1
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Lockyer JL, Reading A, Vicenzi S, Zbela A, Viswanathan S, Delandre C, Newland JW, McMullen JPD, Marshall OJ, Gasperini R, Foa L, Lin JY. Selective optogenetic inhibition of Gα q or Gα i signaling by minimal RGS domains disrupts circuit functionality and circuit formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2411846121. [PMID: 39190348 PMCID: PMC11388284 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2411846121] [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: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques provide genetically targeted, spatially and temporally precise approaches to correlate cellular activities and physiological outcomes. In the nervous system, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have essential neuromodulatory functions through binding extracellular ligands to induce intracellular signaling cascades. In this work, we develop and validate an optogenetic tool that disrupts Gαq signaling through membrane recruitment of a minimal regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) domain. This approach, Photo-induced Gα Modulator-Inhibition of Gαq (PiGM-Iq), exhibited potent and selective inhibition of Gαq signaling. Using PiGM-Iq we alter the behavior of Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila with outcomes consistent with GPCR-Gαq disruption. PiGM-Iq changes axon guidance in cultured dorsal root ganglia neurons in response to serotonin. PiGM-Iq activation leads to developmental deficits in zebrafish embryos and larvae resulting in altered neuronal wiring and behavior. Furthermore, by altering the minimal RGS domain, we show that this approach is amenable to Gαi signaling. Our unique and robust optogenetic Gα inhibiting approaches complement existing neurobiological tools and can be used to investigate the functional effects neuromodulators that signal through GPCR and trimeric G proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayde L Lockyer
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Andrew Reading
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Silvia Vicenzi
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Agnieszka Zbela
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Saranya Viswanathan
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Caroline Delandre
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Jake W Newland
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - John P D McMullen
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Owen J Marshall
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Robert Gasperini
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
| | - Lisa Foa
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, TAS 7005, Australia
| | - John Y Lin
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
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2
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Inobe T, Sakaguchi R, Obita T, Mukaiyama A, Koike S, Yokoyama T, Mizuguchi M, Akiyama S. Structural insights into rapamycin-induced oligomerization of a FRB-FKBP fusion protein. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 39031920 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Inducible dimerization systems, such as rapamycin-induced dimerization of FK506 binding protein (FKBP) and FKBP-rapamycin binding (FRB) domain, are widely employed chemical biology tools to manipulate cellular functions. We previously advanced an inducible dimerization system into an inducible oligomerization system by developing a bivalent fusion protein, FRB-FKBP, which forms large oligomers upon rapamycin addition and can be used to manipulate cells. However, the oligomeric structure of FRB-FKBP remains unclear. Here, we report that FRB-FKBP forms a rotationally symmetric trimer in crystals, but a larger oligomer in solution, primarily tetramers and pentamers, which maintain similar inter-subunit contacts as in the crystal trimer. These findings expand the applications of the FRB-FKBP oligomerization system in diverse biological events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonao Inobe
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Japan
| | - Runa Sakaguchi
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Japan
| | - Takayuki Obita
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Japan
| | - Atushi Mukaiyama
- Research Center of Integrative Molecular Systems (CIMoS), Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Molecular Science Program, Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Seiichi Koike
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Japan
| | | | | | - Shuji Akiyama
- Research Center of Integrative Molecular Systems (CIMoS), Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Molecular Science Program, Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan
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3
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Avila Y, Rebolledo LP, Skelly E, de Freitas Saito R, Wei H, Lilley D, Stanley RE, Hou YM, Yang H, Sztuba-Solinska J, Chen SJ, Dokholyan NV, Tan C, Li SK, He X, Zhang X, Miles W, Franco E, Binzel DW, Guo P, Afonin KA. Cracking the Code: Enhancing Molecular Tools for Progress in Nanobiotechnology. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:3587-3604. [PMID: 38833534 PMCID: PMC11190997 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Nature continually refines its processes for optimal efficiency, especially within biological systems. This article explores the collaborative efforts of researchers worldwide, aiming to mimic nature's efficiency by developing smarter and more effective nanoscale technologies and biomaterials. Recent advancements highlight progress and prospects in leveraging engineered nucleic acids and proteins for specific tasks, drawing inspiration from natural functions. The focus is developing improved methods for characterizing, understanding, and reprogramming these materials to perform user-defined functions, including personalized therapeutics, targeted drug delivery approaches, engineered scaffolds, and reconfigurable nanodevices. Contributions from academia, government agencies, biotech, and medical settings offer diverse perspectives, promising a comprehensive approach to broad nanobiotechnology objectives. Encompassing topics from mRNA vaccine design to programmable protein-based nanocomputing agents, this work provides insightful perspectives on the trajectory of nanobiotechnology toward a future of enhanced biomimicry and technological innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelixza
I. Avila
- Nanoscale
Science Program, Department of Chemistry
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Laura P. Rebolledo
- Nanoscale
Science Program, Department of Chemistry
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Elizabeth Skelly
- Nanoscale
Science Program, Department of Chemistry
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Renata de Freitas Saito
- Comprehensive
Center for Precision Oncology, Centro de Investigação
Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Departamento
de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de
São Paulo and Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São
Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Hui Wei
- College
of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing
University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
| | - David Lilley
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Robin E. Stanley
- Signal
Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Ya-Ming Hou
- Thomas
Jefferson
University, Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology, 233 South 10th Street, BLSB 220 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
| | - Haoyun Yang
