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Dehiwala Liyanage C, Ortiz-Garcia JJ, Struckmeier A, McCoy CL, Kienzler MA, Quardokus RC. A Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Study of the Photoisomerization of Diazocine. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:4082-4087. [PMID: 38587451 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Azobenzenes are fascinating molecular machines that can reversibly transform between two isomeric forms by an external stimulus. Diazocine, a type of bridged azobenzene, has been shown to possess enhanced photoexcitation properties. Due to the distortion caused by the ethyl bridge in the E-isomer, the Z-form becomes the thermodynamically stable configuration. Despite a comprehensive understanding of its photophysical properties, there is still much to learn about the behavior of diazocine on a metal surface. Here we show the operando photoswitching of diazocine molecules deposited directly on a Au(111) surface using scanning tunneling microscopy. Molecules were shown to aggregate into disordered islands with edge sites being susceptible to photon-induced movement. A few molecules were shown to undergo directional movement under UV irradiation with the motion reversed under blue light exposure. These findings contribute new insight into the activity of single and ensemble molecular systems toward purposefully guided motion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José J Ortiz-Garcia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Annalena Struckmeier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Christian L McCoy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Michael A Kienzler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Rebecca C Quardokus
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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Schilardi G, Kralik J, Kleinlogel S. Selective Block of Upregulated Kv1.3 Potassium Channels in ON-Bipolar Cells of the Blind Retina Enhances Optogenetically Restored Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14207. [PMID: 37762510 PMCID: PMC10531754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814207] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of photoreceptors in retinal degenerative diseases also impacts the inner retina: bipolar cell dendrites retract, neurons rewire, and protein expression changes. ON-bipolar cells (OBCs) represent an attractive target for optogenetic vision restoration. However, the above-described maladaptations may negatively impact the quality of restored vision. To investigate this question, we employed human post-mortem retinas and transgenic rd1_Opto-mGluR6 mice expressing the optogenetic construct Opto-mGluR6 in OBCs and carrying the retinal degeneration rd1 mutation. We found significant changes in delayed rectifier potassium channel expression in OBCs of degenerative retinas. In particular, we found an increase in Kv1.3 expression already in early stages of degeneration. Immunohistochemistry localized Kv1.3 channels specifically to OBC axons. In whole-cell patch-clamp experiments, OBCs in the degenerated murine retina were less responsive, which could be reversed by application of the specific Kv1.3 antagonist Psora-4. Notably, Kv1.3 block significantly increased the amplitude and kinetics of Opto-mGluR6-mediated light responses in OBCs of the blind retina and increased the signal-to-noise ratio of light-triggered responses in retinal ganglion cells. We propose that reduction in Kv1.3 activity in the degenerated retina, either by pharmacological block or by KCNA3 gene silencing, could improve the quality of restored vision.
