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Li M, Zuo J, Yang K, Wang P, Zhou S. Proteomics mining of cancer hallmarks on a single-cell resolution. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2024; 43:1019-1040. [PMID: 37051664 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated proteome is an essential contributor in carcinogenesis. Protein fluctuations fuel the progression of malignant transformation, such as uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, and chemo/radiotherapy resistance, which severely impair therapeutic effectiveness and cause disease recurrence and eventually mortality among cancer patients. Cellular heterogeneity is widely observed in cancer and numerous cell subtypes have been characterized that greatly influence cancer progression. Population-averaged research may not fully reveal the heterogeneity, leading to inaccurate conclusions. Thus, deep mining of the multiplex proteome at the single-cell resolution will provide new insights into cancer biology, to develop prognostic biomarkers and treatments. Considering the recent advances in single-cell proteomics, herein we review several novel technologies with particular focus on single-cell mass spectrometry analysis, and summarize their advantages and practical applications in the diagnosis and treatment for cancer. Technological development in single-cell proteomics will bring a paradigm shift in cancer detection, intervention, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maomao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kailin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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2
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Cobley JN. Exploring the unmapped cysteine redox proteoform landscape. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C844-C866. [PMID: 39099422 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00152.2024] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Cysteine redox proteoforms define the diverse molecular states that proteins with cysteine residues can adopt. A protein with one cysteine residue must adopt one of two binary proteoforms: reduced or oxidized. Their numbers scale: a protein with 10 cysteine residues must assume one of 1,024 proteoforms. Although they play pivotal biological roles, the vast cysteine redox proteoform landscape comprising vast numbers of theoretical proteoforms remains largely uncharted. Progress is hampered by a general underappreciation of cysteine redox proteoforms, their intricate complexity, and the formidable challenges that they pose to existing methods. The present review advances cysteine redox proteoform theory, scrutinizes methodological barriers, and elaborates innovative technologies for detecting unique residue-defined cysteine redox proteoforms. For example, chemistry-enabled hybrid approaches combining the strengths of top-down mass spectrometry (TD-MS) and bottom-up mass spectrometry (BU-MS) for systematically cataloguing cysteine redox proteoforms are delineated. These methods provide the technological means to map uncharted redox terrain. To unravel hidden redox regulatory mechanisms, discover new biomarkers, and pinpoint therapeutic targets by mining the theoretical cysteine redox proteoform space, a community-wide initiative termed the "Human Cysteine Redox Proteoform Project" is proposed. Exploring the cysteine redox proteoform landscape could transform current understanding of redox biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N Cobley
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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3
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Liu Y, Herr AE. DropBlot: single-cell western blotting of chemically fixed cancer cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5888. [PMID: 39003254 PMCID: PMC11246512 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50046-0] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Archived patient-derived tissue specimens play a central role in understanding disease and developing therapies. To address specificity and sensitivity shortcomings of existing single-cell resolution proteoform analysis tools, we introduce a hybrid microfluidic platform (DropBlot) designed for proteoform analyses in chemically fixed single cells. DropBlot serially integrates droplet-based encapsulation and lysis of single fixed cells, with on-chip microwell-based antigen retrieval, with single-cell western blotting of target antigens. A water-in-oil droplet formulation withstands the harsh chemical (SDS, 6 M urea) and thermal conditions (98 °C, 1-2 hr) required for effective antigen retrieval, and supports analysis of retrieved protein targets by single-cell electrophoresis. We demonstrate protein-target retrieval from unfixed, paraformaldehyde-fixed (PFA), and methanol-fixed cells. Key protein targets (HER2, GAPDH, EpCAM, Vimentin) retrieved from PFA-fixed cells were resolved and immunoreactive. Relevant to biorepositories, DropBlot profiled targets retrieved from human-derived breast tumor specimens archived for six years, offering a workflow for single-cell protein-biomarker analysis of sparing biospecimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Amy E Herr
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