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio
State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Joanna Sztuba-Solinska
- Vaccine
Research and Development, Early Bioprocess Development, Pfizer Inc., 401 N Middletown Road, Pearl
River, New York 10965, United States
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of
Data Sciences and Informatics, University
of Missouri at Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Departments
of Pharmacology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Penn State College of Medicine; Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
- Departments
of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Cheemeng Tan
- University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - S. Kevin Li
- Division
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L Winkle
College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Xiaoming He
- Fischell
Department of Bioengineering, University
of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- Department
of Cancer Biology, Breast Cancer Research Program, and University
of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Wayne Miles
- Department
of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio
State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Elisa Franco
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024, United States
| | - Daniel W. Binzel
- Center
for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine; College of Pharmacy, James
Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center
for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine; College of Pharmacy, James
Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Dorothy
M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale
Science Program, Department of Chemistry
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
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4
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Bae J, Kim J, Choi J, Lee H, Koh M. Split Proteins and Reassembly Modules for Biological Applications. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400123. [PMID: 38530024 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400123] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Split systems, modular entities enabling controlled biological processes, have become instrumental in biological research. This review highlights their utility across applications like gene regulation, protein interaction identification, and biosensor development. Covering significant progress over the last decade, it revisits traditional split proteins such as GFP, luciferase, and inteins, and explores advancements in technologies like Cas proteins and base editors. We also examine reassembly modules and their applications in diverse fields, from gene regulation to therapeutic innovation. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on the recent evolution of split systems in biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Bae
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghoon Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Integrative Institute of Basic Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongdoo Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwiyeong Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseob Koh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
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5
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Teixeira AP, Fussenegger M. Synthetic Gene Circuits for Regulation of Next-Generation Cell-Based Therapeutics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309088. [PMID: 38126677 PMCID: PMC10885662 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Arming human cells with synthetic gene circuits enables to expand their capacity to execute superior sensing and response actions, offering tremendous potential for innovative cellular therapeutics. This can be achieved by assembling components from an ever-expanding molecular toolkit, incorporating switches based on transcriptional, translational, or post-translational control mechanisms. This review provides examples from the three classes of switches, and discusses their advantages and limitations to regulate the activity of therapeutic cells in vivo. Genetic switches designed to recognize internal disease-associated signals often encode intricate actuation programs that orchestrate a reduction in the sensed signal, establishing a closed-loop architecture. Conversely, switches engineered to detect external molecular or physical cues operate in an open-loop fashion, switching on or off upon signal exposure. The integration of such synthetic gene circuits into the next generation of chimeric antigen receptor T-cells is already enabling precise calibration of immune responses in terms of magnitude and timing, thereby improving the potency and safety of therapeutic cells. Furthermore, pre-clinical engineered cells targeting other chronic diseases are gathering increasing attention, and this review discusses the path forward for achieving clinical success. With synthetic biology at the forefront, cellular therapeutics holds great promise for groundbreaking treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Teixeira
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
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6
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Franko N, da Silva Santinha AJ, Xue S, Zhao H, Charpin-El Hamri G, Platt RJ, Teixeira AP, Fussenegger M. Integrated compact regulators of protein activity enable control of signaling pathways and genome-editing in vivo. Cell Discov 2024; 10:9. [PMID: 38263404 PMCID: PMC10805712 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00632-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral proteases and clinically safe inhibitors were employed to build integrated compact regulators of protein activity (iCROP) for post-translational regulation of functional proteins by tunable proteolytic activity. In the absence of inhibitor, the co-localized/fused protease cleaves a target peptide sequence introduced in an exposed loop of the protein of interest, irreversibly fragmenting the protein structure and destroying its functionality. We selected three proteases and demonstrated the versatility of the iCROP framework by validating it to regulate the functional activity of ten different proteins. iCROP switches can be delivered either as mRNA or DNA, and provide rapid actuation kinetics with large induction ratios, while remaining strongly suppressed in the off state without inhibitor. iCROPs for effectors of the NF-κB and NFAT signaling pathways were assembled and confirmed to enable precise activation/inhibition of downstream events in response to protease inhibitors. In lipopolysaccharide-treated mice, iCROP-sr-IκBα suppressed cytokine release ("cytokine storm") by rescuing the activity of IκBα, which suppresses NF-κB signaling. We also constructed compact inducible CRISPR-(d)Cas9 variants and showed that iCROP-Cas9-mediated knockout of the PCSK9 gene in the liver lowered blood LDL-cholesterol levels in mice. iCROP-based protein switches will facilitate protein-level regulation in basic research and translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nik Franko
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Shuai Xue
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Haijie Zhao
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ghislaine Charpin-El Hamri
- Département Génie Biologique, Institut Universitaire de Technologie, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, Cedex, France
| | | | - Ana Palma Teixeira
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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7
