1
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Dunkelmann DL, Chin JW. Engineering Pyrrolysine Systems for Genetic Code Expansion and Reprogramming. Chem Rev 2024; 124:11008-11062. [PMID: 39235427 PMCID: PMC11467909 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Over the past 16 years, genetic code expansion and reprogramming in living organisms has been transformed by advances that leverage the unique properties of pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS)/tRNAPyl pairs. Here we summarize the discovery of the pyrrolysine system and describe the unique properties of PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs that provide a foundation for their transformational role in genetic code expansion and reprogramming. We describe the development of genetic code expansion, from E. coli to all domains of life, using PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs, and the development of systems that biosynthesize and incorporate ncAAs using pyl systems. We review applications that have been uniquely enabled by the development of PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs for incorporating new noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs), and strategies for engineering PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs to add noncanonical monomers, beyond α-L-amino acids, to the genetic code of living organisms. We review rapid progress in the discovery and scalable generation of mutually orthogonal PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs that can be directed to incorporate diverse ncAAs in response to diverse codons, and we review strategies for incorporating multiple distinct ncAAs into proteins using mutually orthogonal PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs. Finally, we review recent advances in the encoded cellular synthesis of noncanonical polymers and macrocycles and discuss future developments for PylRS/tRNAPyl pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Dunkelmann
- Medical
Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, England, United Kingdom
- Max
Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Jason W. Chin
- Medical
Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, England, United Kingdom
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2
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Choi JH, Kim S, Kang OY, Choi SY, Hyun JY, Lee HS, Shin I. Selective fluorescent labeling of cellular proteins and its biological applications. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:9446-9489. [PMID: 39109465 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00094c] [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: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Proteins, which are ubiquitous in cells and critical to almost all cellular functions, are indispensable for life. Fluorescence imaging of proteins is key to understanding their functions within their native milieu, as it provides insights into protein localization, dynamics, and trafficking in living systems. Consequently, the selective labeling of target proteins with fluorophores has emerged as a highly active research area, encompassing bioorganic chemistry, chemical biology, and cell biology. Various methods for selectively labeling proteins with fluorophores in cells and tissues have been established and are continually being developed to visualize and characterize proteins. This review highlights research findings reported since 2018, with a focus on the selective labeling of cellular proteins with small organic fluorophores and their biological applications in studying protein-associated biological events. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each labeling approach for their utility in living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Hee Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, 03722 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sooin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 04107 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - On-Yu Kang
- Department of Drug Discovery, Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seong Yun Choi
- Department of Drug Discovery, Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea.
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Hyun
- Department of Drug Discovery, Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea.
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 04107 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Injae Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, 03722 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Behrens L, Walter RM, Cai W, Ewers H, van Bommel B, Zemella A. Fast In Vitro Synthesis and Direct Labeling of Nanobodies for Prototyping in Microscopy Applications. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:35374-35383. [PMID: 39184460 PMCID: PMC11339826 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Small antigen binders, such as nanobodies, have become widely used in biomedical research and pharmaceutical development. However, the pipeline for the generation of functional conjugated probes and drugs from identified binders remains a major time-consuming bottleneck. Here, we developed a method for fast nanobody production and conjugation based on an in vitro synthesis platform. Our system allows for small batch synthesis of nanobodies with the inclusion of a noncanonical amino acid (NCAA). This NCAA can then be used for direct conjugation of molecules to the synthesized nanobody using click-chemistry, reducing the time from binder-encoding DNA to a conjugated probe tremendously. In this study, we conjugated a fluorescent dye to an anti-Green fluorescent protein (GFP) nanobody and attained a fully functional probe suitable for advanced super-resolution microscopy within a short time frame of 2 days. Our work illustrates that an in vitro synthesis platform in combination with click-chemistry can be successfully employed to produce conjugated small antigen binding probes. The fast production and conjugation, combined with the possibility for parallelization as well as precise analysis by microscopy, forms an excellent platform for nanobody prototyping. The here-illustrated method can be used for quick selection and benchmarking of obtained nanobody sequences/clones, e. g., from a phage-display, for use as conjugated small-molecule carriers. This procedure can accelerate the bioengineering of nanobodies for research and pharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Behrens
- Institut
für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität
Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Branch
Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses, Fraunhofer
Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ruben Magnus Walter
- Branch
Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses, Fraunhofer
Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Technische Universität
Berlin, Straße des
17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Weining Cai
- Institut
für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität
Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Helge Ewers
- Institut
für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität
Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bas van Bommel
- Institut
für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität
Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Zemella
- Branch
Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses, Fraunhofer
Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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4
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DʼEste E, Lukinavičius G, Lincoln R, Opazo F, Fornasiero EF. Advancing cell biology with nanoscale fluorescence imaging: essential practical considerations. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:671-684. [PMID: 38184400 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.12.001] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Recently, biologists have gained access to several far-field fluorescence nanoscopy (FN) technologies that allow the observation of cellular components with ~20 nm resolution. FN is revolutionizing cell biology by enabling the visualization of previously inaccessible subcellular details. While technological advances in microscopy are critical to the field, optimal sample preparation and labeling are equally important and often overlooked in FN experiments. In this review, we provide an overview of the methodological and experimental factors that must be considered when performing FN. We present key concepts related to the selection of affinity-based labels, dyes, multiplexing, live cell imaging approaches, and quantitative microscopy. Consideration of these factors greatly enhances the effectiveness of FN, making it an exquisite tool for numerous biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa DʼEste
- Optical Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
| | - Gražvydas Lukinavičius
- Chromatin Labelling and Imaging Group, Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen 37077, Germany.
