1
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Frei MS, Mehta S, Zhang J. Next-Generation Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors Illuminate Cell Signaling and Metabolism. Annu Rev Biophys 2024; 53:275-297. [PMID: 38346245 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-030722-021359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors have revolutionized the study of cell signaling and metabolism, as they allow for live-cell measurements with high spatiotemporal resolution. This success has spurred the development of tailor-made biosensors that enable the study of dynamic phenomena on different timescales and length scales. In this review, we discuss different approaches to enhancing and developing new biosensors. We summarize the technologies used to gain structural insights into biosensor design and comment on useful screening technologies. Furthermore, we give an overview of different applications where biosensors have led to key advances over recent years. Finally, we give our perspective on where future work is bound to make a large impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Frei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; , ,
| | - Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; , ,
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; , ,
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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2
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Zhao S, Xiong Y, Sunnapu R, Zhang Y, Tian X, Ai HW. Bioluminescence Imaging of Potassium Ion Using a Sensory Luciferin and an Engineered Luciferase. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:13406-13416. [PMID: 38698549 PMCID: PMC11100015 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescent indicators are power tools for studying dynamic biological processes. In this study, we present the generation of novel bioluminescent indicators by modifying the luciferin molecule with an analyte-binding moiety. Specifically, we have successfully developed the first bioluminescent indicator for potassium ions (K+), which are critical electrolytes in biological systems. Our approach involved the design and synthesis of a K+-binding luciferin named potassiorin. Additionally, we engineered a luciferase enzyme called BRIPO (bioluminescent red indicator for potassium) to work synergistically with potassiorin, resulting in optimized K+-dependent bioluminescence responses. Through extensive validation in cell lines, primary neurons, and live mice, we demonstrated the efficacy of this new tool for detecting K+. Our research demonstrates an innovative concept of incorporating sensory moieties into luciferins to modulate luciferase activity. This approach has great potential for developing a wide range of bioluminescent indicators, advancing bioluminescence imaging (BLI), and enabling the study of various analytes in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Zhao
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Ranganayakulu Sunnapu
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Hui-wang Ai
- Department
of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Center
for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University
of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
- The
UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University
of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
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3
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Tian X, Zhang Y, Ai HW. ATP-Independent Water-Soluble Luciferins Enable Non-Invasive High-Speed Video-Rate Bioluminescence Imaging of Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.30.591933. [PMID: 38746394 PMCID: PMC11092570 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.30.591933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
NanoLuc luciferase and its derivatives are attractive bioluminescent reporters recognized for their efficient photon production and ATP independence. However, utilizing them for in vivo imaging poses notable challenges. Low substrate solubility has been a prominent problem, limiting in vivo brightness, while substrate instability hampers consistent results and handling. To address these issues, we developed a range of caged PEGylated luciferins with improved stability and water solubility of up to 25 mM, resulting in substantial bioluminescence increases in mouse models. This advancement has created the brightest and most sensitive luciferase-luciferin combination, enabling high-speed video-rate imaging of freely moving mice with brain-expressed luciferase. Furthermore, we developed a bioluminescent Ca 2+ indicator with exceptional sensitivity to physiological Ca 2+ changes and paired it with a new substrate to showcase non-invasive, video-rate imaging of Ca 2+ activity in a defined brain region in awake mice. These innovative substrates and the Ca 2+ indicator are poised to become invaluable resources for biological and biomedical fields.
