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Hu Y, Han L, Mo Q, Du Z, Jiang W, Wu X, Zheng J, Xiao X, Sun Y, Ma H. Engineering miniature CRISPR-Cas Un1Cas12f1 for efficient base editing. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102201. [PMID: 38766526 PMCID: PMC11101732 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a relatively safe and efficient vector for gene therapy. However, due to its 4.7-kb limit of cargo, SpCas9-mediated base editors cannot be packaged into a single AAV vector, which hinders their clinical application. The development of efficient miniature base editors becomes an urgent need. Un1Cas12f1 is a class II V-F-type CRISPR-Cas protein with only 529 amino acids. Although Un1Cas12f1 has been engineered to be a base editor in mammalian cells, the base-editing efficiency is less than 10%, which limits its therapeutic applications. Here, we developed hypercompact and high-efficiency base editors by engineering Un1Cas12f1, fusing non-specific DNA binding protein Sso7d, and truncating single guide RNA (sgRNA), termed STUminiBEs. We demonstrated robust A-to-G conversion (54% on average) by STUminiABEs or C-to-T conversion (45% on average) by STUminiCBEs. We packaged STUminiCBEs into AAVs and successfully introduced a premature stop codon on the PCSK9 gene in mammalian cells. In sum, STUminiBEs are efficient miniature base editors and could readily be packaged into AAVs for biological research or biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueer Hu
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linxiao Han
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqin Mo
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zengming Du
- Belief BioMed (Shanghai), Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Belief BioMed (Shanghai), Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Wu
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Belief BioMed (Shanghai), Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Belief BioMed (Shanghai), Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Yadong Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanhui Ma
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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Wang X, Li L, Guo L, Feng Y, Du Z, Jiang W, Wu X, Zheng J, Xiao X, Zheng H, Sun Y, Ma H. Robust miniature Cas-based transcriptional modulation by engineering Un1Cas12f1 and tethering Sso7d. Mol Ther 2024; 32:910-919. [PMID: 38351611 PMCID: PMC11163271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The miniature V-F CRISPR-Cas12f system has been repurposed for gene editing and transcription modulation. The small size of Cas12f satisfies the packaging capacity of adeno-associated virus (AAV) for gene therapy. However, the efficiency of Cas12f-mediated transcriptional activation varies among different target sites. Here, we developed a robust miniature Cas-based transcriptional activation or silencing system using Un1Cas12f1. We engineered Un1Cas12f1 and the cognate guide RNA and generated miniCRa, which led to a 1,319-fold increase in the activation of the ASCL1 gene. The activity can be further increased by tethering DNA-binding protein Sso7d to miniCRa and generating SminiCRa, which reached a 5,628-fold activation of the ASCL1 gene and at least hundreds-fold activation at other genes examined. We adopted these mutations of Un1Cas12f1 for transcriptional repression and generated miniCRi or SminiCRi, which led to the repression of ∼80% on average of eight genes. We generated an all-in-one AAV vector AIOminiCRi used to silence the disease-related gene SERPINA1. AIOminiCRi AAVs led to the 70% repression of the SERPINA1 gene in the Huh-7 cells. In summary, miniCRa, SminiCRa, miniCRi, and SminiCRi are robust miniature transcriptional modulators with high specificity that expand the toolbox for biomedical research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangnan Wang
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyun Li
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Guo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Wei Jiang
- Belief Biomed (Shanghai), Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Wu
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Belief Biomed (Shanghai), Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Belief Biomed (Shanghai), Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yadong Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanhui Ma
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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Simanjuntak GM, Fibriani A, Fananda AA, Yamahoki N. Development of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Reverse Transcriptase Fused with Archaeal DNA-binding Protein Sis7a. Recent Pat Biotechnol 2024; 18:71-83. [PMID: 37016518 DOI: 10.2174/1872208317666230403104302] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Reverse Transcriptase (MMLV RT) is a common enzyme used to convert RNA sequences into cDNA. However, it still has its shortcomings, especially in terms of processivity and thermostability. According to a previous patent, the fusion of polymerase enzyme to an archaeal DNA-binding protein has been proven to enhance its performance. Furthermore, recent studies have also stated that the fusion of a polymerase enzyme to an archaeal DNA-binding protein is predicted to improve its thermostability and processivity. AIM As an early stage of enzyme development, this study aimed to design, express, and purify enzymatically active MMLV RT fused with archaeal DNA-binding protein. METHODS RT fusion proteins were designed and evaluated using in silico methods. The RT fusion enzyme was then expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and purified. Its reverse transcriptional activity was proved using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS This study showed that MMLV RT fusion with Sis7a protein at its C-terminal end using commercial linker (GGVDMI) produced the best in silico evaluation results. The RT fusion was successfully expressed and purified. It was also known that the optimal condition for expression of the RT fusion was using 0.5 mM IPTG with post-induction incubation at room temperature (± 26°C) for 16 hours. In addition, the activity assay proved that the RT fusion has the reverse transcriptional activity. CONCLUSION This study shows that the designed MMLV RT Sis7a fusion can be expressed and purified, is enzymatically active, and has the potential to be developed as an improved RT enzyme. Further study is still needed to prove its thermostability and processivity, and further characterize, and plan production scale-up of the MMLV RT Sis7a fusion for commercial use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldyna M Simanjuntak
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Azzania Fibriani
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Amalia A Fananda
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Nicholas Yamahoki
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia
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Takahashi S, Oshige M, Katsura S, Nagahara Y. A new fluorescence labeling method for molecular analysis of double-stranded DNA. Anal Biochem 2023; 662:115000. [PMID: 36470466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.115000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) fluorescent labeling method was developed using the fusion proteins of fluorescent protein (FP), and 7 kDa DNA-binding family members including Sso7d from Sulfolobus solfataricus, Aho7c from Acidianus hospitalis, ATSV7 from Acidianus tailed spindle virus and Sto7 from Sulfolobus tokodaii. Using this fluorescent DNA labeling method, we succeeded in single-molecule imaging of bacteriophage λDNA molecules stretched on glass surfaces. The fluorescence of the λDNA with FP fusion proteins decayed 2.4- to 6.4-fold slower than that of the typical intercalating method with SYTOX Green (SxG). In addition, the dynamic behaviors of FP-fused Aho7c-λDNA were relaxed and stretched with and without buffer flow, respectively, in microflow channels and were similar to that with typical intercalating dye, such as YOYO-1 and SxG. this fluorescent DNA labeling method. This fluorescent DNA labeling method can solve the problem of rapid fluorescence decay due to the intercalating dyes and therefore can be expected as an alternative to compound-based fluorescent dye. Thus, this study establishes FP fusion proteins as useful fluorescent DNA probes at the single-molecule level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Takahashi
- Division of Life Science and Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Denki University, Ishizaka, Hatoyama-cho, Hiki-gun, Saitama, 350-0394, Japan.
| | - Masahiko Oshige
- Department of Environmental Engineering Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Kiryu, Gunma, 376-8515, Japan; Gunma University Center for Food Science and Wellness (GUCFW), Aramaki, Gunma, 371-8510, Japan
| | - Shinji Katsura
- Department of Environmental Engineering Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Kiryu, Gunma, 376-8515, Japan; Gunma University Center for Food Science and Wellness (GUCFW), Aramaki, Gunma, 371-8510, Japan
| | - Yukitoshi Nagahara
- Division of Life Science and Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Denki University, Ishizaka, Hatoyama-cho, Hiki-gun, Saitama, 350-0394, Japan
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Ranaudo A, Cosentino U, Greco C, Moro G, Bonardi A, Maiocchi A, Moroni E. Evaluation of docking procedures reliability in affitins-partners interactions. Front Chem 2022; 10:1074249. [DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1074249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Affitins constitute a class of small proteins belonging to Sul7d family, which, in microorganisms such as Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, bind DNA preventing its denaturation. Thanks to their stability and small size (60–66 residues in length) they have been considered as ideal candidates for engineering and have been used for more than 10 years now, for different applications. The individuation of a mutant able to recognize a specific target does not imply the knowledge of the binding geometry between the two proteins. However, its identification is of undoubted importance but not always experimentally accessible. For this reason, computational approaches such as protein-protein docking can be helpful for an initial structural characterization of the complex. This method, which produces tens of putative binding geometries ordered according to a binding score, needs to be followed by a further reranking procedure for finding the most plausible one. In the present paper, we use the server ClusPro for generating docking models of affitins with different protein partners whose experimental structures are available in the Protein Data Bank. Then, we apply two protocols for reranking the docking models. The first one investigates their stability by means of Molecular Dynamics simulations; the second one, instead, compares the docking models with the interacting residues predicted by the Matrix of Local Coupling Energies method. Results show that the more efficient way to deal with the reranking problem is to consider the information given by the two protocols together, i.e. employing a consensus approach.
