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Kuchimaru T. Emerging Synthetic Bioluminescent Reactions for Non-Invasive Imaging of Freely Moving Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7338. [PMID: 39000448 PMCID: PMC11242611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is an indispensable technique for visualizing the dynamics of diverse biological processes in mammalian animal models, including cancer, viral infections, and immune responses. However, a critical scientific challenge remains: non-invasively visualizing homeostatic and disease mechanisms in freely moving animals to understand the molecular basis of exercises, social behavior, and other phenomena. Classical BLI relies on prolonged camera exposure to accumulate the limited number of photons that traveled from deep tissues in anesthetized or constrained animals. Recent advancements in synthetic bioluminescence reactions, utilizing artificial luciferin-luciferase pairs, have considerably increased the number of detectable photons from deep tissues, facilitating high-speed BLI to capture moving objects. In this review, I provide an overview of emerging synthetic bioluminescence reactions that enable the non-invasive imaging of freely moving animals. This approach holds the potential to uncover unique physiological processes that are inaccessible with current methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kuchimaru
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
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2
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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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3
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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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4
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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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Mazzocco C, Genevois C, Li Q, Doudnikoff E, Dutheil N, Leste-Lasserre T, Arotcarena ML, Bezard E. In vivo bioluminescence imaging of the intracerebral fibroin-controlled AAV-α-synuclein diffusion for monitoring the central nervous system and peripheral expression. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9710. [PMID: 38678103 PMCID: PMC11055870 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60613-6] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Among the several animal models of α-synucleinopathies, the well-known viral vector-mediated delivery of wild-type or mutated (A53T) α-synuclein requires new tools to increase the lesion in mice and follow up in vivo expression. To this end, we developed a bioluminescent expression reporter of the human A53T-α-synuclein gene using the NanoLuc system into an AAV2/9, embedded or not in a fibroin solution to stabilise its expression in space and time. We first verified the expression of the fused protein in vitro on transfected cells by bioluminescence and Western blotting. Next, two groups of C57Bl6Jr mice were unilaterally injected with the AAV-NanoLuc-human-A53T-α-synuclein above the substantia nigra combined (or not) with fibroin. We first show that the in vivo cerebral bioluminescence signal was more intense in the presence of fibroin. Using immunohistochemistry, we find that the human-A53T-α-synuclein protein is more restricted to the ipsilateral side with an overall greater magnitude of the lesion when fibroin was added. However, we also detected a bioluminescence signal in peripheral organs in both conditions, confirmed by the presence of viral DNA corresponding to the injected AAV in the liver using qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mazzocco
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Univ. de Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, CNRS, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Coralie Genevois
- VIVOPTIC-TBM-Core Univ Bordeaux, UAR 3427, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Qin Li
- Motac Neuroscience, Manchester, M15 6WE, UK
| | - Evelyne Doudnikoff
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Univ. de Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, CNRS, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nathalie Dutheil
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Univ. de Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, CNRS, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Marie-Laure Arotcarena
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Univ. de Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, CNRS, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Univ. de Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, CNRS, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
- Motac Neuroscience, Manchester, M15 6WE, UK.