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Qiao Y, Zhang Q, He Y, Cheng T, Tu J. A simple joint detection platform for high-throughput single-cell heterogeneity screening. Talanta 2024; 269:125460. [PMID: 38039667 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125460] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Single cell heterogeneity plays an important role in many biological phenomena and distinguishing cells that exhibit certain mutation in sample could benefit clinical diagnose and drug screening. Typical single cell detection methods such as flow cytometry, in-situ hybridization, real-time amplification or sequencing test either protein or nucleic acid as target and usually require specialized instruments. Joint measurement of the both types of targets could be done by combining the above strategies precisely but also unwieldly. Methods for rapidly and parallelly screening single cells with target genotype and antigen is needed. In this study, we describe a gel plate platform to distinguish cell types based on their phenotypes on target gene and antigen with low equipment requirement. Integrated cell lysis and immobilization were done in the gel solidification step, after which antibody hybridization and real-time amplification were sequentially carried out without losing the original loci information of individual single cells so the three types of information of individual single cells could be combined to distinguished cells with expected genotype and phenotype. The easy-to-use gel platform has potential in point-of-care circumstances and single-cell stimulation response that have high requirements on efficiency and simplicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Qiongdan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yukun He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Tianguang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Jing Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
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5
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Liu Y, Herr AE. DropBlot: single-cell western blotting of chemically fixed cancer cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.04.556277. [PMID: 37732260 PMCID: PMC10508777 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.04.556277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
To further realize proteomics of archived tissues for translational research, we introduce a hybrid microfluidic platform for high-specificity, high-sensitivity protein detection from individual chemically fixed cells. To streamline processing-to-analysis workflows and minimize signal loss, DropBlot serially integrates sample preparation using droplet-based antigen retrieval from single fixed cells with unified analysis-on-a-chip comprising microwell-based antigen extraction followed by chip-based single-cell western blotting. A water-in-oil droplet formulation proves robust to the harsh chemical (SDS, 6M urea) and thermal conditions (98°C, 1-2 hr.) required for sufficient antigen retrieval, and the electromechanical conditions required for electrotransfer of retrieved antigen from microwell-encapsulated droplets to single-cell electrophoresis. Protein-target retrieval was demonstrated for unfixed, paraformaldehyde-(PFA), and methanol-fixed cells. We observed higher protein electrophoresis separation resolution from PFA-fixed cells with sufficient immunoreactivity confirmed for key targets (HER2, GAPDH, EpCAM, Vimentin) from both fixation chemistries. Multiple forms of EpCAM and Vimentin were detected, a hallmark strength of western-blot analysis. DropBlot of PFA-fixed human-derived breast tumor specimens (n = 5) showed antigen retrieval from cells archived frozen for 6 yrs. DropBlot could provide a precision integrated workflow for single-cell resolution protein-biomarker mining of precious biospecimen repositories.
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Zhao J, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Liang Q, Ma X, Jia X, Chao D. Conductive Viologen Hydrogel Based on Hyperbranched Polyamidoamine for Multiple Stimulus-Responsive Drug Delivery. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:38821-38832. [PMID: 37540805 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of precision medicine and personalized pharmacotherapy has led to the development of advanced drug delivery systems that can respond to multiple stimuli. Conductive hydrogels have excellent electrical signal responsiveness and drug storage capabilities; however, current conductive hydrogels suffer from poor mechanical properties, low ionic conductivity, and high voltage. Herein, a covalently crosslinked viologen hydrogel was prepared using electroactive hyperbranched polyamidoamine (EHP) as the crosslinking center in a polymeric network. Attributed to its unique molecular architecture, this hydrogel exhibits improved mechanical properties (high tensile strength and desirable stretchability up to 1280%). Approvable ionic conductivity, biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and wearable strain-sensing performance were also disclosed, ascribed to the participation of versatile viologen groups in the hydrogel structure. This hydrogel exhibited high efficiency in drug release (81.6%) at a lower voltage of -1.2 V. Moreover, fascinating pH-stimulus drug release behavior was also demonstrated in both acidic and alkalescent environments owing to the dramatic conformational transition of EHP. This work provides a new design strategy for conductive hydrogels for multiple stimulus-responsive drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhao
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Inner Mongolia Aerospace Hongxia Chemical Co.ltd, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Qin Liang
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xuenan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xiaoteng Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Danming Chao
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
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7
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HUANG J, XIA L, XIAO X, LI G. [Advances in microchip electrophoresis for the separation and analysis of biological samples]. Se Pu 2023; 41:641-650. [PMID: 37534551 PMCID: PMC10398827 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1123.2022.12004] [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: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microchip electrophoresis is a separation technology that involves fluid manipulation in a microchip; the advantages of this technique include high separation efficiency, low sample consumption, and fast and easy multistep integration. Microchip electrophoresis has been widely used to rapidly separate and analyze complex samples in biology and medicine. In this paper, we review the research progress on microchip electrophoresis, explore the fabrication and separation modes of microchip materials, and discuss their applications in the detection and analysis of biological samples. Research on microchip materials can be mainly categorized into chip materials, channel modifications, electrode materials, and electrode integration methods. Microchip materials research involves the development of silicon, glass, polydimethylsiloxane and polymethyl methacrylate-based, and paper electrophoretic materials. Microchannel modification research primarily focuses on the dynamic and static modification methods of microchannels. Although chip materials and fabrication technologies have improved over the years, problems such as high manufacturing costs, long processing time, and short service lives continue to persist. These problems hinder the industrialization of microchip electrophoresis. At present, few static methods for the surface modification of polymer channels are available, and most of them involve a combination of physical adsorption and polymers. Therefore, developing efficient surface modification methods for polymer channels remains a necessary undertaking. In addition, both dynamic and static modifications require the introduction of other chemicals, which may not be conducive to the expansion of subsequent experiments. The materials commonly used in the development of electrodes and processing methods for electrode-microchip integration include gold, platinum, and silver. Microchip electrophoresis can be divided into two modes according to the uniformity of the electric field: uniform and non-uniform. The uniform electric field electrophoresis mode mainly involves micro free-flow electrophoresis and micro zone electrophoresis, including micro isoelectric focusing electrophoresis, micro isovelocity electrophoresis, and micro density gradient electrophoresis. The non-uniform electric field electrophoresis mode involves micro dielectric electrophoresis. Microchip electrophoresis is typically used in conjunction with conventional laboratory methods, such as optical, electrochemical, and mass spectrometry, to achieve the rapid and efficient separation and analysis of complex samples. However, the labeling required for most widely used laser-induced fluorescence technologies often involves a cumbersome organic synthesis process, and not all samples can be labeled, which limits the application scenarios of laser-induced fluorescence. The applications of unlabeled microchip electrophoresis-chemiluminescence/dielectrophoresis are also limited, and simplification of the experimental process to achieve simple and rapid microchip electrophoresis remains challenging. Several new models and strategies for high throughput in situ detection based on these detection methods have been developed for microchip electrophoretic systems. However, high throughput analysis by microchip electrophoresis is often dependent on complex chip structures and relatively complicated detection methods; thus, simple high throughput analytical technologies must be further explored. This paper also reviews the progress on microchip electrophoresis for the separation and analysis of complex biological samples, such as biomacromolecules, biological small molecules, and bioparticles, and forecasts the development trend of microchip electrophoresis in the separation and analysis of biomolecules. Over 250 research papers on this field are published annually, and it is gradually becoming a research focus. Most previous research has focused on biomacromolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids; biological small molecules, including amino acids, metabolites, and ions; and bioparticles, including cells and pathogens. However, several problems remain unsolved in the field of microchip electrophoresis. Overall, microchip electrophoresis requires further study to increase its suitability for the separation and analysis of complex biological samples.
