1
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Melkikh AV. Why does a cell function? New arguments in favor of quantum effects. Biosystems 2024; 245:105311. [PMID: 39173899 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2024.105311] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the complexities of intracellular processes have been analyzed, including DNA folding, alternative splicing, mitochondrial function, and enzyme transport in lysosomes. Based on a previously proposed hypothesis (Levinthal's generalized paradox), a conclusion is made that all abovementioned processes cannot be realized with sufficient accuracy and in a realistic timeframe within the framework of classical physics. It is unclear why the cell functions at all. For the cell to function, its internal environment must be highly structured. In this regard, the cell shares similarities with computational devices (computers). In this study, quantum models of interactions between biologically important molecules were constructed, taking into account the long-range effects. One significant aspect of these models is the special role of the phase of the wavefunction, which serves as a controlling parameter. Experiments have been proposed that may confirm or refute these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Melkikh
- Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
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2
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Liu Q, Xu W, Ding Q, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Zhang B, Yu H, Li C, Dai L, Zhong C, Lu W, Liu Z, Li F, Song H. Engineering Shewanella oneidensis-Carbon Felt Biohybrid Electrode Decorated with Bacterial Cellulose Aerogel-Electropolymerized Anthraquinone to Boost Energy and Chemicals Production. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2407599. [PMID: 39159306 PMCID: PMC11497010 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202407599] [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: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Interfacial electron transfer between electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) and electrodes underlies a wide range of bio-electrochemical systems with diverse applications. However, the electron transfer rate at the biotic-electrode interface remains low due to high transmembrane and cell-electrode interfacial electron transfer resistance. Herein, a modular engineering strategy is adopted to construct a Shewanella oneidensis-carbon felt biohybrid electrode decorated with bacterial cellulose aerogel-electropolymerized anthraquinone to boost cell-electrode interfacial electron transfer. First, a heterologous riboflavin synthesis and secretion pathway is constructed to increase flavin-mediated transmembrane electron transfer. Second, outer membrane c-Cyts OmcF is screened and optimized via protein engineering strategy to accelerate contacted-based transmembrane electron transfer. Third, a S. oneidensis-carbon felt biohybrid electrode decorated with bacterial cellulose aerogel and electropolymerized anthraquinone is constructed to boost the interfacial electron transfer. As a result, the internal resistance decreased to 42 Ω, 480.8-fold lower than that of the wild-type (WT) S. oneidensis MR-1. The maximum power density reached 4286.6 ± 202.1 mW m-2, 72.8-fold higher than that of WT. Lastly, the engineered biohybrid electrode exhibited superior abilities for bioelectricity harvest, Cr6+ reduction, and CO2 reduction. This study showed that enhancing transmembrane and cell-electrode interfacial electron transfer is a promising way to increase the extracellular electron transfer of EAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijing Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - Wenliang Xu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - Qinran Ding
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - Junqi Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - Baocai Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - Huan Yu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - Chao Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - Longhai Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhan430062China
| | - Cheng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safetykey Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, (ministry of education)Tianjin University of Science and TechnologyTianjin300457China
| | - Wenyu Lu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - ZhanYing Liu
- Center for Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction in Fermentation Industry in Inner MongoliaEngineering Research Center of Inner Mongolia for Green Manufacturing in Bio‐fermentation Industry, and School of Chemical EngineeringInner Mongolia University of TechnologyHohhotInner Mongolia010051China
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education)Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin UniversityTianjin300072China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical TransformationsTianjin300192China
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3
