1
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Chau CC, Maffeo CM, Aksimentiev A, Radford SE, Hewitt EW, Actis P. Single molecule delivery into living cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4403. [PMID: 38782907 PMCID: PMC11116494 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Controlled manipulation of cultured cells by delivery of exogenous macromolecules is a cornerstone of experimental biology. Here we describe a platform that uses nanopipettes to deliver defined numbers of macromolecules into cultured cell lines and primary cells at single molecule resolution. In the nanoinjection platform, the nanopipette is used as both a scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM) probe and an injection probe. The SICM is used to position the nanopipette above the cell surface before the nanopipette is inserted into the cell into a defined location and to a predefined depth. We demonstrate that the nanoinjection platform enables the quantitative delivery of DNA, globular proteins, and protein fibrils into cells with single molecule resolution and that delivery results in a phenotypic change in the cell that depends on the identity of the molecules introduced. Using experiments and computational modeling, we also show that macromolecular crowding in the cell increases the signal-to-noise ratio for the detection of translocation events, thus the cell itself enhances the detection of the molecules delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chalmers C Chau
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Bragg Centre for Materials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Christopher M Maffeo
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Aleksei Aksimentiev
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sheena E Radford
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Eric W Hewitt
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Paolo Actis
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
- Bragg Centre for Materials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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2
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Park I, Choi S, Gwak Y, Kim J, Min G, Lim D, Lee SW. Microfluidic Electroporation Arrays for Investigating Electroporation-Induced Cellular Rupture Dynamics. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:242. [PMID: 38785716 PMCID: PMC11118139 DOI: 10.3390/bios14050242] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Electroporation is pivotal in bioelectrochemistry for cellular manipulation, with prominent applications in drug delivery and cell membrane studies. A comprehensive understanding of pore generation requires an in-depth analysis of the critical pore size and the corresponding energy barrier at the onset of cell rupture. However, many studies have been limited to basic models such as artificial membranes or theoretical simulations. Challenging this paradigm, our study pioneers using a microfluidic electroporation chip array. This tool subjects live breast cancer cell species to a diverse spectrum of alternating current electric field conditions, driving electroporation-induced cell rupture. We conclusively determined the rupture voltages across varying applied voltage loading rates, enabling an unprecedented characterization of electric cell rupture dynamics encompassing critical pore radius and energy barrier. Further bolstering our investigation, we probed cells subjected to cholesterol depletion via methyl-β-cyclodextrin and revealed a strong correlation with electroporation. This work not only elucidates the dynamics of electric rupture in live cell membranes but also sets a robust foundation for future explorations into the mechanisms and energetics of live cell electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insu Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (I.P.)
| | - Seungyeop Choi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02481, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Four Institute of Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngwoo Gwak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Jingwon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongjun Min
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Danyou Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea; (I.P.)
| | - Sang Woo Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
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3
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Li T, Sun M, Zhou Q, Liang P, Huang T, Guo M, Xie B, Li C, Li M, Duan WJ, Chen JX, Dai Z, Chen J. Endogenous Enzyme-Powered DNA Nanomotor Operating in Living Cells for microRNA Imaging. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15025-15032. [PMID: 37769140 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Accurate and specific imaging of low-abundance microRNA (miRNA) in living cells is extremely important for disease diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. DNA nanomotors have shown great potential for imaging molecules of interest in living cells. However, inappropriate driving forces and complex design and operation procedures have hindered their further application. Here, we proposed an endogenous enzyme-powered DNA nanomotor (EEPDN), which employs an endogenous APE1 enzyme as fuel to execute repetitive cycles of motion for miRNA imaging in living cells. The whole motor system is constructed based on gold nanoparticles without other auxiliary additives. Due to the high efficiency of APE1, this EEPDN system has achieved highly sensitive miRNA imaging in living cells within 1.5 h. This strategy was also successfully used to differentiate the expression of specific miRNA between tumor cells and normal cells, demonstrating a high tumor cell selectivity. This strategy can promote the development of novel nanomotors and is expected to be a perfect intracellular molecular imaging tool for biological and medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Mengxu Sun
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Qianying Zhou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Pengying Liang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Ting Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Mingqi Guo
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Baoping Xie
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Chunrong Li
- Qiannan Medical College for Nationalities, Duyun 558000, P.R. China
| | - Minmin Li
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jun Duan
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Xiang Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Zong Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Jun Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Optic-Electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P.R. China
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4
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Zhao Y, Gan L, Ke D, Chen Q, Fu Y. Mechanisms and research advances in mRNA antibody drug-mediated passive immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2023; 21:693. [PMID: 37794448 PMCID: PMC10552228 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04553-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody technology is widely used in the fields of biomedical and clinical therapies. Nonetheless, the complex in vitro expression of recombinant proteins, long production cycles, and harsh storage conditions have limited their applications in medicine, especially in clinical therapies. Recently, this dilemma has been overcome to a certain extent by the development of mRNA delivery systems, in which antibody-encoding mRNAs are enclosed in nanomaterials and delivered to the body. On entering the cytoplasm, the mRNAs immediately bind to ribosomes and undergo translation and post-translational modifications. This process produces monoclonal or bispecific antibodies that act directly on the patient. Additionally, it eliminates the cumbersome process of in vitro protein expression and extends the half-life of short-lived proteins, which significantly reduces the cost and duration of antibody production. This review focuses on the benefits and drawbacks of mRNA antibodies compared with the traditional in vitro expressed antibodies. In addition, it elucidates the progress of mRNA antibodies in the prevention of infectious diseases and oncology therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Zhao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Linchuan Gan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Dangjin Ke
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China.
