1
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Chen Z, Stoukides DM, Tzanakakis ES. Light-Mediated Enhancement of Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Release of Optogenetically Engineered Human Pancreatic Beta-Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:825-836. [PMID: 38377949 PMCID: PMC10949932 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00653] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Enhancement of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in exogenously delivered pancreatic β-cells is desirable, for example, to overcome the insulin resistance manifested in type 2 diabetes or to reduce the number of β-cells for supporting homeostasis of blood sugar in type 1 diabetes. Optogenetically engineered cells can potentiate their function with exposure to light. Given that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mediates GSIS, we surmised that optoamplification of GSIS is feasible in human β-cells carrying a photoactivatable adenylyl cyclase (PAC). To this end, human EndoC-βH3 cells were engineered to express a blue-light-activated PAC, and a workflow was established combining the scalable manufacturing of pseudoislets (PIs) with efficient adenoviral transduction, resulting in over 80% of cells carrying PAC. Changes in intracellular cAMP and GSIS were determined with the photoactivation of PAC in vitro as well as after encapsulation and implantation in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. cAMP rapidly rose in β-cells expressing PAC with illumination and quickly declined upon its termination. Light-induced amplification in cAMP was concomitant with a greater than 2-fold GSIS vs β-cells without PAC in elevated glucose. The enhanced GSIS retained its biphasic pattern, and the rate of oxygen consumption remained unchanged. Diabetic mice receiving the engineered β-cell PIs exhibited improved glucose tolerance upon illumination compared to those kept in the dark or not receiving cells. The findings support the use of optogenetics for molecular customization of the β-cells toward better treatments for diabetes without the adverse effects of pharmacological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijing Chen
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Demetrios M. Stoukides
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Emmanuel S. Tzanakakis
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
- Department
of Developmental, Molecular and Cell Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
- Graduate
Program in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacology
and Drug Development, Tufts University School
of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
- Clinical
and Translational Science Institute, Tufts
Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
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2
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Kang XW, Wang K, Zhang X, Zhong D, Ding B. Elementary Reactions in the Functional Triads of the Blue-Light Photoreceptor BLUF Domain. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:2065-2075. [PMID: 38391132 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The blue light using the flavin (BLUF) domain is one of the smallest photoreceptors in nature, which consists of a unique bidirectional electron-coupled proton relay process in its photoactivation reaction cycle. This perspective summarizes our recent efforts in dissecting the photocycle into three elementary processes, including proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), proton rocking, and proton relay. Using ultrafast spectroscopy, we have determined the temporal sequence, rates, kinetic isotope effects (KIEs), and concertedness of these elementary steps. Our findings provide important implications for illuminating the photoactivation mechanism of the BLUF domain and suggest an engineering platform to characterize intricate reactions involving proton motions that are ubiquitous in nonphotosensitive protein machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Wen Kang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kailin Wang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Dongping Zhong
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Programs of Biophysics, Programs of Chemical Physics, and Programs of Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Bei Ding
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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3
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Chretien A, Nagel MF, Botha S, de Wijn R, Brings L, Dörner K, Han H, Koliyadu JCP, Letrun R, Round A, Sato T, Schmidt C, Secareanu RC, von Stetten D, Vakili M, Wrona A, Bean R, Mancuso A, Schulz J, Pearson AR, Kottke T, Lorenzen K, Schubert R. Light-induced Trp in/Met out Switching During BLUF Domain Activation in ATP-bound Photoactivatable Adenylate Cyclase OaPAC. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168439. [PMID: 38185322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The understanding of signal transduction mechanisms in photoreceptor proteins is essential for elucidating how living organisms respond to light as environmental stimuli. In this study, we investigated the ATP binding, photoactivation and signal transduction process in the photoactivatable adenylate cyclase from Oscillatoria acuminata (OaPAC) upon blue light excitation. Structural models with ATP bound in the active site of native OaPAC at cryogenic as well as room temperature are presented. ATP is found in one conformation at cryogenic- and in two conformations at ambient-temperature, and is bound in an energetically unfavorable conformation for the conversion to cAMP. However, FTIR spectroscopic experiments confirm that this conformation is the native binding mode in dark state OaPAC and that transition to a productive conformation for ATP turnover only occurs after light activation. A combination of time-resolved crystallography experiments at synchrotron and X-ray Free Electron Lasers sheds light on the early events around the Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) chromophore in the light-sensitive BLUF domain of OaPAC. Early changes involve the highly conserved amino acids Tyr6, Gln48 and Met92. Crucially, the Gln48 side chain performs a 180° rotation during activation, leading to the stabilization of the FAD chromophore. Cryo-trapping experiments allowed us to investigate a late light-activated state of the reaction and revealed significant conformational changes in the BLUF domain around the FAD chromophore. In particular, a Trpin/Metout transition upon illumination is observed for the first time in the BLUF domain and its role in signal transmission via α-helix 3 and 4 in the linker region between sensor and effector domain is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Chretien
- European XFEL GmbH, Schenefeld, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marius F Nagel
- Department of Chemistry and Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Sabine Botha
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1504, USA; Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-5001, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David von Stetten
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Arwen R Pearson
- Institute for Nanostructure and Solid-State Physics, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tilman Kottke
- Department of Chemistry and Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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4
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Tolentino Collado J, Bodis E, Pasitka J, Szucs M, Fekete Z, Kis-Bicskei N, Telek E, Pozsonyi K, Kapetanaki SM, Greetham G, Tonge PJ, Meech SR, Lukacs A. Single Amino Acid Mutation Decouples Photochemistry of the BLUF Domain from the Enzymatic Function of OaPAC and Drives the Enzyme to a Switched-on State. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168312. [PMID: 37827329 PMCID: PMC11256462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168312] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Photoactivated adenylate cyclases (PACs) are light-activated enzymes that combine a BLUF (blue-light using flavin) domain and an adenylate cyclase domain that are able to increase the levels of the important second messenger cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) upon blue-light excitation. The light-induced changes in the BLUF domain are transduced to the adenylate cyclase domain via a mechanism that has not yet been established. One critical residue in the photoactivation mechanism of BLUF domains, present in the vicinity of the flavin is the glutamine amino acid close to the N5 of the flavin. The role of this residue has been investigated extensively both experimentally and theoretically. However, its role in the activity of the photoactivated adenylate cyclase, OaPAC has never been addressed. In this work, we applied ultrafast transient visible and infrared spectroscopies to study the photochemistry of the Q48E OaPAC mutant. This mutation altered the primary electron transfer process and switched the enzyme into a permanent 'on' state, able to increase the cAMP levels under dark conditions compared to the cAMP levels of the dark-adapted state of the wild-type OaPAC. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements point to a less compact structure for the Q48E OaPAC mutant. The ensemble of these findings provide insight into the important elements in PACs and how their fine tuning may help in the design of optogenetic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emoke Bodis
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti str. 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Jonatan Pasitka
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti str. 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Mihaly Szucs
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti str. 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Fekete
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti str. 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Kis-Bicskei
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti str. 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Elek Telek
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti str. 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Kinga Pozsonyi
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti str. 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Sofia M Kapetanaki
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti str. 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Greg Greetham
- Central Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Peter J Tonge
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, New York 11794, United States.
| | - Stephen R Meech
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Andras Lukacs
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti str. 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary.
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5
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Ujfalusi-Pozsonyi K, Bódis E, Nyitrai M, Kengyel A, Telek E, Pécsi I, Fekete Z, Varnyuné Kis-Bicskei N, Mas C, Moussaoui D, Pernot P, Tully MD, Weik M, Schirò G, Kapetanaki SM, Lukács A. ATP-dependent conformational dynamics in a photoactivated adenylate cyclase revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. Commun Biol 2024; 7:147. [PMID: 38307988 PMCID: PMC10837130 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Structural insights into the photoactivated adenylate cyclases can be used to develop new ways of controlling cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels for optogenetic and other applications. In this work, we use an integrative approach that combines biophysical and structural biology methods to provide insight on the interaction of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with the dark-adapted state of the photoactivated adenylate cyclase from the cyanobacterium Oscillatoria acuminata (OaPAC). A moderate affinity of the nucleotide for the enzyme was calculated and the thermodynamic parameters of the interaction have been obtained. Stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy and small-angle solution scattering have revealed significant conformational changes in the enzyme, presumably in the adenylate cyclase (AC) domain during the allosteric mechanism of ATP binding to OaPAC with small and large-scale movements observed to the best of our knowledge for the first time in the enzyme in solution upon ATP binding. These results are in line with previously reported drastic conformational changes taking place in several class III AC domains upon nucleotide binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ujfalusi-Pozsonyi
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - E Bódis
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - M Nyitrai
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - A Kengyel
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - E Telek
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - I Pécsi
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Z Fekete
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - C Mas
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, EMBL, ISBG, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - D Moussaoui
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), Grenoble, France
| | - P Pernot
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), Grenoble, France
| | - M D Tully
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), Grenoble, France
| | - M Weik
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - G Schirò
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - S M Kapetanaki
- Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Grenoble, France.
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - A Lukács
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary.