| | - Richard Lincoln
- Department of Optical Nanoscopy, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen 37073, Germany; Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN), University Medical Center, Göttingen 37075, Germany; NanoTag Biotechnologies GmbH, Göttingen 37079, Germany.
| | - Eugenio F Fornasiero
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen 37073, Germany; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy.
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5
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Yi HB, Lee S, Seo K, Kim H, Kim M, Lee HS. Cellular and Biophysical Applications of Genetic Code Expansion. Chem Rev 2024; 124:7465-7530. [PMID: 38753805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00112] [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: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Despite their diverse functions, proteins are inherently constructed from a limited set of building blocks. These compositional constraints pose significant challenges to protein research and its practical applications. Strategically manipulating the cellular protein synthesis system to incorporate novel building blocks has emerged as a critical approach for overcoming these constraints in protein research and application. In the past two decades, the field of genetic code expansion (GCE) has achieved significant advancements, enabling the integration of numerous novel functionalities into proteins across a variety of organisms. This technological evolution has paved the way for the extensive application of genetic code expansion across multiple domains, including protein imaging, the introduction of probes for protein research, analysis of protein-protein interactions, spatiotemporal control of protein function, exploration of proteome changes induced by external stimuli, and the synthesis of proteins endowed with novel functions. In this comprehensive Review, we aim to provide an overview of cellular and biophysical applications that have employed GCE technology over the past two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Bin Yi
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungeun Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungdeok Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeongjo Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Minah Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
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6
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Ioannou IA, Brooks NJ, Kuimova MK, Elani Y. Visualizing Actin Packing and the Effects of Actin Attachment on Lipid Membrane Viscosity Using Molecular Rotors. JACS AU 2024; 4:2041-2049. [PMID: 38818078 PMCID: PMC11134356 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton and its elaborate interplay with the plasma membrane participate in and control numerous biological processes in eukaryotic cells. Malfunction of actin networks and changes in their dynamics are related to various diseases, from actin myopathies to uncontrolled cell growth and tumorigenesis. Importantly, the biophysical and mechanical properties of actin and its assemblies are deeply intertwined with the biological functions of the cytoskeleton. Novel tools to study actin and its associated biophysical features are, therefore, of prime importance. Here we develop a new approach which exploits fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and environmentally sensitive fluorophores termed molecular rotors, acting as quantitative microviscosity sensors, to monitor dynamic viscoelastic properties of both actin structures and lipid membranes. In order to reproduce a minimal actin cortex in synthetic cell models, we encapsulated and attached actin networks to the lipid bilayer of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). Using a cyanine-based molecular rotor, DiSC2(3), we show that different types of actin bundles are characterized by distinct packing, which can be spatially resolved using FLIM. Similarly, we show that a lipid bilayer-localized molecular rotor can monitor the effects of attaching cross-linked actin networks to the lipid membrane, revealing an increase in membrane viscosity upon actin attachment. Our approach bypasses constraints associated with existing methods for actin imaging, many of which lack the capability for direct visualization of biophysical properties. It can therefore contribute to a deeper understanding of the role that actin plays in fundamental biological processes and help elucidate the underlying biophysics of actin-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion A. Ioannou
- Department
of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular
Sciences Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College
London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Nickolas J. Brooks
- Department
of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular
Sciences Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Marina K. Kuimova
- Department
of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular
Sciences Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College
London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
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7
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Carsten A, Failla AV, Aepfelbacher M. MINFLUX nanoscopy: Visualising biological matter at the nanoscale level. J Microsc 2024. [PMID: 38661499 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Since its introduction in 2017, MINFLUX nanoscopy has shown that it can visualise fluorescent molecules with an exceptional localisation precision of a few nanometres. In this overview, we provide a brief insight into technical implementations, fluorescent marker developments and biological studies that have been conducted in connection with MINFLUX imaging and tracking. We also formulate ideas on how MINFLUX nanoscopy and derived technologies could influence bioimaging in the future. This insight is intended as a general starting point for an audience looking for a brief overview of MINFLUX nanoscopy from theory to application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Carsten
