoring oxytocin dynamics or testing related behavioral consequences are limited. Along with an explosive advancement in synthetic biology, high-performance genetically-encoded neuromodulator sensors are being developed. Here we comprehensively review the current methodologies available for detecting oxytocin in neuroscience. Their strengths and weaknesses are discussed, and a graphical summary is plotted for better comparison of techniques. We also suggest future directions for next generation oxytocin sensor development and their working principles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmin Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Bae Kwon
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Shen Y, Luchetti A, Fernandes G, Do Heo W, Silva AJ. The emergence of molecular systems neuroscience. Mol Brain 2022; 15:7. [PMID: 34983613 PMCID: PMC8728933 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00885-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systems neuroscience is focused on how ensemble properties in the brain, such as the activity of neuronal circuits, gives rise to internal brain states and behavior. Many of the studies in this field have traditionally involved electrophysiological recordings and computational approaches that attempt to decode how the brain transforms inputs into functional outputs. More recently, systems neuroscience has received an infusion of approaches and techniques that allow the manipulation (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics) and imaging (e.g., two-photon imaging, head mounted fluorescent microscopes) of neurons, neurocircuits, their inputs and outputs. Here, we will review novel approaches that allow the manipulation and imaging of specific molecular mechanisms in specific cells (not just neurons), cell ensembles and brain regions. These molecular approaches, with the specificity and temporal resolution appropriate for systems studies, promise to infuse the field with novel ideas, emphases and directions, and are motivating the emergence of a molecularly oriented systems neuroscience, a new discipline that studies how the spatial and temporal patterns of molecular systems modulate circuits and brain networks, and consequently shape the properties of brain states and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Shen
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alessandro Luchetti
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Giselle Fernandes
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Won Do Heo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Alcino J Silva
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kotulová J, Hajdúch M, Džubák P. Current Adenosinergic Therapies: What Do Cancer Cells Stand to Gain and Lose? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12569. [PMID: 34830449 PMCID: PMC8617980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A key objective in immuno-oncology is to reactivate the dormant immune system and increase tumour immunogenicity. Adenosine is an omnipresent purine that is formed in response to stress stimuli in order to restore physiological balance, mainly via anti-inflammatory, tissue-protective, and anti-nociceptive mechanisms. Adenosine overproduction occurs in all stages of tumorigenesis, from the initial inflammation/local tissue damage to the precancerous niche and the developed tumour, making the adenosinergic pathway an attractive but challenging therapeutic target. Many current efforts in immuno-oncology are focused on restoring immunosurveillance, largely by blocking adenosine-producing enzymes in the tumour microenvironment (TME) and adenosine receptors on immune cells either alone or combined with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. However, the effects of adenosinergic immunotherapy are not restricted to immune cells; other cells in the TME including cancer and stromal cells are also affected. Here we summarise recent advancements in the understanding of the tumour adenosinergic system and highlight the impact of current and prospective immunomodulatory therapies on other cell types within the TME, focusing on adenosine receptors in tumour cells. In addition, we evaluate the structure- and context-related limitations of targeting this pathway and highlight avenues that could possibly be exploited in future adenosinergic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Petr Džubák
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (M.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yang Z, Li L, Turkoz A, Chen P, Harari-Steinfeld R, Bobbin M, Stefanson O, Choi H, Pietrobon V, Alphson B, Goswami A, Balan V, Kearney A, Patel D, Yang J, Inel D, Vinod V, Cesano A, Wang B, Roh KH, Qi LS, Marincola FM. Contextual reprogramming of CAR-T cells for treatment of HER2 + cancers. J Transl Med 2021; 19:459. [PMID: 34743703 PMCID: PMC8573881 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells combined with checkpoint inhibition may prevent T cell exhaustion and improve clinical outcomes. However, the approach is limited by cumulative costs and toxicities. METHODS To overcome this drawback, we created a CAR-T (RB-340-1) that unites in one product the two modalities: a CRISPR interference-(CRISPRi) circuit prevents programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression upon antigen-encounter. RB-340-1 is engineered to express an anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) CAR single chain variable fragment (scFv), with CD28 and CD3ζ co-stimulatory domains linked to the tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease and a single guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting the PD-1 transcription start site (TSS). A second constructs includes linker for activation of T cells (LAT) fused to nuclease-deactivated spCas9 (dCas9)-Kruppel-associated box (KRAB) via a TEV-cleavable sequence (TCS). Upon antigen encounter, the LAT-dCas9-KRAB (LdCK) complex is cleaved by TEV allowing targeting of dCas9-KRAB to the PD-1 gene TSS. RESULTS Here, we show that RB-340-1 consistently demonstrated higher production of homeostatic cytokines, enhanced expansion of CAR-T cells in vitro, prolonged in vivo persistence and more efficient suppression of HER2+ FaDu oropharyngeal cancer growth compared to the respective conventional CAR-T cell product. CONCLUSIONS As the first application of CRISPRi toward a clinically relevant product, RB-340-1 with the conditional, non-gene editing and reversible suppression promotes CAR-T cells resilience to checkpoint inhibition, and their persistence and effectiveness against HER2-expressing cancer xenografts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhifen Yang
