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Vithanage M, Zhang X, Gunarathne V, Zhu Y, Herath L, Peiris K, Solaiman ZM, Bolan N, Siddique KHM. Plant nanobionics: Fortifying food security via engineered plant productivity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 229:115934. [PMID: 37080274 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The world's human population is increasing exponentially, increasing the demand for high-quality food sources. As a result, there is a major global concern over hunger and malnutrition in developing countries with limited food resources. To address this issue, researchers worldwide must focus on developing improved crop varieties with greater productivity to overcome hunger. However, conventional crop breeding methods require extensive periods to develop new varieties with desirable traits. To tackle this challenge, an innovative approach termed plant nanobionics introduces nanomaterials (NMs) into cell organelles to enhance or modify plant function and thus crop productivity and yield. A comprehensive review of nanomaterials affect crop yield is needed to guide nanotechnology research. This article critically reviews nanotechnology applications for engineering plant productivity, seed germination, crop growth, enhancing photosynthesis, and improving crop yield and quality, and discusses nanobionic approaches such as smart drug delivery systems and plant nanobiosensors. Moreover, the review describes NM classification and synthesis and human health-related and plant toxicity hazards. Our findings suggest that nanotechnology application in agricultural production could significantly increase crop yields to alleviate global hunger pressures. However, the environmental risks associated with NMs should be investigated thoroughly before their widespread adoption in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Sustainability Cluster, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India.
| | - Xiaokai Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - Viraj Gunarathne
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Yi Zhu
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Lasantha Herath
- Sri Lanka Institute of Nano Technology, Pitipana, Homagama, Sri Lanka
| | - Kanchana Peiris
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Zakaria M Solaiman
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The Uniersity of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The Uniersity of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Kadambot H M Siddique
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The Uniersity of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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2
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Tungsirisurp S, O'Reilly R, Napier R. Nucleic acid aptamers as aptasensors for plant biology. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:359-371. [PMID: 36357246 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Our knowledge of cell- and tissue-specific quantification of phytohormones is heavily reliant on laborious mass spectrometry techniques. Genetically encoded biosensors have allowed spatial and some temporal quantification of phytohormones intracellularly, but there is still limited information on their intercellular distributions. Here, we review nucleic acid aptamers as an emerging biosensing platform for the detection and quantification of analytes with high affinity and specificity. Options for DNA aptamer technology are explained through selection, sequencing analysis and techniques for evaluating affinity and specificity, and we focus on previously developed DNA aptamers against various plant analytes. We suggest how these tools might be applied in planta for quantification of molecules of interest both intracellularly and intercellularly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel O'Reilly
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Richard Napier
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
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3
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Shaw DS, Honeychurch KC. Nanosensor Applications in Plant Science. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:675. [PMID: 36140060 PMCID: PMC9496508 DOI: 10.3390/bios12090675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Plant science is a major research topic addressing some of the most important global challenges we face today, including energy and food security. Plant science has a role in the production of staple foods and materials, as well as roles in genetics research, environmental management, and the synthesis of high-value compounds such as pharmaceuticals or raw materials for energy production. Nanosensors-selective transducers with a characteristic dimension that is nanometre in scale-have emerged as important tools for monitoring biological processes such as plant signalling pathways and metabolism in ways that are non-destructive, minimally invasive, and capable of real-time analysis. A variety of nanosensors have been used to study different biological processes; for example, optical nanosensors based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) have been used to study protein interactions, cell contents, and biophysical parameters, and electrochemical nanosensors have been used to detect redox reactions in plants. Nanosensor applications in plants include nutrient determination, disease assessment, and the detection of proteins, hormones, and other biological substances. The combination of nanosensor technology and plant sciences has the potential to be a powerful alliance and could support the successful delivery of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, a lack of knowledge regarding the health effects of nanomaterials and the high costs of some of the raw materials required has lessened their commercial impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Shaw
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Kevin C. Honeychurch
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
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4
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Chen YN, Ho CH. Concept of Fluorescent Transport Activity Biosensor for the Characterization of the Arabidopsis NPF1.3 Activity of Nitrate. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22031198. [PMID: 35161943 PMCID: PMC8839256 DOI: 10.3390/s22031198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The NRT1/PTR FAMILY (NPF) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plays a major role as a nitrate transporter. The first nitrate transporter activity biosensor NiTrac1 converted the dual-affinity nitrate transceptor NPF6.3 into fluorescence activity sensors. To test whether this approach is transferable to other members of this family, screening for genetically encoded fluorescence transport activity sensor was performed with the member of the NPF family in Arabidopsis. In this study, NPF1.3, an uncharacterized member of NPF in Arabidopsis, was converted into a transporter activity biosensor NiTrac-NPF1.3 that responds specifically to nitrate. The emission ratio change of NiTrac-NPF1.3 triggered by the addition of nitrate reveals the important function of NPF1.3 in nitrate transport in Arabidopsis. A functional analysis of Xenopus laevis oocytes confirmed that NPF1.3 plays a role as a nitrate transporter. This new technology is applicable in plant and medical research.