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Antonio Virgilio Failla
- UKE Microscopy Imaging Facility, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Aepfelbacher
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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8
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Gregor C, Grimm F, Rehman J, Wurm CA, Egner A. Click Chemistry with Cell-Permeable Fluorophores Expands the Choice of Bioorthogonal Markers for Two-Color Live-Cell STED Nanoscopy. Cells 2024; 13:683. [PMID: 38667298 PMCID: PMC11049381 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
STED nanoscopy allows for the direct observation of dynamic processes in living cells and tissues with diffraction-unlimited resolution. Although fluorescent proteins can be used for STED imaging, these labels are often outperformed in photostability by organic fluorescent dyes. This feature is especially crucial for time-lapse imaging. Unlike fluorescent proteins, organic fluorophores cannot be genetically fused to a target protein but require different labeling strategies. To achieve simultaneous imaging of more than one protein in the interior of the cell with organic fluorophores, bioorthogonal labeling techniques and cell-permeable dyes are needed. In addition, the fluorophores should preferentially emit in the red spectral range to reduce the potential phototoxic effects that can be induced by the STED light, which further restricts the choice of suitable markers. In this work, we selected five different cell-permeable organic dyes that fulfill all of the above requirements and applied them for SPIEDAC click labeling inside living cells. By combining click-chemistry-based protein labeling with other orthogonal and highly specific labeling methods, we demonstrate two-color STED imaging of different target structures in living specimens using different dye pairs. The excellent photostability of the dyes enables STED imaging for up to 60 frames, allowing the observation of dynamic processes in living cells over extended time periods at super-resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Gregor
- Department of Optical Nanoscopy, Institut für Nanophotonik Göttingen e.V., 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Grimm
- Abberior GmbH, Hans-Adolf-Krebs Weg 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (F.G.); (J.R.)
| | - Jasmin Rehman
- Abberior GmbH, Hans-Adolf-Krebs Weg 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (F.G.); (J.R.)
| | - Christian A. Wurm
- Abberior GmbH, Hans-Adolf-Krebs Weg 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (F.G.); (J.R.)
| | - Alexander Egner
- Department of Optical Nanoscopy, Institut für Nanophotonik Göttingen e.V., 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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9
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Carsten A, Wolters M, Aepfelbacher M. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy for investigating bacterial cell biology. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:646-658. [PMID: 38041391 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy technologies developed over the past two decades have pushed the resolution limit for fluorescently labeled molecules into the nanometer range. These technologies have the potential to study bacterial structures, for example, macromolecular assemblies such as secretion systems, with single-molecule resolution on a millisecond time scale. Here we review recent applications of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy with a focus on bacterial secretion systems. We also describe MINFLUX fluorescence nanoscopy, a relatively new technique that promises to one day produce molecular movies of molecular machines in action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Carsten
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Wolters
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Aepfelbacher
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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10
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Kozma E, Kele P. Bioorthogonal Reactions in Bioimaging. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2024; 382:7. [PMID: 38400853 PMCID: PMC10894152 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-024-00452-1] [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] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Visualization of biomolecules in their native environment or imaging-aided understanding of more complex biomolecular processes are one of the focus areas of chemical biology research, which requires selective, often site-specific labeling of targets. This challenging task is effectively addressed by bioorthogonal chemistry tools in combination with advanced synthetic biology methods. Today, the smart combination of the elements of the bioorthogonal toolbox allows selective installation of multiple markers to selected targets, enabling multicolor or multimodal imaging of biomolecules. Furthermore, recent developments in bioorthogonally applicable probe design that meet the growing demands of superresolution microscopy enable more complex questions to be addressed. These novel, advanced probes enable highly sensitive, low-background, single- or multiphoton imaging of biological species and events in live organisms at resolutions comparable to the size of the biomolecule of interest. Herein, the latest developments in bioorthogonal fluorescent probe design and labeling schemes will be discussed in the context of in cellulo/in vivo (multicolor and/or superresolved) imaging schemes. The second part focuses on the importance of genetically engineered minimal bioorthogonal tags, with a particular interest in site-specific protein tagging applications to answer biological questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Kozma
- Chemical Biology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Péter Kele
- Chemical Biology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
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11