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Lingyu Li
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Ahu Turkoz
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Pohan Chen
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | | | - Maggie Bobbin
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | | | - Hana Choi
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | | | | | | | - Vitaly Balan
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Alper Kearney
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | | | - Jin Yang
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Damla Inel
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Veena Vinod
- ESSA Pharma, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | | | - Bing Wang
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Kyung-Ho Roh
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, 35899, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, ChEM-H, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Francesco M Marincola
- Refuge Biotechnologies Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
- Gilead/Kite, Santa Monica, CA, 90404, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhou W, Brown W, Bardhan A, Tsang M, Deiters A. Optical Control of Base Editing and Transcription through Light‐Activated Guide RNA. CHEMPHOTOCHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cptc.202100110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Zhou
- Department of Chemistry University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Anirban Bardhan
- Department of Chemistry University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department of Developmental Biology University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pandelakis M, Delgado E, Ebrahimkhani MR. CRISPR-Based Synthetic Transcription Factors In Vivo: The Future of Therapeutic Cellular Programming. Cell Syst 2021; 10:1-14. [PMID: 31972154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pinpoint control over endogenous gene expression in vivo has long been a fevered dream for clinicians and researchers alike. With the recent repurposing of programmable, RNA-guided DNA endonucleases from the CRISPR bacterial immune system, this dream is becoming a powerful reality. Engineered CRISPR/Cas9-based transcriptional regulators and epigenome editors have enabled researchers to perturb endogenous gene expression in vivo, allowing for the therapeutic reprogramming of cell and tissue behavior. For this technology to be of maximal use, a variety of technological hurdles still need to be addressed. Better understanding of the design principle controlling gene expression together with technologies that enable spatiotemporal control of transcriptional engineering are fundamental for rational design, improved efficacy, and ultimately safe translation to humans. In this review, we will discuss recent advances and integrative strategies that can help pave the path toward a new class of transcriptional therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Pandelakis
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Delgado
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Mo R Ebrahimkhani
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chen Z, Elowitz MB. Programmable protein circuit design. Cell 2021; 184:2284-2301. [PMID: 33848464 PMCID: PMC8087657 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A fundamental challenge in synthetic biology is to create molecular circuits that can program complex cellular functions. Because proteins can bind, cleave, and chemically modify one another and interface directly and rapidly with endogenous pathways, they could extend the capabilities of synthetic circuits beyond what is possible with gene regulation alone. However, the very diversity that makes proteins so powerful also complicates efforts to harness them as well-controlled synthetic circuit components. Recent work has begun to address this challenge, focusing on principles such as orthogonality and composability that permit construction of diverse circuit-level functions from a limited set of engineered protein components. These approaches are now enabling the engineering of circuits that can sense, transmit, and process information; dynamically control cellular behaviors; and enable new therapeutic strategies, establishing a powerful paradigm for programming biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Michael B Elowitz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kruyer NS, Sugianto W, Tickman BI, Alba Burbano D, Noireaux V, Carothers JM, Peralta-Yahya P. Membrane Augmented Cell-Free Systems: A New Frontier in Biotechnology. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:670-681. [PMID: 33749249 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Membrane proteins are present in a wide array of cellular processes from primary and secondary metabolite synthesis to electron transport and single carbon metabolism. A key barrier to applying membrane proteins industrially is their difficult functional production. Beyond expression, folding, and membrane insertion, membrane protein activity is influenced by the physicochemical properties of the associated membrane, making it difficult to achieve optimal membrane protein performance outside the endogenous host. In this review, we highlight recent work on production of membrane proteins in membrane augmented cell-free systems (CFSs) and applications thereof. CFSs lack membranes and can thus be augmented with user-specified, tunable, mimetic membranes to generate customized environments for production of functional membrane proteins of interest. Membrane augmented CFSs would enable the synthesis of more complex plant secondary metabolites, the growth and division of synthetic cells for drug delivery and cell therapeutic applications, as well as enable green energy applications including methane capture and artificial photosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S. Kruyer