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5
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Castro-Rodríguez V, Kleist TJ, Gappel NM, Atanjaoui F, Okumoto S, Machado M, Denyer T, Timmermans MCP, Frommer WB, Wudick MM. Sponging of glutamate at the outer plasma membrane surface reveals roles for glutamate in development. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 109:664-674. [PMID: 34783104 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plants use electrical and chemical signals for systemic communication. Herbivory, for instance, appears to trigger local apoplasmic glutamate accumulation, systemic electrical signals, and calcium waves that travel to report insect damage to neighboring leaves and initiate defense. To monitor extra- and intracellular glutamate concentrations in plants, we generated Arabidopsis lines expressing genetically encoded fluorescent glutamate sensors. In contrast to cytosolically localized sensors, extracellularly displayed variants inhibited plant growth and proper development. Phenotypic analyses of high-affinity display sensor lines revealed that root meristem development, particularly the quiescent center, number of lateral roots, vegetative growth, and floral architecture were impacted. Notably, the severity of the phenotypes was positively correlated with the affinity of the display sensors, intimating that their ability to sequester glutamate at the surface of the plasma membrane was responsible for the defects. Root growth defects were suppressed by supplementing culture media with low levels of glutamate. Together, the data indicate that sequestration of glutamate at the cell surface either disrupts the supply of glutamate to meristematic cells and/or impairs localized glutamatergic signaling important for developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas J Kleist
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicoline M Gappel
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fatiha Atanjaoui
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sakiko Okumoto
- Department of Soil and Crop Science, Texas A&M, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mackenzie Machado
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tom Denyer
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 32, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Marja C P Timmermans
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 32, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Wolf B Frommer
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Michael M Wudick
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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6
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Nawaz A, Liu Q, Leong WL, Fairfull-Smith KE, Sonar P. Organic Electrochemical Transistors for In Vivo Bioelectronics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2101874. [PMID: 34606146 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202101874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are presently a focus of intense research and hold great potential in expanding the horizons of the bioelectronics industry. The notable characteristics of OECTs, including their electrolyte-gating, which offers intimate interfacing with biological environments, and aqueous stability, make them particularly suitable to be operated within a living organism (in vivo). Unlike the existing in vivo bioelectronic devices, mostly based on rigid metal electrodes, OECTs form a soft mechanical contact with the biological milieu and ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio because of their powerful amplification capability. Such features make OECTs particularly desirable for a wide range of in vivo applications, including electrophysiological recordings, neuron stimulation, and neurotransmitter detection, and regulation of plant processes in vivo. In this review, a systematic compilation of the in vivo applications is presented that are addressed by the OECT technology. First, the operating mechanisms, and the device design and materials design principles of OECTs are examined, and then multiple examples are provided from the literature while identifying the unique device properties that enable the application progress. Finally, one critically looks at the future of the OECT technology for in vivo bioelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nawaz
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 19044, Curitiba, PR, 81531-990, Brazil
- Center for Sensors and Devices, Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK), Trento, 38123, Italy
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Wei Lin Leong
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Kathryn E Fairfull-Smith
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Prashant Sonar
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
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7
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Liu C, Zhou H, Zhou J. The Applications of Nanotechnology in Crop Production. Molecules 2021; 26:7070. [PMID: 34885650 PMCID: PMC8658860 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
With the frequent occurrence of extreme climate, global agriculture is confronted with unprecedented challenges, including increased food demand and a decline in crop production. Nanotechnology is a promising way to boost crop production, enhance crop tolerance and decrease the environmental pollution. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding innovative nanotechnology in crop production, which could help us respond to agricultural challenges. Nanotechnology, which involves the use of nanomaterials as carriers, has a number of diverse applications in plant growth and crop production, including in nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanosensors and nanobiotechnology. The unique structures of nanomaterials such as high specific surface area, centralized distribution size and excellent biocompatibility facilitate the efficacy and stability of agro-chemicals. Besides, using appropriate nanomaterials in plant growth stages or stress conditions effectively promote plant growth and increase tolerance to stresses. Moreover, emerging nanotools and nanobiotechnology provide a new platform to monitor and modify crops at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxu Liu
- Department of Horticulture, Zhejiang University, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou 310058, China; (C.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Horticulture, Zhejiang University, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou 310058, China; (C.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Horticulture, Zhejiang University, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou 310058, China; (C.L.); (H.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plants Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Agricultural Ministry of China, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Shandong (Linyi) Institute of Modern Agriculture, Zhejiang University, Linyi 276000, China
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8