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Wang Y, Feng C, Yu B, Wang J, Chen W, Song C, Ji X, Guo R, Cheng G, Chen H, Wang X, Zhang L, Li Z, Jiang J, Xie C, Du H, Zhang X. Enhanced Effects of Intermittent Fasting by Magnetic Fields in Severe Diabetes. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0468. [PMID: 39238846 PMCID: PMC11376831 DOI: 10.34133/research.0468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a convenient dietary intervention for multiple diseases, including type 2 diabetes. However, whether it can be used as a long-term antidiabetic approach is still unknown. Here, we confirm that IF alone is beneficial for both moderate and severe diabetic mice, but its antidiabetic effects clearly diminish at later stages, especially for severe diabetic db/db mice, which have obviously impaired autophagy. We found that static magnetic fields can directly promote actin assembly and boost IF-induced autophagy. Consequently, the pancreatic islet and liver were improved, and the antidiabetic effects of IF were boosted. In fact, at later stages, combined static magnetic field and IF could reduce the blood glucose level of moderate type 2 diabetic mice by 40.5% (P < 0.001) and severe type 2 diabetes by 34.4% (P < 0.05), when IF alone no longer has significant blood glucose reduction effects. Therefore, although IF is generally beneficial for diabetes, our data reveal its insufficiency for late-stage diabetes, which can be compensated by a simple, noninvasive, long-lasting, and nonpharmacological strategy for effective long-term diabetic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuanlin Feng
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Biao Yu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weili Chen
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Song
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xinmiao Ji
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ruowen Guo
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hanxiao Chen
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Jialiang Jiang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Can Xie
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haifeng Du
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Science Island Branch of Graduate School, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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4
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Huang J, Fussenegger M. Programming mammalian cell behaviors by physical cues. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00208-7. [PMID: 39179464 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.07.014] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, the field of synthetic biology has witnessed remarkable progress, driving advances in both research and practical applications. One pivotal area of development involves the design of transgene switches capable of precisely regulating specified outputs and controlling cell behaviors in response to physical cues, which encompass light, magnetic fields, temperature, mechanical forces, ultrasound, and electricity. In this review, we delve into the cutting-edge progress made in the field of physically controlled protein expression in engineered mammalian cells, exploring the diverse genetic tools and synthetic strategies available for engineering targeting cells to sense these physical cues and generate the desired outputs accordingly. We discuss the precision and efficiency limitations inherent in these tools, while also highlighting their immense potential for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Huang
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 48, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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5
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Huang J, Xue S, Xie Y, Teixeira AP, Fussenegger M. Ultrashort-Peptide-Responsive Gene Switches for Regulation of Therapeutic Protein Expression in Mammalian Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309411. [PMID: 38741284 PMCID: PMC11267282 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309411] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Despite the array of mammalian transgene switches available for regulating therapeutic protein expression in response to small molecules or physical stimuli, issues remain, including cytotoxicity of chemical inducers and limited biocompatibility of physical cues. This study introduces gene switches driven by short peptides comprising eight or fewer amino acid residues. Utilizing a competence regulator (ComR) and sigma factor X-inducing peptide (XIP) from Streptococcus vestibularis as the receptor and inducer, respectively, this study develops two strategies for a peptide-activated transgene control system. The first strategy involves fusing ComR with a transactivation domain and utilizes ComR-dependent synthetic promoters to drive expression of the gene-of-interest, activated by XIP, thereby confirming its membrane penetrability and intracellular functionality. The second strategy features an orthogonal synthetic receptor exposing ComR extracellularly (ComREXTRA), greatly increasing sensitivity with exceptional responsiveness to short peptides. In a proof-of-concept study, peptides are administered to type-1 diabetic mice with microencapsulated engineered human cells expressing ComREXTRA for control of insulin expression, restoring normoglycemia. It is envisioned that this system will encourage the development of short peptide drugs and promote the introduction of non-toxic, orthogonal, and highly biocompatible personalized biopharmaceuticals for gene- and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Huang
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Shuai Xue
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
- Present address:
Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Life SciencesWestlake UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yu‐Qing Xie