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Zhang F, Xu J, Yue Y, Wang Y, Sun J, Song D, Zhang C, Qu L, Zhu S, Zhang J, Yang B. Three-dimensional histological electrophoresis enables fast automatic distinguishment of cancer margins and lymph node metastases. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg2690. [PMID: 37390200 PMCID: PMC10313175 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg2690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Tissue diagnosis is important during surgical excision of solid tumors for margin evaluation. Conventional histopathologic methods rely heavily on image-based visual diagnosis by specialized pathologists, which can be time-consuming and subjective. We report a three-dimensional (3D) histological electrophoresis system for rapid labeling and separation of the proteins within tissue sections, providing a more precise assessment of tumor-positive margin in surgically resected tissues. The 3D histological electrophoresis system uses a tumor-seeking dye labeling strategy to visualize the distribution of tumor-specific proteins within sections and a tumor finder that automatically predicts the tumor contour. We successfully demonstrated the system's capability to predict the tumor contours from five murine xenograft models and distinguish the tumor-invaded region of sentinel lymph nodes. Specifically, we used the system to accurately assess tumor-positive margins from 14 patients with cancer. Our 3D histological electrophoresis system serves as an intraoperative tissue assessment technology for more accurate and automatic pathologic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
| | - Jiajun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
| | - Ying Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
| | - Yajun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
| | - Jianing Sun
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, P. R. China
| | - Dong Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
| | - Chengbin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
| | - Limei Qu
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
| | - Shoujun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
| | - Junhu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
| | - Bai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P. R. China
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China
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9
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Holland LA, Casto-Boggess LD. Gels in Microscale Electrophoresis. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2023; 16:161-179. [PMID: 37314879 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-091522-080207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gel matrices are fundamental to electrophoresis analyses of biopolymers in microscale channels. Both capillary gel and microchannel gel electrophoresis systems have produced fundamental advances in the scientific community. These analytical techniques remain as foundational tools in bioanalytical chemistry and are indispensable in the field of biotherapeutics. This review summarizes the current state of gels in microscale channels and provides a brief description of electrophoretic transport in gels. In addition to the discussion of traditional polymers, several nontraditional gels are introduced. Advances in gel matrices highlighted include selective polymers modified to contain added functionality as well as thermally responsive gels formed through self-assembly. This review discusses cutting-edge applications to challenging areas of discovery in DNA, RNA, protein, and glycan analyses. Finally, emerging techniques that result in multifunctional assays for real-time biochemical processing in capillary and three-dimensional channels are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Holland
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA;
| | - Laura D Casto-Boggess
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA;
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Esene JE, Nasman PR, Akuoko Y, Tahir A, Woolley AT. Past, current, and future roles of 3D printing in the development of capillary electrophoresis systems. Trends Analyt Chem 2023; 162:117032. [PMID: 37008739 PMCID: PMC10062378 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
3D printing, an additive manufacturing technology, has made significant inroads into improving systems for bioanalysis in recent years. This approach is particularly powerful due to the ease and flexibility in rapidly creating novel and complex designs for analytical applications. As such, 3D printing offers an emerging technology for creating systems for electrophoretic analysis. Here, we review 3D printing work on improving and miniaturizing capillary electrophoresis (CE), emphasizing publications from 2019‒2022. We describe enabling uses of 3D printing in interfacing upstream sample preparation or downstream detection with CE. Recent developments in miniaturized CE enabled by 3D printing are also elaborated, including key areas where 3D printing could further improve over the current state-of-the-art. Lastly, we highlight promising future trends for using 3D printing in miniaturizing CE and the significant potential for innovative advancements. 3D printing is poised to play a key role in moving forward miniaturized CE in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joule E. Esene
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Parker R. Nasman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Yesman Akuoko
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Anum Tahir
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Adam T. Woolley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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Natalia A, Zhang L, Sundah NR, Zhang Y, Shao H. Analytical device miniaturization for the detection of circulating biomarkers. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:1-18. [PMID: 37359772 PMCID: PMC10064972 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00050-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Diverse (sub)cellular materials are secreted by cells into the systemic circulation at different stages of disease progression. These circulating biomarkers include whole cells, such as circulating tumour cells, subcellular extracellular vesicles and cell-free factors such as DNA, RNA and proteins. The biophysical and biomolecular state of circulating biomarkers carry a rich repertoire of molecular information that can be captured in the form of liquid biopsies for disease detection and monitoring. In this Review, we discuss miniaturized platforms that allow the minimally invasive and rapid detection and analysis of circulating biomarkers, accounting for their differences in size, concentration and molecular composition. We examine differently scaled materials and devices that can enrich, measure and analyse specific circulating biomarkers, outlining their distinct detection challenges. Finally, we highlight emerging opportunities in biomarker and device integration and provide key future milestones for their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auginia Natalia