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Sadoine M, Ishikawa Y, Kleist TJ, Wudick MM, Nakamura M, Grossmann G, Frommer WB, Ho CH. Designs, applications, and limitations of genetically encoded fluorescent sensors to explore plant biology. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 187:485-503. [PMID: 35237822 PMCID: PMC8491070 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of signaling and metabolic processes in multicellular organisms requires knowledge of the spatial dynamics of small molecules and the activities of enzymes, transporters, and other proteins in vivo, as well as biophysical parameters inside cells and across tissues. The cellular distribution of receptors, ligands, and activation state must be integrated with information about the cellular distribution of metabolites in relation to metabolic fluxes and signaling dynamics in order to achieve the promise of in vivo biochemistry. Genetically encoded sensors are engineered fluorescent proteins that have been developed for a wide range of small molecules, such as ions and metabolites, or to report biophysical processes, such as transmembrane voltage or tension. First steps have been taken to monitor the activity of transporters in vivo. Advancements in imaging technologies and specimen handling and stimulation have enabled researchers in plant sciences to implement sensor technologies in intact plants. Here, we provide a brief history of the development of genetically encoded sensors and an overview of the types of sensors available for quantifying and visualizing ion and metabolite distribution and dynamics. We further discuss the pros and cons of specific sensor designs, imaging systems, and sample manipulations, provide advice on the choice of technology, and give an outlook into future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri Sadoine
- Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Yuuma Ishikawa
- Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Thomas J. Kleist
- Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Michael M. Wudick
- Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Masayoshi Nakamura
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Guido Grossmann
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute for Cell and Interaction Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Wolf B. Frommer
- Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Cheng-Hsun Ho
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Author for communication:
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Gupta D, Sharma G, Saraswat P, Ranjan R. Synthetic Biology in Plants, a Boon for Coming Decades. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:1138-1154. [PMID: 34420149 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00386-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Recently an enormous expansion of knowledge is seen in various disciplines of science. This surge of information has given rise to concept of interdisciplinary fields, which has resulted in emergence of newer research domains, one of them is 'Synthetic Biology' (SynBio). It captures basics from core biology and integrates it with concepts from the other areas of study such as chemical, electrical, and computational sciences. The essence of synthetic biology is to rewire, re-program, and re-create natural biological pathways, which are carried through genetic circuits. A genetic circuit is a functional assembly of basic biological entities (DNA, RNA, proteins), created using typical design, built, and test cycles. These circuits allow scientists to engineer nearly all biological systems for various useful purposes. The development of sophisticated molecular tools, techniques, genomic programs, and ease of nucleic acid synthesis have further fueled several innovative application of synthetic biology in areas like molecular medicines, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, drug discovery, metabolomics, developing plant biosensors, utilization of prokaryotic systems for metabolite production, and CRISPR/Cas9 in the crop improvement. These applications have largely been dominated by utilization of prokaryotic systems. However, newer researches have indicated positive growth of SynBio for the eukaryotic systems as well. This paper explores advances of synthetic biology in the plant field by elaborating on its core components and potential applications. Here, we have given a comprehensive idea of designing, development, and utilization of synthetic biology in the improvement of the present research state of plant system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipinte Gupta
- Plant Biotechnology Lab, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed to be University), Dayalbagh, Agra, 282005, India
| | - Gauri Sharma
- Plant Biotechnology Lab, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed to be University), Dayalbagh, Agra, 282005, India
| | - Pooja Saraswat
- Plant Biotechnology Lab, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed to be University), Dayalbagh, Agra, 282005, India
| | - Rajiv Ranjan
- Plant Biotechnology Lab, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed to be University), Dayalbagh, Agra, 282005, India.
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Moussus M, Meier M. A 3D-printed Arabidopsis thaliana root imaging platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2557-2564. [PMID: 33999087 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00149c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
High-resolution live imaging promises new insights into the cellular and molecular dynamics of the plant root system in response to external cues. Microfluidic platforms are valuable analytical tools that combine the precise spatial and temporal control of culture conditions with live-imaging capabilities. However, complexity in the fabrication and operations of current plant microfluidic platforms limits their use to a few technologically-focused laboratories. Here, we design and characterize an easy-to-implement 3D printed open microfluidic platform for Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Our biocompatibility study identified a suitable material for the platform production and an established drought stress assay validates the reliability of our stereolithography (SLA)-based next generation RootChip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Moussus
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Matthias Meier
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany. and Medical Faculty, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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11
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Diacci C, Abedi T, Lee JW, Gabrielsson EO, Berggren M, Simon DT, Niittylä T, Stavrinidou E. Diurnal in vivo xylem sap glucose and sucrose monitoring using implantable organic electrochemical transistor sensors. iScience 2021; 24:101966. [PMID: 33474535 PMCID: PMC7803653 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioelectronic devices that convert biochemical signals to electronic readout enable biosensing with high spatiotemporal resolution. These technologies have been primarily applied in biomedicine while in plants sensing is mainly based on invasive methods that require tissue sampling, hindering in-vivo detection and having poor spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we developed enzymatic biosensors based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) for in-vivo and real-time monitoring of sugar fluctuations in the vascular tissue of trees. The glucose and sucrose OECT-biosensors were implanted into the vascular tissue of trees and were operated through a low-cost portable unit for 48hr. Our work consists a proof-of-concept study where implantable OECT-biosensors not only allow real-time monitoring of metabolites in plants but also reveal new insights into diurnal sugar homeostasis. We anticipate that this work will contribute to establishing bioelectronic technologies as powerful minimally invasive tools in plant science, agriculture and forestry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Diacci