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Widianti Sugianto
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Benjamin I. Tickman
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Diego Alba Burbano
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Vincent Noireaux
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - James M. Carothers
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute and Center for Synthetic Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Pamela Peralta-Yahya
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tan Y, Guo Y, Reed-Maldonado AB, Li Z, Lin G, Xia SJ, Lue TF. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulates proliferation of stem/progenitor cells: what we need to know to translate basic science research into clinical applications. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:602-610. [PMID: 33818526 PMCID: PMC8577250 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_25_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a promising therapy that has been increasingly explored in basic research and clinical applications. LIPUS is an appealing therapeutic option as it is a noninvasive treatment that has many advantages, including no risk of infection or tissue damage and no known adverse reactions. LIPUS has been shown to have many benefits including promotion of tissue healing, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration; inhibition of inflammation and pain relief; and stimulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. The biophysical mechanisms of LIPUS remain unclear and the studies are ongoing. In recent years, more and more research has focused on the relationship between LIPUS and stem/progenitor cells. A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Embase databases to July 2020 was performed. LIPUS has many effects on stem cells. Studies show that LIPUS can stimulate stem cells in vitro; promote stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration; maintain stem cell activity; alleviate the problems of insufficient seed cell source, differentiation, and maturation; and circumvent the low efficiency of stem cell transplantation. The mechanisms involved in the effects of LIPUS are not fully understood, but the effects demonstrated in studies thus far have been favorable. Much additional research is needed before LIPUS can progress from basic science research to large-scale clinical dissemination and application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Tan
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Andrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yang Guo
- Department of Andrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Amanda B Reed-Maldonado
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Urology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Guiting Lin
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Shu-Jie Xia
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Tom F Lue
- Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
English MA, Gayet RV, Collins JJ. Designing Biological Circuits: Synthetic Biology Within the Operon Model and Beyond. Annu Rev Biochem 2021; 90:221-244. [PMID: 33784178 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-013118-111914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In 1961, Jacob and Monod proposed the operon model of gene regulation. At the model's core was the modular assembly of regulators, operators, and structural genes. To illustrate the composability of these elements, Jacob and Monod linked phenotypic diversity to the architectures of regulatory circuits. In this review, we examine how the circuit blueprints imagined by Jacob and Monod laid the foundation for the first synthetic gene networks that launched the field of synthetic biology in 2000. We discuss the influences of the operon model and its broader theoretical framework on the first generation of synthetic biological circuits, which were predominantly transcriptional and posttranscriptional circuits. We also describe how recent advances in molecular biology beyond the operon model-namely, programmable DNA- and RNA-binding molecules as well as models of epigenetic and posttranslational regulation-are expanding the synthetic biology toolkit and enabling the design of more complex biological circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max A English
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; .,Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Raphaël V Gayet
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; .,Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Microbiology Graduate Program, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - James J Collins