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4
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Jensen GC, Janis MK, Nguyen HN, David OW, Zastrow ML. Fluorescent Protein-Based Sensors for Detecting Essential Metal Ions across the Tree of Life. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1622-1643. [PMID: 38587931 PMCID: PMC11073808 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent metal ion sensors are powerful tools for elucidating metal dynamics in living systems. Over the last 25 years since the first examples of genetically encoded fluorescent protein-based calcium indicators, this toolbox of probes has expanded to include other essential and non-essential metal ions. Collectively, these tools have illuminated fundamental aspects of metal homeostasis and trafficking that are crucial to fields ranging from neurobiology to human nutrition. Despite these advances, much of the application of metal ion sensors remains limited to mammalian cells and tissues and a limited number of essential metals. Applications beyond mammalian systems and in vivo applications in living organisms have primarily used genetically encoded calcium ion sensors. The aim of this Perspective is to provide, with the support of historical and recent literature, an updated and critical view of the design and use of fluorescent protein-based sensors for detecting essential metal ions in various organisms. We highlight the historical progress and achievements with calcium sensors and discuss more recent advances and opportunities for the detection of other essential metal ions. We also discuss outstanding challenges in the field and directions for future studies, including detecting a wider variety of metal ions, developing and implementing a broader spectral range of sensors for multiplexing experiments, and applying sensors to a wider range of single- and multi-species biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary C Jensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Makena K Janis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Hazel N Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Ogonna W David
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Melissa L Zastrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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5
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Porta-de-la-Riva M, Morales-Curiel LF, Carolina Gonzalez A, Krieg M. Bioluminescence as a functional tool for visualizing and controlling neuronal activity in vivo. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024203. [PMID: 38348359 PMCID: PMC10861157 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The use of bioluminescence as a reporter for physiology in neuroscience is as old as the discovery of the calcium-dependent photon emission of aequorin. Over the years, luciferases have been largely replaced by fluorescent reporters, but recently, the field has seen a renaissance of bioluminescent probes, catalyzed by unique developments in imaging technology, bioengineering, and biochemistry to produce luciferases with previously unseen colors and intensity. This is not surprising as the advantages of bioluminescence make luciferases very attractive for noninvasive, longitudinal in vivo observations without the need of an excitation light source. Here, we review how the development of dedicated and specific sensor-luciferases afforded, among others, transcranial imaging of calcium and neurotransmitters, or cellular metabolites and physical quantities such as forces and membrane voltage. Further, the increased versatility and light output of luciferases have paved the way for a new field of functional bioluminescence optogenetics, in which the photon emission of the luciferase is coupled to the gating of a photosensor, e.g., a channelrhodopsin and we review how they have been successfully used to engineer synthetic neuronal connections. Finally, we provide a primer to consider important factors in setting up functional bioluminescence experiments, with a particular focus on the genetic model Caenorhabditis elegans, and discuss the leading challenges that the field needs to overcome to regain a competitive advantage over fluorescence modalities. Together, our paper caters to experienced users of bioluminescence as well as novices who would like to experience the advantages of luciferases in their own hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Porta-de-la-Riva
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis-Felipe Morales-Curiel
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Carolina Gonzalez
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Krieg
- ICFO—Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Townsend KM, Prescher JA. Recent advances in bioluminescent probes for neurobiology. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024204. [PMID: 38390217 PMCID: PMC10883388 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescence is a popular modality for imaging in living organisms. The platform relies on enzymatically (luciferase) generated light via the oxidation of small molecule luciferins. Since no external light is needed for photon production, there are no concerns with background autofluorescence or photobleaching over time-features that have historically limited other optical readouts. Bioluminescence is thus routinely used for longitudinal tracking across whole animals. Applications in the brain, though, have been more challenging due to a lack of sufficiently bioavailable, bright, and easily multiplexed probes. Recent years have seen the development of designer luciferase and luciferin pairs that address these issues, providing more sensitive and real-time readouts of biochemical features relevant to neurobiology. This review highlights many of the advances in bioluminescent probe design, with a focus on the small molecule light emitter, the luciferin. Specific efforts to improve luciferin pharmacokinetics and tissue-penetrant emission are covered, in addition to applications that such probes have enabled. The continued development of improved bioluminescent probes will aid in illuminating critical neurochemical processes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Townsend
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Chemistry, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Chemistry, Irvine, California, United States
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Irvine, California, United States
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irvine, California, United States
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7
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Zhao S, Xiong Y, Sunnapu R, Zhang Y, Tian X, Ai HW. Bioluminescence Imaging of Potassium Ion Using a Sensory Luciferin and an Engineered Luciferase. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.13.581057. [PMID: 38559024 PMCID: PMC10980066 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.13.581057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescent indicators are power tools for studying dynamic biological processes. In this study, we present the generation of novel bioluminescent indicators by modifying the luciferin molecule with an analyte-binding moiety. Specifically, we have successfully developed the first bioluminescent indicator for potassium ions (K+), which are critical electrolytes in biological systems. Our approach involved the design and synthesis of a K+-binding luciferin named potassiorin. Additionally, we engineered a luciferase enzyme called BRIPO (bioluminescent red indicator for potassium) to work synergistically with potassiorin, resulting in optimized K+-dependent bioluminescence responses. Through extensive validation in cell lines, primary neurons, and live mice, we demonstrated the efficacy of this new tool for detecting K+. Our research demonstrates an innovative concept of incorporating sensory moieties into luciferins to modulate luciferase activity. This approach has great potential for developing a wide range of bioluminescent indicators, advancing bioluminescence imaging (BLI), and enabling the study of various analytes in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Zhao