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Tayebeh Abedi
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umea, Sweden
| | - Jee Woong Lee
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Erik O. Gabrielsson
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Magnus Berggren
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Daniel T. Simon
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Totte Niittylä
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umea, Sweden
| | - Eleni Stavrinidou
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics, Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden
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12
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Isoda R, Yoshinari A, Ishikawa Y, Sadoine M, Simon R, Frommer WB, Nakamura M. Sensors for the quantification, localization and analysis of the dynamics of plant hormones. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 105:542-557. [PMID: 33231903 PMCID: PMC7898640 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Plant hormones play important roles in plant growth and development and physiology, and in acclimation to environmental changes. The hormone signaling networks are highly complex and interconnected. It is thus important to not only know where the hormones are produced, how they are transported and how and where they are perceived, but also to monitor their distribution quantitatively, ideally in a non-invasive manner. Here we summarize the diverse set of tools available for quantifying and visualizing hormone distribution and dynamics. We provide an overview over the tools that are currently available, including transcriptional reporters, degradation sensors, and luciferase and fluorescent sensors, and compare the tools and their suitability for different purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reika Isoda
- Institute of Transformative Bio‐Molecules (WPI‐ITbM)Nagoya UniversityChikusaNagoya464‐8601Japan
| | - Akira Yoshinari
- Institute of Transformative Bio‐Molecules (WPI‐ITbM)Nagoya UniversityChikusaNagoya464‐8601Japan
| | - Yuuma Ishikawa
- Institute of Transformative Bio‐Molecules (WPI‐ITbM)Nagoya UniversityChikusaNagoya464‐8601Japan
- Molecular PhysiologyHeinrich‐Heine‐UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Mayuri Sadoine
- Molecular PhysiologyHeinrich‐Heine‐UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Rüdiger Simon
- Developmental GeneticsHeinrich‐Heine‐UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Wolf B. Frommer
- Institute of Transformative Bio‐Molecules (WPI‐ITbM)Nagoya UniversityChikusaNagoya464‐8601Japan
- Molecular PhysiologyHeinrich‐Heine‐UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Masayoshi Nakamura
- Institute of Transformative Bio‐Molecules (WPI‐ITbM)Nagoya UniversityChikusaNagoya464‐8601Japan
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Yoshinari A, Moe-Lange J, Kleist TJ, Cartwright HN, Quint DA, Ehrhardt DW, Frommer WB, Nakamura M. Using Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors for Quantitative In Vivo Imaging. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2200:303-322. [PMID: 33175384 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0880-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent biosensors are powerful tools for tracking analytes or cellular processes in live organisms and allowing visualization of the spatial and temporal dynamics of cellular regulators. Fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors are extensively employed due to their high selectivity and low invasiveness. A variety of FP-based biosensors have been engineered and applied in plant research to visualize dynamic changes in pH, redox state, concentration of molecules (ions, sugars, peptides, ATP, reactive oxygen species, and phytohormones), and activity of transporters. In this chapter, we briefly summarize reported uses of FP-based biosensors in planta and show simple methods to monitor the dynamics of intracellular Ca2+ in Arabidopsis thaliana using a ratiometric genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator, MatryoshCaMP6s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Yoshinari
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Jacob Moe-Lange
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas J Kleist
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Heather N Cartwright
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David A Quint
- Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines (NSF-Crest), University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - David W Ehrhardt
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Wolf B Frommer
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Masayoshi Nakamura
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
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14
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Assunção AGL, Gjetting SK, Hansen M, Fuglsang AT, Schulz A. Live Imaging of Phosphate Levels in Arabidopsis Root Cells Expressing a FRET-Based Phosphate Sensor. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9101310. [PMID: 33022978 PMCID: PMC7600243 DOI: 10.3390/plants9101310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorous (P) is an essential macronutrient in all organisms serving various fundamental biological processes, and is one of the least available plant nutrients in the soil. The application of inorganic phosphate (Pi) fertilizers is frequent, but it has a high environmental and financial cost. Breeding crops for improved Pi use-efficiency is a promising plant-based solution to pursue a reduction of fertilizer dependency. Availability of tools for monitoring changes of plant cellular Pi concentration in real-time can contribute to advancing knowledge on the molecular basis of Pi transport and homeostasis in plants. Genetically encoded fluorescent sensors have provided new insight on cellular processes. Here, we show that two Pi Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based sensors from the FLIPPi family, the low-affinity FLIPPi-30m and the high-affinity FLIPPi-4µ, can be expressed and analyzed in Arabidopsis thaliana with wild-type background. These FLIPPi sensors had not been tested in plants, but only in mammalian cell lines. We show FRET response and live imaging of Pi levels in seedling roots of Arabidopsis FLIPPi-30m and FLIPPi-4µ lines. Our results reinforce that sensors from the FLIPPi family are valuable tools for studying mechanisms of Pi transport and homeostasis in plants, and for research towards a more sustainable use of Pi fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana G. L. Assunção
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (S.K.G.); (M.H.); (A.T.F.); (A.S.)
- CIBIO-InBIO—Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Sisse K. Gjetting
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (S.K.G.); (M.H.); (A.T.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Michael Hansen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (S.K.G.); (M.H.); (A.T.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Anja T. Fuglsang
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (S.K.G.); (M.H.); (A.T.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Alexander Schulz
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Copenhagen Plant Science Center, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (S.K.G.); (M.H.); (A.T.F.); (A.S.)