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Michot N, Guyochin A, Cinier M, Savignard C, Kitten O, Pascual MH, Pouzieux S, Ozoux ML, Verdier P, Vicat P, Dumas J. Albumin binding Nanofitins, a new scaffold to extend half-life of biologics - a case study with exenatide peptide. Peptides 2022; 152:170760. [PMID: 35150805 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A new strategy of peptide half-life extension has been evaluated. We investigated libraries of a small and very stable protein scaffold called Nanofitin, capable of high affinity for protein targets. We have identified Nanofitins targeting Human and mouse Serum Albumin, which could significantly improve the pharmacokinetics of an active associated peptide, mobilizing the patient's own albumin without external source. To demonstrate the impact of this approach on half-life extension, a genetic fusion of an Exenatide peptide with an Albumin Binding Nanofitin (ABNF) was performed. Specific activity of Exenatide-ABNF was measured and unaffected by the fusion. In vivo mice results provided convincing data (t½ of 8 min for Exenatide peptide compared to 20 h for Exenatide-ABNF) with sustained pharmacological activity over 3 days. This study constitutes a proof-of-concept of in vivo half-life extension of a biologic using an ABNF. Besides, the absence of cysteine in the Nanofitin scaffold, which is therefore devoid of structuring disulfide bonds, allows manufacturing in microbial cost effective systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Michot
- Sanofi, Biologics Research, Vitry sur Seine, 94430, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Verdier
- Sanofi, Drug Safety & Animal Research, Alfortville 94430, France
| | - Pascale Vicat
- Sanofi, Drug Safety & Animal Research, Alfortville 94430, France
| | - Jacques Dumas
- Sanofi, Biologics Research, Vitry sur Seine, 94430, France
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Weidenbach K, Gutt M, Cassidy L, Chibani C, Schmitz RA. Small Proteins in Archaea, a Mainly Unexplored World. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0031321. [PMID: 34543104 PMCID: PMC8765429 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00313-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, increasing numbers of small proteins have moved into the focus of science. Small proteins have been identified and characterized in all three domains of life, but the majority remains functionally uncharacterized, lack secondary structure, and exhibit limited evolutionary conservation. While quite a few have already been described for bacteria and eukaryotic organisms, the amount of known and functionally analyzed archaeal small proteins is still very limited. In this review, we compile the current state of research, show strategies for systematic approaches for global identification of small archaeal proteins, and address selected functionally characterized examples. Besides, we document exemplarily for one archaeon the tool development and optimization to identify small proteins using genome-wide approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Weidenbach
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Miriam Gutt
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Liam Cassidy
- AG Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Cynthia Chibani
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ruth A. Schmitz
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
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8
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Mouratou B, Pecorari F. Application of Affitins for Affinity Purification of Proteins. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2466:37-48. [PMID: 35585309 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2176-9_3] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Affinity chromatography is a powerful purification technique, as it allows proteins of interest to be obtained at a high degree of purity in a single step. This technique can be applied on a research laboratory scale as well as on an industrial scale. The interaction involved in affinity separation most often involves a natural ligand or an antibody specific for the protein of interest, or the recognition of a peptide tag artificially added to the recombinant protein. Unfortunately, natural ligands are not always available and it may be undesirable or impossible to add a purification tag, especially for the production of therapeutic proteins. We have developed Affitins as a new class of artificial affinity proteins that can be generated against virtually any protein of interest. Due to their very high selectivity, their remarkable robustness against extreme acid or alkaline conditions and their low production cost, Affitins are particularly suited to this technique. We describe here the production of Affitins and their immobilization on resin beads to prepare affinity chromatography columns. The protocol also describes the use of these columns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mouratou
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in ImmunoTherapy, INCIT, UMR 1302/EMR6001, Nantes, France
| | - Frédéric Pecorari
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in ImmunoTherapy, INCIT, UMR 1302/EMR6001, Nantes, France.