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Fessl T, Majellaro M, Bondar A. Microscopy and spectroscopy approaches to study GPCR structure and function. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38087925 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The GPCR signalling cascade is a key pathway responsible for the signal transduction of a multitude of physical and chemical stimuli, including light, odorants, neurotransmitters and hormones. Understanding the structural and functional properties of the GPCR cascade requires direct observation of signalling processes in high spatial and temporal resolution, with minimal perturbation to endogenous systems. Optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques are uniquely suited to this purpose because they excel at multiple spatial and temporal scales and can be used in living objects. Here, we review recent developments in microscopy and spectroscopy technologies which enable new insights into GPCR signalling. We focus on advanced techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution, single-molecule methods, labelling strategies and approaches suitable for endogenous systems and large living objects. This review aims to assist researchers in choosing appropriate microscopy and spectroscopy approaches for a variety of applications in the study of cellular signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Fessl
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Alexey Bondar
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Histology, Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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12
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Aktalay A, Lincoln R, Heynck L, Lima MADBF, Butkevich AN, Bossi ML, Hell SW. Bioorthogonal Caging-Group-Free Photoactivatable Probes for Minimal-Linkage-Error Nanoscopy. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:1581-1590. [PMID: 37637742 PMCID: PMC10450876 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Here we describe highly compact, click compatible, and photoactivatable dyes for super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (nanoscopy). By combining the photoactivatable xanthone (PaX) core with a tetrazine group, we achieve minimally sized and highly sensitive molecular dyads for the selective labeling of unnatural amino acids introduced by genetic code expansion. We exploit the excited state quenching properties of the tetrazine group to attenuate the photoactivation rates of the PaX, and further reduce the overall fluorescence emission of the photogenerated fluorophore, providing two mechanisms of selectivity to reduce the off-target signal. Coupled with MINFLUX nanoscopy, we employ our dyads in the minimal-linkage-error imaging of vimentin filaments, demonstrating molecular-scale precision in fluorophore positioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Aktalay
- Department
of Optical Nanoscopy, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard Lincoln
- Department
of Optical Nanoscopy, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Heynck
- Department
of Optical Nanoscopy, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Alexey N. Butkevich
- Department
of Optical Nanoscopy, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mariano L. Bossi
- Department
of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute
for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan W. Hell
- Department
of Optical Nanoscopy, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department
of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute
for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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13
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Mulhall EM, Gharpure A, Lee RM, Dubin AE, Aaron JS, Marshall KL, Spencer KR, Reiche MA, Henderson SC, Chew TL, Patapoutian A. Direct observation of the conformational states of PIEZO1. Nature 2023; 620:1117-1125. [PMID: 37587339 PMCID: PMC10468401 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06427-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
PIEZOs are mechanosensitive ion channels that convert force into chemoelectric signals1,2 and have essential roles in diverse physiological settings3. In vitro studies have proposed that PIEZO channels transduce mechanical force through the deformation of extensive blades of transmembrane domains emanating from a central ion-conducting pore4-8. However, little is known about how these channels interact with their native environment and which molecular movements underlie activation. Here we directly observe the conformational dynamics of the blades of individual PIEZO1 molecules in a cell using nanoscopic fluorescence imaging. Compared with previous structural models of PIEZO1, we show that the blades are significantly expanded at rest by the bending stress exerted by the plasma membrane. The degree of expansion varies dramatically along the length of the blade, where decreased binding strength between subdomains can explain increased flexibility of the distal blade. Using chemical and mechanical modulators of PIEZO1, we show that blade expansion and channel activation are correlated. Our findings begin to uncover how PIEZO1 is activated in a native environment. More generally, as we reliably detect conformational shifts of single nanometres from populations of channels, we expect that this approach will serve as a framework for the structural analysis of membrane proteins through nanoscopic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Mulhall
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anant Gharpure
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rachel M Lee
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Adrienne E Dubin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jesse S Aaron
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Kara L Marshall
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathryn R Spencer
- Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Reiche
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Scott C Henderson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Teng-Leong Chew