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15
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Giraldo JP, Wu H, Newkirk GM, Kruss S. Nanobiotechnology approaches for engineering smart plant sensors. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 14:541-553. [PMID: 31168083 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-019-0470-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Nanobiotechnology has the potential to enable smart plant sensors that communicate with and actuate electronic devices for improving plant productivity, optimize and automate water and agrochemical allocation, and enable high-throughput plant chemical phenotyping. Reducing crop loss due to environmental and pathogen-related stresses, improving resource use efficiency and selecting optimal plant traits are major challenges in plant agriculture industries worldwide. New technologies are required to accurately monitor, in real time and with high spatial and temporal resolution, plant physiological and developmental responses to their microenvironment. Nanomaterials are allowing the translation of plant chemical signals into digital information that can be monitored by standoff electronic devices. Herein, we discuss the design and interfacing of smart nanobiotechnology-based sensors that report plant signalling molecules associated with health status to agricultural and phenotyping devices via optical, wireless or electrical signals. We describe how nanomaterial-mediated delivery of genetically encoded sensors can act as tools for research and development of smart plant sensors. We assess performance parameters of smart nanobiotechnology-based sensors in plants (for example, resolution, sensitivity, accuracy and durability) including in vivo optical nanosensors and wearable nanoelectronic sensors. To conclude, we present an integrated and prospective vision on how nanotechnology could enable smart plant sensors that communicate with and actuate electronic devices for monitoring and optimizing individual plant productivity and resource use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Giraldo
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Honghong Wu
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | - Sebastian Kruss
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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16
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Li J, Wu H, Santana I, Fahlgren M, Giraldo JP. Standoff Optical Glucose Sensing in Photosynthetic Organisms by a Quantum Dot Fluorescent Probe. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:28279-28289. [PMID: 30058800 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b07179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Glucose is a major product of photosynthesis and a key energy source for cellular respiration in organisms. Herein, we enable in vivo optical glucose sensing in wild-type plants using a quantum dot (QD) ratiometric approach. The optical probe is formed by a pair of QDs: thioglycolic acid-capped QDs which remain invariable to glucose (acting as an internal fluorescent reference control) and boronic acid (BA)-conjugated QDs (BA-QD) that quench their fluorescence in response to glucose. The fluorescence response of the QD probe is within the visible light window where photosynthetic tissues have a relatively low background. It is highly selective against other common sugars found in plants and can be used to quantify glucose levels above 500 μM in planta within the physiological range. We demonstrate that the QD fluorescent probe reports glucose from single chloroplast to algae cells ( Chara zeylanica) and plant leaf tissues ( Arabidopsis thaliana) in vivo via confocal microscopy and to a standoff Raspberry Pi camera setup. QD-based probes exhibit bright fluorescence, no photobleaching, tunable emission peak, and a size under plant cell wall porosity offering great potential for selective in vivo monitoring of glucose in photosynthetic organisms in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Li
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences , University of California , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Honghong Wu
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences , University of California , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Israel Santana
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences , University of California , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Mackenzie Fahlgren
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences , University of California , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Juan Pablo Giraldo
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences , University of California , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
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17
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Walia A, Waadt R, Jones AM. Genetically Encoded Biosensors in Plants: Pathways to Discovery. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 69:497-524. [PMID: 29719164 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-042817-040104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensors that directly interact with a molecule of interest were first introduced more than 20 years ago with fusion proteins that served as fluorescent indicators for calcium ions. Since then, the technology has matured into a diverse array of biosensors that have been deployed to improve our spatiotemporal understanding of molecules whose dynamics have profound influence on plant physiology and development. In this review, we address several types of biosensors with a focus on genetically encoded calcium indicators, which are now the most diverse and advanced group of biosensors. We then consider the discoveries in plant biology made by using biosensors for calcium, pH, reactive oxygen species, redox conditions, primary metabolites, phytohormones, and nutrients. These discoveries were dependent on the engineering, characterization, and optimization required to develop a successful biosensor; they were also dependent on the methodological developments required to express, detect, and analyze the readout of such biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Walia
- Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 1LR, United Kingdom;
| | - Rainer Waadt
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Alexander M Jones
- Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 1LR, United Kingdom;
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18
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Sasse J, Martinoia E, Northen T. Feed Your Friends: Do Plant Exudates Shape the Root Microbiome? TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 23:25-41. [PMID: 29050989 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 760] [Impact Index Per Article: 126.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plant health in natural environments depends on interactions with complex and dynamic communities comprising macro- and microorganisms. While many studies have provided insights into the composition of rhizosphere microbiomes (rhizobiomes), little is known about whether plants shape their rhizobiomes. Here, we discuss physiological factors of plants that may govern plant-microbe interactions, focusing on root physiology and the role of root exudates. Given that only a few plant transport proteins are known to be involved in root metabolite export, we suggest novel families putatively involved in this process. Finally, building off of the features discussed in this review, and in analogy to well-known symbioses, we elaborate on a possible sequence of events governing rhizobiome assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle Sasse
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Enrico Martinoia
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich 8008, Switzerland
| | - Trent Northen
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA 94958, USA.
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19
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Ratiometric Matryoshka biosensors from a nested cassette of green- and orange-emitting fluorescent proteins. Nat Commun 2017; 8:431. [PMID: 28874729 PMCID: PMC5585204 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00400-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensitivity, dynamic and detection range as well as exclusion of expression and instrumental artifacts are critical for the quantitation of data obtained with fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors in vivo. Current biosensors designs are, in general, unable to simultaneously meet all these criteria. Here, we describe a generalizable platform to create dual-FP biosensors with large dynamic ranges by employing a single FP-cassette, named GO-(Green-Orange) Matryoshka. The cassette nests a stable reference FP (large Stokes shift LSSmOrange) within a reporter FP (circularly permuted green FP). GO- Matryoshka yields green and orange fluorescence upon blue excitation. As proof of concept, we converted existing, single-emission biosensors into a series of ratiometric calcium sensors (MatryoshCaMP6s) and ammonium transport activity sensors (AmTryoshka1;3). We additionally identified the internal acid-base equilibrium as a key determinant of the GCaMP dynamic range. Matryoshka technology promises flexibility in the design of a wide spectrum of ratiometric biosensors and expanded in vivo applications.Single fluorescent protein biosensors are susceptible to expression and instrumental artifacts. Here Ast et al. describe a dual fluorescent protein design whereby a reference fluorescent protein is nested within a reporter fluorescent protein to control for such artifacts while preserving sensitivity and dynamic range.