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Lewis AM, Recalde A, Bräsen C, Counts JA, Nussbaum P, Bost J, Schocke L, Shen L, Willard DJ, Quax TEF, Peeters E, Siebers B, Albers SV, Kelly RM. The biology of thermoacidophilic archaea from the order Sulfolobales. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa063. [PMID: 33476388 PMCID: PMC8557808 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermoacidophilic archaea belonging to the order Sulfolobales thrive in extreme biotopes, such as sulfuric hot springs and ore deposits. These microorganisms have been model systems for understanding life in extreme environments, as well as for probing the evolution of both molecular genetic processes and central metabolic pathways. Thermoacidophiles, such as the Sulfolobales, use typical microbial responses to persist in hot acid (e.g. motility, stress response, biofilm formation), albeit with some unusual twists. They also exhibit unique physiological features, including iron and sulfur chemolithoautotrophy, that differentiate them from much of the microbial world. Although first discovered >50 years ago, it was not until recently that genome sequence data and facile genetic tools have been developed for species in the Sulfolobales. These advances have not only opened up ways to further probe novel features of these microbes but also paved the way for their potential biotechnological applications. Discussed here are the nuances of the thermoacidophilic lifestyle of the Sulfolobales, including their evolutionary placement, cell biology, survival strategies, genetic tools, metabolic processes and physiological attributes together with how these characteristics make thermoacidophiles ideal platforms for specialized industrial processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Lewis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Alejandra Recalde
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Bräsen
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - James A Counts
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Phillip Nussbaum
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Bost
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Schocke
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel J Willard
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Tessa E F Quax
- Archaeal Virus–Host Interactions, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eveline Peeters
- Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bettina Siebers
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert M Kelly
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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Thermostable cellulose saccharifying microbial enzymes: Characteristics, recent advances and biotechnological applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 188:226-244. [PMID: 34371052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cellulases play a promising role in the bioconversion of renewable lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars which are subsequently fermented to biofuels and other value-added chemicals. Besides biofuel industries, they are also in huge demand in textile, detergent, and paper and pulp industries. Low titres of cellulase production and processing are the main issues that contribute to high enzyme cost. The success of ethanol-based biorefinery depends on high production titres and the catalytic efficiency of cellulases functional at elevated temperatures with acid/alkali tolerance and the low cost. In view of their wider application in various industrial processes, stable cellulases that are active at elevated temperatures in the acidic-alkaline pH ranges, and organic solvents and salt tolerance would be useful. This review provides a recent update on the advances made in thermostable cellulases. Developments in their sources, characteristics and mechanisms are updated. Various methods such as rational design, directed evolution, synthetic & system biology and immobilization techniques adopted in evolving cellulases with ameliorated thermostability and characteristics are also discussed. The wide range of applications of thermostable cellulases in various industrial sectors is described.
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Characterization of Affitin proteolytic digestion in biorelevant media and improvement of their stabilities via protein engineering. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19703. [PMID: 33184451 PMCID: PMC7661517 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76855-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Affitins are a novel class of small 7 kDa artificial proteins which can be used as antibody substitutes in therapeutic, diagnostic and biotechnological applications. One challenge for this type of protein agent is their behaviour in the context of oral administration. The digestive system is central, and biorelevant media have fast emerged as relevant and reliable tools for evaluating the bioavailability of drugs. This study describes, for the first time, the stability of Affitins under simulated gastric and intestinal digestion conditions. Affitins appear to be degraded into stable fragments in in vitro gastric medium. We identified cleavage sites generated by pepsin that were silenced by site-directed mutagenesis. This protein engineering allowed us to enhance Affitin properties. We showed that a mutant M1 containing a double mutation of amino acid residues 6 and 7 in H4 and C3 Affitins acquired a resistance against proteolytic digestion. In addition, these mutations were beneficial for target affinity, as well as for production yield. Finally, we found that the mutated residues kept or increased the important pH and temperature stabilities of Affitins. These improvements are particularly sought after in the development of engineered binding proteins for research tools, preclinical studies and clinical applications.