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Björefeldt A, Murphy J, Crespo EL, Lambert GG, Prakash M, Ikefuama EC, Friedman N, Brown TM, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Hochgeschwender U, Shaner NC. Efficient opto- and chemogenetic control in a single molecule driven by FRET-modified bioluminescence. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:021005. [PMID: 38450294 PMCID: PMC10917299 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.021005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Significance Bioluminescent optogenetics (BL-OG) offers a unique and powerful approach to manipulate neural activity both opto- and chemogenetically using a single actuator molecule (a LuMinOpsin, LMO). Aim To further enhance the utility of BL-OG by improving the efficacy of chemogenetic (bioluminescence-driven) LMO activation. Approach We developed novel luciferases optimized for Förster resonance energy transfer when fused to the fluorescent protein mNeonGreen, generating bright bioluminescent (BL) emitters spectrally tuned to Volvox Channelrhodopsin 1 (VChR1). Results A new LMO generated from this approach (LMO7) showed significantly stronger BL-driven opsin activation compared to previous and other new variants. We extensively benchmarked LMO7 against LMO3 (current standard) and found significantly stronger neuronal activity modulation ex vivo and in vivo, and efficient modulation of behavior. Conclusions We report a robust new option for achieving multiple modes of control in a single actuator and a promising engineering strategy for continued improvement of BL-OG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Björefeldt
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
- University of Gothenburg, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jeremy Murphy
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Emmanuel L. Crespo
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Gerard G. Lambert
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Mansi Prakash
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Ebenezer C. Ikefuama
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Nina Friedman
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Tariq M. Brown
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Christopher I. Moore
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Nathan C. Shaner
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
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7
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Slaviero AN, Gorantla N, Simkins J, Crespo EL, Ikefuama EC, Tree MO, Prakash M, Björefeldt A, Barnett LM, Lambert GG, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Shaner NC, Hochgeschwender U. Engineering luminopsins with improved coupling efficiencies. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024208. [PMID: 38559366 PMCID: PMC10980360 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Significance Luminopsins (LMOs) are bioluminescent-optogenetic tools with a luciferase fused to an opsin that allow bimodal control of neurons by providing both optogenetic and chemogenetic access. Determining which design features contribute to the efficacy of LMOs will be beneficial for further improving LMOs for use in research. Aim We investigated the relative impact of luciferase brightness, opsin sensitivity, pairing of emission and absorption wavelength, and arrangement of moieties on the function of LMOs. Approach We quantified efficacy of LMOs through whole cell patch clamp recordings in HEK293 cells by determining coupling efficiency, the percentage of maximum LED induced photocurrent achieved with bioluminescent activation of an opsin. We confirmed key results by multielectrode array recordings in primary neurons. Results Luciferase brightness and opsin sensitivity had the most impact on the efficacy of LMOs, and N-terminal fusions of luciferases to opsins performed better than C-terminal and multi-terminal fusions. Precise paring of luciferase emission and opsin absorption spectra appeared to be less critical. Conclusions Whole cell patch clamp recordings allowed us to quantify the impact of different characteristics of LMOs on their function. Our results suggest that coupling brighter bioluminescent sources to more sensitive opsins will improve LMO function. As bioluminescent activation of opsins is most likely based on Förster resonance energy transfer, the most effective strategy for improving LMOs further will be molecular evolution of luciferase-fluorescent protein-opsin fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N. Slaviero
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Nipun Gorantla
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Jacob Simkins
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Emmanuel L. Crespo
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Ebenezer C. Ikefuama
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Maya O. Tree
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Mansi Prakash
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Andreas Björefeldt
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Lauren M. Barnett
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Gerard G. Lambert
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Christopher I. Moore
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Nathan C. Shaner
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
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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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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Ran C, Pu K. Molecularly generated light and its biomedical applications. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202314468. [PMID: 37955419 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314468] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Molecularly generated light, referred to here as "molecular light", mainly includes bioluminescence, chemiluminescence, and Cerenkov luminescence. Molecular light possesses unique dual features of being both a molecule and a source of light. Its molecular nature enables it to be delivered as molecules to regions deep within the body, overcoming the limitations of natural sunlight and physically generated light sources like lasers and LEDs. Simultaneously, its light properties make it valuable for applications such as imaging, photodynamic therapy, photo-oxidative therapy, and photobiomodulation. In this review article, we provide an updated overview of the diverse applications of molecular light and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of molecular light across various domains. Lastly, we present forward-looking perspectives on the potential of molecular light in the realms of molecular imaging, photobiological mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and photobiomodulation. While some of these perspectives may be considered bold and contentious, our intent is to inspire further innovations in the field of molecular light applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongzhao Ran