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Kikuchi M, Takase S, Konuma T, Noritsugu K, Sekine S, Ikegami T, Ito A, Umehara T. GAS41 promotes H2A.Z deposition through recognition of the N terminus of histone H3 by the YEATS domain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304103120. [PMID: 37844223 PMCID: PMC10614846 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304103120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma amplified sequence 41 (GAS41), which has the Yaf9, ENL, AF9, Taf14, and Sas5 (YEATS) domain that recognizes lysine acetylation (Kac), regulates gene expression as a subunit of the SRCAP (SNF2-related CREBBP activator protein) complex that deposits histone H2A.Z at promoters in eukaryotes. The YEATS domains of the proteins AF9 and ENL recognize Kac by hydrogen bonding the aromatic cage to arginine situated just before K9ac or K27ac in the N-terminal tail of histone H3. Curiously, the YEATS domain of GAS41 binds most preferentially to the sequence that contains K14ac of H3 (H3K14ac) but lacks the corresponding arginine. Here, we biochemically and structurally elucidated the molecular mechanism by which GAS41 recognizes H3K14ac. First, stable binding of the GAS41 YEATS domain to H3K14ac required the N terminus of H3 (H3NT). Second, we revealed a pocket in the GAS41 YEATS domain responsible for the H3NT binding by crystallographic and NMR analyses. This pocket is away from the aromatic cage that recognizes Kac and is unique to GAS41 among the YEATS family. Finally, we showed that E109 of GAS41, a residue essential for the formation of the H3NT-binding pocket, was crucial for chromatin occupancy of H2A.Z and GAS41 at H2A.Z-enriched promoter regions. These data suggest that binding of GAS41 to H3NT via its YEATS domain is essential for its intracellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Kikuchi
- Laboratory for Epigenetics Drug Discovery, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama230-0045, Japan
| | - Shohei Takase
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo192-0392, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Konuma
- Structural Epigenetics Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama230-0045, Japan
| | - Kota Noritsugu
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo192-0392, Japan
| | - Saaya Sekine
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo192-0392, Japan
| | - Takahisa Ikegami
- Structural Epigenetics Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama230-0045, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ito
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo192-0392, Japan
| | - Takashi Umehara
- Laboratory for Epigenetics Drug Discovery, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama230-0045, Japan
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8
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Bottone S, Joliot O, Cakil ZV, El Hajji L, Rakotoarison LM, Boncompain G, Perez F, Gautier A. A fluorogenic chemically induced dimerization technology for controlling, imaging and sensing protein proximity. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1553-1562. [PMID: 37640938 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Molecular tools enabling the control and observation of the proximity of proteins are essential for studying the functional role of physical distance between two proteins. Here we present CATCHFIRE (chemically assisted tethering of chimera by fluorogenic-induced recognition), a chemically induced proximity technology with intrinsic fluorescence imaging and sensing capabilities. CATCHFIRE relies on genetic fusion to small dimerizing domains that interact upon addition of fluorogenic inducers of proximity that fluoresce upon formation of the ternary assembly, allowing real-time monitoring of the chemically induced proximity. CATCHFIRE is rapid and fully reversible and allows the control and tracking of protein localization, protein trafficking, organelle transport and cellular processes, opening new avenues for studying or controlling biological processes with high spatiotemporal resolution. Its fluorogenic nature allows the design of a new class of biosensors for the study of processes such as signal transduction and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bottone
- Sorbonne Université, École Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Paris, France
| | | | - Zeyneb Vildan Cakil
- Sorbonne Université, École Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Paris, France
| | - Lina El Hajji
- Sorbonne Université, École Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Paris, France
| | - Louise-Marie Rakotoarison
- Sorbonne Université, École Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Arnaud Gautier
- Sorbonne Université, École Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Paris, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
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9
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Prindle JR, de Cuba OIC, Gahlmann A. Single-molecule tracking to determine the abundances and stoichiometries of freely-diffusing protein complexes in living cells: Past applications and future prospects. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:071002. [PMID: 37589409 PMCID: PMC10908566 DOI: 10.1063/5.0155638] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Most biological processes in living cells rely on interactions between proteins. Live-cell compatible approaches that can quantify to what extent a given protein participates in homo- and hetero-oligomeric complexes of different size and subunit composition are therefore critical to advance our understanding of how cellular physiology is governed by these molecular interactions. Biomolecular complex formation changes the diffusion coefficient of constituent proteins, and these changes can be measured using fluorescence microscopy-based approaches, such as single-molecule tracking, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. In this review, we focus on the use of single-molecule tracking to identify, resolve, and quantify the presence of freely-diffusing proteins and protein complexes in living cells. We compare and contrast different data analysis methods that are currently employed in the field and discuss experimental designs that can aid the interpretation of the obtained results. Comparisons of diffusion rates for different proteins and protein complexes in intracellular aqueous environments reported in the recent literature reveal a clear and systematic deviation from the Stokes-Einstein diffusion theory. While a complete and quantitative theoretical explanation of why such deviations manifest is missing, the available data suggest the possibility of weighing freely-diffusing proteins and protein complexes in living cells by measuring their diffusion coefficients. Mapping individual diffusive states to protein complexes of defined molecular weight, subunit stoichiometry, and structure promises to provide key new insights into how protein-protein interactions regulate protein conformational, translational, and rotational dynamics, and ultimately protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Robert Prindle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Olivia Isabella Christiane de Cuba
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA
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10