- Advanced Imaging Center, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Ardem Patapoutian
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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14
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Puzzo F, Zhang C, Powell Gray B, Zhang F, Sullenger BA, Kay MA. Aptamer-programmable adeno-associated viral vectors as a novel platform for cell-specific gene transfer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 31:383-397. [PMID: 36817723 PMCID: PMC9929486 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are commonly used for in vivo gene therapy. Nevertheless, the wide tropism that characterizes these vectors limits specific targeting to a particular cell type or tissue. Here, we developed new chemically modified AAV vectors (Nε-AAVs) displaying a single site substitution on the capsid surface for post-production vector engineering through biorthogonal copper-free click chemistry. We were able to identify AAV vectors that would tolerate the unnatural amino acid substitution on the capsid without disrupting their packaging efficiency. We functionalized the Nε-AAVs through conjugation with DNA (AS1411) or RNA (E3) aptamers or with a folic acid moiety (FA). E3-, AS1411-, and FA-AAVs showed on average a 3- to 9-fold increase in transduction compared with their non-conjugated counterparts in different cancer cell lines. Using specific competitors, we established ligand-specific transduction. In vivo studies confirmed the selective uptake of FA-AAV and AS1411-AAV without off-target transduction in peripheral organs. Overall, the high versatility of these novel Nε-AAVs might pave the way to tailoring gene therapy vectors toward specific types of cells both for ex vivo and in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Puzzo
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chuanling Zhang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bethany Powell Gray
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Feijie Zhang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Bruce A. Sullenger
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Mark A. Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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15
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Barrantes FJ. Fluorescence microscopy imaging of a neurotransmitter receptor and its cell membrane lipid milieu. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1014659. [PMID: 36518846 PMCID: PMC9743973 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1014659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hampered by the diffraction phenomenon, as expressed in 1873 by Abbe, applications of optical microscopy to image biological structures were for a long time limited to resolutions above the ∼200 nm barrier and restricted to the observation of stained specimens. The introduction of fluorescence was a game changer, and since its inception it became the gold standard technique in biological microscopy. The plasma membrane is a tenuous envelope of 4 nm-10 nm in thickness surrounding the cell. Because of its highly versatile spectroscopic properties and availability of suitable instrumentation, fluorescence techniques epitomize the current approach to study this delicate structure and its molecular constituents. The wide spectral range covered by fluorescence, intimately linked to the availability of appropriate intrinsic and extrinsic probes, provides the ability to dissect membrane constituents at the molecular scale in the spatial domain. In addition, the time resolution capabilities of fluorescence methods provide complementary high precision for studying the behavior of membrane molecules in the time domain. This review illustrates the value of various fluorescence techniques to extract information on the topography and motion of plasma membrane receptors. To this end I resort to a paradigmatic membrane-bound neurotransmitter receptor, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). The structural and dynamic picture emerging from studies of this prototypic pentameric ligand-gated ion channel can be extrapolated not only to other members of this superfamily of ion channels but to other membrane-bound proteins. I also briefly discuss the various emerging techniques in the field of biomembrane labeling with new organic chemistry strategies oriented to applications in fluorescence nanoscopy, the form of fluorescence microscopy that is expanding the depth and scope of interrogation of membrane-associated phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Barrantes
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA)–National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Wright DE, Siddika T, Heinemann IU, O’Donoghue P. Delivery of the selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 to mammalian cells. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1031756. [PMID: 36304926 PMCID: PMC9595596 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1031756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over-expression of genetically encoded thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) TrxR1 can be toxic to cells due to the formation of a truncated version of the enzyme. We developed a new mammalian cell-based model to investigate TrxR1 activity. Fusion of the HIV-derived cell penetrating peptide (TAT) enabled efficient cellular uptake of purified TrxR1 containing 21 genetically encoded amino acids, including selenocysteine. The TAT peptide did not significantly alter the catalytic activity of TrxR1 in vitro. We monitored TrxR1-dependent redox activity in human cells using a TrxR1-specific red fluorescent live-cell reporter. Using programmed selenocysteine incorporation in Escherichia coli, our approach allowed efficient production of active recombinant human selenoprotein TrxR1 for delivery to the homologous context of the mammalian cell. The delivered TAT-TrxR1 showed robust activity in live cells and provided a novel platform to study TrxR1 biology in human cells.
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