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12
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Abstract
Engineered protein scaffolds have made a tremendous contribution to the panel of affinity tools owing to their favorable biophysical properties that make them useful for many applications. In 2007, our group paved the way for using archaeal Sul7d proteins for the design of artificial affinity ligands, so-called Affitins. For many years, Sac7d and Sso7d have been used as molecular basis to obtain binders for various targets. Recently, we characterized their old gifted protein family and identified Aho7c, originating from Acidianus hospitalis, as the shortest member (60 amino-acids) with impressive stability (96.5 °C, pH 0-12). Here, we describe the construction of Aho7c combinatorial libraries and their use for selection of binders by ribosome display.
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13
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Vukojicic P, Béhar G, Tawara MH, Fernandez-Villamarin M, Pecorari F, Fernandez-Megia E, Mouratou B. Multivalent Affidendrons with High Affinity and Specificity toward Staphylococcus aureus as Versatile Tools for Modulating Multicellular Behaviors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:21391-21398. [PMID: 31120726 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b05702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Multivalency is a widely occurring natural phenomenon often exploited in nanotechnology to enhance biorecognition. We report the preparation and characterization of versatile, multivalent Affitin-dendrimer conjugates (Affidendrons) showcased by a set targeting Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus), an opportunistic pathogen causing numerous hospital- and community-acquired infections. Affitins are small affinity proteins characterized by higher stability and lower cost-effective production than antibodies. The strategy presented provides a platform for the rational design of multivalent nanodevices that, retaining the ability of Affitins to recognize their target with high specificity, achieve a largely enhanced affinity. Affidendrons with precisely designed size and valency have been exploited to modulate complex multicellular behaviors of S. aureus, such as agglutination and biofilm formation. Agglutination assays showed that Affidendrons rapidly cross-link S. aureus strains with high bacterial cell selectivity. Moreover, remarkably low concentrations of Affidendrons were able to effectively prevent biofilm formation. Overall, Affidendrons represent a promising platform for the rapid and selective pathogen identification, infection imaging, and theranostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petar Vukojicic
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes , Nantes , France
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS) and Departamento de Química Orgánica , Universidade de Santiago de Compostela , Jenaro de la Fuente s/n , 15782 Santiago de Compostela , Spain
| | - Ghislaine Béhar
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes , Nantes , France
| | - Maun H Tawara
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS) and Departamento de Química Orgánica , Universidade de Santiago de Compostela , Jenaro de la Fuente s/n , 15782 Santiago de Compostela , Spain
| | - Marcos Fernandez-Villamarin
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS) and Departamento de Química Orgánica , Universidade de Santiago de Compostela , Jenaro de la Fuente s/n , 15782 Santiago de Compostela , Spain
| | - Frédéric Pecorari
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes , Nantes , France
| | - Eduardo Fernandez-Megia
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS) and Departamento de Química Orgánica , Universidade de Santiago de Compostela , Jenaro de la Fuente s/n , 15782 Santiago de Compostela , Spain
| | - Barbara Mouratou
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes , Nantes , France
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14
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Béhar G, Renodon‐Cornière A, Kambarev S, Vukojicic P, Caroff N, Corvec S, Mouratou B, Pecorari F. Whole‐bacterium ribosome display selection for isolation of highly specific anti‐
Staphyloccocus aureus
Affitins for detection‐ and capture‐based biomedical applications. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 116:1844-1855. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.26989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ghislaine Béhar
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRSUniversité d'Angers, Université de NantesNantes France
| | | | - Stanimir Kambarev
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRSUniversité d'Angers, Université de NantesNantes France
| | - Petar Vukojicic
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRSUniversité d'Angers, Université de NantesNantes France
| | - Nathalie Caroff
- EA3826 Thérapeutiques cliniques et expérimentales des infections, UFR de MédecineUniversité de NantesNantes France
| | - Stéphane Corvec
- CRCINA, INSERMUniversité d'Angers, Université de NantesNantes France