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6
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Zhou Y, Tang S, Chen Z, Zhou Z, Huang J, Kang XW, Zou S, Wang B, Zhang T, Ding B, Zhong D. Origin of the multi-phasic quenching dynamics in the BLUF domains across the species. Nat Commun 2024; 15:623. [PMID: 38245518 PMCID: PMC10799861 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44565-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Blue light using flavin (BLUF) photoreceptors respond to light via one of nature's smallest photo-switching domains. Upon photo-activation, the flavin cofactor in the BLUF domain exhibits multi-phasic dynamics, quenched by a proton-coupled electron transfer reaction involving the conserved Tyr and Gln. The dynamic behavior varies drastically across different species, the origin of which remains controversial. Here, we incorporate site-specific fluorinated Trp into three BLUF proteins, i.e., AppA, OaPAC and SyPixD, and characterize the percentages for the Wout, WinNHin and WinNHout conformations using 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Using femtosecond spectroscopy, we identify that one key WinNHin conformation can introduce a branching one-step proton transfer in AppA and a two-step proton transfer in OaPAC and SyPixD. Correlating the flavin quenching dynamics with the active-site structural heterogeneity, we conclude that the quenching rate is determined by the percentage of WinNHin, which encodes a Tyr-Gln configuration that is not conducive to proton transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Siwei Tang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zijing Chen
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zhongneng Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jiulong Huang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiu-Wen Kang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Shuhua Zou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Bingyao Wang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Bei Ding
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Dongping Zhong
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Programs of Biophysics, Chemical Physics, and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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7
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Bolonduro OA, Chen Z, Lai YR, Cote M, Rao AA, Liu H, Tzanakakis ES, Timko BP. An Integrated Optogenetic and Bioelectronic Platform for Regulating Cardiomyocyte Function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.15.571704. [PMID: 38168441 PMCID: PMC10760153 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.15.571704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
We report an integrated optogenetic and bioelectronic platform for stable and long-term modulation and monitoring of cardiomyocyte function in vitro. Optogenetic inputs were achieved through expression of a photoactivatable adenylyl cyclase (bPAC), that when activated by blue light caused a dose-dependent and time-limited increase in autonomous cardiomyocyte beat rate. Bioelectronic readouts were achieved through an integrated planar multi-electrode array (MEA) that provided real-time readouts of electrophysiological activity from 32 spatially-distinct locations. Irradiation at 27 μW/mm2 resulted in a ca. 14% increase in beat rate within 20-25 minutes, which remained stable for at least 2 hours. The beating rate could be cycled through repeated "on" and "off' states, and its magnitude was a monotonic function of irradiation intensity. Our integrated platform opens new avenues in bioelectronic medicine, including closed-loop feedback systems, with potential applications for cardiac regulation including arrhythmia diagnosis and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zijing Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University
| | - Yan-Ru Lai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University
| | - Megan Cote
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University
| | | | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University
- General Surgery Department, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Emmanuel S. Tzanakakis
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University
- Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts Medical Center
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8
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Leemann S, Schneider-Warme F, Kleinlogel S. Cardiac optogenetics: shining light on signaling pathways. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1421-1437. [PMID: 38097805 PMCID: PMC10730638 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02892-y] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
In the early 2000s, the field of neuroscience experienced a groundbreaking transformation with the advent of optogenetics. This innovative technique harnesses the properties of naturally occurring and genetically engineered rhodopsins to confer light sensitivity upon target cells. The remarkable spatiotemporal precision offered by optogenetics has provided researchers with unprecedented opportunities to dissect cellular physiology, leading to an entirely new level of investigation. Initially revolutionizing neuroscience, optogenetics quickly piqued the interest of the wider scientific community, and optogenetic applications were expanded to cardiovascular research. Over the past decade, researchers have employed various optical tools to observe, regulate, and steer the membrane potential of excitable cells in the heart. Despite these advancements, achieving control over specific signaling pathways within the heart has remained an elusive goal. Here, we review the optogenetic tools suitable to control cardiac signaling pathways with a focus on GPCR signaling, and delineate potential applications for studying these pathways, both in healthy and diseased hearts. By shedding light on these exciting developments, we hope to contribute to the ongoing progress in basic cardiac research to facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic possibilities for treating cardiovascular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Leemann
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Schneider-Warme
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Kleinlogel
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Translational Medicine Neuroscience, Basel, Switzerland
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9
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Nakasone Y, Murakami H, Tokonami S, Oda T, Terazima M. Time-resolved study on signaling pathway of photoactivated adenylate cyclase and its nonlinear optical response. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105285. [PMID: 37742920 PMCID: PMC10634658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoactivated adenylate cyclases (PACs) are multidomain BLUF proteins that regulate the cellular levels of cAMP in a light-dependent manner. The signaling route and dynamics of PAC from Oscillatoria acuminata (OaPAC), which consists of a light sensor BLUF domain, an adenylate cyclase domain, and a connector helix (α3-helix), were studied by detecting conformational changes in the protein moiety. Although circular dichroism and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements did not show significant changes upon light illumination, the transient grating method successfully detected light-induced changes in the diffusion coefficient (diffusion-sensitive conformational change (DSCC)) of full-length OaPAC and the BLUF domain with the α3-helix. DSCC of full-length OaPAC was observed only when both protomers in a dimer were photoconverted. This light intensity dependence suggests that OaPAC is a cyclase with a nonlinear light intensity response. The enzymatic activity indeed nonlinearly depends on light intensity, that is, OaPAC is activated under strong light conditions. It was also found that both DSCC and enzymatic activity were suppressed by a mutation in the W90 residue, indicating the importance of the highly conserved Trp in many BLUF domains for the function. Based on these findings, a reaction scheme was proposed together with the reaction dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nakasone
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroto Murakami
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shunrou Tokonami
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Oda
- Department of Life Science and Research Center for Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahide Terazima
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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10
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Hagio H, Koyama W, Hosaka S, Song AD, Narantsatsral J, Matsuda K, Shimizu T, Hososhima S, Tsunoda SP, Kandori H, Hibi M. Optogenetic manipulation of neuronal and cardiomyocyte functions in zebrafish using microbial rhodopsins and adenylyl cyclases. eLife 2023; 12:e83975. [PMID: 37589546 PMCID: PMC10435232 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though microbial photosensitive proteins have been used for optogenetics, their use should be optimized to precisely control cell and tissue functions in vivo. We exploited GtCCR4 and KnChR, cation channelrhodopsins from algae, BeGC1, a guanylyl cyclase rhodopsin from a fungus, and photoactivated adenylyl cyclases (PACs) from cyanobacteria (OaPAC) or bacteria (bPAC), to control cell functions in zebrafish. Optical activation of GtCCR4 and KnChR in the hindbrain reticulospinal V2a neurons, which are involved in locomotion, induced swimming behavior at relatively short latencies, whereas activation of BeGC1 or PACs achieved it at long latencies. Activation of GtCCR4 and KnChR in cardiomyocytes induced cardiac arrest, whereas activation of bPAC gradually induced bradycardia. KnChR activation led to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ in the heart, suggesting that depolarization caused cardiac arrest. These data suggest that these optogenetic tools can be used to reveal the function and regulation of zebrafish neurons and cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanako Hagio
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, JapanNagoyaJapan
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Wataru Koyama
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, JapanNagoyaJapan
| | - Shiori Hosaka
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, JapanNagoyaJapan
| | | | | | - Koji Matsuda
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, JapanNagoyaJapan
| | - Takashi Shimizu
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, JapanNagoyaJapan
| | - Shoko Hososhima
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of TechnologyNagoyaJapan
| | - Satoshi P Tsunoda
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of TechnologyNagoyaJapan
| | - Hideki Kandori
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of TechnologyNagoyaJapan
| | - Masahiko Hibi
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, JapanNagoyaJapan
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11
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Tokonami S, Nakasone Y, Terazima M. Effects of N- and C-terminal regions on oligomeric formation of blue light sensor protein SyPixD. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4658. [PMID: 37184370 PMCID: PMC10211260 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4658] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A sensor of blue-light using flavin adenine dinucleotide (BLUF) is a typical blue light photoreceptor domain that is found in many photosensor proteins in bacteria and some eukaryotic algae. SyPixD in Synechocystis is one of the well-studied BLUF proteins. In the dark state, it forms a decamer and, upon photoexcitation, a dissociation reaction takes place to yield dimers. Such change in the intermolecular interactions of the protomers is important for the biological function. The effect of the N- and C-terminal sequences on the stability of SyPixD oligomeric states and photoreactions of SyPixD were studied to understand how the oligomeric form is maintained with weak interaction. It was found that a few residues that frequently persist at the N-terminus after removing a tag for purification are sensitive to the stability of the decamer structure. Even two or three residues at the N-terminus considerably reduces decamer stability, whereas four or more residues completely prevent decamer formation. Unexpectedly, truncating C-terminal sequences, which locate far from any protomer interface and of which structure is undetermined in crystal structure, also destabilizes the decamer structure. This destabilization is also apparent from the dissociation reaction dynamics detected by the transient grating and transient absorption measurements. The dissociation reaction is faster and the yield increases when the C-terminus does not contain seven amino acid residues. Photoexcitation induces a conformational change in the C-terminus of the decamer but not the dimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunrou Tokonami
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of ScienceKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Yusuke Nakasone