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Babino D, Benster T, Laprell L, Van Gelder RN. Assessment of Murine Retinal Acuity Ex Vivo Using Multielectrode Array Recordings. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:4. [PMID: 36598460 PMCID: PMC9832724 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Visual acuity, measured by resolution of optotypes on a standard eye chart, is a critical clinical test for function of the visual system in humans. Behavioral tests in animals can be used to estimate visual acuity. However, such tests may be limited in the study of mutants or after synthetic vision restoration techniques. Because the total response of the retina to a visual scene is encoded in spiking patterns of retinal ganglion cells, it should be possible to estimate visual acuity in vitro from the retina by analyzing retinal ganglion cell output in response to test stimuli. Methods We created a method, EyeCandy, that combines a visual stimulus-generating engine with analysis of multielectrode array retinal recordings via a machine learning approach to measure murine retinal acuity in vitro. Visual stimuli included static checkerboards, drifting gratings, and letter optotypes. Results In retinas from wild-type C57Bl/6 mice, retinal acuity measurement for a drifting grating was 0.4 cycles per degree. In contrast, retinas from adult rd1 mice with outer retinal degeneration showed no detectable acuity. A comparison of acuities among different regions of the retina revealed substantial variation, with the inferior-nasal quadrant having highest RA. Letter classification accuracy of a projected Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy eye chart reached 99% accuracy for logMAR 3.0 letters. EyeCandy measured a restored RA of 0.05 and 0.08 cycles per degree for static and dynamic stimuli respectively from the retina of the rd1 mouse treated with the azobenzene photoswitch BENAQ. Conclusions Machine learning may be used to estimate retinal acuity. Translational Relevance The use of ex vivo retinal acuity measurement may allow determination of effects of mutations, drugs, injury, or other manipulations on retinal visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darwin Babino
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tyler Benster
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Neurosciences Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Laura Laprell
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Russell N. Van Gelder
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Zhang H, Qi Y, Zhao X, Li M, Wang R, Cheng H, Li Z, Guo H, Li Z. Dithienylethene-Bridged Fluoroquinolone Derivatives for Imaging-Guided Reversible Control of Antibacterial Activity. J Org Chem 2022; 87:7446-7455. [PMID: 35608344 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The emerging field of photopharmacology has offered a promising alternative to guard against the bacterial resistance by effectively avoiding antibiotic accumulation in the body or environment. However, the degradation, toxicity, and thermal reversibility have always been an ongoing concern for potential applications of azobenzene-based photopharmacology. Developing novel photopharmacological agents based on a more matched switch is highly in demand and remains a major challenge. Herein, two novel dithienylethene-bridged dual-fluoroquinolone derivatives have been developed by introducing two fluoroquinolone drugs into both ends of the dithienylethene (DTE) switch, in which the fluoroquinolone acts as a fluorophore except for the pharmacodynamic component. For comparison, two monofluoroquinolone-DTE hybrids were also prepared by a similar strategy. As expected, these resultant DTE-based antibacterial agents displayed efficient photochromism and fluorescence switching behavior in dimethyl sulfoxide. Moreover, improved antibacterial activities compared to those of monofluoroquinolone derivatives and a maximum fourfold active difference against Escherichia coli (E. coli) for open and closed isomers and photoswitchable bacterial imaging for Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli were observed. The molecular docking to DNA gyrase gave a rationale for the discrepancies in antibacterial activity for both isomers. Therefore, these fluoroquinolone derivatives can act as interesting imaging-guided photopharmacological agents for further in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Zhang
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, P. R. China
| | - Yueheng Qi
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, P. R. China
| | - Xinru Zhao
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, P. R. China
| | - Manman Li
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, P. R. China
| | - Ruyue Wang
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, P. R. China
| | - Huiping Cheng
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, P. R. China
| | - Hui Guo
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, P. R. China
| | - Ziyong Li
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, P. R. China
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Liu W, Liu S, Li P, Yao K. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Progress in Molecular Pathology and Biotherapeutical Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094883. [PMID: 35563274 PMCID: PMC9101511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is genetically heterogeneous retinopathy caused by photoreceptor cell death and retinal pigment epithelial atrophy that eventually results in blindness in bilateral eyes. Various photoreceptor cell death types and pathological phenotypic changes that have been disclosed in RP demand in-depth research of its pathogenic mechanism that may account for inter-patient heterogeneous responses to mainstream drug treatment. As the primary method for studying the genetic characteristics of RP, molecular biology has been widely used in disease diagnosis and clinical trials. Current technology iterations, such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and optogenetics, are advancing towards precise diagnosis and clinical applications. Specifically, technologies, such as effective delivery vectors, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and iPSC-based cell transplantation, hasten the pace of personalized precision medicine in RP. The combination of conventional therapy and state-of-the-art medication is promising in revolutionizing RP treatment strategies. This article provides an overview of the latest research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, aiming for a convenient reference of what has been achieved so far.