| | - Yajuan Fu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, PR China.
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5
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He X, Xiong S, Sun Y, Zhong M, Xiao N, Zhou Z, Wang T, Tang Y, Xie J. Recent Progress of Rational Modified Nanocarriers for Cytosolic Protein Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1610. [PMID: 37376059 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins garnered significant attention in the field of disease treatment. In comparison to small molecule drugs, protein therapies offer distinct advantages, including high potency, specificity, low toxicity, and reduced carcinogenicity, even at minimal concentrations. However, the full potential of protein therapy is limited by inherent challenges such as large molecular size, delicate tertiary structure, and poor membrane penetration, resulting in inefficient intracellular delivery into target cells. To address these challenges and enhance the clinical applications of protein therapies, various protein-loaded nanocarriers with tailored modifications were developed, including liposomes, exosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and nanomotors. Despite these advancements, many of these strategies encounter significant issues such as entrapment within endosomes, leading to low therapeutic efficiency. In this review, we extensively discussed diverse strategies for the rational design of nanocarriers, aiming to overcome these limitations. Additionally, we presented a forward-looking viewpoint on the innovative generation of delivery systems specifically tailored for protein-based therapies. Our intention was to offer theoretical and technical support for the development and enhancement of nanocarriers capable of facilitating cytosolic protein delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Geriatrics, The Shenzhen Hospital of Peking University, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Su Xiong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Yansun Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, The Shenzhen Hospital of Peking University, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Min Zhong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Nianting Xiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Ziwei Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Yaqin Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
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6
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Qian L, Lin X, Gao X, Khan RU, Liao JY, Du S, Ge J, Zeng S, Yao SQ. The Dawn of a New Era: Targeting the "Undruggables" with Antibody-Based Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2023. [PMID: 37186942 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The high selectivity and affinity of antibodies toward their antigens have made them a highly valuable tool in disease therapy, diagnosis, and basic research. A plethora of chemical and genetic approaches have been devised to make antibodies accessible to more "undruggable" targets and equipped with new functions of illustrating or regulating biological processes more precisely. In this Review, in addition to introducing how naked antibodies and various antibody conjugates (such as antibody-drug conjugates, antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, antibody-enzyme conjugates, etc.) work in therapeutic applications, special attention has been paid to how chemistry tools have helped to optimize the therapeutic outcome (i.e., with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects) or facilitate the multifunctionalization of antibodies, with a focus on emerging fields such as targeted protein degradation, real-time live-cell imaging, catalytic labeling or decaging with spatiotemporal control as well as the engagement of antibodies inside cells. With advances in modern chemistry and biotechnology, well-designed antibodies and their derivatives via size miniaturization or multifunctionalization together with efficient delivery systems have emerged, which have gradually improved our understanding of important biological processes and paved the way to pursue novel targets for potential treatments of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghui Qian
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuefen Lin
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Rizwan Ullah Khan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jia-Yu Liao
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shubo Du
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jingyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Su Zeng
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shao Q Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117544
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7
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Zhang X, Luo D, Zheng YW, Li XQ, Song J, Zhao WW, Chen HY, Xu JJ. Translocation of Specific DNA Nanocarrier through an Ultrasmall Nanopipette: Toward Single-Protein-Molecule Detection with Superior Signal-to-Noise Ratio. ACS NANO 2022; 16:15108-15114. [PMID: 36047811 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of functional DNA nanostructures as carriers to ship proteins through solid-state nanopores has recently seen substantial growth in single-protein-molecule detection (SPMD), driven by the potential of this methodology and implementations that it may enable. Ultrasmall nanopores have exhibited obvious advantages in spatiotemporal biological detection due to the appropriate nanoconfined spaces and unique properties. Herein, a 6.8 nm DNA tetrahedron (TDN) with a target-specific DNA aptamer (TDN-apt) was engineered to carry the representative target of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) through an ultrasmall nanopipet with a 30 nm orifice, underpinning the advanced SPMD of AChE with good performance in terms of high selectivity, low detection limit (0.1 fM), and especially superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The kinetic interaction between TDN-apt and AChE was studied and the practical applicability of the as-developed SPMD toward real samples was validated using serum samples from patients with Alzheimer's disease. This work not only presented a feasible SPMD solution toward low-abundance proteins in complex samples and but also was envisioned to inspire more interest in the design and implementation of synergized DNA nanostructure-ultrasmall nanopore systems for future SPMD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - You-Wei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Wei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Juan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