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Noah R. Sundah
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huilin Shao
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Desire CT, Arrua RD, Strudwick XL, Kopecki Z, Cowin AJ, Hilder EF. The development of microfluidic-based western blotting: Technical advances and future perspectives. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1691:463813. [PMID: 36709548 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades significant technical advancement in the field of western blotting has been made possible through the utilization of microfluidic technologies. In this review we provide a critical overview of these advancements, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Particular attention is paid to the development of now commercially available systems, including those for single cell analysis. This review also discusses more recent developments, including algorithms for automation and/or improved quantitation, the utilization of different materials/chemistries, use of projection electrophoresis, and the development of triBlots. Finally, the review includes commentary on future advances in the field based on current developments, and the potential of these systems for use as point-of-care devices in healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Desire
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - R Dario Arrua
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Xanthe L Strudwick
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Zlatko Kopecki
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Allison J Cowin
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Emily F Hilder
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
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13
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Zhou Y, Jia X, Pang D, Jiang S, Zhu M, Lu G, Tian Y, Wang C, Chao D, Wallace G. An integrated Mg battery-powered iontophoresis patch for efficient and controllable transdermal drug delivery. Nat Commun 2023; 14:297. [PMID: 36653362 PMCID: PMC9849227 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35990-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Wearable transdermal iontophoresis eliminating the need for external power sources offers advantages for patient-comfort when deploying epidermal diseases treatments. However, current self-powered iontophoresis based on energy harvesters is limited to support efficient therapeutic administration over the long-term operation, owing to the low and inconsistent energy supply. Here we propose a simplified wearable iontophoresis patch with a built-in Mg battery for efficient and controllable transdermal delivery. This system decreases the system complexity and form factors by using viologen-based hydrogels as an integrated drug reservoir and cathode material, eliminating the conventional interface impedance between the electrode and drug reservoir. The redox-active polyelectrolyte hydrogel offers a high energy density of 3.57 mWh cm-2, and an optimal bioelectronic interface with ultra-soft nature and low tissue-interface impedance. The delivery dosage can be readily manipulated by tuning the viologen hydrogel and the iontophoresis stimulation mode. This iontophoresis patch demonstrates an effective treatment of an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse. Considering the advantages of being a reliable and efficient energy supply, simplified configuration, and optimal electrical skin-device interface, this battery-powered iontophoresis may provide a new non-invasive treatment for chronic epidermal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xiaoteng Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - Daxin Pang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Meihua Zhu
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Geyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yaping Tian
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Caiyun Wang
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - Danming Chao
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - Gordon Wallace
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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14
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Xie H, Ding X. The Intriguing Landscape of Single-Cell Protein Analysis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105932. [PMID: 35199955 PMCID: PMC9036017 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Profiling protein expression at single-cell resolution is essential for fundamental biological research (such as cell differentiation and tumor microenvironmental examination) and clinical precision medicine where only a limited number of primary cells are permitted. With the recent advances in engineering, chemistry, and biology, single-cell protein analysis methods are developed rapidly, which enable high-throughput and multiplexed protein measurements in thousands of individual cells. In combination with single cell RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry, single-cell multi-omics analysis can simultaneously measure multiple modalities including mRNAs, proteins, and metabolites in single cells, and obtain a more comprehensive exploration of cellular signaling processes, such as DNA modifications, chromatin accessibility, protein abundance, and gene perturbation. Here, the recent progress and applications of single-cell protein analysis technologies in the last decade are summarized. Current limitations, challenges, and possible future directions in this field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesInstitute for Personalized MedicineSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Xianting Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesInstitute for Personalized MedicineSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
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15
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Abstract
