1
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Komatsu S, Ohno H, Saito H. Target-dependent RNA polymerase as universal platform for gene expression control in response to intracellular molecules. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7256. [PMID: 37978180 PMCID: PMC10656481 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42802-5] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlling gene expression in response to specific molecules is an essential technique for regulating cellular functions. However, current platforms with transcription and translation regulators have a limited number of detectable molecules to induce gene expression. Here to address these issues, we present a Target-dependent RNA polymerase (TdRNAP) that can induce RNA transcription in response to the intracellular target specifically recognized by single antibody. By substituting the fused antibody, we demonstrate that TdRNAPs respond to a wide variety of molecules, including peptides, proteins, RNA, and small molecules, and produce desired transcripts in human cells. Furthermore, we show that multiple TdRNAPs can construct orthogonal and multilayer genetic circuits. Finally, we apply TdRNAP to achieve cell-specific genome editing that is autonomously triggered by detecting the target gene product. TdRNAP can expand the molecular variety for controlling gene expression and provide the genetic toolbox for bioengineering and future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shodai Komatsu
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Ohno
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hirohide Saito
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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2
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Moliner-Morro A, McInerney GM, Hanke L. Nanobodies in the limelight: Multifunctional tools in the fight against viruses. J Gen Virol 2022; 103. [PMID: 35579613 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are natural antivirals generated by the vertebrate immune system in response to viral infection or vaccination. Unsurprisingly, they are also key molecules in the virologist's molecular toolbox. With new developments in methods for protein engineering, protein functionalization and application, smaller antibody-derived fragments are moving in focus. Among these, camelid-derived nanobodies play a prominent role. Nanobodies can replace full-sized antibodies in most applications and enable new possible applications for which conventional antibodies are challenging to use. Here we review the versatile nature of nanobodies, discuss their promise as antiviral therapeutics, for diagnostics, and their suitability as research tools to uncover novel aspects of viral infection and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Moliner-Morro
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerald M McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Haueis L, Stech M, Kubick S. A Cell-free Expression Pipeline for the Generation and Functional Characterization of Nanobodies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:896763. [PMID: 35573250 PMCID: PMC9096027 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.896763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free systems are well-established platforms for the rapid synthesis, screening, engineering and modification of all kinds of recombinant proteins ranging from membrane proteins to soluble proteins, enzymes and even toxins. Also within the antibody field the cell-free technology has gained considerable attention with respect to the clinical research pipeline including antibody discovery and production. Besides the classical full-length monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), so-called "nanobodies" (Nbs) have come into focus. A Nb is the smallest naturally-derived functional antibody fragment known and represents the variable domain (VHH, ∼15 kDa) of a camelid heavy-chain-only antibody (HCAb). Based on their nanoscale and their special structure, Nbs display striking advantages concerning their production, but also their characteristics as binders, such as high stability, diversity, improved tissue penetration and reaching of cavity-like epitopes. The classical way to produce Nbs depends on the use of living cells as production host. Though cell-based production is well-established, it is still time-consuming, laborious and hardly amenable for high-throughput applications. Here, we present for the first time to our knowledge the synthesis of functional Nbs in a standardized mammalian cell-free system based on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lysates. Cell-free reactions were shown to be time-efficient and easy-to-handle allowing for the "on demand" synthesis of Nbs. Taken together, we complement available methods and demonstrate a promising new system for Nb selection and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Haueis
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Marlitt Stech
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stefan Kubick
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Joint Faculty of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and the University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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4
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Jing B, Hui Z. Circular RNA_0033596 aggravates endothelial cell injury induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein via microRNA-217-5p /chloride intracellular channel 4 axis. Bioengineered 2022; 13:3410-3421. [PMID: 35081862 PMCID: PMC8974077 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2027062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the modulatory functions of some circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) have been reported. Nonetheless, the role of circular RNA_0033596 (circ_0033596) in AS and its mechanism remains unclarified. In this study, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was applied to treat human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to establish a cell model of endothelial cell injury. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were employed to detect the expression of circ_0033596, microRNA-217-5p (miR-217-5p), and chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) in HUVECs. The binding sites between circ_0033596 and miR-217-5p, as well as between miR-217-5p and CLIC4 mRNA 3ʹUTR were determined through a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. It was found that circ_0033596 expression was increased in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs. After ox-LDL stimulation, HUVEC viability and cell cycle progression were inhibited, and the apoptosis was promoted, while circ_0033596 overexpression aggravated these effects. MiR-217-5p was identified as a downstream target of circ_0033596, and circ_0033596 negatively regulated miR-217-5p expression. CLIC4 was identified as miR-217-5p’s downstream target gene and could be positively modulated by circ_0033596. All in all circ_0033596 aggravates ox-LDL-induced HUVEC apoptosis by regulating the miR-217-5p/CLIC4 axis, by which circ_0033596 participates in the pathogenesis of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Jing
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zhou Hui
- Department of Ultrasound, wuhan Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases Wuhan PR China
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5
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Wagner TR, Rothbauer U. Nanobodies - Little helpers unravelling intracellular signaling. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 176:46-61. [PMID: 34536541 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The identification of diagnostic and therapeutic targets requires a comprehensive understanding of cellular processes, for which advanced technologies in biomedical research are needed. The emergence of nanobodies (Nbs) derived from antibody fragments of camelid heavy chain-only antibodies as intracellular research tools offers new possibilities to study and modulate target antigens in living cells. Here we summarize this rapidly changing field, beginning with a brief introduction of Nbs, followed by an overview of how target-specific Nbs can be generated, and introduce the selection of intrabodies as research tools. Intrabodies, by definition, are intracellular functional Nbs that target ectopic or endogenous intracellular antigens within living cells. Such binders can be applied in various formats, e.g. as chromobodies for live cell microscopy or as biosensors to decipher complex intracellular signaling pathways. In addition, protein knockouts can be achieved by target-specific Nbs, while modulating Nbs have the potential as future therapeutics. The development of fine-tunable and switchable Nb-based systems that simultaneously provide spatial and temporal control has recently taken the application of these binders to the next level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa R Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany; NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany; NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.