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8
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Umbach S, Levin R, Neumann S, Steinmetzer T, Dötsch V, Bernhard F. Transfer mechanism of cell-free synthesized membrane proteins into mammalian cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:906295. [PMID: 35935506 PMCID: PMC9355040 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.906295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanodiscs are emerging to serve as transfer vectors for the insertion of recombinant membrane proteins into membranes of living cells. In combination with cell-free expression technologies, this novel process opens new perspectives to analyze the effects of even problematic targets such as toxic, hard-to-express, or artificially modified membrane proteins in complex cellular environments of different cell lines. Furthermore, transferred cells must not be genetically engineered and primary cell lines or cancer cells could be implemented as well. We have systematically analyzed the basic parameters of the nanotransfer approach and compared the transfer efficiencies from nanodiscs with that from Salipro particles. The transfer of five membrane proteins was analyzed: the prokaryotic proton pump proteorhodopsin, the human class A family G-protein coupled receptors for endothelin type B, prostacyclin, free fatty acids type 2, and the orphan GPRC5B receptor as a class C family member. The membrane proteins were cell-free synthesized with a detergent-free strategy by their cotranslational insertion into preformed nanoparticles containing defined lipid environments. The purified membrane protein/nanoparticles were then incubated with mammalian cells. We demonstrate that nanodiscs disassemble and only lipids and membrane proteins, not the scaffold protein, are transferred into cell membranes. The process is detectable within minutes, independent of the nanoparticle lipid composition, and the transfer efficiency directly correlates with the membrane protein concentration in the transfer mixture and with the incubation time. Transferred membrane proteins insert in both orientations, N-terminus in and N-terminus out, in the cell membrane, and the ratio can be modulated by engineering. The viability of cells is not notably affected by the transfer procedure, and transferred membrane proteins stay detectable in the cell membrane for up to 3 days. Transferred G-protein coupled receptors retained their functionality in the cell environment as shown by ligand binding, induction of internalization, and specific protein interactions. In comparison to transfection, the cellular membrane protein concentration is better controllable and more uniformly distributed within the analyzed cell population. A further notable difference to transfection is the accumulation of transferred membrane proteins in clusters, presumably determined by microdomain structures in the cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Umbach
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Roman Levin
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sebastian Neumann
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Frank Bernhard
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- *Correspondence: Frank Bernhard,
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9
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Abstract
In-cell structural biology aims at extracting structural information about proteins or nucleic acids in their native, cellular environment. This emerging field holds great promise and is already providing new facts and outlooks of interest at both fundamental and applied levels. NMR spectroscopy has important contributions on this stage: It brings information on a broad variety of nuclei at the atomic scale, which ensures its great versatility and uniqueness. Here, we detail the methods, the fundamental knowledge, and the applications in biomedical engineering related to in-cell structural biology by NMR. We finally propose a brief overview of the main other techniques in the field (EPR, smFRET, cryo-ET, etc.) to draw some advisable developments for in-cell NMR. In the era of large-scale screenings and deep learning, both accurate and qualitative experimental evidence are as essential as ever to understand the interior life of cells. In-cell structural biology by NMR spectroscopy can generate such a knowledge, and it does so at the atomic scale. This review is meant to deliver comprehensive but accessible information, with advanced technical details and reflections on the methods, the nature of the results, and the future of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois-Xavier Theillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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10
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Bury AG, Pyle A, Marcuccio F, Turnbull DM, Vincent AE, Hudson G, Actis P. A subcellular cookie cutter for spatial genomics in human tissue. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:5483-5492. [PMID: 35233697 PMCID: PMC9242960 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-03944-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular heterogeneity contributes significantly to cellular physiology and, in a number of debilitating diseases, cellular pathophysiology. This is greatly influenced by distinct organelle populations and to understand the aetiology of disease, it is important to have tools able to isolate and differentially analyse organelles from precise location within tissues. Here, we report the development of a subcellular biopsy technology that facilitates the isolation of organelles, such as mitochondria, from human tissue. We compared the subcellular biopsy technology to laser capture microdissection (LCM) that is the state-of-the-art technique for the isolation of cells from their surrounding tissues. We demonstrate an operational limit of >20 µm for LCM and then, for the first time in human tissue, show that subcellular biopsy can be used to isolate mitochondria beyond this limit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Bury