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Telias M, Sit KK, Frozenfar D, Smith B, Misra A, Goard MJ, Kramer RH. Retinoic acid inhibitors mitigate vision loss in a mouse model of retinal degeneration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm4643. [PMID: 35302843 PMCID: PMC8932665 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm4643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rod and cone photoreceptors degenerate in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). While downstream neurons survive, they undergo physiological changes, including accelerated spontaneous firing in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Retinoic acid (RA) is the molecular trigger of RGC hyperactivity, but whether this interferes with visual perception is unknown. Here, we show that inhibiting RA synthesis with disulfiram, a deterrent of human alcohol abuse, improves behavioral image detection in vision-impaired mice. In vivo Ca2+ imaging shows that disulfiram sharpens orientation tuning of visual cortical neurons and strengthens fidelity of responses to natural scenes. An RA receptor inhibitor also reduces RGC hyperactivity, sharpens cortical representations, and improves image detection. These findings suggest that photoreceptor degeneration is not the only cause of vision loss in RP. RA-induced corruption of retinal information processing also degrades vision, pointing to RA synthesis and signaling inhibitors as potential therapeutic tools for improving sight in RP and other retinal degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kevin K. Sit
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Frozenfar
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Smith
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Arjit Misra
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael J. Goard
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Richard H. Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Shen Y, Luchetti A, Fernandes G, Do Heo W, Silva AJ. The emergence of molecular systems neuroscience. Mol Brain 2022; 15:7. [PMID: 34983613 PMCID: PMC8728933 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00885-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systems neuroscience is focused on how ensemble properties in the brain, such as the activity of neuronal circuits, gives rise to internal brain states and behavior. Many of the studies in this field have traditionally involved electrophysiological recordings and computational approaches that attempt to decode how the brain transforms inputs into functional outputs. More recently, systems neuroscience has received an infusion of approaches and techniques that allow the manipulation (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics) and imaging (e.g., two-photon imaging, head mounted fluorescent microscopes) of neurons, neurocircuits, their inputs and outputs. Here, we will review novel approaches that allow the manipulation and imaging of specific molecular mechanisms in specific cells (not just neurons), cell ensembles and brain regions. These molecular approaches, with the specificity and temporal resolution appropriate for systems studies, promise to infuse the field with novel ideas, emphases and directions, and are motivating the emergence of a molecularly oriented systems neuroscience, a new discipline that studies how the spatial and temporal patterns of molecular systems modulate circuits and brain networks, and consequently shape the properties of brain states and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Shen
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alessandro Luchetti
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Giselle Fernandes
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Won Do Heo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Alcino J Silva
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Volarić J, Szymanski W, Simeth NA, Feringa BL. Molecular photoswitches in aqueous environments. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:12377-12449. [PMID: 34590636 PMCID: PMC8591629 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00547a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Molecular photoswitches enable dynamic control of processes with high spatiotemporal precision, using light as external stimulus, and hence are ideal tools for different research areas spanning from chemical biology to smart materials. Photoswitches are typically organic molecules that feature extended aromatic systems to make them responsive to (visible) light. However, this renders them inherently lipophilic, while water-solubility is of crucial importance to apply photoswitchable organic molecules in biological systems, like in the rapidly emerging field of photopharmacology. Several strategies for solubilizing organic molecules in water are known, but there are not yet clear rules for applying them to photoswitchable molecules. Importantly, rendering photoswitches water-soluble has a serious impact on both their photophysical and biological properties, which must be taken into consideration when designing new systems. Altogether, these aspects pose considerable challenges for successfully applying molecular photoswitches in aqueous systems, and in particular in biologically relevant media. In this review, we focus on fully water-soluble photoswitches, such as those used in biological environments, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the design principles and prospects for water-soluble photoswitches to inspire and enable their future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Volarić
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Wiktor Szymanski
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nadja A Simeth