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Lainšček D, Golob-Urbanc A, Mikolič V, Pantović-Žalig J, Malenšek Š, Jerala R. Regulation of CD19 CAR-T cell activation based on an engineered downstream transcription factor. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 29:77-90. [PMID: 37223115 PMCID: PMC10200817 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cells present a highly effective therapeutic option for several malignant diseases, based on their ability to recognize the selected tumor surface marker in an MHC-independent manner. This triggers cell activation and cytokine production, resulting in the killing of the cancerous cell presenting markers recognized by the chimeric antigen receptor. CAR-T cells are highly potent serial killers that may cause serious side effects, so their activity needs to be carefully controlled. Here we designed a system to control the proliferation and activation state of CARs based on downstream NFAT transcription factors, whose activity can be regulated via chemically induced heterodimerization systems. Chemical regulators were used to either transiently trigger engineered T cell proliferation or suppress CAR-mediated activation when desired or to enhance activation of CAR-T cells upon engagement of cancer cells, shown also in vivo. Additionally, an efficient sensor to monitor activated CD19 CAR-T cells in vivo was introduced. This implementation in CAR-T cell regulation offers an efficient way for on-demand external control of CAR-T cell activity to improve their safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duško Lainšček
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Trg Osvobodilne fronte 13, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Anja Golob-Urbanc
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Veronika Mikolič
- Department of Hematology, Division of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Jelica Pantović-Žalig
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Špela Malenšek
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Trg Osvobodilne fronte 13, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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11
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Lockyer J, Reading A, Vicenzi S, Delandre C, Marshall O, Gasperini R, Foa L, Lin JY. Optogenetic inhibition of Gα signalling alters and regulates circuit functionality and early circuit formation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.06.539674. [PMID: 37214843 PMCID: PMC10197587 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.06.539674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques provide genetically targeted, spatially and temporally precise approaches to correlate cellular activities and physiological outcomes. In the nervous system, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have essential neuromodulatory functions through binding extracellular ligands to induce intracellular signaling cascades. In this work, we develop and validate a new optogenetic tool that disrupt Gαq signaling through membrane recruitment of a minimal Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) domain. This approach, Photo-induced Modulation of Gα protein - Inhibition of Gαq (PiGM-Iq), exhibited potent and selective inhibition of Gαq signaling. We alter the behavior of C. elegans and Drosophila with outcomes consistent with GPCR-Gαq disruption. PiGM-Iq also changes axon guidance in culture dorsal root ganglia neurons in response to serotonin. PiGM-Iq activation leads to developmental deficits in zebrafish embryos and larvae resulting in altered neuronal wiring and behavior. By altering the choice of minimal RGS domain, we also show that this approach is amenable to Gαi signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayde Lockyer
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Andrew Reading
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Silvia Vicenzi
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
- Current affiliation, Moores Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Caroline Delandre
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Owen Marshall
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Robert Gasperini
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Lisa Foa
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - John Y. Lin
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
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12
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Sittewelle M, Ferrandiz N, Fesenko M, Royle SJ. Genetically encoded imaging tools for investigating cell dynamics at a glance. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260783. [PMID: 37039102 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The biology of a cell is the sum of many highly dynamic processes, each orchestrated by a plethora of proteins and other molecules. Microscopy is an invaluable approach to spatially and temporally dissect the molecular details of these processes. Hundreds of genetically encoded imaging tools have been developed that allow cell scientists to determine the function of a protein of interest in the context of these dynamic processes. Broadly, these tools fall into three strategies: observation, inhibition and activation. Using examples for each strategy, in this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we provide a guide to using these tools to dissect protein function in a given cellular process. Our focus here is on tools that allow rapid modification of proteins of interest and how observing the resulting changes in cell states is key to unlocking dynamic cell processes. The aim is to inspire the reader's next set of imaging experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Méghane Sittewelle
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Nuria Ferrandiz
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Mary Fesenko
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Stephen J Royle
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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13
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Nakatsu F, Tsukiji S. Chemo- and opto-genetic tools for dissecting the role of membrane contact sites in living cells: Recent advances and limitations. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 73:102262. [PMID: 36731242 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Membrane contact sites (MCSs) are morphologically defined intracellular structures where cellular membranes are closely apposed. Recent progress has significantly advanced our understanding of MCSs with the use of new tools and techniques. Visualization of MCSs in living cells by split fluorescence proteins or FRET-based techniques tells us the dynamic property of MCSs. Manipulation of MCSs by chemically-induced dimerization (CID) or light-induced dimerization (LID) greatly contributes to our understanding of their functional aspects including inter-organelle lipid transport mediated by lipid transfer proteins (LTPs). Here we highlight recent advances in these tools and techniques as applied to MCSs, and we discuss their advantages and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fubito Nakatsu
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Niigata University School of Medicine and Graduate School of Medical/Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Shinya Tsukiji
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan; Department of Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
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14