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of ScienceKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Masahide Terazima
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of ScienceKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
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12
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Chen Z, Kang XW, Zhou Y, Zhou Z, Tang S, Zou S, Wang K, Huang J, Ding B, Zhong D. Dissecting the Ultrafast Stepwise Bidirectional Proton Relay in a Blue-Light Photoreceptor. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3394-3400. [PMID: 36722850 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Proton relays through H-bond networks are essential in realizing the functionality of protein machines such as in photosynthesis and photoreceptors. It has been challenging to dissect the rates and energetics of individual proton-transfer steps during the proton relay. Here, we have designed a proton rocking blue light using a flavin (BLUF) domain with the flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-glutamic acid (E)-tryptophan (W) triad and have resolved the four individual proton-transfer steps kinetically using ultrafast spectroscopy. We have found that after the photo-induced charge separation forming FMN·-/E-COOH/WH·+, the proton first rapidly jumps from the bridging E-COOH to FMN- (τfPT2 = 3.8 ps; KIE = 1.0), followed by a second proton transfer from WH·+ to E-COO- (τfPT1 = 336 ps; KIE = 2.6) which immediately rocks back to W· (τrPT1 = 85 ps; KIE = 6.7), followed by a proton return from FMNH· to E-COO- (τrPT2 = 34 ps; KIE = 3.3) with the final charge recombination between FMN·- and WH·+ to close the reaction cycle. Our results revisited the Grotthuss mechanism on the ultrafast timescale using the BLUF domain as a paradigm protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijing Chen
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Xiu-Wen Kang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Yalin Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Zhongneng Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Siwei Tang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Shuhua Zou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Kailin Wang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Jiulong Huang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Bei Ding
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Dongping Zhong
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China.,Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Programs of Biophysics, Chemical Physics, and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio43210, United States.,School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
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13
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Hontani Y, Mehlhorn J, Domratcheva T, Beck S, Kloz M, Hegemann P, Mathes T, Kennis JTM. Spectroscopic and Computational Observation of Glutamine Tautomerization in the Blue Light Sensing Using Flavin Domain Photoreaction. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:1040-1052. [PMID: 36607126 PMCID: PMC9853863 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Blue light sensing using flavin (BLUF) domains constitute a family of flavin-binding photoreceptors of bacteria and eukaryotic algae. BLUF photoactivation proceeds via a light-driven hydrogen-bond switch among flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and glutamine and tyrosine side chains, whereby FAD undergoes electron and proton transfer with tyrosine and is subsequently re-oxidized by a hydrogen back-shuttle in picoseconds, constituting an important model system to understand proton-coupled electron transfer in biology. The specific structure of the hydrogen-bond patterns and the prevalence of glutamine tautomeric states in dark-adapted (DA) and light-activated (LA) states have remained controversial. Here, we present a combined femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS), computational chemistry, and site-selective isotope labeling Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study of the Slr1694 BLUF domain. FSRS showed distinct vibrational bands from the FADS1 singlet excited state. We observed small but significant shifts in the excited-state vibrational frequency patterns of the DA and LA states, indicating that these frequencies constitute a sensitive probe for the hydrogen-bond arrangement around FAD. Excited-state model calculations utilizing four different realizations of hydrogen bond patterns and glutamine tautomeric states were consistent with a BLUF reaction model that involved glutamine tautomerization to imidic acid, accompanied by a rotation of its side chain. A combined FTIR and double-isotope labeling study, with 13C labeling of FAD and 15N labeling of glutamine, identified the glutamine imidic acid C═N stretch vibration in the LA state and the Gln C═O in the DA state. Hence, our study provides support for glutamine tautomerization and side-chain rotation in the BLUF photoreaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusaku Hontani
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Mehlhorn
- Institut
für Biologie, Experimentelle Biophysik, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tatiana Domratcheva
- Department
of Biomolecular Mechanisms, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany,Department
of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sebastian Beck
- Department
of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität
zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Str.
2, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Miroslav Kloz
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, The Netherlands,Institute
of Physics, ELI-Beamlines, Na Slovance 2, 182
21 Praha 8, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institut
für Biologie, Experimentelle Biophysik, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tilo Mathes
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, The Netherlands,Institut
für Biologie, Experimentelle Biophysik, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - John T. M. Kennis
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, The Netherlands,
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14
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Tolentino Collado J, Iuliano JN, Pirisi K, Jewlikar S, Adamczyk K, Greetham GM, Towrie M, Tame JRH, Meech SR, Tonge PJ, Lukacs A. Unraveling the Photoactivation Mechanism of a Light-Activated Adenylyl Cyclase Using Ultrafast Spectroscopy Coupled with Unnatural Amino Acid Mutagenesis. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2643-2654. [PMID: 36038143 PMCID: PMC9486806 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The hydrogen bonding network that surrounds the flavin in blue light using flavin adenine dinucleotide (BLUF) photoreceptors plays a crucial role in sensing and communicating the changes in the electronic structure of the flavin to the protein matrix upon light absorption. Using time-resolved infrared spectroscopy (TRIR) and unnatural amino acid incorporation, we investigated the photoactivation mechanism and the role of the conserved tyrosine (Y6) in the forward reaction of the photoactivated adenylyl cyclase from Oscillatoria acuminata (OaPAC). Our work elucidates the direct connection between BLUF photoactivation and the structural and functional implications on the partner protein for the first time. The TRIR results demonstrate the formation of the neutral flavin radical as an intermediate species on the photoactivation pathway which decays to form the signaling state. Using fluorotyrosine analogues to modulate the physical properties of Y6, the TRIR data reveal that a change in the pKa and/or reduction potential of Y6 has a profound effect on the forward reaction, consistent with a mechanism involving proton transfer or proton-coupled electron transfer from Y6 to the electronically excited FAD. Decreasing the pKa from 9.9 to <7.2 and/or increasing the reduction potential by 200 mV of Y6 prevents proton transfer to the flavin and halts the photocycle at FAD•-. The lack of protonation of the anionic flavin radical can be directly linked to photoactivation of the adenylyl cyclase (AC) domain. While the 3F-Y6 and 2,3-F2Y6 variants undergo the complete photocycle and catalyze the conversion of ATP into cAMP, enzyme activity is abolished in the 3,5-F2Y6 and 2,3,5-F3Y6 variants where the photocycle is halted at FAD•-. Our results thus show that proton transfer plays an essential role in initiating the structural reorganization of the AC domain that results in AC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James N. Iuliano
- Department
of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, New York, New York 11794, United States
| | - Katalin Pirisi
- Department
of Biophysics, Medical School, University
of Pecs, Szigeti Street 12, Pecs 7624, Hungary
| | - Samruddhi Jewlikar
- Department
of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, New York, New York 11794, United States
| | - Katrin Adamczyk
- School
of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, U.K.
| | - Gregory M. Greetham
- Central
Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX, U.K.
| | - Michael Towrie
- Central
Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX, U.K.
| | - Jeremy R. H. Tame
- Drug
Design Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Stephen R. Meech
- School
of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, U.K.,
| | - Peter J. Tonge
- Department
of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, New York, New York 11794, United States,
| | - Andras Lukacs
- Department
of Biophysics, Medical School, University
of Pecs, Szigeti Street 12, Pecs 7624, Hungary,
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15
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Emerging molecular technologies for light-mediated modulation of pancreatic beta-cell function. Mol Metab 2022; 64:101552. [PMID: 35863638 PMCID: PMC9352964 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optogenetic modalities as well as optochemical and photopharmacological strategies, collectively termed optical methods, have revolutionized the control of cellular functions via light with great spatiotemporal precision. In comparison to the major advances in the photomodulation of signaling activities noted in neuroscience, similar applications to endocrine cells of the pancreas, particularly insulin-producing β-cells, have been limited. The availability of tools allowing light-mediated changes in the trafficking of ions such as K+ and Ca2+ and signaling intermediates such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), renders β-cells and their glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) amenable to optoengineering for drug-free control of blood sugar. Scope of review The molecular circuit of the GSIS in β-cells is described with emphasis on intermediates which are targetable for optical intervention. Various pharmacological agents modifying the release of insulin are reviewed along with their documented side effects. These are contrasted with optical approaches, which have already been employed for engineering β-cell function or are considered for future such applications. Principal obstacles are also discussed as the implementation of optogenetics is pondered for tissue engineering and biology applications of the pancreas. Major Conclusions Notable advances in optogenetic, optochemical and photopharmacological tools are rendering feasible the smart engineering of pancreatic cells and tissues with light-regulated function paving the way for novel solutions for addressing pancreatic pathologies including diabetes.
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16
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The nature of proton-coupled electron transfer in a blue light using flavin domain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203996119. [PMID: 35737837 PMCID: PMC9245699 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203996119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) is key to the activation of the blue light using flavin (BLUF) domain photoreceptors. Here, to elucidate the photocycle of the central FMN-Gln-Tyr motif in the BLUF domain of OaPAC, we eliminated the intrinsic interfering W90 in the mutant design. We integrated the stretched exponential function into the target analysis to account for the dynamic heterogeneity arising from the active-site solvation relaxation and the flexible H-bonding network as shown in the molecular dynamics simulation results, facilitating a simplified expression of the kinetics model. We find that, in both the functional wild-type (WT) and the nonfunctional Q48E and Q48A, forward PCET happens in the range of 105 ps to 344 ps, with a kinetic isotope effect (KIE) measured to be ∼1.8 to 2.4, suggesting that the nature of the forward PCET is concerted. Remarkably, only WT proceeds with an ultrafast reverse PCET process (31 ps, KIE = 4.0), characterized by an inverted kinetics of the intermediate FMNH˙. Our results reveal that the reverse PCET is driven by proton transfer via an intervening imidic Gln.