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20
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Zhu Q, Wang L, Dong Q, Chang S, Wen K, Jia S, Chu Z, Wang H, Gao P, Zhao H, Han S, Wang Y. FRET-based glucose imaging identifies glucose signalling in response to biotic and abiotic stresses in rice roots. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 215:65-72. [PMID: 28582731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Glucose is the primary energy provider and the most important sugar-signalling molecule, regulating metabolites and modulating gene expression from unicellular yeast to multicellular plants and animals. Therefore, monitoring intracellular glucose levels temporally and spatially in living cells is an essential step for decoding the glucose signalling in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, the genetically encoded FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) nanosensors, FLIPglu-2μ∆13 and FLIPglu-600μΔ13, were used to measure cytosolic glucose dynamics in rice plants. First, we found that the FRET signal decreased in response to external glucose in a concentration-dependent manner. The glucose concentration at which the cytosolic level corresponded to the K0.5 value for FLIPglu-2μΔ13 was approximately 10.05μM, and that for FLIPglu-600μΔ13 was 0.9mM, respectively. The substrate selectivity of nanosensors for glucose and its analogues is D-Glucose>2-deoxyglucose>3-O-methylglucose>L-Glucose. We further showed that the biotic elicitors (flg22 and chitin) and the abiotic elicitors (osmotic stress, salinity and extreme temperature) induce the intracellular glucose increases in the detached root segments of transgenic rice containing FLIPglu-2μΔ13 in a stimulus-specific manner, but not in FLIPglu-600μΔ13 transgenic lines. These results demonstrated that FRET nanosensors can be used to detect increases in intracellular glucose within the physiological range of 0.2-20μM in response to various stimuli in transgenic rice root cells, which indicated that intracellular glucose may act as a potential secondary messenger to connect extracellular stimuli with cellular physiological responses in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingdong Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Li Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Qianli Dong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Shu Chang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Kexin Wen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Shenghua Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhilin Chu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Hanmeng Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ping Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Heping Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Shengcheng Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yingdian Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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21
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Kwak SY, Wong MH, Lew TTS, Bisker G, Lee MA, Kaplan A, Dong J, Liu AT, Koman VB, Sinclair R, Hamann C, Strano MS. Nanosensor Technology Applied to Living Plant Systems. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2017; 10:113-140. [PMID: 28605605 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061516-045310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
An understanding of plant biology is essential to solving many long-standing global challenges, including sustainable and secure food production and the generation of renewable fuel sources. Nanosensor platforms, sensors with a characteristic dimension that is nanometer in scale, have emerged as important tools for monitoring plant signaling pathways and metabolism that are nondestructive, minimally invasive, and capable of real-time analysis. This review outlines the recent advances in nanotechnology that enable these platforms, including the measurement of chemical fluxes even at the single-molecule level. Applications of nanosensors to plant biology are discussed in the context of nutrient management, disease assessment, food production, detection of DNA proteins, and the regulation of plant hormones. Current trends and future needs are discussed with respect to the emerging trends of precision agriculture, urban farming, and plant nanobionics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Yeong Kwak
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Min Hao Wong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Tedrick Thomas Salim Lew
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Gili Bisker
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Michael A Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Amir Kaplan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Juyao Dong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Albert Tianxiang Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Volodymyr B Koman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Rosalie Sinclair
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Catherine Hamann
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
| | - Michael S Strano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts 02139;
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22
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Ortega-Villasante C, Burén S, Barón-Sola Á, Martínez F, Hernández LE. In vivo ROS and redox potential fluorescent detection in plants: Present approaches and future perspectives. Methods 2016; 109:92-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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23
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Banerjee S, Garcia LR, Versaw WK. Quantitative Imaging of FRET-Based Biosensors for Cell- and Organelle-Specific Analyses in Plants. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2016; 22:300-310. [PMID: 26879593 DOI: 10.1017/s143192761600012x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors have been used to report relative concentrations of ions and small molecules, as well as changes in protein conformation, posttranslational modifications, and protein-protein interactions. Changes in FRET are typically quantified through ratiometric analysis of fluorescence intensities. Here we describe methods to evaluate ratiometric imaging data acquired through confocal microscopy of a FRET-based inorganic phosphate biosensor in different cells and subcellular compartments of Arabidopsis thaliana. Linear regression was applied to donor, acceptor, and FRET-derived acceptor fluorescence intensities obtained from images of multiple plants to estimate FRET ratios and associated location-specific spectral correction factors with high precision. FRET/donor ratios provided a combination of high dynamic range and precision for this biosensor when applied to the cytosol of both root and leaf cells, but lower precision when this ratiometric method was applied to chloroplasts. We attribute this effect to quenching of donor fluorescence because high precision was achieved with FRET/acceptor ratios and thus is the preferred ratiometric method for this organelle. A ligand-insensitive biosensor was also used to distinguish nonspecific changes in FRET ratios. These studies provide a useful guide for conducting quantitative ratiometric studies in live plants that is applicable to any FRET-based biosensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayoma Banerjee
- Department of Biology,Texas A&M University,College Station,TX 77843,USA
| | - Luis Rene Garcia
- Department of Biology,Texas A&M University,College Station,TX 77843,USA
| | - Wayne K Versaw
- Department of Biology,Texas A&M University,College Station,TX 77843,USA
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24
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Uslu VV, Grossmann G. The biosensor toolbox for plant developmental biology. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2016; 29:138-47. [PMID: 26802805 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Plant development is highly interconnected with the metabolic state of tissues and cells. Current research efforts focus on the identification of the links and mechanisms that govern the interplay between metabolic and gene-regulatory networks. Genetically encoded sensors that allow detection of small molecules in vivo and at high spatio-temporal resolution promise to be the tools of choice for quantifying and visualizing the dynamics of metabolite flux in plants. We provide an overview about current approaches to measure signaling molecules, such as hormones, calcium and sugars, as well as for monitoring the metabolic state via energy equivalents and pH. Biosensors show great potential to address questions of plant development but there are also limitations where alternative approaches are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veli V Uslu
- Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, Centre for Organismal Studies, Im Neuenheimer Feld 360, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guido Grossmann
- Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, CellNetworks Excellence Cluster and Centre for Organismal Studies, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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25
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Gam J, Ha JS, Kim H, Lee DH, Lee J, Lee SG. Ratiometric analyses at critical temperatures can magnify the signal intensity of FRET-based sugar sensors with periplasmic binding proteins. Biosens Bioelectron 2015; 72:37-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.04.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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26
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Ljung K, Nemhauser JL, Perata P. New mechanistic links between sugar and hormone signalling networks. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2015; 25:130-7. [PMID: 26037392 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plant growth and development must be coordinated with metabolism, notably with the efficiency of photosynthesis and the uptake of nutrients. This coordination requires local connections between hormonal response and metabolic state, as well as long-distance connections between shoot and root tissues. Recently, several molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain the integration of sugar signalling with hormone pathways. In this work, DELLA and PIF proteins have emerged as hubs in sugar-hormone cross-regulation networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Ljung
- Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, SLU, SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden
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27
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Abstract
Soluble sugars serve five main purposes in multicellular organisms: as sources of carbon skeletons, osmolytes, signals, and transient energy storage and as transport molecules. Most sugars are derived from photosynthetic organisms, particularly plants. In multicellular organisms, some cells specialize in providing sugars to other cells (e.g., intestinal and liver cells in animals, photosynthetic cells in plants), whereas others depend completely on an external supply (e.g., brain cells, roots and seeds). This cellular exchange of sugars requires transport proteins to mediate uptake or release from cells or subcellular compartments. Thus, not surprisingly, sugar transport is critical for plants, animals, and humans. At present, three classes of eukaryotic sugar transporters have been characterized, namely the glucose transporters (GLUTs), sodium-glucose symporters (SGLTs), and SWEETs. This review presents the history and state of the art of sugar transporter research, covering genetics, biochemistry, and physiology-from their identification and characterization to their structure, function, and physiology. In humans, understanding sugar transport has therapeutic importance (e.g., addressing diabetes or limiting access of cancer cells to sugars), and in plants, these transporters are critical for crop yield and pathogen susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Qing Chen
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, California 94305;
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28
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Mukherjee P, Banerjee S, Wheeler A, Ratliff LA, Irigoyen S, Garcia LR, Lockless SW, Versaw WK. Live imaging of inorganic phosphate in plants with cellular and subcellular resolution. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 167:628-38. [PMID: 25624397 PMCID: PMC4348774 DOI: 10.1104/pp.114.254003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite variable and often scarce supplies of inorganic phosphate (Pi) from soils, plants must distribute appropriate amounts of Pi to each cell and subcellular compartment to sustain essential metabolic activities. The ability to monitor Pi dynamics with subcellular resolution in live plants is, therefore, critical for understanding how this essential nutrient is acquired, mobilized, recycled, and stored. Fluorescence indicator protein for inorganic phosphate (FLIPPi) sensors are genetically encoded fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based sensors that have been used to monitor Pi dynamics in cultured animal cells. Here, we present a series of Pi sensors optimized for use in plants. Substitution of the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein component of a FLIPPi sensor with a circularly permuted version of Venus enhanced sensor dynamic range nearly 2.5-fold. The resulting circularly permuted FLIPPi sensor was subjected to a high-efficiency mutagenesis strategy that relied on statistical coupling analysis to identify regions of the protein likely to influence Pi affinity. A series of affinity mutants was selected with dissociation constant values of 0.08 to 11 mm, which span the range for most plant cell compartments. The sensors were expressed in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), and ratiometric imaging was used to monitor cytosolic Pi dynamics in root cells in response to Pi deprivation and resupply. Moreover, plastid-targeted versions of the sensors expressed in the wild type and a mutant lacking the PHOSPHATE TRANSPORT4;2 plastidic Pi transporter confirmed a physiological role for this transporter in Pi export from root plastids. These circularly permuted FLIPPi sensors, therefore, enable detailed analysis of Pi dynamics with subcellular resolution in live plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Mukherjee
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Swayoma Banerjee
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Amanda Wheeler
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Lyndsay A Ratliff
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Sonia Irigoyen
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - L Rene Garcia
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Steve W Lockless
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Wayne K Versaw
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
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Insulin induces an increase in cytosolic glucose levels in 3T3-L1 cells with inhibited glycogen synthase activation. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:17827-37. [PMID: 25279585 PMCID: PMC4227192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151017827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose is an important source of energy for mammalian cells and enters the cytosol via glucose transporters. It has been thought for a long time that glucose entering the cytosol is swiftly phosphorylated in most cell types; hence the levels of free glucose are very low, beyond the detection level. However, the introduction of new fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based glucose nanosensors has made it possible to measure intracellular glucose more accurately. Here, we used the fluorescent indicator protein (FLIPglu-600µ) to monitor cytosolic glucose dynamics in mouse 3T3-L1 cells in which glucose utilization for glycogen synthesis was inhibited. The results show that cells exhibit a low resting cytosolic glucose concentration. However, in cells with inhibited glycogen synthase activation, insulin induced a robust increase in cytosolic free glucose. The insulin-induced increase in cytosolic glucose in these cells is due to an imbalance between the glucose transported into the cytosol and the use of glucose in the cytosol. In untreated cells with sensitive glycogen synthase activation, insulin stimulation did not result in a change in the cytosolic glucose level. This is the first report of dynamic measurements of cytosolic glucose levels in cells devoid of the glycogen synthesis pathway.