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Sun X, Zhou C, Xia S, Chen X. Small molecule-nanobody conjugate induced proximity controls intracellular processes and modulates endogenous unligandable targets. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1635. [PMID: 36964170 PMCID: PMC10039045 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37237-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemically induced proximity (CIP) is a powerful tool to study cellular functions. However with current CIP inducers it is difficult to directly modulate unligandable and endogenous targets, and therapeutic translational potential is also restricted. Herein, we combine CIP and chemical nanobody engineering and create cell-permeable small molecule-nanobody conjugate inducers of proximity (SNACIPs). The SNACIP inducer cRGT carrying a cyclic cell-penetrating peptide rapidly enters live cells and dimerizes eDHFR and GFP-variants. cRGT enables minute-scale, reversible, no-wash and dose-dependent control of cellular processes including signaling cascade, cargo transport and ferroptosis. Small-molecule motifs can also be installed via post-translational modifications. Therefore, latent-type SNACIPs including cRTC are designed that are functionally assembled inside living cells. cRTC contains a nanobody against an intrinsically disordered protein TPX2, a microtubule nucleation factor overexpressed in various cancers. Cancer cell proliferation is inhibited and tumor growth is suppressed in vivo. Hence, SNACIPs are valuable proximity inducers for regulating cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Sun
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, PR China
- School of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Chengjian Zhou
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, PR China
- School of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Simin Xia
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Xi Chen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, PR China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin, 150001, PR China.
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15
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Chemically inducible split protein regulators for mammalian cells. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:64-71. [PMID: 36163385 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chemically inducible systems represent valuable synthetic biology tools that enable the external control of biological processes. However, their translation to therapeutic applications has been limited because of unfavorable ligand characteristics or the immunogenicity of xenogeneic protein domains. To address these issues, we present a strategy for engineering inducible split protein regulators (INSPIRE) in which ligand-binding proteins of human origin are split into two fragments that reassemble in the presence of a cognate physiological ligand or clinically approved drug. We show that the INSPIRE platform can be used for dynamic, orthogonal and multiplex control of gene expression in mammalian cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate the functionality of a glucocorticoid-responsive INSPIRE platform in vivo and apply it for perturbing an endogenous regulatory network. INSPIRE presents a generalizable approach toward designing small-molecule responsive systems that can be implemented for the construction of new sensors, regulatory networks and therapeutic applications.
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16
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Shen J, Geng L, Li X, Emery C, Kroning K, Shingles G, Lee K, Heyden M, Li P, Wang W. A general method for chemogenetic control of peptide function. Nat Methods 2023; 20:112-122. [PMID: 36481965 PMCID: PMC10069916 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01697-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Natural or engineered peptides serve important biological functions. A general approach to achieve chemical-dependent activation of short peptides will be valuable for spatial and temporal control of cellular processes. Here we present a pair of chemically activated protein domains (CAPs) for controlling the accessibility of both the N- and C-terminal portion of a peptide. CAPs were developed through directed evolution of an FK506-binding protein. By fusing a peptide to one or both CAPs, the function of the peptide is blocked until a small molecule displaces them from the FK506-binding protein ligand-binding site. We demonstrate that CAPs are generally applicable to a range of short peptides, including a protease cleavage site, a dimerization-inducing heptapeptide, a nuclear localization signal peptide, and an opioid peptide, with a chemical dependence up to 156-fold. We show that the CAPs system can be utilized in cell cultures and multiple organs in living animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Shen
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lequn Geng
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xingyu Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Catherine Emery
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kayla Kroning
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Shingles
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kerry Lee
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthias Heyden
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Peng Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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17
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Siddiqui M, Tous C, Wong WW. Small molecule-inducible gene regulatory systems in mammalian cells: progress and design principles. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 78:102823. [PMID: 36332343 PMCID: PMC9951109 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule-inducible gene circuits are some of the most important tools in biology because they provide a convenient way to exert precise regulation of biological systems. These systems typically are designed to govern gene activation, repression, or disruption at multiple levels, such as through genome modification, transcription, translation, or post-translational regulation of protein activity. Due to their importance, many new systems have been created in the past few years to address different needs or afford orthogonality. They can be broadly characterized based on the inducer used, the mode of regulation, and the effector protein enabling the regulation. Furthermore, each synthetic circuit has varying performance metrics and design considerations. Here, we provide a concise comparison of recently developed tools and recommend standardized metrics for evaluating their performance and potential as biological interrogators or therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menna Siddiqui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Cristina Tous
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Wilson W Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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18
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Schmitt DL, Mehta S, Zhang J. Study of spatiotemporal regulation of kinase signaling using genetically encodable molecular tools. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 71:102224. [PMID: 36347198 PMCID: PMC10031819 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102224] [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: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Precise spatiotemporal organization and regulation of signal transduction networks are essential for cellular response to internal and external cues. To understand how this biochemical activity architecture impacts cellular function, many genetically encodable tools which regulate kinase activity at a subcellular level have been developed. In this review, we highlight various types of genetically encodable molecular tools, including tools to regulate endogenous kinase activity and biorthogonal techniques to perturb kinase activity. Finally, we emphasize the use of these tools alongside biosensors for kinase activity to measure and perturb kinase activity in real time for a better understanding of the cellular biochemical activity architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Schmitt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, USA.