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17
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Light dependent synthesis of a nucleotide second messenger controls the motility of a spirochete bacterium. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6825. [PMID: 35474318 PMCID: PMC9043183 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10556-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide second messengers are universally crucial factors for the signal transduction of various organisms. In prokaryotes, cyclic nucleotide messengers are involved in the bacterial life cycle and in functions such as virulence and biofilm formation, mainly via gene regulation. Here, we show that the swimming motility of the soil bacterium Leptospira kobayashii is rapidly modulated by light stimulation. Analysis of a loss-of-photoresponsivity mutant obtained by transposon random mutagenesis identified the novel sensory gene, and its expression in Escherichia coli through codon optimization elucidated the light-dependent synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). GFP labeling showed the localization of the photoresponsive enzyme at the cell poles where flagellar motors reside. These findings suggest a new role for cAMP in rapidly controlling the flagella-dependent motility of Leptospira and highlight the global distribution of the newly discovered photoactivated cyclase among diverse microbial species.
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18
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Nakasone Y, Terazima M. Time-resolved diffusion reveals photoreactions of BLUF proteins with similar functional domains. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:493-507. [PMID: 35391638 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00214-2] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BLUF (blue light sensor using flavin) proteins are the blue light receptors that consist of flavin-binding BLUF domains and functional domains. Upon blue light excitation, the hydrogen bond network around the flavin chromophore changes, and the absorption spectrum in the visible region shifts to red. Light signal received in the BLUF domain is intramolecularly or intermolecularly transmitted to the functional region. In this review, the reactions of three BLUF proteins with similar EAL functional groups within the protein (BlrP1, and YcgF), or with a separated target protein (PapB) are described using time-resolved diffusion technique. The diffusion coefficients (D) of the BLUF domains did not significantly change upon photoexcitation, whereas those of the full-length proteins BlrP1 and YcgF and the PapB-PapA system significantly decreased. The changes in D should be due to diffusion-sensitive conformational changes (DSCC) that alter the friction of diffusion. The time constants of the major D changes of BlrP1 and PapB-PapA were similar (~ 20 ms), although the magnitude of the friction change depended on the proteins. Similarities and differences among the reactions of these proteins were clarified from the viewpoint of DSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nakasone
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Masahide Terazima
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
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19
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Tokonami S, Onose M, Nakasone Y, Terazima M. Slow Conformational Changes of Blue Light Sensor BLUF Proteins in Milliseconds. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:4080-4090. [PMID: 35196858 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c13121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Blue light sensor using flavin (BLUF) proteins consist of flavin-binding BLUF domains and functional domains. Upon blue light excitation, the hydrogen bond network around the flavin chromophore changes, and the absorption spectrum in the visible region exhibits a red shift. Ultimately, the light information received in the BLUF domain is transmitted to the functional region. It has been believed that this red shift is complete within nanoseconds. In this study, slow reaction kinetics were discovered in milliseconds (τ1- and τ2-phase) for all the BLUF proteins examined (AppA, OaPAC, BlrP1, YcgF, PapB, SyPixD, and TePixD). Despite extensive reports on BLUF, this is the first clear observation of the BLUF protein absorption change with the duration in the millisecond time region. From the measurements of some domain-deleted mutants of OaPAC and two chimeric mutants of PixD proteins, it was found that the slower dynamics (τ2-phase) are strongly affected by the size and nature of the C-terminal region adjacent to the BLUF domain. Hence, this millisecond reaction is a significant indicator of conformational changes in the C-terminal region, which is essential for the biological functions. On the other hand, the τ1-phase commonly exists in all BLUF proteins, including any mutants. The origin of the slow dynamics was studied using site-specific mutants. These results clearly show the importance of Trp in the BLUF domain. Based on this, a reaction scheme for the BLUF reaction is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunrou Tokonami
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Morihiko Onose
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakasone
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Masahide Terazima
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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20
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Abstract
Light activated proteins are at the heart of photobiology and optogenetics, so there is wide interest in understanding the mechanisms coupling optical excitation to protein function. In addition, such light activated proteins provide unique insights into the real-time dynamics of protein function. Using pump-probe spectroscopy, the function of a photoactive protein can be initiated by a sub-100 fs pulse of light, allowing subsequent protein dynamics to be probed from femtoseconds to milliseconds and beyond. Among the most interesting photoactive proteins are the blue light using flavin (BLUF) domain proteins, which regulate the response to light of a wide range of bacterial and some euglenoid processes. The photosensing mechanism of BLUF domains has long been a subject of debate. In contrast to other photoactive proteins, the electronic and nuclear structure of the chromophore (flavin) is the same in dark- and light-adapted states. Thus, the driving force for photoactivity is unclear.To address this question requires real-time observation of both chromophore excited state processes and their effect on the structure and dynamics of the surrounding protein matrix. In this Account we describe how time-resolved infrared (IR) experiments, coupled with chemical biology, provide important new insights into the signaling mechanism of BLUF domains. IR measurements are sensitive to changes in both chromophore electronic structure and protein hydrogen bonding interactions. These contributions are resolved by isotope labeling of the chromophore and protein separately. Further, a degree of control over BLUF photochemistry is achieved through mutagenesis, while unnatural amino acid substitution allows us to both fine-tune the photochemistry and time resolve protein dynamics with spatial resolution.Ultrafast studies of BLUF domains reveal non-single-exponential relaxation of the flavin excited state. That relaxation leads within one nanosecond to the original flavin ground state bound in a modified hydrogen-bonding network, as seen in transient and steady-state IR spectroscopy. The change in H-bond configuration arises from formation of an unusual enol (imine) form of a critical glutamine residue. The dynamics observed, complemented by quantum mechanical calculations, suggest a unique sequential electron then double proton transfer reaction as the driving force, followed by rapid reorganization in the binding site and charge recombination. Importantly, studies of several BLUF domains reveal an unexpected diversity in their dynamics, although the underlying structure appears highly conserved. It is suggested that this diversity reflects structural dynamics in the ground state at standard temperature, leading to a distribution of structures and photochemical outcomes. Time resolved IR measurements were extended to the millisecond regime for one BLUF domain, revealing signaling state formation on the microsecond time scale. The mechanism involves reorganization of a β-sheet connected to the chromophore binding pocket via a tryptophan residue. The potential of site-specific labeling amino acids with IR labels as a tool for probing protein structural dynamics was demonstrated.In summary, time-resolved IR studies of BLUF domains (along with related studies at visible wavelengths and quantum and molecular dynamics calculations) have resolved the photoactivation mechanism and real-time dynamics of signaling state formation. These measurements provide new insights into protein structural dynamics and will be important in optimizing the potential of BLUF domains in optobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Lukacs
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti str 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Peter J. Tonge
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United States
| | - Stephen R. Meech
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, U.K
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21
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Abstract
Optogenetics combines light and genetics to enable precise control of living cells, tissues, and organisms with tailored functions. Optogenetics has the advantages of noninvasiveness, rapid responsiveness, tunable reversibility, and superior spatiotemporal resolution. Following the initial discovery of microbial opsins as light-actuated ion channels, a plethora of naturally occurring or engineered photoreceptors or photosensitive domains that respond to light at varying wavelengths has ushered in the next chapter of optogenetics. Through protein engineering and synthetic biology approaches, genetically-encoded photoswitches can be modularly engineered into protein scaffolds or host cells to control a myriad of biological processes, as well as to enable behavioral control and disease intervention in vivo. Here, we summarize these optogenetic tools on the basis of their fundamental photochemical properties to better inform the chemical basis and design principles. We also highlight exemplary applications of opsin-free optogenetics in dissecting cellular physiology (designated "optophysiology"), and describe the current progress, as well as future trends, in wireless optogenetics, which enables remote interrogation of physiological processes with minimal invasiveness. This review is anticipated to spark novel thoughts on engineering next-generation optogenetic tools and devices that promise to accelerate both basic and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States.,Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Lian He
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Yun Huang
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
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22
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Kang X, Chen Z, Zhou Z, Zhou Y, Tang S, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Ding B, Zhong D. Direct Observation of Ultrafast Proton Rocking in the BLUF Domain. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202114423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiu‐Wen Kang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Zijing Chen
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Zhongneng Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Yalin Zhou
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Siwei Tang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Bei Ding
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Dongping Zhong
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
- Department of Physics Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Programs of Biophysics Chemical Physics, and Biochemistry The Ohio State University Columbus OH 43210 USA
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23
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Ding B, Kang XW, Chen Z, Zhou Z, Zhou Y, Tang S, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Zhong D. Direct Observation of Ultrafast Proton Rocking in the BLUF Domain. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202114423. [PMID: 34927328 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202114423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We present direct observation of ultrafast proton rocking in the central motif of a BLUF domain protein scaffold. The mutant design has taken considerations of modulating the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) driving forces by replacing Tyr in the original motif with Trp, as well as of removing the interference of a competing electron transfer pathway. Using femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy and detailed kinetics analysis, we resolved an electron-transfer-coupled Grotthuss-type forward and reversed proton rocking along the FMN-Gln-Trp proton relay chain. The rates of forward and reversed proton transfer are determined to be very close, namely 51 ps vs 52 ps. The kinetic isotope effect (KIE) constants associated with the forward and reversed proton transfer are 3.9 and 5.3, respectively. The observation of ultrafast proton rocking is not only a crucial step towards revealing the nature of proton relay in BLUF domain, but also provides a new paradigm of proton transfer in proteins for theoretical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Ding
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 800 Dongchuan Road, 200240, Shanghai, CHINA
| | - Xiu-Wen Kang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Zijing Chen
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Zhongneng Zhou
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Yalin Zhou
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Siwei Tang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, CHINA
| | - Dongping Zhong
- The Ohio State University, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, CHINA
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Timsit Y, Grégoire SP. Towards the Idea of Molecular Brains. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111868. [PMID: 34769300 PMCID: PMC8584932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