Hydrogels are important structural and operative components of microfluidic systems, finding diverse utility in biological sample preparation and interrogation. One inherent challenge for integrating hydrogels into microfluidic tools is thermodynamic molecular partitioning, which reduces the in-gel concentration of molecular solutes (e.g., biomolecular regents), as compared to the solute concentration in an applied solution. Consequently, biomolecular reagent access to in-gel scaffolded biological samples (e.g., encapsulated cells, microbial cultures, target analytes) is adversely impacted in hydrogels. Further, biomolecular reagents are typically introduced to the hydrogel via diffusion. This passive process requires long incubation periods compared to active biomolecular delivery techniques. Electrotransfer is an active technique used in Western blots and other gel-based immunoassays that overcomes limitations of size exclusion (increasing the total probe mass delivered into gel) and expedites probe delivery, even in millimeter-thick slab gels. While compatible with conventional slab gels, electrotransfer has not been adapted to thin gels (50-250 μm thick), which are of great interest as components of open microfluidic devices (vs enclosed microchannel-based devices). Mechanically delicate, thin gels are often mounted on rigid support substrates (glass, plastic) that are electrically insulating. Consequently, to adapt electrotransfer to thin-gel devices, we replace rigid insulating support substrates with novel, mechanically robust, yet electrically conductive nanoporous membranes. We describe grafting nanoporous membranes to thin-polyacrylamide-gel layers via silanization, characterize the electrical conductivity of silane-treated nanoporous membranes, and report the dependence of in-gel immunoprobe concentration on transfer duration for passive diffusion and active electrotransfer. Alternative microdevice component layers─including the mechanically robust, electrically conductive nanoporous membranes reported here─provide new functionality for integration into an increasing array of open microfluidic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andoni P Mourdoukoutas
- The UC Berkeley/UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Amy E Herr
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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16
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Hennig S, Shu Z, Gutzweiler L, Koltay P, von Stetten F, Zengerle R, Früh SM. Paper-based open microfluidic platform for protein electrophoresis and immunoprobing. Electrophoresis 2021; 43:621-631. [PMID: 34902175 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100327] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Protein electrophoresis and immunoblotting are indispensable analytical tools for the characterization of proteins and posttranslational modifications in complex sample matrices. Owing to the lack of automation, commonly employed slab-gel systems suffer from high time demand, significant sample/antibody consumption, and limited reproducibility. To overcome these limitations, we developed a paper-based open microfluidic platform for electrophoretic protein separation and subsequent transfer to protein-binding membranes for immunoprobing. Electrophoresis microstructures were digitally printed into cellulose acetate membranes that provide mechanical stability while maintaining full accessibility of the microstructures for consecutive immunological analysis. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate separation of fluorescently labeled marker proteins in a wide molecular weight range (15-120 kDa) within only 15 min, reducing the time demand for the entire workflow (from sample preparation to immunoassay) to approximately one hour. Sample consumption was reduced 10- to 150-fold compared to slab-gel systems, owing to system miniaturization. Moreover, we successfully applied the paper-based approach to complex samples such as crude bacterial cell extracts. We envisage that this platform will find its use in protein analysis workflows for scarce and precious samples, providing a unique opportunity to extract profound immunological information from limited sample amounts in a fast fashion with minimal hands-on time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhe Shu
- Hahn-Schickard, Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Koltay
- Hahn-Schickard, Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix von Stetten
- Hahn-Schickard, Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Zengerle
- Hahn-Schickard, Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanna M Früh
- Hahn-Schickard, Freiburg, Germany.,Laboratory for MEMS Applications, IMTEK - Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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17
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Rosàs-Canyelles E, Modzelewski AJ, Geldert A, He L, Herr AE. Multimodal detection of protein isoforms and nucleic acids from mouse pre-implantation embryos. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:1062-1088. [PMID: 33452502 PMCID: PMC7954398 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-00449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Although mammalian embryo development depends on critical protein isoforms that arise from embryo-specific nucleic acid modifications, the role of these isoforms is not yet clear. Challenges arise in measuring protein isoforms and nucleic acids from the same single embryos and blastomeres. Here we present a multimodal technique for performing same-embryo nucleic acid and protein isoform profiling (single-embryo nucleic acid and protein profiling immunoblot, or snapBlot). The method integrates protein isoform measurement by fractionation polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (fPAGE) with off-chip analysis of nucleic acids from the nuclei. Once embryos are harvested and cultured to the desired stage, they are sampled into the snapBlot device and subjected to fPAGE. After fPAGE, 'gel pallets' containing nuclei are excised from the snapBlot device for off-chip nucleic acid analyses. fPAGE and nuclei analyses are indexed to each starting sample, yielding same-embryo multimodal measurements. The entire protocol, including processing of samples and data analysis, takes 2-3 d. snapBlot is designed to help reveal the mechanisms by which embryo-specific nucleic acid modifications to both genomic DNA and messenger RNA orchestrate the growth and development of mammalian embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Rosàs-Canyelles
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- The University of California Berkeley and University of California San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Andrew J Modzelewski
- Division of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Alisha Geldert
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- The University of California Berkeley and University of California San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lin He
- Division of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Amy E Herr
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- The University of California Berkeley and University of California San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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