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Ana Palma 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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Matter L, Abdullaeva OS, Shaner S, Leal J, Asplund M. Bioelectronic Direct Current Stimulation at the Transition Between Reversible and Irreversible Charge Transfer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306244. [PMID: 38460180 PMCID: PMC11251568 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306244] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Many biological processes rely on endogenous electric fields (EFs), including tissue regeneration, cell development, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. Mimicking these biological EFs by applying external direct current stimulation (DCS) is therefore the key to many new therapeutic strategies. During DCS, the charge transfer from electrode to tissue relies on a combination of reversible and irreversible electrochemical processes, which may generate toxic or bio-altering substances, including metal ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) based electrodes are emerging as suitable candidates for DCS to improve biocompatibility compared to metals. This work addresses whether PEDOT electrodes can be tailored to favor reversible biocompatible charge transfer. To this end, different PEDOT formulations and their respective back electrodes are studied using cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and direct measurements of H2O2 and O2. This combination of electrochemical methods sheds light on the time dynamics of reversible and irreversible charge transfer and the relationship between capacitance and ROS generation. The results presented here show that although all electrode materials investigated generate ROS, the onset of ROS can be delayed by increasing the electrode's capacitance via PEDOT coating, which has implications for future bioelectronic devices that allow longer reversibly driven pulse durations during DCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Matter
- Department of Microtechnology and NanoscienceChalmers University of TechnologyGothenburgSE 41296Sweden
- Department of Microsystems EngineeringUniversity of FreiburgGeorges‐Köhler‐Allee 20179110FreiburgGermany
- Brainlinks‐Braintools CenterUniversity of FreiburgGeorges‐Köhler‐Allee 20179110FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS)University of FreiburgAlbertstraße 1979104FreiburgGermany
| | - Oliya S. Abdullaeva
- Division of Nursing and Medical TechnologyLuleå University of TechnologyLuleåSE 97187Sweden
| | - Sebastian Shaner
- Department of Microsystems EngineeringUniversity of FreiburgGeorges‐Köhler‐Allee 20179110FreiburgGermany
- Brainlinks‐Braintools CenterUniversity of FreiburgGeorges‐Köhler‐Allee 20179110FreiburgGermany
| | - José Leal
- Department of Microsystems EngineeringUniversity of FreiburgGeorges‐Köhler‐Allee 20179110FreiburgGermany
- Brainlinks‐Braintools CenterUniversity of FreiburgGeorges‐Köhler‐Allee 20179110FreiburgGermany
| | - Maria Asplund
- Department of Microtechnology and NanoscienceChalmers University of TechnologyGothenburgSE 41296Sweden
- Department of Microsystems EngineeringUniversity of FreiburgGeorges‐Köhler‐Allee 20179110FreiburgGermany
- Brainlinks‐Braintools CenterUniversity of FreiburgGeorges‐Köhler‐Allee 20179110FreiburgGermany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS)University of FreiburgAlbertstraße 1979104FreiburgGermany
- Division of Nursing and Medical TechnologyLuleå University of TechnologyLuleåSE 97187Sweden
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7
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Lam C. Mathematical and In Silico Analysis of Synthetic Inhibitory Circuits That Program Self-Organizing Multicellular Structures. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1925-1940. [PMID: 38781040 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00230] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Bottom-up approaches are becoming increasingly popular for studying multicellular self-organization and development. In contrast to the classic top-down approach, where parts of the organization/developmental process are broken to understand the process, the goal is to build the process to understand it. For example, synthetic circuits have been built to understand how cell-cell communication and differential adhesion can drive multicellular development. The majority of current bottom-up efforts focus on using activatory circuits to engineer and understand development, but efforts with inhibitory circuits have been minimal. Yet, inhibitory circuits are ubiquitous and vital to native developmental processes. Thus, inhibitory circuits are a crucial yet poorly studied facet of bottom-up multicellular development. To demonstrate the potential of inhibitory circuits for building and developing multicellular structures, several synthetic inhibitory circuits that combine engineered cell-cell communication and differential adhesion were designed, and then examined for synthetic development capability using a previously validated in silico framework. These designed inhibitory circuits can build a variety of patterned, self-organized structures and even morphological oscillations. These results support that inhibitory circuits can be powerful tools for building, studying, and understanding developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Lam
- Independent Investigator, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
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8