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 637459, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 308232, Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Klein MA, Lazarev S, Gervasi C, Cowan C, Machleidt T, Friedman Ohana R. Luciferase Calibrants Enable Absolute Quantitation of Bioluminescence Power. ACS MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AU 2023; 3:496-503. [PMID: 38145021 PMCID: PMC10740115 DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.3c00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence emitted from a luciferase-catalyzed oxidation of luciferin has been broadly utilized to report on biological events, predominantly through relative changes in the light output. Recent advances in protein engineering and synthetic chemistry have yielded bioluminescent systems with markedly improved brightness and bioavailability. These developments have enabled not only the detection of biological events at far lower expression levels but also new opportunities utilizing bioluminescence to power photochemistry in cells. Regardless of the application, bioluminescence analyses have leaned heavily on the use of luminometers to measure the light output of a system. Current luminometers report the light output of a sample in relative units, limiting the ability to compare data between instruments and preventing the absolute power of a bioluminescent system from being quantified. Luminescent solution calibrants comprising luciferases and their cognate luciferins that have been characterized for absolute light output would enable calibration of any given luminometer for absolute photon counting. To this end, we have built a custom light detection apparatus and used it alongside wavelength-matched LED light sources emitting at 450 and 561 nm to characterize the absolute power of a series of NanoLuc and firefly luciferase solutions, respectively. This approach revealed that these two common luciferases produce 3.72 × 10-18 and 7.25 × 10-20 watts/molecule, respectively. Components of these luminescent solution calibrants are commercially available and produce stable bioluminescent signals over 2-5 min, enabling any luminometer to be calibrated for power measurements of bioluminescence emitted by these two luciferases in units of watts or photons per second.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Klein
- Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Sergey Lazarev
- Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | - Charles Gervasi
- Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
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13
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Ito A, Matsuda N, Ukita Y, Okumura M, Chihara T. Akaluc/AkaLumine bioluminescence system enables highly sensitive, non-invasive and temporal monitoring of gene expression in Drosophila. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1270. [PMID: 38097812 PMCID: PMC10721803 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05628-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence generated by luciferase and luciferin has been extensively used in biological research. However, detecting signals from deep tissues in vivo poses a challenge to traditional methods. To overcome this, the Akaluc and AkaLumine bioluminescent systems were developed, resulting in improved signal detection. We evaluate the potential of Akaluc/AkaLumine in Drosophila melanogaster to establish a highly sensitive, non-invasive, and temporal detection method for gene expression. Our results show that oral administration of AkaLumine to flies expressing Akaluc provided a higher luminescence signal than Luc/D-luciferin, with no observed harmful effects on flies. The Akaluc/AkaLumine system allows for monitoring of dynamic temporal changes in gene expression. Additionally, using the Akaluc fusion gene allows for mRNA splicing monitoring. Our findings indicate that the Akaluc/AkaLumine system is a powerful bioluminescence tool for analyzing gene expression in deep tissues and small numbers of cells in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ito
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nagisa Matsuda
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yumiko Ukita
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Misako Okumura
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
- Program of Basic Biology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takahiro Chihara
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan.
- Program of Basic Biology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan.
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14
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Bjorefeldt A, Murphy J, Crespo EL, Lambert GG, Prakash M, Ikefuama EC, Friedman N, Brown TM, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Hochgeschwender U, Shaner NC. A New Highly Efficient Molecule for Both Optogenetic and Chemogenetic Control Driven by FRET Amplification of BioLuminescence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.26.545546. [PMID: 37425735 PMCID: PMC10327108 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.26.545546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Bioluminescent optogenetics (BL-OG) offers a unique and powerful approach to manipulate neural activity both opto- and chemogenetically using a single actuator molecule (a LuMinOpsin, LMO). AIM To further enhance the utility of BL-OG by improving the efficacy of chemogenetic (bioluminescence-driven) LMO activation. APPROACH We developed novel luciferases optimized for Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) when fused to the fluorescent protein mNeonGreen, generating bright bioluminescent (BL) emitters spectrally tuned to Volvox Channelrhodopsin 1 (VChR1). RESULTS A new LMO generated from this approach (LMO7) showed significantly stronger BL-driven opsin activation compared to previous and other new variants. We extensively benchmarked LMO7 against LMO3 (current standard), and found significantly stronger neuronal activity modulation ex vivo and in vivo, and efficient modulation of behavior. CONCLUSIONS We report a robust new option for achieving multiple modes of control in a single actuator, and a promising engineering strategy for continued improvement of BL-OG.