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Ranganayakulu Sunnapu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Hui-Wang Ai
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
- The UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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8
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Lambert GG, Crespo EL, Murphy J, Boassa D, Luong S, Celinskis D, Venn S, Hu J, Sprecher B, Tree MO, Orcutt R, Heydari D, Bell AB, Torreblanca-Zanca A, Hakimi A, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Hochgeschwender U, Shaner NC. CaBLAM! A high-contrast bioluminescent Ca 2+ indicator derived from an engineered Oplophorus gracilirostris luciferase. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.25.546478. [PMID: 37425712 PMCID: PMC10327125 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.25.546478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Ca2+ plays many critical roles in cell physiology and biochemistry, leading researchers to develop a number of fluorescent small molecule dyes and genetically encodable probes that optically report changes in Ca2+ concentrations in living cells. Though such fluorescence-based genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) have become a mainstay of modern Ca2+ sensing and imaging, bioluminescence-based GECIs-probes that generate light through oxidation of a small-molecule by a luciferase or photoprotein-have several distinct advantages over their fluorescent counterparts. Bioluminescent tags do not photobleach, do not suffer from nonspecific autofluorescent background, and do not lead to phototoxicity since they do not require the extremely bright extrinsic excitation light typically required for fluorescence imaging, especially with 2-photon microscopy. Current BL GECIs perform poorly relative to fluorescent GECIs, producing small changes in bioluminescence intensity due to high baseline signal at resting Ca2+ concentrations and suboptimal Ca2+ affinities. Here, we describe the development of a new bioluminescent GECI, "CaBLAM," which displays a much higher contrast (dynamic range) than previously described bioluminescent GECIs coupled with a Ca2+ affinity suitable for capturing physiological changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Derived from a new variant of Oplophorus gracilirostris luciferase with superior in vitro properties and a highly favorable scaffold for insertion of sensor domains, CaBLAM allows for single-cell and subcellular resolution imaging of Ca2+ dynamics at high frame rates in cultured neurons. CaBLAM marks a significant milestone in the GECI timeline, enabling Ca2+ recordings with high spatial and temporal resolution without perturbing cells with intense excitation light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard G. Lambert
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | | | - Jeremy Murphy
- Carney Institute for Brain Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Daniela Boassa
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Selena Luong
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Dmitrijs Celinskis
- Carney Institute for Brain Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Stephanie Venn
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI USA
| | - Junru Hu
- National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Brittany Sprecher
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Maya O. Tree
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI USA
| | - Richard Orcutt
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Daniel Heydari
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Aidan B. Bell
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | | | | | - Diane Lipscombe
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI USA
| | - Christopher I. Moore
- Carney Institute for Brain Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | | | - Nathan C. Shaner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA USA
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9
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Sanchez-Aguilera A, Masmudi-Martín M, Navas-Olive A, Baena P, Hernández-Oliver C, Priego N, Cordón-Barris L, Alvaro-Espinosa L, García S, Martínez S, Lafarga M, Lin MZ, Al-Shahrour F, Menendez de la Prida L, Valiente M. Machine learning identifies experimental brain metastasis subtypes based on their influence on neural circuits. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1637-1649.e11. [PMID: 37652007 PMCID: PMC10507426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
A high percentage of patients with brain metastases frequently develop neurocognitive symptoms; however, understanding how brain metastasis co-opts the function of neuronal circuits beyond a tumor mass effect remains unknown. We report a comprehensive multidimensional modeling of brain functional analyses in the context of brain metastasis. By testing different preclinical models of brain metastasis from various primary sources and oncogenic profiles, we dissociated the heterogeneous impact on local field potential oscillatory activity from cortical and hippocampal areas that we detected from the homogeneous inter-model tumor size or glial response. In contrast, we report a potential underlying molecular program responsible for impairing neuronal crosstalk by scoring the transcriptomic and mutational profiles in a model-specific manner. Additionally, measurement of various brain activity readouts matched with machine learning strategies confirmed model-specific alterations that could help predict the presence and subtype of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sonia Martínez
- Experimental Therapeutics Programme, CNIO, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Lafarga
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and CIBERNED, University of Cantabria- IDIVAL, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Michael Z Lin
- Departments of Neurobiology and Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5090, USA
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10
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Yadav AK, Chan J. Activity-based bioluminescence probes for in vivo sensing applications. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 74:102310. [PMID: 37119771 PMCID: PMC10225331 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging is a highly sensitive technique commonly used for various in vivo applications. Recent efforts to expand the utility of this modality have led to the development of a suite of activity-based sensing (ABS) probes for bioluminescence imaging by 'caging' of luciferin and its structural analogs. The ability to selectively detect a given biomarker has presented researchers with many exciting opportunities to study both health and disease states in animal models. Here, we highlight recent (2021-2023) bioluminescence-based ABS probes with an emphasis on probe design and in vivo validation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj K Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Jefferson Chan
- Department of Chemistry, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.