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Wolf KMP, Maffeis V, Schoenenberger CA, Zünd T, Bar-Peled L, Palivan CG, Vogel V. Tweaking the NRF2 signaling cascade in human myelogenous leukemia cells by artificial nano-organelles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2219470121. [PMID: 38776365 PMCID: PMC11145192 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219470121] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2) is a key regulator of genes involved in the cell's protective response to oxidative stress. Upon activation by disturbed redox homeostasis, NRF2 promotes the expression of metabolic enzymes to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cell internalization of peroxisome-like artificial organelles that harbor redox-regulating enzymes was previously shown to reduce ROS-induced stress and thus cell death. However, if and to which extent ROS degradation by such nanocompartments interferes with redox signaling pathways is largely unknown. Here, we advance the design of H2O2-degrading artificial nano-organelles (AnOs) that exposed surface-attached cell penetrating peptides (CPP) for enhanced uptake and were equipped with a fluorescent moiety for rapid visualization within cells. To investigate how such AnOs integrate in cellular redox signaling, we engineered leukemic K562 cells that report on NRF2 activation by increased mCherry expression. Once internalized, ROS-metabolizing AnOs dampen intracellular NRF2 signaling upon oxidative injury by degrading H2O2. Moreover, intracellular AnOs conferred protection against ROSinduced cell death in conditions when endogenous ROS-protection mechanisms have been compromised by depletion of glutathione or knockdown of NRF2. We demonstrate CPP-facilitated AnO uptake and AnO-mediated protection against ROS insults also in the T lymphocyte population of primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. Overall, our data suggest that intracellular AnOs alleviated cellular stress by the on-site reduction of ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin M. P. Wolf
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8006Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Molecular Systems Engineering, 4002Basel, Switzerland
| | - Viviana Maffeis
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Molecular Systems Engineering, 4002Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4002Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cora-Ann Schoenenberger
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Molecular Systems Engineering, 4002Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4002Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tamara Zünd
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8006Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Liron Bar-Peled
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital/Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129, USA
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Molecular Systems Engineering, 4002Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, 4002Basel, Switzerland
| | - Viola Vogel
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8006Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Molecular Systems Engineering, 4002Basel, Switzerland
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9
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Giraudot C, Alazard-Dany N, Lambert V. [Closed-loop synthetic gene circuits for cell-based therapies]. Med Sci (Paris) 2024; 40:437-444. [PMID: 38819279 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2024054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in synthetic biology have paved the way for new cellular therapies, using cells capable of autonomously treating chronic diseases. These cells integrate a set of genes functioning in a closed-loop synthetic circuit, delivering a therapeutic effector in response to a specific pathological signal. While promising in mice, these therapies face clinical challenges related to safety and feasibility of in vivo implementation. The latest generations of synthetic circuits aim to address these issues through advanced bioengineering strategies outlined in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clélia Giraudot
- École normale supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France - Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy-l'Étoile, France
| | - Nathalie Alazard-Dany
- École normale supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
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10
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Balasubramanian S, Weston DA, Levin M, Davidian DCC. Electroceuticals: emerging applications beyond the nervous system and excitable tissues. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:391-394. [PMID: 38641490 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.03.001] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Electroceuticals have evolved beyond devices manipulating neuronal signaling for symptomatic treatment, becoming more precise and disease modulating and expanding beyond the nervous system. These advancements promise transformative applications in arthritis, cancer treatment, tissue regeneration, and more. Here, we discuss these recent advances and offer insights for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarnalatha Balasubramanian
- Emerging Innovations Unit, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David A Weston