How can single cells without nervous systems perform complex behaviours such as habituation, associative learning and decision making, which are considered the hallmark of animals with a brain? Are there molecular systems that underlie cognitive properties equivalent to those of the brain? This review follows the development of the idea of molecular brains from Darwin’s “root brain hypothesis”, through bacterial chemotaxis, to the recent discovery of neuron-like r-protein networks in the ribosome. By combining a structural biology view with a Bayesian brain approach, this review explores the evolutionary labyrinth of information processing systems across scales. Ribosomal protein networks open a window into what were probably the earliest signalling systems to emerge before the radiation of the three kingdoms. While ribosomal networks are characterised by long-lasting interactions between their protein nodes, cell signalling networks are essentially based on transient interactions. As a corollary, while signals propagated in persistent networks may be ephemeral, networks whose interactions are transient constrain signals diffusing into the cytoplasm to be durable in time, such as post-translational modifications of proteins or second messenger synthesis. The duration and nature of the signals, in turn, implies different mechanisms for the integration of multiple signals and decision making. Evolution then reinvented networks with persistent interactions with the development of nervous systems in metazoans. Ribosomal protein networks and simple nervous systems display architectural and functional analogies whose comparison could suggest scale invariance in information processing. At the molecular level, the significant complexification of eukaryotic ribosomal protein networks is associated with a burst in the acquisition of new conserved aromatic amino acids. Knowing that aromatic residues play a critical role in allosteric receptors and channels, this observation suggests a general role of π systems and their interactions with charged amino acids in multiple signal integration and information processing. We think that these findings may provide the molecular basis for designing future computers with organic processors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youri Timsit
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM110, 13288 Marseille, France
- Research Federation for the Study of Global Ocean Systems Ecology and Evolution, FR2022/Tara GOSEE, 3 rue Michel-Ange, 75016 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Sergeant-Perthuis Grégoire
- Institut de Mathématiques de Jussieu—Paris Rive Gauche (IMJ-PRG), UMR 7586, CNRS-Université Paris Diderot, 75013 Paris, France;
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25
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Bioluminescence and Photoreception in Unicellular Organisms: Light-Signalling in a Bio-Communication Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111311. [PMID: 34768741 PMCID: PMC8582858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence, the emission of light catalysed by luciferases, has evolved in many taxa from bacteria to vertebrates and is predominant in the marine environment. It is now well established that in animals possessing a nervous system capable of integrating light stimuli, bioluminescence triggers various behavioural responses and plays a role in intra- or interspecific visual communication. The function of light emission in unicellular organisms is less clear and it is currently thought that it has evolved in an ecological framework, to be perceived by visual animals. For example, while it is thought that bioluminescence allows bacteria to be ingested by zooplankton or fish, providing them with favourable conditions for growth and dispersal, the luminous flashes emitted by dinoflagellates may have evolved as an anti-predation system against copepods. In this short review, we re-examine this paradigm in light of recent findings in microorganism photoreception, signal integration and complex behaviours. Numerous studies show that on the one hand, bacteria and protists, whether autotrophs or heterotrophs, possess a variety of photoreceptors capable of perceiving and integrating light stimuli of different wavelengths. Single-cell light-perception produces responses ranging from phototaxis to more complex behaviours. On the other hand, there is growing evidence that unicellular prokaryotes and eukaryotes can perform complex tasks ranging from habituation and decision-making to associative learning, despite lacking a nervous system. Here, we focus our analysis on two taxa, bacteria and dinoflagellates, whose bioluminescence is well studied. We propose the hypothesis that similar to visual animals, the interplay between light-emission and reception could play multiple roles in intra- and interspecific communication and participate in complex behaviour in the unicellular world.
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26
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Photoreaction of photoactivated adenylate cyclase from cyanobacterium Microcoleus chthonoplastes. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2021; 221:112252. [PMID: 34265548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The photochemical reaction of photoactivated adenylate cyclase from cyanobacterium Microcoleus chthonoplastes PCC 7420 (mPAC), which consists of a Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS), a light‑oxygene-voltage (LOV), and an adenylate cyclase (AC) domain, was investigated mainly using the time-resolved transient grating method. An absorption spectral change associated with an adduct formation between its chromophore (flavin mononucleotide) and a cysteine residue was observed with a time constant of 0.66 μs. After this reaction, a significant diffusion coefficient (D)-change was observed with a time constant of 38 ms. The determined D-value was concentration-dependent indicating a rapid equilibrium between the dimer and tetramer. Combining the results of size exclusion chromatography and CD spectroscopy, we concluded that the photoinduced D-change was mainly attributed to the equilibrium shift from the dimer rich to the tetramer rich states upon light exposure. Since the reaction rate does not depend on concentration, the rate determining step of the tetramer formation is not the collision of proteins by diffusion, but a conformation change. The roles of the PAS and AC domains as well as the N- and C-terminal flanking helices of the LOV domain (A'α- and Jα-helices) were investigated using various truncated mutants. The PAS domain was found to be a strong dimerization site and is related to efficient signal transduction. It was found that simultaneous existence of the A'α- and Jα-helices in mPAC is important for the light-induced conformation change to lead the conformation change which induces the tetramer formation. The results suggest that the angle changes of the coiled-coil structures in the A'α and Jα-helices are essential for this conformation change. The reaction scheme of mPAC is proposed.
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27
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Tanwar M, Kateriya S, Nair D, Jose M. Optogenetic modulation of real-time nanoscale dynamics of HCN channels using photoactivated adenylyl cyclases. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:863-875. [PMID: 34458814 PMCID: PMC8341789 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00124d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) is a key second messenger that activates several signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic cells. Alteration of basal levels of cAMP is known to activate protein kinases, regulate phosphodiesterases and modulate the activity of ion channels such as Hyper polarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated channels (HCN). Recent advances in optogenetics have resulted in the availability of novel genetically encoded molecules with the capability to alter cytoplasmic profiles of cAMP with unprecedented spatial and temporal precision. Using single molecule based super-resolution microscopy and different optogenetic modulators of cellular cAMP in both live and fixed cells, we illustrate a novel paradigm to report alteration in nanoscale confinement of ectopically expressed HCN channels. We characterized the efficacy of cAMP generation using ensemble photoactivation of different optogenetic modulators. Then we demonstrate that local modulation of cAMP alters the exchange of membrane bound HCN channels with its nanoenvironment. Additionally, using high density single particle tracking in combination with both acute and chronic optogenetic elevation of cAMP in the cytoplasm, we show that HCN channels are confined to sub 100 nm sized functional domains on the plasma membrane. The nanoscale properties of these domains along with the exchange kinetics of HCN channels in and out of these molecular zones are altered upon temporal changes in the cytoplasmic cAMP. Using HCN2 point mutants and a truncated construct of HCN2 with altered sensitivity to cAMP, we confirmed these alterations in lateral organization of HCN2 to be specific to cAMP binding. Thus, combining these advanced non-invasive paradigms, we report a cAMP dependent ensemble and single particle behavior of HCN channels mediated by its cyclic nucleotide binding domain, opening innovative ways to dissect biochemical pathways at the nanoscale and real-time in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Tanwar
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore-560012 India
| | - Suneel Kateriya
- Laboratory of Optobiology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi-110067 India
| | - Deepak Nair
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore-560012 India
| | - Mini Jose
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore-560012 India
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28
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Abreu N, Levitz J. Optogenetic Techniques for Manipulating and Sensing G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2173:21-51. [PMID: 32651908 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0755-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form the largest class of membrane receptors in the mammalian genome with nearly 800 human genes encoding for unique subtypes. Accordingly, GPCR signaling is implicated in nearly all physiological processes. However, GPCRs have been difficult to study due in part to the complexity of their function which can lead to a plethora of converging or diverging downstream effects over different time and length scales. Classic techniques such as pharmacological control, genetic knockout and biochemical assays often lack the precision required to probe the functions of specific GPCR subtypes. Here we describe the rapidly growing set of optogenetic tools, ranging from methods for optical control of the receptor itself to optical sensing and manipulation of downstream effectors. These tools permit the quantitative measurements of GPCRs and their downstream signaling with high specificity and spatiotemporal precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nohely Abreu
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua Levitz
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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29
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Khrenova MG, Kulakova AM, Nemukhin AV. Light-Induced Change of Arginine Conformation Modulates the Rate of Adenosine Triphosphate to Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Conversion in the Optogenetic System Containing Photoactivated Adenylyl Cyclase. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:1215-1225. [PMID: 33677973 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c01308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We report the first computational characterization of an optogenetic system composed of two photosensing BLUF (blue light sensor using flavin adenine dinucleotide) domains and two catalytic adenylyl cyclase (AC) domains. Conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the reaction products, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and pyrophosphate (PPi), catalyzed by ACs initiated by excitation in photosensing domains has emerged in the focus of modern optogenetic applications because of the request in photoregulated enzymes that modulate cellular concentrations of signaling messengers. The photoactivated AC from the soil bacterium Beggiatoa sp. (bPAC) is an important model showing a considerable increase in the ATP to cAMP conversion rate in the catalytic domain after the illumination of the BLUF domain. The 1 μs classical molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the activation of the BLUF domain leading to tautomerization of Gln49 in the chromophore-binding pocket results in switching of the position of the side chain of Arg278 in the active site of AC. Allosteric signal transmission pathways between Gln49 from BLUF and Arg278 from AC were revealed by the dynamical network analysis. The Gibbs energy profiles of the ATP → cAMP + PPi reaction computed using QM(DFT(ωB97X-D3/6-31G**))/MM(CHARMM) molecular dynamics simulations for both Arg278 conformations in AC clarify the reaction mechanism. In the light-activated system, the corresponding arginine conformation stabilizes the pentacoordinated phosphorus of the α-phosphate group in the transition state, thus lowering the activation energy. Simulations of the bPAC system with the Tyr7Phe replacement in the BLUF demonstrate occurrence of both arginine conformations in an equal ratio, explaining the experimentally observed intermediate catalytic activity of the bPAC-Y7F variant as compared with the dark and light states of the wild-type bPAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Khrenova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation.,Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology", Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071 Russian Federation
| | - Anna M Kulakova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander V Nemukhin
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation.,Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
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30
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Photoreaction Mechanisms of Flavoprotein Photoreceptors and Their Applications. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1293:189-206. [PMID: 33398814 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Three classes of flavoprotein photoreceptors, cryptochromes (CRYs), light-oxygen-voltage (LOV)-domain proteins, and blue light using FAD (BLUF)-domain proteins, have been identified that control various physiological processes in multiple organisms. Accordingly, signaling activities of photoreceptors have been intensively studied and the related mechanisms have been exploited in numerous optogenetic tools. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of photoactivation mechanisms of the flavoprotein photoreceptors and review their applications.