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11
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Zhang Q, Song B, Xu Y, Yang Y, Ji J, Cao W, Lu J, Ding J, Cao H, Chu B, Hong J, Wang H, He Y. In vivo bioluminescence imaging of natural bacteria within deep tissues via ATP-binding cassette sugar transporter. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2331. [PMID: 37087540 PMCID: PMC10122673 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37827-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Most existing bioluminescence imaging methods can only visualize the location of engineered bacteria in vivo, generally precluding the imaging of natural bacteria. Herein, we leverage bacteria-specific ATP-binding cassette sugar transporters to internalize luciferase and luciferin by hitchhiking them on the unique carbon source of bacteria. Typically, the synthesized bioluminescent probes are made of glucose polymer (GP), luciferase, Cy5 and ICG-modified silicon nanoparticles and their substrates are made of GP and D-luciferin-modified silicon nanoparticles. Compared with bacteria with mutations in transporters, which hardly internalize the probes in vitro (i.e., ~2% of uptake rate), various bacteria could robustly engulf the probes with a high uptake rate of around 50%. Notably, the developed strategy enables ex vivo bioluminescence imaging of human vitreous containing ten species of pathogens collected from patients with bacterial endophthalmitis. By using this platform, we further differentiate bacterial and non-bacterial nephritis and colitis in mice, while their chemiluminescent counterparts are unable to distinguish them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Bin Song
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yunmin Yang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jian Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Lu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jiali Ding
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Haiting Cao
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Binbin Chu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jiaxu Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Houyu Wang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Yao He
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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12
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Porta-de-la-Riva M, Gonzalez AC, Sanfeliu-Cerdán N, Karimi S, Malaiwong N, Pidde A, Morales-Curiel LF, Fernandez P, González-Bolívar S, Hurth C, Krieg M. Neural engineering with photons as synaptic transmitters. Nat Methods 2023; 20:761-769. [PMID: 37024651 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01836-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal computation is achieved through connections of individual neurons into a larger network. To expand the repertoire of endogenous cellular communication, we developed a synthetic, photon-assisted synaptic transmission (PhAST) system. PhAST is based on luciferases and channelrhodopsins that enable the transmission of a neuronal state across space, using photons as neurotransmitters. PhAST overcomes synaptic barriers and rescues the behavioral deficit of a glutamate mutant with conditional, calcium-triggered photon emission between two neurons of the Caenorhabditis elegans nociceptive avoidance circuit. To demonstrate versatility and flexibility, we generated de novo synaptic transmission between two unconnected cells in a sexually dimorphic neuronal circuit, suppressed endogenous nocifensive response through activation of an anion channelrhodopsin and switched attractive to aversive behavior in an olfactory circuit. Finally, we applied PhAST to dissect the calcium dynamics of the temporal pattern generator in a motor circuit for ovipositioning. In summary, we established photon-based synaptic transmission that facilitates the modification of animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shadi Karimi
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cedric Hurth
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Michael Krieg
- Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, Castelldefels, Spain.
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13
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Pozo-Morales M, Garteizgogeascoa I, Perazzolo C, So J, Shin D, Singh SP. In vivo imaging of calcium dynamics in zebrafish hepatocytes. Hepatology 2023; 77:789-801. [PMID: 35829917 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocytes were the first cell type for which oscillations of cytoplasmic calcium levels in response to hormones were described. Since then, investigation of calcium dynamics in liver explants and culture has greatly increased our understanding of calcium signaling. A bottleneck, however, exists in observing calcium dynamics in a noninvasive manner because of the optical inaccessibility of the mammalian liver. Here, we aimed to take advantage of the transparency of the zebrafish larvae to image hepatocyte calcium dynamics in vivo at cellular resolution. APPROACH AND RESULTS We developed a transgenic model expressing a calcium sensor, GCaMP6s, specifically in zebrafish hepatocytes. Using this, we provide a quantitative assessment of intracellular calcium dynamics during multiple contexts, including growth, feeding, ethanol-induced stress, and cell ablation. Specifically, we show that synchronized calcium oscillations are present in vivo , which are lost upon starvation. Starvation induces lipid accumulation in the liver. Feeding recommences calcium waves in the liver, but in a spatially restricted manner, as well as resolves starvation-induced hepatic steatosis. By using a genetically encoded scavenger for calcium, we show that dampening of calcium signaling accelerates the accumulation of starvation-related lipid droplets in the liver. Furthermore, ethanol treatment, as well as cell ablation, induces calcium flux, but with different dynamics. The former causes asynchronous calcium oscillations, whereas the latter leads to a single calcium spike. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the presence of oscillations, waves, and spikes in vivo . Calcium waves are present in response to nutrition and negatively regulate starvation-induced accumulation of lipid droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Pozo-Morales
- IRIBHM , Free University of Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Inés Garteizgogeascoa
- IRIBHM , Free University of Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Camille Perazzolo
- IRIBHM , Free University of Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology , McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine , Pittsburgh Liver Research Center , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology , McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine , Pittsburgh Liver Research Center , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Sumeet Pal Singh
- IRIBHM , Free University of Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Brussels , Belgium
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14
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An optimized bioluminescent substrate for non-invasive imaging in the brain. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:731-739. [PMID: 36759751 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01265-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) allows non-invasive visualization of cells and biochemical events in vivo and thus has become an indispensable technique in biomedical research. However, BLI in the central nervous system remains challenging because luciferases show relatively poor performance in the brain with existing substrates. Here, we report the discovery of a NanoLuc substrate with improved brain performance, cephalofurimazine (CFz). CFz paired with Antares luciferase produces greater than 20-fold more signal from the brain than the standard combination of D-luciferin with firefly luciferase. At standard doses, Antares-CFz matches AkaLuc-AkaLumine/TokeOni in brightness, while occasional higher dosing of CFz can be performed to obtain threefold more signal. CFz should allow the growing number of NanoLuc-based indicators to be applied to the brain with high sensitivity. Using CFz, we achieve video-rate non-invasive imaging of Antares in brains of freely moving mice and demonstrate non-invasive calcium imaging of sensory-evoked activity in genetically defined neurons.