- Emerging Innovations Unit, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA; Wyss Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Huang J, Xue S, Teixeira AP, Fussenegger M. A Gene-Switch Platform Interfacing with Reactive Oxygen Species Enables Transcription Fine-Tuning by Soluble and Volatile Pharmacologics and Food Additives. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306333. [PMID: 38526196 PMCID: PMC11132055 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306333] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to engineer transgene switches for precise therapeutic protein control in cell-based gene therapies. However, off-the-shelf trigger-inducible gene circuits are usually switched on by single or structurally similar molecules. This study presents a mammalian gene-switch platform that controls therapeutic gene expression by a wide range of molecules generating low, non-toxic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this system, KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) serves as ROS sensor, regulating the translocation of NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) to the nucleus, where NRF2 binds to antioxidant response elements (ARE) to activate the expression of a gene of interest. It is found that a promoter containing eight-tandem ARE repeats is highly sensitive to the low ROS levels generated by the soluble and volatile molecules, which include food preservatives, food additives, pharmaceuticals, and signal transduction inducers. In a proof-of-concept study, it is shown that many of these compounds can independently trigger microencapsulated engineered cells to produce sufficient insulin to restore normoglycemia in experimental type-1 diabetic mice. It is believed that this system greatly extends the variety of small-molecule inducers available to drive therapeutic gene switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Huang
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Shuai Xue
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Ana Palma Teixeira
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
- Present address:
Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Life Sciences, Westlake UniversityHangzhou, ZhejiangChina
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12
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Rajnicek AM, Casañ-Pastor N. Wireless control of nerve growth using bipolar electrodes: a new paradigm in electrostimulation. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:2180-2202. [PMID: 38358306 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01946b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Electrical activity underpins all life, but is most familiar in the nervous system, where long range electrical signalling is essential for function. When this is lost (e.g., traumatic injury) or it becomes inefficient (e.g., demyelination), the use of external fields can compensate for at least some functional deficits. However, its potential to also promote biological repair at the cell level is underplayed despite abundant in vitro evidence for control of neuron growth. This perspective article considers specifically the emerging possibility of achieving cell growth through the interaction of external electric fields using conducting materials as unwired bipolar electrodes, and without intending stimulation of neuron electrical activity to be the primary consequence. The use of a wireless method to create electrical interactions represents a paradigm shift and may allow new applications in vivo where physical wiring is not possible. Within that scheme of thought an evaluation of specific materials and their dynamic responses as bipolar unwired electrodes is summarized and correlated with changes in dynamic nerve growth during stimulation, suggesting possible future schemes to achieve neural growth using bipolar unwired electrodes with specific characteristics. This strategy emphasizes how nerve growth can be encouraged at injury sites wirelessly to induce repair, as opposed to implanting devices that may substitute the neural signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Rajnicek
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United KIngdom
| | - Nieves Casañ-Pastor
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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13
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Zakaria FR, Chen CY, Li J, Wang S, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Redox active plant phenolic, acetosyringone, for electrogenetic signaling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9666. [PMID: 38671069 PMCID: PMC11053109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60191-7] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Redox is a unique, programmable modality capable of bridging communication between biology and electronics. Previous studies have shown that the E. coli redox-responsive OxyRS regulon can be re-wired to accept electrochemically generated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an inducer of gene expression. Here we report that the redox-active phenolic plant signaling molecule acetosyringone (AS) can also induce gene expression from the OxyRS regulon. AS must be oxidized, however, as the reduced state present under normal conditions cannot induce gene expression. Thus, AS serves as a "pro-signaling molecule" that can be activated by its oxidation-in our case by application of oxidizing potential to an electrode. We show that the OxyRS regulon is not induced electrochemically if the imposed electrode potential is in the mid-physiological range. Electronically sliding the applied potential to either oxidative or reductive extremes induces this regulon but through different mechanisms: reduction of O2 to form H2O2 or oxidation of AS. Fundamentally, this work reinforces the emerging concept that redox signaling depends more on molecular activities than molecular structure. From an applications perspective, the creation of an electronically programmed "pro-signal" dramatically expands the toolbox for electronic control of biological responses in microbes, including in complex environments, cell-based materials, and biomanufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauziah Rahma Zakaria
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Chen
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jinyang Li
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA.
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA.