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15
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Jiang Z, Yang Z, Li W. Self-Luminous Probe with One-Step Energy Conversion from Bioluminescence to NIR-IIb. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2302089. [PMID: 37812813 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Self-luminous probes with near-infrared (NIR) emission are powerful tools for deep-penetration and autofluorescence-free imaging, owing to the joint optimization of both excitation and emission. However, the limited emission wavelength and requirement for multistep energy transfer limit its potency. In this study, the concept of direct wavelength conversion is established from visible light (vis) to NIR-IIb using an exquisitely designed sensitizer-activator ion pair. The manipulation of the doping hosts enables a pair of energy levels between the sensitizer and activator. Based on this a class of broadband vis-responsive nanocrystals with intense NIR-II emission is prepared. The stability and quantum yield (up to 7.4%) of the nanocrystals are further enhanced by ZnS passivation via coherent epitaxial growth. By coupling luciferase, the self-luminous probe can convert bioluminescence to NIR-IIb luminescence (>1500 nm) through a one-step energy transfer. A maximum penetrable thickness of 6 mm is achieved in the porcine tissue model. Collectively, the distinctive photon-conversion performance of this probe offers the prospect of high-resolution labeling of deep-seated lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Wanwan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
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16
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Slaviero A, Gorantla N, Simkins J, Crespo EL, Ikefuama EC, Tree MO, Prakash M, Björefeldt A, Barnett LM, Lambert GG, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Shaner NC, Hochgeschwender U. Engineering luminopsins with improved coupling efficiencies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.22.568342. [PMID: 38045286 PMCID: PMC10690276 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Significance Luminopsins (LMOs) are bioluminescent-optogenetic tools with a luciferase fused to an opsin that allow bimodal control of neurons by providing both optogenetic and chemogenetic access. Determining which design features contribute to the efficacy of LMOs will be beneficial for further improving LMOs for use in research. Aim We investigated the relative impact of luciferase brightness, opsin sensitivity, pairing of emission and absorption wavelength, and arrangement of moieties on the function of LMOs. Approach We quantified efficacy of LMOs through whole cell patch clamp recordings in HEK293 cells by determining coupling efficiency, the percentage of maximum LED induced photocurrent achieved with bioluminescent activation of an opsin. We confirmed key results by multielectrode array (MEAs) recordings in primary neurons. Results Luciferase brightness and opsin sensitivity had the most impact on the efficacy of LMOs, and N-terminal fusions of luciferases to opsins performed better than C-terminal and multi-terminal fusions. Precise paring of luciferase emission and opsin absorption spectra appeared to be less critical. Conclusions Whole cell patch clamp recordings allowed us to quantify the impact of different characteristics of LMOs on their function. Our results suggest that coupling brighter bioluminescent sources to more sensitive opsins will improve LMO function. As bioluminescent activation of opsins is most likely based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), the most effective strategy for improving LMOs further will be molecular evolution of luciferase-fluorescent protein-opsin fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Slaviero
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Nipun Gorantla
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Jacob Simkins
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Emmanuel L Crespo
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Ebenezer C Ikefuama
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Maya O Tree
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Mansi Prakash
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Andreas Björefeldt
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Lauren M Barnett
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Gerard G Lambert
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Christopher I Moore
- Brown University, Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Nathan C Shaner
- University of California San Diego, Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
- Central Michigan University, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
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17
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Jin Z, Lakshmanan A, Zhang R, Tran TA, Rabut C, Dutka P, Duan M, Hurt RC, Malounda D, Yao Y, Shapiro MG. Ultrasonic reporters of calcium for deep tissue imaging of cellular signals. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.09.566364. [PMID: 37986929 PMCID: PMC10659314 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.09.566364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Calcium imaging has enabled major biological discoveries. However, the scattering of light by tissue limits the use of standard fluorescent calcium indicators in living animals. To address this limitation, we introduce the first genetically encoded ultrasonic reporter of calcium (URoC). Based on a unique class of air-filled protein nanostructures called gas vesicles, we engineered URoC to produce elevated nonlinear ultrasound signal upon binding to calcium ions. With URoC expressed in mammalian cells, we demonstrate noninvasive ultrasound imaging of calcium signaling in vivo during drug-induced receptor activation. URoC brings the depth and resolution advantages of ultrasound to the in vivo imaging of dynamic cellular function and paves the way for acoustic biosensing of a broader variety of biological signals.