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15
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Ago K, Nagoshi N, Imaizumi K, Kitagawa T, Kawai M, Kajikawa K, Shibata R, Kamata Y, Kojima K, Shinozaki M, Kondo T, Iwano S, Miyawaki A, Ohtsuka M, Bito H, Kobayashi K, Shibata S, Shindo T, Kohyama J, Matsumoto M, Nakamura M, Okano H. A non-invasive system to monitor in vivo neural graft activity after spinal cord injury. Commun Biol 2022; 5:803. [PMID: 35948599 PMCID: PMC9365819 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03736-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Expectations for neural stem/progenitor cell (NS/PC) transplantation as a treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) are increasing. However, whether and how grafted cells are incorporated into the host neural circuit and contribute to motor function recovery remain unknown. The aim of this project was to establish a novel non-invasive in vivo imaging system to visualize the activity of neural grafts by which we can simultaneously demonstrate the circuit-level integration between the graft and host and the contribution of graft neuronal activity to host behaviour. We introduced Akaluc, a newly engineered luciferase, under the control of enhanced synaptic activity-responsive element (E-SARE), a potent neuronal activity-dependent synthetic promoter, into NS/PCs and engrafted the cells into SCI model mice. Through the use of this system, we found that the activity of grafted cells was integrated with host behaviour and driven by host neural circuit inputs. This non-invasive system is expected to help elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of cell transplantation treatment for SCI. Visualisation of the activity of neural grafts using engineered luciferase provides insights into the integration between the graft and host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Ago
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Kent Imaizumi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kitagawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Momotaro Kawai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keita Kajikawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Reo Shibata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kamata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kota Kojima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shinozaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kondo
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Satoshi Iwano
- Laboratory for Cell Function and Dynamics, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyawaki
- Laboratory for Cell Function and Dynamics, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masanari Ohtsuka
- Laboratory for Molecular Analysis of Higher Brain Function, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Bito
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kenta Kobayashi
- Section of Viral Vector Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.,Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shindo
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jun Kohyama
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Morio Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
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16
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Tian X, Zhang Y, Li X, Xiong Y, Wu T, Ai HW. A luciferase prosubstrate and a red bioluminescent calcium indicator for imaging neuronal activity in mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3967. [PMID: 35803917 PMCID: PMC9270435 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Although fluorescent indicators have been broadly utilized for monitoring bioactivities, fluorescence imaging, when applied to mammals, is limited to superficial targets or requires invasive surgical procedures. Thus, there is emerging interest in developing bioluminescent indicators for noninvasive mammalian imaging. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) of neuronal activity is highly desired but hindered by insufficient photons needed to digitalize fast brain activities. In this work, we develop a luciferase prosubstrate deliverable at an increased dose and activated in vivo by nonspecific esterase. We further engineer a bright, bioluminescent indicator with robust responsiveness to calcium ions (Ca2+) and appreciable emission above 600 nm. Integration of these advantageous components enables the imaging of the activity of neuronal ensembles in awake mice minimally invasively with excellent signal-to-background and subsecond temporal resolution. This study thus establishes a paradigm for studying brain function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Tian
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Xinyu Li
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.411643.50000 0004 1761 0411Present Address: State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Tianchen Wu
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Hui-Wang Ai
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XThe UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
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17
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Dou WT, Han HH, Sedgwick AC, Zhu GB, Zang Y, Yang XR, Yoon J, James TD, Li J, He XP. Fluorescent probes for the detection of disease-associated biomarkers. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2022; 67:853-878. [PMID: 36546238 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent probes have emerged as indispensable chemical tools to the field of chemical biology and medicine. The ability to detect intracellular species and monitor physiological processes has not only advanced our knowledge in biology but has provided new approaches towards disease diagnosis. In this review, we detail the design criteria and strategies for some recently reported fluorescent probes that can detect a wide range of biologically important species in cells and in vivo. In doing so, we highlight the importance of each biological species and their role in biological systems and for disease progression. We then discuss the current problems and challenges of existing technologies and provide our perspective on the future directions of the research area. Overall, we hope this review will provide inspiration for researchers and prove as useful guide for the development of the next generation of fluorescent probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Tao Dou
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hai-Hao Han