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.,Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.,Bragg Centre for Materials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.,School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Angela Pyle
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Fabio Marcuccio
- Bragg Centre for Materials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.,School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Doug M Turnbull
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Amy E Vincent
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. .,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Gavin Hudson
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. .,Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Paolo Actis
- Bragg Centre for Materials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. .,School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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Guillaume-Gentil O, Gäbelein CG, Schmieder S, Martinez V, Zambelli T, Künzler M, Vorholt JA. Injection into and extraction from single fungal cells. Commun Biol 2022; 5:180. [PMID: 35233064 PMCID: PMC8888671 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03127-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The direct delivery of molecules and the sampling of endogenous compounds into and from living cells provide powerful means to modulate and study cellular functions. Intracellular injection and extraction remain challenging for fungal cells that possess a cell wall. The most common methods for intracellular delivery into fungi rely on the initial degradation of the cell wall to generate protoplasts, a step that represents a major bottleneck in terms of time, efficiency, standardization, and cell viability. Here, we show that fluidic force microscopy enables the injection of solutions and cytoplasmic fluid extraction into and out of individual fungal cells, including unicellular model yeasts and multicellular filamentous fungi. The approach is strain- and cargo-independent and opens new opportunities for manipulating and analyzing fungi. We also perturb individual hyphal compartments within intact mycelial networks to study the cellular response at the single cell level. Guillaume-Gentil et al. describe a method that employs a modified AFM tip for selectively sampling from and injecting into individual fungal cells of differing morphology. The authors describe extensive modifications on their system previously used for mammalian cells to overcome many of the challenges associated with working on single fungal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefanie Schmieder
- Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Vincent Martinez
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomaso Zambelli
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Künzler
- Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia A Vorholt
- Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Chuang CK, Lin WM. Points of View on the Tools for Genome/Gene Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9872. [PMID: 34576035 PMCID: PMC8470269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Theoretically, a DNA sequence-specific recognition protein that can distinguish a DNA sequence equal to or more than 16 bp could be unique to mammalian genomes. Long-sequence-specific nucleases, such as naturally occurring Homing Endonucleases and artificially engineered ZFN, TALEN, and Cas9-sgRNA, have been developed and widely applied in genome editing. In contrast to other counterparts, which recognize DNA target sites by the protein moieties themselves, Cas9 uses a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) as a template for DNA target recognition. Due to the simplicity in designing and synthesizing a sgRNA for a target site, Cas9-sgRNA has become the most current tool for genome editing. Moreover, the RNA-guided DNA recognition activity of Cas9-sgRNA is independent of both of the nuclease activities of it on the complementary strand by the HNH domain and the non-complementary strand by the RuvC domain, and HNH nuclease activity null mutant (H840A) and RuvC nuclease activity null mutant (D10A) were identified. In accompaniment with the sgRNA, Cas9, Cas9(D10A), Cas9(H840A), and Cas9(D10A, H840A) can be used to achieve double strand breakage, complementary strand breakage, non-complementary strand breakage, and no breakage on-target site, respectively. Based on such unique characteristics, many engineered enzyme activities, such as DNA methylation, histone methylation, histone acetylation, cytidine deamination, adenine deamination, and primer-directed mutation, could be introduced within or around the target site. In order to prevent off-targeting by the lasting expression of Cas9 derivatives, a lot of transient expression methods, including the direct delivery of Cas9-sgRNA riboprotein, were developed. The issue of biosafety is indispensable in in vivo applications; Cas9-sgRNA packaged into virus-like particles or extracellular vesicles have been designed and some in vivo therapeutic trials have been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Kai Chuang
- Animal Technology Research Center, Division of Animal Technology, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, No. 52, Kedong 2nd Rd., Zhunan Township, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan;
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13