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31
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Tsunoda SP, Sugiura M, Kandori H. Molecular Properties and Optogenetic Applications of Enzymerhodopsins. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1293:153-165. [PMID: 33398812 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic nucleotides cAMP and cGMP are ubiquitous secondary messengers that regulate multiple biological functions including gene expression, differentiation, proliferation, and cell survival. In sensory neurons, cyclic nucleotides are responsible for signal modulation, amplification, and encoding. For spatial and temporal manipulation of cyclic nucleotide dynamics, optogenetics have a great advantage over pharmacological approaches. Enzymerhodopsins are a unique family of microbial rhodopsins. These molecules are made up of a membrane-embedded rhodopsin domain, which binds an all trans-retinal to form a chromophore, and a cytoplasmic water-soluble catalytic domain. To date, three kinds of molecules have been identified from lower eukaryotes such as fungi, algae, and flagellates. Among these, histidine kinase rhodopsin (HKR) is a light-inhibited guanylyl cyclase. Rhodopsin GC (Rh-GC) functions as a light-activated guanylyl cyclase, while rhodopsin PDE (Rh-PDE) functions as a light-activated phosphodiesterase that degrades cAMP and cGMP. These enzymerhodopsins have great potential in optogenetic applications for manipulating the intracellular cyclic nucleotide dynamics of living cells. Here we introduce the molecular function and applicability of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi P Tsunoda
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan. .,JST PRESTO, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Sugiura
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideki Kandori
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan
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32
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Photoactivated Adenylyl Cyclases: Fundamental Properties and Applications. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33398810 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Photoactivated adenylyl cyclase (PAC) was first discovered to be a sensor for photoavoidance in the flagellate Euglena gracilis. PAC is a flavoprotein that catalyzes the production of cAMP upon illumination with blue light, which enables us to optogenetically manipulate intracellular cAMP levels in various biological systems. Recent progress in genome sequencing has revealed several related proteins in bacteria and ameboflagellates. Among them, the PACs from sulfur bacterium Beggiatoa sp. and cyanobacterium Oscillatoria acuminata have been well characterized, including their crystalline structure. Although there have not been many reported optogenetic applications of PACs so far, they have the potential to be used in various fields within bioscience.
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33
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Paez Segala MG, Looger LL. Optogenetics. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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34
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Ikuta T, Shihoya W, Sugiura M, Yoshida K, Watari M, Tokano T, Yamashita K, Katayama K, Tsunoda SP, Uchihashi T, Kandori H, Nureki O. Structural insights into the mechanism of rhodopsin phosphodiesterase. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5605. [PMID: 33154353 PMCID: PMC7644710 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19376-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodopsin phosphodiesterase (Rh-PDE) is an enzyme rhodopsin belonging to a recently discovered class of microbial rhodopsins with light-dependent enzymatic activity. Rh-PDE consists of the N-terminal rhodopsin domain and C-terminal phosphodiesterase (PDE) domain, connected by 76-residue linker, and hydrolyzes both cAMP and cGMP in a light-dependent manner. Thus, Rh-PDE has potential for the optogenetic manipulation of cyclic nucleotide concentrations, as a complementary tool to rhodopsin guanylyl cyclase and photosensitive adenylyl cyclase. Here we present structural and functional analyses of the Rh-PDE derived from Salpingoeca rosetta. The crystal structure of the rhodopsin domain at 2.6 Å resolution revealed a new topology of rhodopsins, with 8 TMs including the N-terminal extra TM, TM0. Mutational analyses demonstrated that TM0 plays a crucial role in the enzymatic photoactivity. We further solved the crystal structures of the rhodopsin domain (3.5 Å) and PDE domain (2.1 Å) with their connecting linkers, which showed a rough sketch of the full-length Rh-PDE. Integrating these structures, we proposed a model of full-length Rh-PDE, based on the HS-AFM observations and computational modeling of the linker region. These findings provide insight into the photoactivation mechanisms of other 8-TM enzyme rhodopsins and expand the definition of rhodopsins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Ikuta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Wataru Shihoya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Sugiura
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Kazuho Yoshida
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Masahito Watari
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Takaya Tokano
- Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamashita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kota Katayama
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
- OptoBioTechnology Research Center, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Satoshi P Tsunoda
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
- OptoBioTechnology Research Center, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Takayuki Uchihashi
- Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Hideki Kandori
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan.
- OptoBioTechnology Research Center, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-Ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan.
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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35
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Khannpnavar B, Mehta V, Qi C, Korkhov V. Structure and function of adenylyl cyclases, key enzymes in cellular signaling. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020; 63:34-41. [PMID: 32334344 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The adenylyl cyclases (ACs) catalyze the production of the ubiquitous second messenger, cAMP, which in turns acts on a number of effectors and thus regulates a plethora of cellular functions. As the key enzymes in the highly evolutionarily conserved cAMP pathway, the ACs control the physiology of the cells, tissues, organs and organisms in health and disease. A comprehensive understanding of the specific role of the ACs in these processes of life requires a deep mechanistic understanding of structure and mechanisms of action of these enzymes. Here we highlight the exciting recent reports on the biochemistry and structure and higher order organization of the ACs and their signaling complexes. These studies have provided the glimpses into the principles of the AC-mediated homeostatic control of cellular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basavraj Khannpnavar
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Ved Mehta
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Chao Qi
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Volodymyr Korkhov
- Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen 5232, Switzerland.