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Adam C Sedgwick
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-1224, USA
| | - Guo-Biao Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yi Zang
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Juyoung Yoon
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tony D James
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Jia Li
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Xiao-Peng He
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
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18
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Mertes N, Busch M, Huppertz MC, Hacker CN, Wilhelm J, Gürth CM, Kühn S, Hiblot J, Koch B, Johnsson K. Fluorescent and Bioluminescent Calcium Indicators with Tuneable Colors and Affinities. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:6928-6935. [PMID: 35380808 PMCID: PMC9026248 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
We introduce a family
of bright, rhodamine-based calcium indicators
with tuneable affinities and colors. The indicators can be specifically
localized to different cellular compartments and are compatible with
both fluorescence and bioluminescence readouts through conjugation
to HaloTag fusion proteins. Importantly, their increase in fluorescence
upon localization enables no-wash live-cell imaging, which greatly
facilitates their use in biological assays. Applications as fluorescent
indicators in rat hippocampal neurons include the detection of single
action potentials and of calcium fluxes in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Applications as bioluminescent indicators include the recording of
the pharmacological modulation of nuclear calcium in high-throughput
compatible assays. The versatility and remarkable ease of use of these
indicators make them powerful tools for bioimaging and bioassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Mertes
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marvin Busch
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Magnus-Carsten Huppertz
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christina Nicole Hacker
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Wilhelm
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clara-Marie Gürth
- Department of Optical Nanoscopy, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kühn
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julien Hiblot
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Koch
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Johnsson
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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19
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Erdenee E, Ting AY. A Dual-Purpose Real-Time Indicator and Transcriptional Integrator for Calcium Detection in Living Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1086-1095. [PMID: 35254056 PMCID: PMC10395047 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Calcium is a ubiquitous second messenger in eukaryotes, correlated with neuronal activity and T-cell activation among other processes. Real-time calcium indicators such as GCaMP have recently been complemented by newer calcium integrators that convert transient calcium activity into stable gene expression. Here we introduce LuCID, a dual-purpose real-time calcium indicator and transcriptional calcium integrator that combines the benefits of both calcium detection technologies. We show that the calcium-dependent split luciferase component of LuCID provides a real-time bioluminescence readout of calcium dynamics in cells, while the GI/FKF1 split GAL4 component of LuCID converts calcium-generated bioluminescence into stable gene expression. We also show that LuCID's modular design enables it to read out other cellular events such as protein-protein interactions. LuCID adds to the arsenal of tools for studying cells and cell populations that utilize calcium for signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elbegduuren Erdenee
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alice Y. Ting
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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20
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Calabretta MM, Lopreside A, Montali L, Zangheri M, Evangelisti L, D'Elia M, Michelini E. Portable light detectors for bioluminescence biosensing applications: A comprehensive review from the analytical chemist's perspective. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1200:339583. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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21
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Yang J, Johnson CH. Bioluminescent Sensors for Ca ++ Flux Imaging and the Introduction of a New Intensity-Based Ca ++ Sensor. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:773353. [PMID: 34778237 PMCID: PMC8578923 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.773353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensitive detection of biological events is a goal for the design and characterization of sensors that can be used in vitro and in vivo. One important second messenger is Ca++ which has been a focus of using genetically encoded Ca++ indicators (GECIs) within living cells or intact organisms in vivo. An ideal GECI would exhibit high signal intensity, excellent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), rapid kinetics, a large dynamic range within relevant physiological conditions, and red-shifted emission. Most available GECIs are based on fluorescence, but bioluminescent GECIs have potential advantages in terms of avoiding tissue autofluorescence, phototoxicity, photobleaching, and spectral overlap, as well as enhancing SNR. Here, we summarize current progress in the development of bioluminescent GECIs and introduce a new and previously unpublished biosensor. Because these biosensors require a substrate, we also describe the pros and cons of various substrates used with these sensors. The novel GECI that is introduced here is called CalBiT, and it is a Ca++ indicator based on the functional complementation of NanoBiT which shows a high dynamic change in response to Ca++ fluxes. Here, we use CalBiT for the detection of Ca++ fluctuations in cultured cells, including its ability for real-time imaging in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Carl Hirschie Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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22