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Torricella F, Bonucci A, Polykretis P, Cencetti F, Banci L. Rapid protein delivery to living cells for biomolecular investigation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 570:82-88. [PMID: 34274850 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The lack of a simple, fast and efficient method for protein delivery is limiting the widespread application of in-cell experiments, which are crucial for understanding the cellular function. We present here an innovative strategy to deliver proteins into both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, exploiting thermal vesiculation. This method allows to internalize substantial amounts of proteins, with different molecular weight and conformation, without compromising the structural properties and cell viability. Characterizing proteins in a physiological environment is essential as the environment can dramatically affect the conformation and dynamics of biomolecules as shown by in-cell EPR spectra vs those acquired in buffer solution. Considering its versatility, this method opens the possibility to scientists to study proteins directly in living cells through a wide range of techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Torricella
- Magnetic Resonance Center - CERM, University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Bonucci
- Aix Marseille, Univ, CNRS, BIP, Laboratoire de Bioénergétique et Ingégnerie des protéines, Marseille, France
| | - Panagis Polykretis
- Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metallo Proteins (CIRMMP), via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Cencetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, v.le GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Banci
- Magnetic Resonance Center - CERM, University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metallo Proteins (CIRMMP), via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy; Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
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14
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Torricella F, Pierro A, Mileo E, Belle V, Bonucci A. Nitroxide spin labels and EPR spectroscopy: A powerful association for protein dynamics studies. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2021; 1869:140653. [PMID: 33757896 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2021.140653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Site-Directed Spin Labelling (SDSL) technique is based on the attachment of a paramagnetic label onto a specific position of a protein (or other bio-molecules) and the subsequent study by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. In particular, continuous-wave EPR (cw-EPR) spectra can detect the local conformational dynamics for proteins under various conditions. Moreover, pulse-EPR experiments on doubly spin-labelled proteins allow measuring distances between spin centres in the 1.5-8 nm range, providing information about structures and functions. This review focuses on SDSL-EPR spectroscopy as a structural biology tool to investigate proteins using nitroxide labels. The versatility of this spectroscopic approach for protein structural characterization has been demonstrated through the choice of recent studies. The main aim is to provide a general overview of the technique, particularly for non-experts, to spread the applicability of this technique in various fields of structural biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Torricella
- CERM-Magnetic Resonance Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via L.Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - A Pierro
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP, Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines, IMM, Marseille, France
| | - E Mileo
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP, Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines, IMM, Marseille, France
| | - V Belle
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP, Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines, IMM, Marseille, France
| | - A Bonucci
- CERM-Magnetic Resonance Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via L.Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP, Bioénergétique et Ingénierie des Protéines, IMM, Marseille, France.
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15
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Rilo-Alvarez H, Ledo AM, Vidal A, Garcia-Fuentes M. Delivery of transcription factors as modulators of cell differentiation. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:426-444. [PMID: 33611769 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental studies performed during the last decades have shown that cell fate is much more plastic than previously considered, and technologies for its manipulation are a keystone for many new tissue regeneration therapies. Transcription factors (TFs) are DNA-binding proteins that control gene expression, and they have critical roles in the control of cell fate and other cellular behavior. TF-based therapies have much medical potential, but their use as drugs depends on the development of suitable delivery technologies that can help them reach their action site inside of the cells. TFs can be used either as proteins or encoded in polynucleotides. When used in protein form, many TFs require to be associated to a cell-penetrating peptide or another transduction domain. As polynucleotides, they can be delivered either by viral carriers or by non-viral systems such as polyplexes and lipoplexes. TF-based therapies have extensively shown their potential to solve many tissue-engineering problems, including bone, cartilage and cardiac regeneration. Yet, their use has expanded beyond regenerative medicine to other prominent disease areas such as cancer therapy and immunomodulation. This review summarizes some of the delivery options for effective TF-based therapies and their current main applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Rilo-Alvarez
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, IDIS Research Institute, CiMUS Research Institute, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Adriana M Ledo
- Respiratory Therapeutic Area, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc, 700 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Anxo Vidal
- Department of Physiology, IDIS Research Institute, CiMUS Research Institute, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marcos Garcia-Fuentes
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, IDIS Research Institute, CiMUS Research Institute, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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