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6
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Tung Yep A, Takeuchi Y, Engelhardt OG, Hufton SE. Broad Reactivity Single Domain Antibodies against Influenza Virus and Their Applications to Vaccine Potency Testing and Immunotherapy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030407. [PMID: 33802072 PMCID: PMC8001348 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The antigenic variability of influenza presents many challenges to the development of vaccines and immunotherapeutics. However, it is apparent that there are epitopes on the virus that have evolved to remain largely constant due to their functional importance. These more conserved regions are often hidden and difficult to access by the human immune system but recent efforts have shown that these may be the Achilles heel of the virus through development and delivery of appropriate biological drugs. Amongst these, single domain antibodies (sdAbs) are equipped to target these vulnerabilities of the influenza virus due to their preference for concave epitopes on protein surfaces, their small size, flexible reformatting and high stability. Single domain antibodies are well placed to provide a new generation of robust analytical reagents and therapeutics to support the constant efforts to keep influenza in check.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tung Yep
- Biotherapeutics Division, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK;
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Yasu Takeuchi
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- Advanced Therapies Division, NIBSC, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK
| | | | - Simon E. Hufton
- Biotherapeutics Division, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3QG, UK;
- Correspondence:
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7
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Schneider F, Sych T, Eggeling C, Sezgin E. Influence of nanobody binding on fluorescence emission, mobility, and organization of GFP-tagged proteins. iScience 2021; 24:101891. [PMID: 33364580 PMCID: PMC7753935 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced fluorescence microscopy studies require specific and monovalent molecular labeling with bright and photostable fluorophores. This necessity led to the widespread use of fluorescently labeled nanobodies against commonly employed fluorescent proteins (FPs). However, very little is known how these nanobodies influence their target molecules. Here, we tested commercially available nanobodies and observed clear changes of the fluorescence properties, mobility and organization of green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged proteins after labeling with the anti-GFP nanobody. Intriguingly, we did not observe any co-diffusion of fluorescently labeled nanobodies with the GFP-labeled proteins. Our results suggest significant binding of the nanobodies to a non-emissive, likely oligomerized, form of the FPs, promoting disassembly into monomeric form after binding. Our findings have significant implications on the application of nanobodies and GFP labeling for studying dynamic and quantitative protein organization in the plasma membrane of living cells using advanced imaging techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Schneider
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Taras Sych
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Christian Eggeling
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
- Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Max-Wien Platz 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology e.V., Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center of Soft Matters, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Erdinc Sezgin
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
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8
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Wagner TR, Rothbauer U. Nanobodies Right in the Middle: Intrabodies as Toolbox to Visualize and Modulate Antigens in the Living Cell. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121701. [PMID: 33371447 PMCID: PMC7767433 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In biomedical research, there is an ongoing demand for new technologies to elucidate disease mechanisms and develop novel therapeutics. This requires comprehensive understanding of cellular processes and their pathophysiology based on reliable information on abundance, localization, post-translational modifications and dynamic interactions of cellular components. Traceable intracellular binding molecules provide new opportunities for real-time cellular diagnostics. Most prominently, intrabodies derived from antibody fragments of heavy-chain only antibodies of camelids (nanobodies) have emerged as highly versatile and attractive probes to study and manipulate antigens within the context of living cells. In this review, we provide an overview on the selection, delivery and usage of intrabodies to visualize and monitor cellular antigens in living cells and organisms. Additionally, we summarize recent advances in the development of intrabodies as cellular biosensors and their application to manipulate disease-related cellular processes. Finally, we highlight switchable intrabodies, which open entirely new possibilities for real-time cell-based diagnostics including live-cell imaging, target validation and generation of precisely controllable binding reagents for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa R. Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
- Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tuebingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
- Natural and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Tuebingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-7121-5153-0415; Fax: +49-7121-5153-0816
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9
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Cheloha RW, Harmand TJ, Wijne C, Schwartz TU, Ploegh HL. Exploring cellular biochemistry with nanobodies. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:15307-15327. [PMID: 32868455 PMCID: PMC7650250 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.012960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reagents that bind tightly and specifically to biomolecules of interest remain essential in the exploration of biology and in their ultimate application to medicine. Besides ligands for receptors of known specificity, agents commonly used for this purpose are monoclonal antibodies derived from mice, rabbits, and other animals. However, such antibodies can be expensive to produce, challenging to engineer, and are not necessarily stable in the context of the cellular cytoplasm, a reducing environment. Heavy chain-only antibodies, discovered in camelids, have been truncated to yield single-domain antibody fragments (VHHs or nanobodies) that overcome many of these shortcomings. Whereas they are known as crystallization chaperones for membrane proteins or as simple alternatives to conventional antibodies, nanobodies have been applied in settings where the use of standard antibodies or their derivatives would be impractical or impossible. We review recent examples in which the unique properties of nanobodies have been combined with complementary methods, such as chemical functionalization, to provide tools with unique and useful properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross W Cheloha
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thibault J Harmand
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charlotte Wijne
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas U Schwartz
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hidde L Ploegh
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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