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Safaralizade M, Fuderer R, Grosse R, Zhao B. Measuring nuclear calcium and actin assembly in living cells. J Biochem 2021; 169:287-294. [PMID: 33479753 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear calcium signalling has emerged as a critical mechanism regulating processes like chromatin organization and gene expression. Recently, we have shown that nuclear calcium elevation triggers rapid and transient actin filament assembly inside the nucleus. Here, we constructed and employed a nuclear-specific calcium sensor based upon the new generation of genetically encoded probes jGCaMP7f. By fusing a nuclear localization signal to jGCaMP7f, we achieved highly efficient nuclear-specific targeting. Comparing the jGCaMP7f-NLS probe with the previous GCaMP6f-NLS calcium sensor showed clearly that jGCaMP7f-NLS is more sensitive and reverses significantly quicker thereby reflecting rapid nuclear calcium transients in a closely physiological manner. We further confirm that nuclear calcium transients precede nuclear actin polymerization by several seconds. Our data show that calcium-triggered nuclear actin assembly in fibroblasts is independent of the actin nucleating Arp2/3 complex. Together, jGCaMP7f-NLS represents an easy to use, reliable and highly sensitive nuclear calcium sensor that allows to tightly interrogate real-time, spatiotemporal calcium signalling and calcium-elicited effects in the nucleus of living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert Grosse
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine.,Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bing Zhao
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine.,Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
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23
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Rathbun CM, Ionkina AA, Yao Z, Jones KA, Porterfield WB, Prescher JA. Rapid Multicomponent Bioluminescence Imaging via Substrate Unmixing. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:682-690. [PMID: 33729750 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Studies of biological function demand probes that can report on processes in real time and in physiological environments. Bioluminescent tools are uniquely suited for this purpose, as they enable sensitive imaging in cells and tissues. Bioluminescent reporters can also be monitored continuously over time without detriment, as excitation light is not required. Rather, light emission derives from luciferase-luciferin reactions. Several engineered luciferases and luciferins have expanded the scope of bioluminescence imaging in recent years. Multicomponent tracking remains challenging, though, due to a lack of streamlined methods to visualize combinations of bioluminescent reporters. Conventional approaches image one luciferase at a time. Consequently, short-term changes in cell growth or gene expression cannot be easily captured. Here, we report a strategy for rapid, multiplexed imaging with a wide range of luciferases and luciferins. Sequential addition of orthogonal luciferins, followed by substrate unmixing, enabled facile detection of multiple luciferases in vitro and in vivo. Multicomponent imaging in mice was also achieved on the minutes-to-hours time scale.
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Functional Imaging Using Bioluminescent Reporter Genes in Living Subjects. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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25
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Kim CK, Sanchez MI, Hoerbelt P, Fenno LE, Malenka RC, Deisseroth K, Ting AY. A Molecular Calcium Integrator Reveals a Striatal Cell Type Driving Aversion. Cell 2020; 183:2003-2019.e16. [PMID: 33308478 PMCID: PMC9839359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The ability to record transient cellular events in the DNA or RNA of cells would enable precise, large-scale analysis, selection, and reprogramming of heterogeneous cell populations. Here, we report a molecular technology for stable genetic tagging of cells that exhibit activity-related increases in intracellular calcium concentration (FLiCRE). We used FLiCRE to transcriptionally label activated neural ensembles in the nucleus accumbens of the mouse brain during brief stimulation of aversive inputs. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we detected FLiCRE transcripts among the endogenous transcriptome, providing simultaneous readout of both cell-type and calcium activation history. We identified a cell type in the nucleus accumbens activated downstream of long-range excitatory projections. Taking advantage of FLiCRE's modular design, we expressed an optogenetic channel selectively in this cell type and showed that direct recruitment of this otherwise genetically inaccessible population elicits behavioral aversion. The specificity and minute resolution of FLiCRE enables molecularly informed characterization, manipulation, and reprogramming of activated cellular ensembles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina K. Kim
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Mateo I. Sanchez
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Paul Hoerbelt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lief E. Fenno
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Robert C. Malenka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Correspondence to: or
| | - Alice Y. Ting
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Lead contact:
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26
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Zhou X, Mehta S, Zhang J. Genetically Encodable Fluorescent and Bioluminescent Biosensors Light Up Signaling Networks. Trends Biochem Sci 2020; 45:889-905. [PMID: 32660810 PMCID: PMC7502535 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell signaling networks are intricately regulated in time and space to determine the responses and fates of cells to different cues. Genetically encodable fluorescent and bioluminescent biosensors enable the direct visualization of these spatiotemporal signaling dynamics within the native biological context, and have therefore become powerful molecular tools whose unique benefits are being used to address challenging biological questions. We first review the basis of biosensor design and remark on recent technologies that are accelerating biosensor development. We then discuss a few of the latest advances in the development and application of genetically encodable fluorescent and bioluminescent biosensors that have led to scientific or technological breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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27