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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14
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Zhou W, Zhang W, Geng W, Huang Y, Zhang TK, Yi ZQ, Ge Y, Huang Y, Tian G, Yang XY. External Electrons Directly Stimulate Escherichia coli for Enhancing Biological Hydrogen Production. ACS NANO 2024; 18:10840-10849. [PMID: 38616401 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
External electric field has the potential to influence metabolic processes such as biological hydrogen production in microorganisms. Based on this concept, we designed and constructed an electroactive hybrid system for microbial biohydrogen production under an electric field comprised of polydopamine (PDA)-modified Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Ni foam (NF). In this system, electrons generated from NF directly migrate into E. coli cells to promote highly efficient biocatalytic hydrogen production. Compared to that generated in the absence of electric field stimulation, biohydrogen production by the PDA-modified E. coli-based system is significantly enhanced. This investigation has demonstrated the mechanism for electron transfer in a biohybrid system and gives insight into precise basis for the enhancement of hydrogen production by using the multifield coupling technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing & Shenzhen Research Institute & Laoshan Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122, Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing & Shenzhen Research Institute & Laoshan Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122, Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wei Geng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 2 Daxue Road, Zhuhai 519082, P. R. China
| | - Yaoqi Huang
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Tong-Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing & Shenzhen Research Institute & Laoshan Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122, Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zi-Qian Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing & Shenzhen Research Institute & Laoshan Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122, Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing & Shenzhen Research Institute & Laoshan Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122, Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing & Shenzhen Research Institute & Laoshan Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122, Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ge Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing & Shenzhen Research Institute & Laoshan Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122, Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing & Shenzhen Research Institute & Laoshan Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122, Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
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15
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Makwana R, Christ C, Marchi E, Harpell R, Lyon GJ. Longitudinal Adaptive Behavioral Outcomes in Ogden Syndrome by Seizure Status and Therapeutic Intervention. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.23.24303144. [PMID: 38585745 PMCID: PMC10996826 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.23.24303144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Ogden syndrome, also known as NAA10-related neurodevelopmental syndrome, is a rare genetic condition associated with pathogenic variants in the NAA10 N-terminal acetylation family of proteins. The condition was initially described in 2011, and is characterized by a range of neurologic symptoms, including intellectual disability and seizures, as well as developmental delays, psychiatric symptoms, congenital heart abnormalities, hypotonia and others. Previously published articles have described the etiology and phenotype of Ogden syndrome, mostly with retrospective analyses; herein, we report prospective data concerning its progress over time. Additionally, we describe the nature of seizures in this condition in greater detail, as well as investigate how already-available non-pharmaceutical therapies impact individuals with NAA10-related neurodevelopmental syndrome. Using Vineland-3 scores, we show decline in cognitive function over time in individuals with Ogden syndrome. Sub-domain analysis found the decline to be present across all modalities. Additional investigation between seizure and non-seizure groups showed no significant difference in adaptive behavior outcomes. Therapy investigation showed speech therapy to be the most commonly used therapy by individuals with NAA10-related neurodevelopmental syndrome, followed by occupational and physical therapy. with more severely affected individuals receiving more types of therapy than their less-severe counterparts. Early intervention analysis was only significantly effective for speech therapy, with analyses of all other therapies being non-significant. Our study portrays the decline in cognitive function over time of individuals within our cohort, independent of seizure status and therapies being received, and highlights the urgent need for the development of effective treatments for Ogden syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikhil Makwana
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Carolina Christ
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Elaine Marchi
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Randie Harpell
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Gholson J. Lyon
- Department of Human Genetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- George A. Jervis Clinic, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- Biology PhD Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, United States of America
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16
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Zhang J, Li F, Liu D, Liu Q, Song H. Engineering extracellular electron transfer pathways of electroactive microorganisms by synthetic biology for energy and chemicals production. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1375-1446. [PMID: 38117181 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00537b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The excessive consumption of fossil fuels causes massive emission of CO2, leading to climate deterioration and environmental pollution. The development of substitutes and sustainable energy sources to replace fossil fuels has become a worldwide priority. Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs), employing redox reactions of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) on electrodes to achieve a meritorious combination of biocatalysis and electrocatalysis, provide a green and sustainable alternative approach for bioremediation, CO2 fixation, and energy and chemicals production. EAMs, including exoelectrogens and electrotrophs, perform extracellular electron transfer (EET) (i.e., outward and inward EET), respectively, to exchange energy with the environment, whose rate determines the efficiency and performance of BESs. Therefore, we review the synthetic biology strategies developed in the last decade for engineering EAMs to enhance the EET rate in cell-electrode interfaces for facilitating the production of electricity energy and value-added chemicals, which include (1) progress in genetic manipulation and editing tools to achieve the efficient regulation of gene expression, knockout, and knockdown of EAMs; (2) synthetic biological engineering strategies to enhance the outward EET of exoelectrogens to anodes for electricity power production and anodic electro-fermentation (AEF) for chemicals production, including (i) broadening and strengthening substrate utilization, (ii) increasing the intracellular releasable reducing equivalents, (iii) optimizing c-type cytochrome (c-Cyts) expression and maturation, (iv) enhancing conductive nanowire biosynthesis and modification, (v) promoting electron shuttle biosynthesis, secretion, and immobilization, (vi) engineering global regulators to promote EET rate, (vii) facilitating biofilm formation, and (viii) constructing cell-material hybrids; (3) the mechanisms of inward EET, CO2 fixation pathway, and engineering strategies for improving the inward EET of electrotrophic cells for CO2 reduction and chemical production, including (i) programming metabolic pathways of electrotrophs, (ii) rewiring bioelectrical circuits for enhancing inward EET, and (iii) constructing microbial (photo)electrosynthesis by cell-material hybridization; (4) perspectives on future challenges and opportunities for engineering EET to develop highly efficient BESs for sustainable energy and chemical production. We expect that this review will provide a theoretical basis for the future development of BESs in energy harvesting, CO2 fixation, and chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Dingyuan Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Qijing Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Hao Song
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, and School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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17
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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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18
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Wang S, Aljirafi FO, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Excite the unexcitable: engineering cells and redox signaling for targeted bioelectronic control. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103052. [PMID: 38150921 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The ever-growing influence of technology in our lives has led to an increasing interest in the development of smart electronic devices to interrogate and control biological systems. Recently, redox-mediated electrogenetics introduced a novel avenue that enables direct bioelectronic control at the genetic level. In this review, we discuss recent advances in methodologies for bioelectronic control, ranging from electrical stimulation to engineering efforts that allow traditionally unexcitable cells to be electrically 'programmable.' Alongside ion-transport signaling, we suggest redox as a route for rational engineering because it is a native form of electronic communication in biology. Using redox as a common language allows the interfacing of electronics and biology. This newfound connection opens a gateway of possibilities for next-generation bioelectronic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA; Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Futoon O Aljirafi
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA; Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA; Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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19
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Qiao R, Kong B, Zhao Y. Acupuncture needles become more powerful with the bolstering of electricity. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:3114-3116. [PMID: 37993328 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Qiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Kong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging,School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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20
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Wang S, Chen CY, Rzasa JR, Tsao CY, Li J, VanArsdale E, Kim E, Zakaria FR, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Redox-enabled electronic interrogation and feedback control of hierarchical and networked biological systems. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8514. [PMID: 38129428 PMCID: PMC10739708 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44223-w] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microelectronic devices can directly communicate with biology, as electronic information can be transmitted via redox reactions within biological systems. By engineering biology's native redox networks, we enable electronic interrogation and control of biological systems at several hierarchical levels: proteins, cells, and cell consortia. First, electro-biofabrication facilitates on-device biological component assembly. Then, electrode-actuated redox data transmission and redox-linked synthetic biology allows programming of enzyme activity and closed-loop electrogenetic control of cellular function. Specifically, horseradish peroxidase is assembled onto interdigitated electrodes where electrode-generated hydrogen peroxide controls its activity. E. coli's stress response regulon, oxyRS, is rewired to enable algorithm-based feedback control of gene expression, including an eCRISPR module that switches cell-cell quorum sensing communication from one autoinducer to another-creating an electronically controlled 'bilingual' cell. Then, these disparate redox-guided devices are wirelessly connected, enabling real-time communication and user-based control. We suggest these methodologies will help us to better understand and develop sophisticated control for biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Chen
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - John R Rzasa
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Chen-Yu Tsao
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jinyang Li
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Eric VanArsdale
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
- National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associate, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eunkyoung Kim
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Fauziah Rahma Zakaria
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA.
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21
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Tozer L. Experimental insulin implant uses electricity to control genes. Nature 2023:10.1038/d41586-023-02461-4. [PMID: 37528201 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-02461-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
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