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA; .,Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Synthetic Biology Center, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA.,Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wu H, Wang F, Jiang JH. Inducible CRISPR-dCas9 Transcriptional Systems for Sensing and Genome Regulation. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1894-1900. [PMID: 33433941 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 endonuclease (CRISPR-Cas9) and the nuclease-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) systems have revolutionized our ability to precisely engineer and regulate genomes. Inducible CRISPR-dCas9-based transcriptional systems have been rapidly developed to conditionally control genetic manipulation. Current strategies mainly focus on conditional control of gRNA function and dCas9 protein using exogenous and endogenous triggers, including external light, small molecules, synthetic and intracellular oligonucleotides. These strategies have established novel platforms for the spatiotemporal regulation of genome activation and repression, epigenome editing, and so on. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in conditionally controlling CRISPR-dCas9 transcriptional systems through gRNA modulation and dCas9 protein engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Fenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kazi TA, Biswas SR. CRISPR/dCas system as the modulator of gene expression. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 178:99-122. [PMID: 33685602 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas has been a very exciting field of research because of its multifaceted applications in biological science for editing genome. This tool can be programmed to target any region of DNA of choice by designing gRNA. The potential of gRNA to recruit a CRISPR-associated protein at a specific genomic site allowed scientists to engineer genome of diverse species for research and development. The application of Cas9 has been further expanded with a recently developed catalytically inactive protein (dead Cas9). CRISPR/dCas system is widely used as a programmable vector to deliver functional cargo (transcriptional effectors) to the desired sites at the genome for targeted transcriptional repression (CRISPR interference, CRISPRi) or activation (CRISPR activation, CRISPRa). It is now possible to regulate gene expression in cells without altering the DNA sequence. These CRISPRi/a toolboxes have explored many unsolved biological issues. Further research on CRISPR system could help diagnose and treat various human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tawsif Ahmed Kazi
- Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Engineering Protein-Based Parts for Genetic Devices in Mammalian Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 33405230 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1032-9_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Synthetic biology has been advancing cellular and molecular biology studies through the design of synthetic circuits capable to examine diverse endogenously or exogenously driven regulatory pathways. While early genetic devices were engineered to be insulated from intracellular crosstalk, more recently the need of achieving dynamic control of cellular behavior has led to the development of smart interfaces that connect signal information (sensor) to desired output activation (actuator). Sensor-actuator circuits can respond to diverse inputs, including small molecules, exogenous and endogenous mRNA, noncoding RNA (i.e., miRNA), and proteins to regulate downstream events, transcriptionally, posttranscriptionally, and translationally. These devices require attentive engineering to either create complex chimeric proteins or modify protein structures to be amenable to the specific circuits' architecture and/or purpose.In this chapter, we describe how to implement two different protein-based devices in mammalian cells: (1) a modular platform that sense and respond to disease-associated proteins and (2) a protein-based system that allows simultaneous regulation of RNA translation and protein activity, via RNA-protein and newly engineered protein-protein interactions.
Collapse
|
40
|
Huang H, Zhang X, Lv J, Yang H, Wang X, Ma S, Shao R, Peng X, Lin Y, Rong Z. Cell-cell contact-induced gene editing/activation in mammalian cells using a synNotch-CRISPR/Cas9 system. Protein Cell 2020; 11:299-303. [PMID: 32002793 PMCID: PMC7093359 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-020-00690-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jie Lv
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hongcheng Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xinlong Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shufeng Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ruoyang Shao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xin Peng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ying Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Zhili Rong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Transcriptional readout of neuronal activity via an engineered Ca 2+-activated protease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:33186-33196. [PMID: 33323488 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006521117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular integrators, in contrast to real-time indicators, convert transient cellular events into stable signals that can be exploited for imaging, selection, molecular characterization, or cellular manipulation. Many integrators, however, are designed as complex multicomponent circuits that have limited robustness, especially at high, low, or nonstoichiometric protein expression levels. Here, we report a simplified design of the calcium and light dual integrator FLARE. Single-chain FLARE (scFLARE) is a single polypeptide chain that incorporates a transcription factor, a LOV domain-caged protease cleavage site, and a calcium-activated TEV protease that we designed through structure-guided mutagenesis and screening. We show that scFLARE has greater dynamic range and robustness than first-generation FLARE and can be used in culture as well as in vivo to record patterns of neuronal activation with 10-min temporal resolution.