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19
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Proteomic mapping and optogenetic manipulation of membrane contact sites. Biochem J 2022; 479:1857-1875. [PMID: 36111979 PMCID: PMC9555801 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Membrane contact sites (MCSs) mediate crucial physiological processes in eukaryotic cells, including ion signaling, lipid metabolism, and autophagy. Dysregulation of MCSs is closely related to various diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers. Visualization, proteomic mapping and manipulation of MCSs may help the dissection of the physiology and pathology MCSs. Recent technical advances have enabled better understanding of the dynamics and functions of MCSs. Here we present a summary of currently known functions of MCSs, with a focus on optical approaches to visualize and manipulate MCSs, as well as proteomic mapping within MCSs.
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20
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Kretschmer S, Kortemme T. Advances in the Computational Design of Small-Molecule-Controlled Protein-Based Circuits for Synthetic Biology. PROCEEDINGS OF THE IEEE. INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS 2022; 110:659-674. [PMID: 36531560 PMCID: PMC9754107 DOI: 10.1109/jproc.2022.3157898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology approaches living systems with an engineering perspective and promises to deliver solutions to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. A critical component is the design of biomolecular circuits with programmable input-output behaviors. Such circuits typically rely on a sensor module that recognizes molecular inputs, which is coupled to a functional output via protein-level circuits or regulating the expression of a target gene. While gene expression outputs can be customized relatively easily by exchanging the target genes, sensing new inputs is a major limitation. There is a limited repertoire of sensors found in nature, and there are often difficulties with interfacing them with engineered circuits. Computational protein design could be a key enabling technology to address these challenges, as it allows for the engineering of modular and tunable sensors that can be tailored to the circuit's application. In this article, we review recent computational approaches to design protein-based sensors for small-molecule inputs with particular focus on those based on the widely used Rosetta software suite. Furthermore, we review mechanisms that have been harnessed to couple ligand inputs to functional outputs. Based on recent literature, we illustrate how the combination of protein design and synthetic biology enables new sensors for diverse applications ranging from biomedicine to metabolic engineering. We conclude with a perspective on how strategies to address frontiers in protein design and cellular circuit design may enable the next generation of sense-response networks, which may increasingly be assembled from de novo components to display diverse and engineerable input-output behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kretschmer
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA, and affiliated with the California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Tanja Kortemme
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA, and affiliated with the California Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
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21
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Miura Y, Senoo A, Doura T, Kiyonaka S. Chemogenetics of cell surface receptors: beyond genetic and pharmacological approaches. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:269-287. [PMID: 35359495 PMCID: PMC8905536 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00195g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell surface receptors transmit extracellular information into cells. Spatiotemporal regulation of receptor signaling is crucial for cellular functions, and dysregulation of signaling causes various diseases. Thus, it is highly desired to control receptor functions with high spatial and/or temporal resolution. Conventionally, genetic engineering or chemical ligands have been used to control receptor functions in cells. As the alternative, chemogenetics has been proposed, in which target proteins are genetically engineered to interact with a designed chemical partner with high selectivity. The engineered receptor dissects the function of one receptor member among a highly homologous receptor family in a cell-specific manner. Notably, some chemogenetic strategies have been used to reveal the receptor signaling of target cells in living animals. In this review, we summarize the developing chemogenetic methods of transmembrane receptors for cell-specific regulation of receptor signaling. We also discuss the prospects of chemogenetics for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Miura
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-8603 Japan
| | - Akinobu Senoo
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-8603 Japan
| | - Tomohiro Doura
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-8603 Japan
| | - Shigeki Kiyonaka
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University Nagoya 464-8603 Japan
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22
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Kawashima K, Hirota-Tsukimachi M, Toma T, Koga R, Iwamaru K, Kanemaru Y, Yanae M, Ahagon A, Nakamura Y, Anraku K, Tateishi H, Gohda J, Inoue JI, Otsuka M, Fujita M. Development of chimeric receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B with glutathione S-transferase in the extracellular domain: Artificial switch in a membrane receptor. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 99:573-584. [PMID: 34882966 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Various chimeric receptors have been developed and used for biological experiments. In the present study, we constructed three types of chimeric receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK) with the glutathione S-transferase (GST) protein in the extracellular domain, and stimulated them using newly synthesized chemical trimerizers with three glutathiones. Although this stimulation did not activate these proteins, we unexpectedly found that the chimera named RANK-GST-SC, in which GST replaced a major part of the RANK extracellular domain, activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling approximately sixfold more strongly than wild-type RANK without the ligand. The dimerization of extracellular GST is considered to function as a switch outside the cell, and signal transduction then occurs. GST has been widely employed as a tag for protein purification; GST-fusion protein can be conveniently captured by glutathione-conjugated beads and easily purified from impurity. The present study is a pioneering example of the novel utility of GST and provides information for the development of new chemical biology systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Kawashima
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mayuko Hirota-Tsukimachi
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tsugumasa Toma
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ryoko Koga
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kana Iwamaru
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kanemaru
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Misato Yanae
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ami Ahagon
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yurine Nakamura