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18
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Inglut CT, Quinlan JA, Robey RW, Thomas JR, Walker JR, Zhou W, Huang HC, Gottesman MM. Identification of NanoLuciferase Substrates Transported by Human ABCB1 and ABCG2 and their Zebrafish Homologs at the Blood-Brain Barrier. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.20.563277. [PMID: 37986908 PMCID: PMC10659404 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.20.563277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters expressed at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) impede delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain, including agents to treat neurodegenerative diseases and primary and metastatic brain cancers. Two transporters, P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) and ABCG2, are highly expressed at the BBB and are responsible for the efflux of numerous clinically useful chemotherapeutic agents, including irinotecan, paclitaxel, and doxorubicin. Based on a previous mouse model, we have generated transgenic zebrafish in which expression of NanoLuciferase (NanoLuc) is controlled by the promoter of glial fibrillary acidic protein, leading to expression in zebrafish glia. To identify agents that disrupt the BBB, including inhibitors of ABCB1 and ABCG2, we identified NanoLuc substrates that are also transported by P-gp, ABCG2, and their zebrafish homologs. These substrates will elevate the amount of bioluminescent light produced in the transgenic zebrafish with BBB disruption. We transfected HEK293 cells with NanoLuc and either human ABCB1, ABCG2, or their zebrafish homologs Abcb4 or Abcg2a, respectively, and expressed at the zebrafish BBB. We evaluated the luminescence of ten NanoLuc substrates, then screened the eight brightest to determine which are most efficiently effluxed by the ABC transporters. We identified one substrate efficiently pumped out by ABCB1, two by Abcb4, six by ABCG2, and four by Abcg2a. These data will aid in the development of a transgenic zebrafish model of the BBB to identify novel BBB disruptors and should prove useful in the development of other animal models that use NanoLuc as a reporter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert W. Robey
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., H.-C.H.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., R.W.R, J.R.T, M.M.G.), Promega Corporation, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (J.R.W., W.Z.)
| | - Joanna R. Thomas
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., H.-C.H.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., R.W.R, J.R.T, M.M.G.), Promega Corporation, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (J.R.W., W.Z.)
| | - Joel R. Walker
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., H.-C.H.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., R.W.R, J.R.T, M.M.G.), Promega Corporation, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (J.R.W., W.Z.)
| | - Wenhui Zhou
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., H.-C.H.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., R.W.R, J.R.T, M.M.G.), Promega Corporation, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (J.R.W., W.Z.)
| | - Huang-Chiao Huang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., H.-C.H.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., R.W.R, J.R.T, M.M.G.), Promega Corporation, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (J.R.W., W.Z.)
| | - Michael M. Gottesman
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., H.-C.H.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892 (C.T.I., J.A.Q., R.W.R, J.R.T, M.M.G.), Promega Corporation, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (J.R.W., W.Z.)
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19
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Petersen ED, Lapan AP, Castellanos Franco EA, Fillion AJ, Crespo EL, Lambert GG, Grady CJ, Zanca AT, Orcutt R, Hochgeschwender U, Shaner NC, Gilad AA. Bioluminescent Genetically Encoded Glutamate Indicators for Molecular Imaging of Neuronal Activity. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2301-2309. [PMID: 37450884 PMCID: PMC10443529 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded optical sensors and advancements in microscopy instrumentation and techniques have revolutionized the scientific toolbox available for probing complex biological processes such as release of specific neurotransmitters. Most genetically encoded optical sensors currently used are based on fluorescence and have been highly successful tools for single-cell imaging in superficial brain regions. However, there remains a need to develop new tools for reporting neuronal activity in vivo within deeper structures without the need for hardware such as lenses or fibers to be implanted within the brain. Our approach to this problem is to replace the fluorescent elements of the existing biosensors with bioluminescent elements. This eliminates the need of external light sources to illuminate the sensor, thus allowing deeper brain regions to be imaged noninvasively. Here, we report the development of the first genetically encoded neurotransmitter indicators based on bioluminescent light emission. These probes were optimized by high-throughput screening of linker libraries. The selected probes exhibit robust changes in light output in response to the extracellular presence of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. We expect this new approach to neurotransmitter indicator design to enable the engineering of specific bioluminescent probes for multiple additional neurotransmitters in the future, ultimately allowing neuroscientists to monitor activity associated with a specific neurotransmitter as it relates to behavior in a variety of neuronal and psychiatric disorders, among many other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D. Petersen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- College
of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, United States
| | - Alexandra P. Lapan
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | | | - Adam J. Fillion