Collapse
|
42
|
Synthetic regulation of multicellular systems for regenerative engineering. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2020.100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
43
|
Verbič A, Praznik A, Jerala R. A guide to the design of synthetic gene networks in mammalian cells. FEBS J 2020; 288:5265-5288. [PMID: 33289352 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to harness natural and synthetic biological parts and engineering them in new combinations and systems, producing novel therapies, diagnostics, bioproduction systems, and providing information on the mechanism of function of biological systems. Engineering cell function requires the rewiring or de novo construction of cell information processing networks. Using natural and synthetic signal processing elements, researchers have demonstrated a wide array of signal sensing, processing and propagation modules, using transcription, translation, or post-translational modification to program new function. The toolbox for synthetic network design is ever-advancing and has still ample room to grow. Here, we review the diversity of synthetic gene networks, types of building modules, techniques of regulation, and their applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anže Verbič
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Arne Praznik
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhang C, Qin J, Zhang S, Zhang N, Tan B, Siwko S, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Chen J, Qian M, Liu M, Du B. ADP/P2Y 1 aggravates inflammatory bowel disease through ERK5-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Mucosal Immunol 2020; 13:931-945. [PMID: 32518369 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-020-0307-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Inflammasomes are essential for inflammation and pathogen elimination in response to microbial infection and endogenous danger signals. However, the mechanism of inflammasome activation by endogenous danger signals mediated posttranslational modification and the connection between inflammasomes and inflammatory diseases remains elusive. In this study, we found that ADP was highly released from injured colonic tissue as a danger signal during inflammatory bowel disease. Consequently, extracellular ADP activated the NLRP3 inflammasome through P2Y1 receptor-mediated calcium signaling, which led to the maturation and secretion of IL-1β and further aggravation of experimental colitis. Genetic ablation or pharmacological blockade of the P2Y1 receptor significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis and endotoxic shock through reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, ERK5-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of ASC was essential for activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Thus, our study provides a novel theoretical basis for posttranslational modification of ASC in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and revealed that ADP/P2Y1 is a potential drug target for inflammatory bowel disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengfei Zhang
- Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Juliang Qin
- Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.,Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Fengxian District Central Hospital, No. 6600 Nanfeng Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Su Zhang
- Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Binhe Tan
- Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Stefan Siwko
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ying Zhang
- Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Fengxian District Central Hospital, No. 6600 Nanfeng Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Jinlian Chen
- Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Fengxian District Central Hospital, No. 6600 Nanfeng Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Min Qian
- Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Bing Du
- Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Edelstein HI, Donahue PS, Muldoon JJ, Kang AK, Dolberg TB, Battaglia LM, Allchin ER, Hong M, Leonard JN. Elucidation and refinement of synthetic receptor mechanisms. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2020; 5:ysaa017. [PMID: 33392392 PMCID: PMC7759213 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic receptors are powerful tools for engineering mammalian cell-based devices. These biosensors enable cell-based therapies to perform complex tasks such as regulating therapeutic gene expression in response to sensing physiological cues. Although multiple synthetic receptor systems now exist, many aspects of receptor performance are poorly understood. In general, it would be useful to understand how receptor design choices influence performance characteristics. In this study, we examined the modular extracellular sensor architecture (MESA) and systematically evaluated previously unexamined design choices, yielding substantially improved receptors. A key finding that might extend to other receptor systems is that the choice of transmembrane domain (TMD) is important for generating high-performing receptors. To provide mechanistic insights, we adopted and employed a Förster resonance energy transfer-based assay to elucidate how TMDs affect receptor complex formation and connected these observations to functional performance. To build further insight into these phenomena, we developed a library of new MESA receptors that sense an expanded set of ligands. Based upon these explorations, we conclude that TMDs affect signaling primarily by modulating intracellular domain geometry. Finally, to guide the design of future receptors, we propose general principles for linking design choices to biophysical mechanisms and performance characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailey I Edelstein
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Patrick S Donahue
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Joseph J Muldoon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Anthony K Kang
- Honors Program in Medical Education, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Program in Biological Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Taylor B Dolberg
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Lauren M Battaglia