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kensaku Anraku
- Department of Medical Technology, Kumamoto Health Science University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tateishi
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Jin Gohda
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Inoue
- Research Platform Office, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masami Otsuka
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Science Farm Ltd., Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mikako Fujita
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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23
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Vishweshwaraiah YL, Chen J, Chirasani VR, Tabdanov ED, Dokholyan NV. Two-input protein logic gate for computation in living cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6615. [PMID: 34785644 PMCID: PMC8595391 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26937-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in protein design have brought us within reach of developing a nanoscale programming language, in which molecules serve as operands and their conformational states function as logic gates with precise input and output behaviors. Combining these nanoscale computing agents into larger molecules and molecular complexes will allow us to write and execute "code". Here, in an important step toward this goal, we report an engineered, single protein design that is allosterically regulated to function as a 'two-input logic OR gate'. Our system is based on chemo- and optogenetic regulation of focal adhesion kinase. In the engineered FAK, all of FAK domain architecture is retained and key intramolecular interactions between the kinase and the FERM domains are externally controlled through a rapamycin-inducible uniRapR module in the kinase domain and a light-inducible LOV2 module in the FERM domain. Orthogonal regulation of protein function was possible using the chemo- and optogenetic switches. We demonstrate that dynamic FAK activation profoundly increased cell multiaxial complexity in the fibrous extracellular matrix microenvironment and decreased cell motility. This work provides proof-of-principle for fine multimodal control of protein function and paves the way for construction of complex nanoscale computing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiaxing Chen
- Departments of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | - Venkat R Chirasani
- Departments of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | - Erdem D Tabdanov
- Departments of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Departments of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA.
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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24
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Courtney TM, Hankinson CP, Horst TJ, Deiters A. Targeted protein oxidation using a chromophore-modified rapamycin analog. Chem Sci 2021; 12:13425-13433. [PMID: 34777761 PMCID: PMC8528027 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc04464h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemically induced dimerization of FKBP and FRB using rapamycin and rapamycin analogs has been utilized in a variety of biological applications. Formation of the FKBP-rapamycin-FRB ternary complex is typically used to activate a biological process and this interaction has proven to be essentially irreversible. In many cases, it would be beneficial to also have temporal control over deactivating a biological process once it has been initiated. Thus, we developed the first reactive oxygen species-generating rapamycin analog toward this goal. The BODIPY-rapamycin analog BORap is capable of dimerizing FKBP and FRB to form a ternary complex, and upon irradiation with 530 nm light, generates singlet oxygen to oxidize and inactivate proteins of interest fused to FKBP/FRB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M Courtney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | | | - Trevor J Horst
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 USA
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Kolesov DV, Sokolinskaya EL, Lukyanov KA, Bogdanov AM. Molecular Tools for Targeted Control of Nerve Cell Electrical Activity. Part II. Acta Naturae 2021; 13:17-32. [PMID: 35127143 PMCID: PMC8807539 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In modern life sciences, the issue of a specific, exogenously directed manipulation of a cell's biochemistry is a highly topical one. In the case of electrically excitable cells, the aim of the manipulation is to control the cells' electrical activity, with the result being either excitation with subsequent generation of an action potential or inhibition and suppression of the excitatory currents. The techniques of electrical activity stimulation are of particular significance in tackling the most challenging basic problem: figuring out how the nervous system of higher multicellular organisms functions. At this juncture, when neuroscience is gradually abandoning the reductionist approach in favor of the direct investigation of complex neuronal systems, minimally invasive methods for brain tissue stimulation are becoming the basic element in the toolbox of those involved in the field. In this review, we describe three approaches that are based on the delivery of exogenous, genetically encoded molecules sensitive to external stimuli into the nervous tissue. These approaches include optogenetics (overviewed in Part I), as well as chemogenetics and thermogenetics (described here, in Part II), which is significantly different not only in the nature of the stimuli and structure of the appropriate effector proteins, but also in the details of experimental applications. The latter circumstance is an indication that these are rather complementary than competing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. V. Kolesov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - E. L. Sokolinskaya
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - K. A. Lukyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - A. M. Bogdanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997 Russia
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26
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Tei R, Baskin JM. Induced proximity tools for precise manipulation of lipid signaling. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 65:93-100. [PMID: 34304140 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Lipids are highly dynamic molecules that, due to their hydrophobicity, are spatially confined to membrane environments. From these locations, certain privileged lipids serve as signaling molecules. For understanding the biological functions of subcellular pools of signaling lipids, induced proximity tools have been invaluable. These methods involve controlled heterodimerization, by either small-molecule or light triggers, of functional proteins. In the arena of lipid signaling, induced proximity tools can recruit lipid-metabolizing enzymes to manipulate lipid signaling and create artificial tethers between organelle membranes to control lipid trafficking pathways at membrane contact sites. Here, we review recent advances in methodology development and biological application of chemical-induced and light-induced proximity tools for manipulating lipid metabolism, trafficking, and signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reika Tei
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Jeremy M Baskin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA.