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Kralik J, Kleinlogel S. Functional Availability of ON-Bipolar Cells in the Degenerated Retina: Timing and Longevity of an Optogenetic Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111515. [PMID: 34768944 PMCID: PMC8584043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111515] [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: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative diseases of the retina are responsible for the death of photoreceptors and subsequent loss of vision in patients. Nevertheless, the inner retinal layers remain intact over an extended period of time, enabling the restoration of light sensitivity in blind retinas via the expression of optogenetic tools in the remaining retinal cells. The chimeric Opto-mGluR6 protein represents such a tool. With exclusive ON-bipolar cell expression, it combines the light-sensitive domains of melanopsin and the intracellular domains of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6), which naturally mediates light responses in these cells. Albeit vision restoration in blind mice by Opto-mGluR6 delivery was previously shown, much is left to be explored in regard to the effects of the timing of the treatment in the degenerated retina. We performed a functional evaluation of Opto-mGluR6-treated murine blind retinas using multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) and observed long-term functional preservation in the treated retinas, as well as successful therapeutical intervention in later stages of degeneration. Moreover, the treatment decreased the inherent retinal hyperactivity of the degenerated retinas to levels undistinguishable from healthy controls. Finally, we observed for the first time micro electroretinograms (mERGs) in optogenetically treated animals, corroborating the origin of Opto-mGluR6 signalling at the level of mGluR6 of ON-bipolar cells.
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Chen HY, Lehmann OJ, Swaroop A. Genetics and therapy for pediatric eye diseases. EBioMedicine 2021; 67:103360. [PMID: 33975254 PMCID: PMC8122153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular morphogenesis in vertebrates is a highly organized process, orchestrated largely by intrinsic genetic programs that exhibit stringent spatiotemporal control. Alternations in these genetic instructions can lead to hereditary or nonhereditary congenital disorders, a major cause of childhood visual impairment, and contribute to common late-onset blinding diseases. Currently, limited treatment options exist for clinical phenotypes involving eye development. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of early-onset ocular disorders and highlights genetic complexities in development and diseases, specifically focusing on coloboma, congenital glaucoma and Leber congenital amaurosis. We also discuss innovative paradigms for potential therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Y Chen
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA.
| | - Ordan J Lehmann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA.
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Zeng S, Zhang H, Shen Z, Huang W. Photopharmacology of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras: A New Frontier for Drug Discovery. Front Chem 2021; 9:639176. [PMID: 33777902 PMCID: PMC7987681 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.639176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Photopharmacology is an emerging field that uses light to precisely control drug activity. This strategy promises to improve drug specificity for reducing off-target effects. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are an advanced technology engineered to degrade pathogenic proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome system for disease treatment. This approach has the potential to target the undruggable proteome via event-driven pharmacology. Recently, the combination strategy of photopharmacology and PROTACs has gained tremendous momentum for its use in the discovery and development of new therapies. This review systematically focuses on PROTAC-based photopharmacology. Herein, we provide an overview of the new and vibrant research on photoPROTACs, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach as a biological tool, and outline the challenges it faces in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenxin Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengrong Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenhai Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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Two-Photon Excitation of Azobenzene Photoswitches for Synthetic Optogenetics. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10030805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic optogenetics is an emerging optical technique that enables users to photocontrol molecules, proteins, and cells in vitro and in vivo. This is achieved by use of synthetic chromophores—denoted photoswitches—that undergo light-dependent changes (e.g., isomerization), which are meticulously designed to interact with unique cellular targets, notably proteins. Following light illumination, the changes adopted by photoswitches are harnessed to affect the function of nearby proteins. In most instances, photoswitches absorb visible light, wavelengths of poor tissue penetration, and excessive scatter. These shortcomings impede their use in vivo. To overcome these challenges, photoswitches of red-shifted absorbance have been developed. Notably, this shift in absorbance also increases their compatibility with two-photon excitation (2PE) methods. Here, we provide an overview of recent efforts devoted towards optimizing azobenzene-based photoswitches for 2PE and their current applications.
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