- Service de Bactériologie – Hygiène hospitalièreCHU de NantesNantes France
| | - Barbara Mouratou
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRSUniversité d'Angers, Université de NantesNantes France
| | - Frédéric Pecorari
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRSUniversité d'Angers, Université de NantesNantes France
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15
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Resnier P, Lepeltier E, Emina AL, Galopin N, Bejaud J, David S, Ballet C, Benvegnu T, Pecorari F, Chourpa I, Benoit JP, Passirani C. Model Affitin and PEG modifications onto siRNA lipid nanocapsules: cell uptake and in vivo biodistribution improvements. RSC Adv 2019; 9:27264-27278. [PMID: 35529231 PMCID: PMC9070605 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra03668g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive tumor, associated with the presence of local and/or distant metastases. The development of gene therapy by the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) represents a promising new treatment. However, the protection of this biomolecule is necessary in order for it to be intravenously administrated, for example via its incorporation into nanomedicines. In parallel to the passive targeting usually obtained by pegylation, various studies have aimed at developing “smart” nanomedicines to efficiently deliver the drug to tumor sites. In this work, siRNA loaded lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) were modified with DSPE-polyethylene glycol (DSPE-PEG), tetraether-PEG (TE-PEG) and/or with an Affitin model, to assay multiple targeting strategies. The uptake of fluorescently labelled LNCs, nanocarrier integrity and siRNA release into human SK-Mel28 melanoma cells were studied by flow cytometry, conventional confocal microscopy and by confocal spectral imaging in a Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) mode. Surface modified siRNA LNCs were followed after human plasma incubation and after intravenous injection, in order to compare the stealth properties. Finally, the biodistribution of the different siRNA LNCs in healthy and melanoma tumor bearing mice models was assessed by in vivo biofluorescence imaging (BFI), to evaluate the potential tumor targeting ability. The post-insertion of DSPE-PEG induced a strong decrease of the internalization into melanoma cells compared to TE-PEG modification. Both PEG polymer decorations induced a great plasma protection of siRNA but only DSPE-PEG led to stealth properties, even at low concentration (5 mM). The Affitin grafting by thiolation of DSPE-PEG was validated on siRNA LNCs. DSPE-PEG-Affitin LNCs were not detected in this melanoma tumor model but did not show unspecific accumulation in organs. DSPE-PEG and TE-PEG LNCs induced a significant intratumoral accumulation of modified LNCs. Surface modifications of siRNA LNCs were assessed with innovative TE-PEG polymers and an Affitin model, in comparison to classic DSPE-PEG LNCs, in order to evaluate the potential tumor targeting of siRNA after intravenous administration.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Resnier
- MINT
- UNIV Angers
- INSERM 1066
- CNRS 6021
- Université Bretagne Loire
| | - Elise Lepeltier
- MINT
- UNIV Angers
- INSERM 1066
- CNRS 6021
- Université Bretagne Loire
| | | | | | - Jérôme Bejaud
- MINT
- UNIV Angers
- INSERM 1066
- CNRS 6021
- Université Bretagne Loire
| | - Stephanie David
- EA6295 – Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes
- Université François-Rabelais de Tours
- UFR de Pharmacie
- F-37200 Tours
- France
| | - Caroline Ballet
- Univ Rennes
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes
- CNRS
- ISCR-UMR 6226
- F-35000 Rennes
| | - Thierry Benvegnu
- Univ Rennes
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes
- CNRS
- ISCR-UMR 6226
- F-35000 Rennes
| | | | - Igor Chourpa
- EA6295 – Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes
- Université François-Rabelais de Tours
- UFR de Pharmacie
- F-37200 Tours
- France
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16
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Paloni JM, Miller EA, Sikes HD, Olsen BD. Improved Ordering in Low Molecular Weight Protein-Polymer Conjugates Through Oligomerization of the Protein Block. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:3814-3824. [PMID: 30132651 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b00928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The self-assembly of protein-polymer conjugates incorporating oligomers of a small, engineered high-affinity binding protein, rcSso7d.SA, is studied to determine the effect of protein oligomerization on nanoscale ordering. Oligomerization enables a systematic increase in the protein molar mass without changing its overall folded structure, leading to a higher driving force for self-assembly into well-ordered structures. Though conjugates of monomeric rcSso7d.SA are found to only exist in disordered states, oligomers of this protein linked to a poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) block self-assemble into lamellar nanostructures. Conjugates of trimeric and tetrameric rcSso7d.SA are observed to produce the strongest ordering in concentrated solution, displaying birefringent lamellae at concentrations as low as 40 wt %. In highly concentrated solution, the oligomeric rcSso7d.SA-PNIPAM block copolymers exhibit ordering and domain spacing trends atypical from that of most block copolymers. Fluorescent binding assays indicate that oligomerized protein blocks retain binding functionality and exhibit limits of detection up to three times lower than that of surface-immobilized protein sensors. Therefore, oligomerization of the protein block in these block copolymers serves as an effective method to improve both nanoscale ordering and biosensing capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Paloni