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27
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Dokholyan NV. Nanoscale programming of cellular and physiological phenotypes: inorganic meets organic programming. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2021; 7:15. [PMID: 33707429 PMCID: PMC7952909 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-021-00176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of protein design in recent years has brought us within reach of developing a "nanoscale programing language," in which molecules serve as operands with their conformational states functioning as logic gates. Combining these operands into a set of operations will result in a functional program, which is executed using nanoscale computing agents (NCAs). These agents would respond to any given input and return the desired output signal. The ability to utilize natural evolutionary processes would allow code to "evolve" in the course of computation, thus enabling radically new algorithmic developments. NCAs will revolutionize the studies of biological systems, enable a deeper understanding of human biology and disease, and facilitate the development of in situ precision therapeutics. Since NCAs can be extended to novel reactions and processes not seen in biological systems, the growth of this field will spark the growth of biotechnological applications with wide-ranging impacts, including fields not typically considered relevant to biology. Unlike traditional approaches in synthetic biology that are based on the rewiring of signaling pathways in cells, NCAs are autonomous vehicles based on single-chain proteins. In this perspective, I will introduce and discuss this new field of biological computing, as well as challenges and the future of the NCA. Addressing these challenges will provide a significant leap in technology for programming living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Departments of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA.
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA.
- Departments of Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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28
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From observing to controlling: Inducible control of organelle dynamics and interactions. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 71:69-76. [PMID: 33706236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The dynamics and interactions of cellular organelles underlie many aspects of cellular functioning. Until recently, assessment of organelle dynamics has been primarily observational or required whole-cell perturbations to assess the implications of altered organelle motility and positioning. However, thanks to recently developed and optimized intervention strategies, we now have the ability to control organelles in their unperturbed state, altering organelle positioning, membrane trafficking pathways, as well as organelle interactions. This can be performed both globally and locally, giving fine control over the range, reversibility, and extent of organelle dynamics. Here, we describe how these tools are currently used for controlling organelles and give insight into the exciting future of this emerging field.
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Abstract
Allosteric regulation in proteins is fundamental to many important biological processes. Allostery has been employed to control protein functions by regulating protein activity. Engineered allosteric regulation allows controlling protein activity in subsecond time scale and has a broad range of applications, from dissecting spatiotemporal dynamics in biochemical cascades to applications in biotechnology and medicine. Here, we review the concept of allostery in proteins and various approaches to identify allosteric sites and pathways. We then provide an overview of strategies and tools used in allosteric protein regulation and their utility in biological applications. We highlight various classes of proteins, where regulation is achieved through allostery. Finally, we analyze the current problems, critical challenges, and future prospective in achieving allosteric regulation in proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiaxing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033-0850, United States
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033-0850, United States
- Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033-0850, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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30
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Tábara LC, Morris JL, Prudent J. The Complex Dance of Organelles during Mitochondrial Division. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 31:241-253. [PMID: 33446409 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that undergo cycles of fission and fusion events depending on cellular requirements. During mitochondrial division, the GTPase dynamin-related protein-1 is recruited to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-induced mitochondrial constriction sites where it drives fission. However, the events required to complete scission of mitochondrial membranes are not well understood. Here, we emphasize the recently described roles for Golgi-derived phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P)-containing vesicles in the last steps of mitochondrial division. We then propose how trans-Golgi network vesicles at mitochondria-ER contact sites and PI4P generation could mechanistically execute mitochondrial division, by recruiting PI4P effectors and/or the actin nucleation machinery. Finally, we speculate on mechanisms to explain why such a complex dance of different organelles is required to facilitate the remodelling of mitochondrial membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis-Carlos Tábara
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Jordan L Morris
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Julien Prudent
- Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK.
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