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36
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Moraga-Cid G, San Martín VP, Lara CO, Muñoz B, Marileo AM, Sazo A, Muñoz-Montesino C, Fuentealba J, Castro PA, Guzmán L, Burgos CF, Zeilhofer HU, Aguayo LG, Corringer PJ, Yévenes GE. Modulation of glycine receptor single-channel conductance by intracellular phosphorylation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4804. [PMID: 32179786 PMCID: PMC7076024 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61677-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are anion-permeable pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs). The GlyR activation is critical for the control of key neurophysiological functions, such as motor coordination, respiratory control, muscle tone and pain processing. The relevance of the GlyR function is further highlighted by the presence of abnormal glycinergic inhibition in many pathophysiological states, such as hyperekplexia, epilepsy, autism and chronic pain. In this context, previous studies have shown that the functional inhibition of GlyRs containing the α3 subunit is a pivotal mechanism of pain hypersensitivity. This pathway involves the activation of EP2 receptors and the subsequent PKA-dependent phosphorylation of α3GlyRs within the intracellular domain (ICD), which decrease the GlyR-associated currents and enhance neuronal excitability. Despite the importance of this mechanism of glycinergic dis-inhibition associated with dysfunctional α3GlyRs, our current understanding of the molecular events involved is limited. Here, we report that the activation of PKA signaling pathway decreases the unitary conductance of α3GlyRs. We show in addition that the substitution of the PKA-targeted serine with a negatively charged residue within the ICD of α3GlyRs and of chimeric receptors combining bacterial GLIC and α3GlyR was sufficient to generate receptors with reduced conductance. Thus, our findings reveal a potential biophysical mechanism of glycinergic dis-inhibition and suggest that post-translational modifications of the ICD, such as phosphorylation, may shape the conductance of other pLGICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Moraga-Cid
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Victoria P San Martín
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Cesar O Lara
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Braulio Muñoz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Ana M Marileo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Anggelo Sazo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carola Muñoz-Montesino
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jorge Fuentealba
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Patricio A Castro
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Leonardo Guzmán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carlos F Burgos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Hanns U Zeilhofer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, CH-8090, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luis G Aguayo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | | | - Gonzalo E Yévenes
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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37
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Elucidating cyclic AMP signaling in subcellular domains with optogenetic tools and fluorescent biosensors. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 47:1733-1747. [PMID: 31724693 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The second messenger 3',5'-cyclic nucleoside adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays a key role in signal transduction across prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Cyclic AMP signaling is compartmentalized into microdomains to fulfil specific functions. To define the function of cAMP within these microdomains, signaling needs to be analyzed with spatio-temporal precision. To this end, optogenetic approaches and genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors are particularly well suited. Synthesis and hydrolysis of cAMP can be directly manipulated by photoactivated adenylyl cyclases (PACs) and light-regulated phosphodiesterases (PDEs), respectively. In addition, many biosensors have been designed to spatially and temporarily resolve cAMP dynamics in the cell. This review provides an overview about optogenetic tools and biosensors to shed light on the subcellular organization of cAMP signaling.
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38
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Karadi K, Kapetanaki SM, Raics K, Pecsi I, Kapronczai R, Fekete Z, Iuliano JN, Collado JT, Gil AA, Orban J, Nyitrai M, Greetham GM, Vos MH, Tonge PJ, Meech SR, Lukacs A. Functional dynamics of a single tryptophan residue in a BLUF protein revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2061. [PMID: 32029866 PMCID: PMC7005313 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blue Light Using Flavin (BLUF) domains are increasingly being adopted for use in optogenetic constructs. Despite this, much remains to be resolved on the mechanism of their activation. The advent of unnatural amino acid mutagenesis opens up a new toolbox for the study of protein structural dynamics. The tryptophan analogue, 7-aza-Trp (7AW) was incorporated in the BLUF domain of the Activation of Photopigment and pucA (AppA) photoreceptor in order to investigate the functional dynamics of the crucial W104 residue during photoactivation of the protein. The 7-aza modification to Trp makes selective excitation possible using 310 nm excitation and 380 nm emission, separating the signals of interest from other Trp and Tyr residues. We used Förster energy transfer (FRET) between 7AW and the flavin to estimate the distance between Trp and flavin in both the light- and dark-adapted states in solution. Nanosecond fluorescence anisotropy decay and picosecond fluorescence lifetime measurements for the flavin revealed a rather dynamic picture for the tryptophan residue. In the dark-adapted state, the major population of W104 is pointing away from the flavin and can move freely, in contrast to previous results reported in the literature. Upon blue-light excitation, the dominant tryptophan population is reorganized, moves closer to the flavin occupying a rigidly bound state participating in the hydrogen-bond network around the flavin molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Karadi
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Sofia M Kapetanaki
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Raics
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ildiko Pecsi
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Robert Kapronczai
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Fekete
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - James N Iuliano
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-3400, USA
| | | | - Agnieszka A Gil
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-3400, USA
| | - Jozsef Orban
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklos Nyitrai
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Greg M Greetham
- Central Laser Facility, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Marten H Vos
- LOB, CNRS, INSERM, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128, Palaiseau, Cedex, France
| | - Peter J Tonge
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-3400, USA
| | - Stephen R Meech
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Andras Lukacs
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary. .,Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624, Pécs, Hungary.
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39
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Hirano M, Takebe M, Ishido T, Ide T, Matsunaga S. The C-terminal region affects the activity of photoactivated adenylyl cyclase from Oscillatoria acuminata. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20262. [PMID: 31889099 PMCID: PMC6937261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56721-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoactivated adenylyl cyclase (PAC) is a unique protein that, upon blue light exposure, catalyzes cAMP production. The crystal structures of two PACs, from Oscillatoria acuminata (OaPAC) and Beggiatoa sp. (bPAC), have been solved, and they show a high degree of similarity. However, the photoactivity of OaPAC is much lower than that of bPAC, and the regulatory mechanism of PAC photoactivity, which induces the difference in activity between OaPAC and bPAC, has not yet been clarified. Here, we investigated the role of the C-terminal region in OaPAC, the length of which is the only notable difference from bPAC. We found that the photoactivity of OaPAC was inversely proportional to the C-terminal length. However, the deletion of more than nine amino acids did not further increase the activity, indicating that the nine amino acids at the C-terminal critically affect the photoactivity. Besides, absorption spectral features of light-sensing domains (BLUF domains) of the C-terminal deletion mutants showed similar light-dependent spectral shifts as in WT, indicating that the C-terminal region influences the activity without interacting with the BLUF domain. The study characterizes new PAC mutants with modified photoactivities, which could be useful as optogenetics tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minako Hirano
- Bio Photonics Laboratory, The Graduate School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries, 1955-1 Kurematsu Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-1202, Japan.
| | - Masumi Takebe
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., 5000 Hirakuchi Hamakita-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 434-8601, Japan
| | - Tomoya Ishido
- Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Toru Ide
- Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Shigeru Matsunaga
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., 5000 Hirakuchi Hamakita-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 434-8601, Japan.
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40
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Butryn A, Raza H, Rada H, Moraes I, Owens RJ, Orville AM. Molecular basis for GTP recognition by light-activated guanylate cyclase RhGC. FEBS J 2019; 287:2797-2807. [PMID: 31808997 PMCID: PMC7384201 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) is an intracellular signalling molecule involved in many sensory and developmental processes. Synthesis of cGMP from GTP is catalysed by guanylate cyclase (GC) in a reaction analogous to cAMP formation by adenylate cyclase (AC). Although detailed structural information is available on the catalytic region of nucleotidyl cyclases (NCs) in various states, these atomic models do not provide a sufficient explanation for the substrate selectivity between GC and AC family members. Detailed structural information on the GC domain in its active conformation is largely missing, and no crystal structure of a GTP-bound wild-type GC domain has been published to date. Here, we describe the crystal structure of the catalytic domain of rhodopsin-GC (RhGC) from Catenaria anguillulae in complex with GTP at 1.7 Å resolution. Our study reveals the organization of a eukaryotic GC domain in its active conformation. We observe that the binding mode of the substrate GTP is similar to that of AC-ATP interaction, although surprisingly not all of the interactions predicted to be responsible for base recognition are present. The structure provides insights into potential mechanisms of substrate discrimination and activity regulation that may be common to all class III purine NCs. DATABASE: Structural data are available in Protein Data Bank database under the accession number 6SIR. ENZYMES: EC4.6.1.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Butryn
- Diamond Light Source Limited, Didcot, UK.,Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, UK
| | - Hadeeqa Raza
- Diamond Light Source Limited, Didcot, UK.,Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, UK
| | - Heather Rada
- Protein Production UK, Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, UK
| | - Isabel Moraes
- Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, UK.,Membrane Protein Laboratory, Diamond Light Source Limited, Didcot, UK
| | - Raymond J Owens
- Protein Production UK, Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, UK
| | - Allen M Orville
- Diamond Light Source Limited, Didcot, UK.,Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, UK
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41
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Kulakova AM, Khrenova MG, Nemukhin AV. Structure and dynamics of photoactivatable adenylyl cyclase. Russ Chem Bull 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11172-019-2657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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42
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Childers KC, Yao XQ, Giannakoulias S, Amason J, Hamelberg D, Garcin ED. Synergistic mutations in soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) reveal a key role for interfacial regions in the sGC activation mechanism. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:18451-18464. [PMID: 31645439 PMCID: PMC6885636 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the main receptor for nitric oxide (NO) and a central component of the NO-cGMP pathway, critical to cardiovascular function. NO binding to the N-terminal sensor domain in sGC enhances the cyclase activity of the C-terminal catalytic domain. Our understanding of the structural elements regulating this signaling cascade is limited, hindering structure-based drug design efforts that target sGC to improve the management of cardiovascular diseases. Conformational changes are thought to propagate the NO-binding signal throughout the entire sGC heterodimer, via its coiled-coil domain, to reorient the catalytic domain into an active conformation. To identify the structural elements involved in this signal transduction cascade, here we optimized a cGMP-based luciferase assay that reports on heterologous sGC activity in Escherichia coli and identified several mutations that activate sGC. These mutations resided in the dorsal flaps, dimer interface, and GTP-binding regions of the catalytic domain. Combinations of mutations from these different elements synergized, resulting in even greater activity and indicating a complex cross-talk among these regions. Molecular dynamics simulations further revealed conformational changes underlying the functional impact of these mutations. We propose that the interfacial residues play a central role in the sGC activation mechanism by coupling the coiled-coil domain to the active site via a series of hot spots. Our results provide new mechanistic insights not only into the molecular pathway for sGC activation but also for other members of the larger nucleotidyl cyclase family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth C Childers
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250
| | - Xin-Qiu Yao
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3965
| | - Sam Giannakoulias
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250
| | - Joshua Amason
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250.
| | - Donald Hamelberg
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3965
| | - Elsa D Garcin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250.