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States
| | - Eric A Miller
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States
| | - Hadley D Sikes
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States
| | - Bradley D Olsen
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States
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17
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Abstract
Peptide secondary and tertiary structure motifs frequently serve as inspiration for the development of protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. While a wide variety of strategies have been used to stabilize or imitate α-helices, similar strategies for β-sheet stabilization are more limited. Synthetic scaffolds that stabilize reverse turns and cross-strand interactions have provided important insights into β-sheet stability and folding. However, these templates occupy regions of the β-sheet that might impact the β-sheet's ability to bind at a PPI interface. Here, we present the hydrogen bond surrogate (HBS) approach for stabilization of β-hairpin peptides. The HBS linkage replaces a cross-strand hydrogen bond with a covalent linkage, conferring significant conformational and proteolytic resistance. Importantly, this approach introduces the stabilizing linkage in the buried β-sheet interior, retains all side chains for further functionalization, and allows efficient solid-phase macrocyclization. We anticipate that HBS stabilization of PPI β-sheets will enhance the development of β-sheet PPI inhibitors and expand the repertoire of druggable PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Sawyer
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Paramjit S. Arora
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
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18
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Harmansa S, Affolter M. Protein binders and their applications in developmental biology. Development 2018; 145:145/2/dev148874. [PMID: 29374062 DOI: 10.1242/dev.148874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Developmental biology research would benefit greatly from tools that enable protein function to be regulated, both systematically and in a precise spatial and temporal manner, in vivo In recent years, functionalized protein binders have emerged as versatile tools that can be used to target and manipulate proteins. Such protein binders can be based on various scaffolds, such as nanobodies, designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) and monobodies, and can be used to block or perturb protein function in living cells. In this Primer, we provide an overview of the protein binders that are currently available and highlight recent progress made in applying protein binder-based tools in developmental and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Harmansa
- Growth and Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Affolter
- Growth and Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Kalichuk V, Renodon-Cornière A, Béhar G, Carrión F, Obal G, Maillasson M, Mouratou B, Préat V, Pecorari F. A novel, smaller scaffold for Affitins: Showcase with binders specific for EpCAM. Biotechnol Bioeng 2017; 115:290-299. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.26463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Kalichuk
- CRCINA, Inserm, CNRS, Université d'Angers; Université de Nantes; Nantes France
- Université Catholique de Louvain; Louvain Drug Research Institute; Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials; Brussels Belgium
| | | | - Ghislaine Béhar
- CRCINA, Inserm, CNRS, Université d'Angers; Université de Nantes; Nantes France
| | - Federico Carrión
- Institut Pasteur de Montevideo; Protein Biophysics Unit; Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Gonzalo Obal
- Institut Pasteur de Montevideo; Protein Biophysics Unit; Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Mike Maillasson
- CRCINA, Inserm, CNRS, Université d'Angers; Université de Nantes; Nantes France
- Impact, CRCINA, Inserm, CNRS; Université d'Angers; Université de Nantes; Nantes France
| | - Barbara Mouratou
- CRCINA, Inserm, CNRS, Université d'Angers; Université de Nantes; Nantes France
| | - Véronique Préat
- Université Catholique de Louvain; Louvain Drug Research Institute; Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials; Brussels Belgium
| | - Frédéric Pecorari
- CRCINA, Inserm, CNRS, Université d'Angers; Université de Nantes; Nantes France
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