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Everett R Allchin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Mihe Hong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Joshua N Leonard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Doshi A, Sadeghi F, Varadarajan N, Cirino PC. Small-molecule inducible transcriptional control in mammalian cells. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2020; 40:1131-1150. [PMID: 32862714 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2020.1808583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tools for tuning transcription in mammalian cells have broad applications, from basic biological discovery to human gene therapy. While precise control over target gene transcription via dosing with small molecules (drugs) is highly sought, the design of such inducible systems that meets required performance metrics poses a great challenge in mammalian cell synthetic biology. Important characteristics include tight and tunable gene expression with a low background, minimal drug toxicity, and orthogonality. Here, we review small-molecule-inducible transcriptional control devices that have demonstrated success in mammalian cells and mouse models. Most of these systems employ natural or designed ligand-binding protein domains to directly or indirectly communicate with transcription machinery at a target sequence, via carefully constructed fusions. Example fusions include those to transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs), DNA-targeting proteins (e.g. dCas systems) fused to transactivating domains, and recombinases. Similar to the architecture of Type I nuclear receptors, many of the systems are designed such that the transcriptional controller is excluded from the nucleus in the absence of an inducer. Techniques that use ligand-induced proteolysis and antibody-based chemically induced dimerizers are also described. Collectively, these transcriptional control devices take advantage of a variety of recently developed molecular biology tools and cell biology insights and represent both proof of concept (e.g. targeting reporter gene expression) and disease-targeting studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Doshi
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Navin Varadarajan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick C Cirino
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
On the cutting edge: protease-based methods for sensing and controlling cell biology. Nat Methods 2020; 17:885-896. [PMID: 32661424 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-020-0891-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sequence-specific proteases have proven to be versatile building blocks for tools that report or control cellular function. Reporting methods link protease activity to biochemical signals, whereas control methods rely on engineering proteases to respond to exogenous inputs such as light or chemicals. In turn, proteases have inherent control abilities, as their native functions are to release, activate or destroy proteins by cleavage, with the irreversibility of proteolysis allowing sustained downstream effects. As a result, protease-based synthetic circuits have been created for diverse uses such as reporting cellular signaling, tuning protein expression, controlling viral replication and detecting cancer states. Here, we comprehensively review the development and application of protease-based methods for reporting and controlling cellular function in eukaryotes.
Collapse
|
48
|
Breunig CT, Köferle A, Neuner AM, Wiesbeck MF, Baumann V, Stricker SH. CRISPR Tools for Physiology and Cell State Changes: Potential of Transcriptional Engineering and Epigenome Editing. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:177-211. [PMID: 32525760 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00034.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the large amount of genome-wide data that have been collected during the last decades, a good understanding of how and why cells change during development, homeostasis, and disease might be expected. Unfortunately, the opposite is true; triggers that cause cellular state changes remain elusive, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Although genes with the potential to influence cell states are known, the historic dependency on methods that manipulate gene expression outside the endogenous chromatin context has prevented us from understanding how cells organize, interpret, and protect cellular programs. Fortunately, recent methodological innovations are now providing options to answer these outstanding questions, by allowing to target and manipulate individual genomic and epigenomic loci. In particular, three experimental approaches are now feasible due to DNA targeting tools, namely, activation and/or repression of master transcription factors in their endogenous chromatin context; targeting transcription factors to endogenous, alternative, or inaccessible sites; and finally, functional manipulation of the chromatin context. In this article, we discuss the molecular basis of DNA targeting tools and review the potential of these new technologies before we summarize how these have already been used for the manipulation of cellular states and hypothesize about future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Breunig
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Anna Köferle
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andrea M Neuner
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Maximilian F Wiesbeck
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Valentin Baumann
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefan H Stricker
- MCN Junior Research Group, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilian- Universität, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; and Epigenetic Engineering, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum, German Research Center for Environmental Health, BioMedical Center, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gräwe A, Ranglack J, Weber W, Stein V. Engineering artificial signalling functions with proteases. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 63:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
50
|
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John Her
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Caleb J Bashor
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|