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Love AC, Prescher JA. Seeing (and Using) the Light: Recent Developments in Bioluminescence Technology. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:904-920. [PMID: 32795417 PMCID: PMC7472846 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence has long been used to image biological processes in vivo. This technology features luciferase enzymes and luciferin small molecules that produce visible light. Bioluminescent photons can be detected in tissues and live organisms, enabling sensitive and noninvasive readouts on physiological function. Traditional applications have focused on tracking cells and gene expression patterns, but new probes are pushing the frontiers of what can be visualized. The past few years have also seen the merger of bioluminescence with optogenetic platforms. Luciferase-luciferin reactions can drive light-activatable proteins, ultimately triggering signal transduction and other downstream events. This review highlights these and other recent advances in bioluminescence technology, with an emphasis on tool development. We showcase how new luciferins and engineered luciferases are expanding the scope of optical imaging. We also highlight how bioluminescent systems are being leveraged not just for sensing-but also controlling-biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Love
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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28
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Su Y, Walker JR, Park Y, Smith TP, Liu LX, Hall MP, Labanieh L, Hurst R, Wang DC, Encell LP, Kim N, Zhang F, Kay MA, Casey KM, Majzner RG, Cochran JR, Mackall CL, Kirkland TA, Lin MZ. Novel NanoLuc substrates enable bright two-population bioluminescence imaging in animals. Nat Methods 2020; 17:852-860. [PMID: 32661427 PMCID: PMC10907227 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-020-0889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sensitive detection of two biological events in vivo has long been a goal in bioluminescence imaging. Antares, a fusion of the luciferase NanoLuc to the orange fluorescent protein CyOFP, has emerged as a bright bioluminescent reporter with orthogonal substrate specificity to firefly luciferase (FLuc) and its derivatives such as AkaLuc. However, the brightness of Antares in mice is limited by the poor solubility and bioavailability of the NanoLuc substrate furimazine. Here, we report a new substrate, hydrofurimazine, whose enhanced aqueous solubility allows delivery of higher doses to mice. In the liver, Antares with hydrofurimazine exhibited similar brightness to AkaLuc with its substrate AkaLumine. Further chemical exploration generated a second substrate, fluorofurimazine, with even higher brightness in vivo. We used Antares with fluorofurimazine to track tumor size and AkaLuc with AkaLumine to visualize CAR-T cells within the same mice, demonstrating the ability to perform two-population imaging with these two luciferase systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichi Su
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Yunhee Park
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Lan Xiang Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - David C Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Namdoo Kim
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Kongju National University, Gongju, South Korea
| | - Feijie Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Kay
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kerriann M Casey
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robbie G Majzner
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Crystal L Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael Z Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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29
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Andreoni A, Davis CM, Tian L. Measuring brain chemistry using genetically encoded fluorescent sensors. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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30
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French A, Tesmer AL, Tantama M. Dual-Mode FRET and BRET Sensors for Detecting cAMP Dynamics. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:15504-15511. [PMID: 31572851 PMCID: PMC6761615 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent and luminescent indicators have revolutionized our ability to monitor physiology in real time, but the separate development of new sensors for each of these imaging modalities involves substantial effort and resources. Methods to rapidly engineer multimodal sensors would, therefore, significantly accelerate the diversification of sensors for simultaneous use in different systems and applications. We hypothesized that the enhanced Nano-lanterns could be incorporated into modular ratiometric sensors as an efficient approach to creating dual-mode fluorescent-luminescent sensors. As a proof-of-concept, we engineered an Epac1-based sensor that responds to cyclic adenosine monophosphate binding with a greater than 80% change in both Förster Resonance Energy Transfer and bioluminescent resonance energy transfer (BRET) modes. We also demonstrate that our new sensor reports cellular changes in G-protein-coupled signaling, and that the ratiometric BRET mode is bright enough for subcutaneous measurements in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander
R. French
- Department
of Chemistry and Institute for Integrated Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Alexander L. Tesmer
- Department
of Chemistry and Institute for Integrated Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Mathew Tantama
- Department
of Chemistry and Institute for Integrated Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
- E-mail:
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31
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Abstract
Fluorescent probes that indicate biologically important quantities are widely used for many different types of biological experiments across life sciences. During recent years, limitations of small molecule-based indicators have been overcome by the development of genetically encoded indicators. Here we focus on fluorescent calcium and voltage indicators and point to their applications mainly in neurosciences.
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