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Emmanuel L. Crespo
- College
of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, United States
| | - Gerard G. Lambert
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Connor J. Grady
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Albertina T. Zanca
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Richard Orcutt
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- College
of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, United States
| | - Nathan C. Shaner
- Department
of Neurosciences, University of California
San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Assaf A. Gilad
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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20
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Álvarez Freile J, Qi Y, Jacob L, Lobo MF, Lourens HJ, Huls G, Bremer E. A luminescence-based method to assess antigen presentation and antigen-specific T cell responses for in vitro screening of immunomodulatory checkpoints and therapeutics. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1233113. [PMID: 37559730 PMCID: PMC10407562 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1233113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigations into the strength of antigen-specific responses in vitro is becoming increasingly relevant for decision making in early-phase research of novel immunotherapeutic approaches, including adoptive cell but also immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapies. In the latter, antigen-specific rapid and high throughput tools to investigate MHC/antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) activation haven't been implemented yet. Here, we present a simple and rapid luminescence-based approach using the human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E711-20 peptide as model antigen and E7-TCR transgenic Jurkat.NFAT-luciferase reporter cells. Upon E7 peptide pulsing of HLA-A2+ cell lines and macrophages, an effector to target ratio dependent increase in luminescence compared to non-pulsed cells was observed after co-incubation with E7-TCR expressing Jurkat, but not with parental cells. Analogous experiments with cells expressing full-length HPV16 identified that E7-specific activation of Jurkat cells enabled detection of endogenous antigen processing and MHC-I presentation. As proof of concept, overexpression of established checkpoints/inhibitory molecules (e.g., PD-L1 or HLA-G) significantly reduced the E7-specific TCR-induced luminescence, an effect that could be restored after treatment with corresponding targeting antagonistic antibodies. Altogether, the luminescence-based method described here represents an alternative approach for the rapid evaluation of MHC-dependent antigen-specific T cell responses in vitro. It can be used as a rapid tool to evaluate the impact of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment or novel ICI in triggering effective T cell responses, as well as speeding up the development of novel therapeutics within the immune-oncology field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Edwin Bremer
- Department of Hematology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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21
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Wu Y, Walker JR, Westberg M, Ning L, Monje M, Kirkland TA, Lin MZ, Su Y. Kinase-Modulated Bioluminescent Indicators Enable Noninvasive Imaging of Drug Activity in the Brain. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:719-732. [PMID: 37122464 PMCID: PMC10141594 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant kinase activity contributes to the pathogenesis of brain cancers, neurodegeneration, and neuropsychiatric diseases, but identifying kinase inhibitors that function in the brain is challenging. Drug levels in blood do not predict efficacy in the brain because the blood-brain barrier prevents entry of most compounds. Rather, assessing kinase inhibition in the brain requires tissue dissection and biochemical analysis, a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. Here, we report kinase-modulated bioluminescent indicators (KiMBIs) for noninvasive longitudinal imaging of drug activity in the brain based on a recently optimized luciferase-luciferin system. We develop an ERK KiMBI to report inhibitors of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway, for which no bioluminescent indicators previously existed. ERK KiMBI discriminates between brain-penetrant and nonpenetrant MEK inhibitors, reveals blood-tumor barrier leakiness in xenograft models, and reports MEK inhibitor pharmacodynamics in native brain tissues and intracranial xenografts. Finally, we use ERK KiMBI to screen ERK inhibitors for brain efficacy, identifying temuterkib as a promising brain-active ERK inhibitor, a result not predicted from chemical characteristics alone. Thus, KiMBIs enable the rapid identification and pharmacodynamic characterization of kinase inhibitors suitable for treating brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Joel R. Walker
- Promega
Biosciences LLC, San Luis Obispo, California 93401, United States
| | - Michael Westberg
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Lin Ning
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department
of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Thomas A. Kirkland
- Promega
Biosciences LLC, San Luis Obispo, California 93401, United States
| | - Michael Z. Lin
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford
University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Yichi Su
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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22
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Ma Z, Li M. Engineered Bioluminescent Indicator Enables the Brain Imaging of Kinase Inhibitors. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:597-599. [PMID: 37122465 PMCID: PMC10141589 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
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