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43
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Hall CR, Tolentino Collado J, Iuliano JN, Gil AA, Adamczyk K, Lukacs A, Greetham GM, Sazanovich I, Tonge PJ, Meech SR. Site-Specific Protein Dynamics Probed by Ultrafast Infrared Spectroscopy of a Noncanonical Amino Acid. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:9592-9597. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b09425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James N. Iuliano
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United States
| | - Agnieszka A. Gil
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United States
| | - Katrin Adamczyk
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, U.K
| | - Andras Lukacs
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti ut 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gregory M. Greetham
- Central Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0QX, U.K
| | - Igor Sazanovich
- Central Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0QX, U.K
| | - Peter J. Tonge
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-3400, United States
| | - Stephen R. Meech
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, U.K
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44
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Modular Diversity of the BLUF Proteins and Their Potential for the Development of Diverse Optogenetic Tools. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9183924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Organisms can respond to varying light conditions using a wide range of sensory photoreceptors. These photoreceptors can be standalone proteins or represent a module in multidomain proteins, where one or more modules sense light as an input signal which is converted into an output response via structural rearrangements in these receptors. The output signals are utilized downstream by effector proteins or multiprotein clusters to modulate their activity, which could further affect specific interactions, gene regulation or enzymatic catalysis. The blue-light using flavin (BLUF) photosensory module is an autonomous unit that is naturally distributed among functionally distinct proteins. In this study, we identified 34 BLUF photoreceptors of prokaryotic and eukaryotic origin from available bioinformatics sequence databases. Interestingly, our analysis shows diverse BLUF-effector arrangements with a functional association that was previously unknown or thought to be rare among the BLUF class of sensory proteins, such as endonucleases, tet repressor family (tetR), regulators of G-protein signaling, GAL4 transcription family and several other previously unidentified effectors, such as RhoGEF, Phosphatidyl-Ethanolamine Binding protein (PBP), ankyrin and leucine-rich repeats. Interaction studies and the indexing of BLUF domains further show the diversity of BLUF-effector combinations. These diverse modular architectures highlight how the organism’s behaviour, cellular processes, and distinct cellular outputs are regulated by integrating BLUF sensing modules in combination with a plethora of diverse signatures. Our analysis highlights the modular diversity of BLUF containing proteins and opens the possibility of creating a rational design of novel functional chimeras using a BLUF architecture with relevant cellular effectors. Thus, the BLUF domain could be a potential candidate for the development of powerful novel optogenetic tools for its application in modulating diverse cell signaling.
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45
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O'Banion CP, Vickerman BM, Haar L, Lawrence DS. Compartmentalized cAMP Generation by Engineered Photoactivated Adenylyl Cyclases. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:1393-1406.e7. [PMID: 31353320 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Because small-molecule activators of adenylyl cyclases (AC) affect ACs cell-wide, it is challenging to explore the signaling consequences of AC activity emanating from specific intracellular compartments. We explored this issue using a series of engineered, optogenetic, spatially restricted, photoactivable adenylyl cyclases (PACs) positioned at the plasma membrane (PM), the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), and the nucleus (Nu). The biochemical consequences of brief photostimulation of PAC is primarily limited to the intracellular site occupied by the PAC. By contrast, sustained photostimulation results in distal cAMP signaling. Prolonged cAMP generation at the OMM profoundly stimulates nuclear protein kinase (PKA) activity. We have found that phosphodiesterases 3 (OMM and PM) and 4 (PM) modulate proximal (local) cAMP-triggered activity, whereas phosphodiesterase 4 regulates distal cAMP activity as well as the migration of PKA's catalytic subunit into the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin P O'Banion
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Brianna M Vickerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lauren Haar
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David S Lawrence
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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46
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Nakasone Y, Kikukawa K, Masuda S, Terazima M. Time-Resolved Study of Interprotein Signaling Process of a Blue Light Sensor PapB–PapA Complex. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:3210-3218. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nakasone
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Oiwake, Kitashirakawa,
Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Koutaro Kikukawa
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Oiwake, Kitashirakawa,
Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Shinji Masuda
- Center for Biological Resources and Informatics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-5801, Japan
| | - Masahide Terazima
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Oiwake, Kitashirakawa,
Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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47
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Zhou Z, Ikegaya Y, Koyama R. The Astrocytic cAMP Pathway in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E779. [PMID: 30759771 PMCID: PMC6386894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are major glial cells that play critical roles in brain homeostasis. Abnormalities in astrocytic functions can lead to brain disorders. Astrocytes also respond to injury and disease through gliosis and immune activation, which can be both protective and detrimental. Thus, it is essential to elucidate the function of astrocytes in order to understand the physiology of the brain to develop therapeutic strategies against brain diseases. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a major second messenger that triggers various downstream cellular machinery in a wide variety of cells. The functions of astrocytes have also been suggested as being regulated by cAMP. Here, we summarize the possible roles of cAMP signaling in regulating the functions of astrocytes. Specifically, we introduce the ways in which cAMP pathways are involved in astrocyte functions, including (1) energy supply, (2) maintenance of the extracellular environment, (3) immune response, and (4) a potential role as a provider of trophic factors, and we discuss how these cAMP-regulated processes can affect brain functions in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Zhou
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yuji Ikegaya
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
- Center for Information and Neural Networks, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Ryuta Koyama
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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48
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Abstract
Optogenetics enables manipulation of biological processes with light at high spatio-temporal resolution to control the behavior of cells, networks, or even whole animals. In contrast to the performance of excitatory rhodopsins, the effectiveness of inhibitory optogenetic tools is still insufficient. Here we report a two-component optical silencer system comprising photoactivated adenylyl cyclases (PACs) and the small cyclic nucleotide-gated potassium channel SthK. Activation of this ‘PAC-K’ silencer by brief pulses of low-intensity blue light causes robust and reversible silencing of cardiomyocyte excitation and neuronal firing. In vivo expression of PAC-K in mouse and zebrafish neurons is well tolerated, where blue light inhibits neuronal activity and blocks motor responses. In combination with red-light absorbing channelrhodopsins, the distinct action spectra of PACs allow independent bimodal control of neuronal activity. PAC-K represents a reliable optogenetic silencer with intrinsic amplification for sustained potassium-mediated hyperpolarization, conferring high operational light sensitivity to the cells of interest. Optogenetic tools enable precise experimental control of the behaviour of cells. Here, the authors introduce a genetically-encoded two-protein system that enables silencing of excitable cells such as neurons and cardiomyocytes using blue light, and demonstrate its utility both in vitro and In vivo.
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49
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Iwata T, Nagai T, Ito S, Osoegawa S, Iseki M, Watanabe M, Unno M, Kitagawa S, Kandori H. Hydrogen Bonding Environments in the Photocycle Process around the Flavin Chromophore of the AppA-BLUF domain. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:11982-11991. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b05123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Iwata
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Takashi Nagai
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| | - Shota Ito
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Osoegawa
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan
| | - Mineo Iseki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- The Graduate School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-1202, Japan
| | - Masashi Unno
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan
| | - Shinya Kitagawa
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| | - Hideki Kandori
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
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50
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Abstract
Sensory photoreceptors underpin light-dependent adaptations of organismal physiology, development, and behavior in nature. Adapted for optogenetics, sensory photoreceptors become genetically encoded actuators and reporters to enable the noninvasive, spatiotemporally accurate and reversible control by light of cellular processes. Rooted in a mechanistic understanding of natural photoreceptors, artificial photoreceptors with customized light-gated function have been engineered that greatly expand the scope of optogenetics beyond the original application of light-controlled ion flow. As we survey presently, UV/blue-light-sensitive photoreceptors have particularly allowed optogenetics to transcend its initial neuroscience applications by unlocking numerous additional cellular processes and parameters for optogenetic intervention, including gene expression, DNA recombination, subcellular localization, cytoskeleton dynamics, intracellular protein stability, signal transduction cascades, apoptosis, and enzyme activity. The engineering of novel photoreceptors benefits from powerful and reusable design strategies, most importantly light-dependent protein association and (un)folding reactions. Additionally, modified versions of these same sensory photoreceptors serve as fluorescent proteins and generators of singlet oxygen, thereby further enriching the optogenetic toolkit. The available and upcoming UV/blue-light-sensitive actuators and reporters enable the detailed and quantitative interrogation of cellular signal networks and processes in increasingly more precise and illuminating manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aba Losi
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences , University of Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A-43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Kevin H Gardner
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center , New York , New York 10031 , United States.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York , New York , New York 10031 , United States.,Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Biology , The Graduate Center of the City University of New York , New York , New York 10016 , United States
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie , Universität Bayreuth , 95447 Bayreuth , Germany.,Research Center for Bio-Macromolecules , Universität Bayreuth , 95447 Bayreuth , Germany.,Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , Universität Bayreuth , 95447 Bayreuth , Germany
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