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Abstract
Conventional methods of plant cell analysis rely on growing plant cells in soil pots or agarose plates, followed by screening the plant phenotypes in traditional greenhouses and growth chambers. These methods are usually costly, need a large number of experiments, suffer from low spatial resolution and disorderly growth behavior of plant cells, with lack of ability to locally and accurately manipulate the plant cells. Microfluidic platforms take advantage of miniaturization for handling small volume of liquids and providing a closed environment, with the purpose of in vitro single cell analysis and characterizing cell response to external cues. These platforms have shown their ability for high-throughput cellular analysis with increased accuracy of experiments, reduced cost and experimental times, versatility in design, ability for large-scale and combinatorial screening, and integration with other miniaturized sensors. Despite extensive research on animal cells within microfluidic environments for high-throughput sorting, manipulation and phenotyping studies, the application of microfluidics for plant cells studies has not been accomplished yet. Novel devices such as RootChip, RootArray, TipChip, and PlantChip developed for plant cells analysis, with high spatial resolution on a micrometer scale mimicking the internal microenvironment of plant cells, offering preliminary results on the capability of microfluidics to conquer the constraints of conventional methods. These devices have been used to study different aspects of plant cell biology such as gene expression, cell biomechanics, cellular mechanism of growth, cell division, and cells fusion. This review emphasizes the advantages of current microfluidic systems for plant science studies, and discusses future prospects of microfluidic platforms for characterizing plant cells response to diverse external cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sanati Nezhad
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, USA
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31
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San Martín A, Sotelo-Hitschfeld T, Lerchundi R, Fernández-Moncada I, Ceballo S, Valdebenito R, Baeza-Lehnert F, Alegría K, Contreras-Baeza Y, Garrido-Gerter P, Romero-Gómez I, Barros LF. Single-cell imaging tools for brain energy metabolism: a review. NEUROPHOTONICS 2014; 1:011004. [PMID: 26157964 PMCID: PMC4478754 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.1.1.011004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Neurophotonics comes to light at a time in which advances in microscopy and improved calcium reporters are paving the way toward high-resolution functional mapping of the brain. This review relates to a parallel revolution in metabolism. We argue that metabolism needs to be approached both in vitro and in vivo, and that it does not just exist as a low-level platform but is also a relevant player in information processing. In recent years, genetically encoded fluorescent nanosensors have been introduced to measure glucose, glutamate, ATP, NADH, lactate, and pyruvate in mammalian cells. Reporting relative metabolite levels, absolute concentrations, and metabolic fluxes, these sensors are instrumental for the discovery of new molecular mechanisms. Sensors continue to be developed, which together with a continued improvement in protein expression strategies and new imaging technologies, herald an exciting era of high-resolution characterization of metabolism in the brain and other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro San Martín
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Tamara Sotelo-Hitschfeld
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Lerchundi
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ignacio Fernández-Moncada
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Sebastian Ceballo
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
| | - Rocío Valdebenito
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
| | | | - Karin Alegría
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
| | - Yasna Contreras-Baeza
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Pamela Garrido-Gerter
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ignacio Romero-Gómez
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - L. Felipe Barros
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Arturo Prat 514, Valdivia, 5110466, Chile
- Address all correspondence to: L. Felipe Barros, E-mail:
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Jones AM, Danielson JA, Manojkumar SN, Lanquar V, Grossmann G, Frommer WB. Abscisic acid dynamics in roots detected with genetically encoded FRET sensors. eLife 2014; 3:e01741. [PMID: 24737862 PMCID: PMC3985517 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic hormone levels must be tightly controlled at the level of influx, efflux, synthesis, degradation and compartmentation. To determine ABA dynamics at the single cell level, FRET sensors (ABACUS) covering a range ∼0.2–800 µM were engineered using structure-guided design and a high-throughput screening platform. When expressed in yeast, ABACUS1 detected concentrative ABA uptake mediated by the AIT1/NRT1.2 transporter. Arabidopsis roots expressing ABACUS1-2µ (Kd∼2 µM) and ABACUS1-80µ (Kd∼80 µM) respond to perfusion with ABA in a concentration-dependent manner. The properties of the observed ABA accumulation in roots appear incompatible with the activity of known ABA transporters (AIT1, ABCG40). ABACUS reveals effects of external ABA on homeostasis, that is, ABA-triggered induction of ABA degradation, modification, or compartmentation. ABACUS can be used to study ABA responses in mutants and quantitatively monitor ABA translocation and regulation, and identify missing components. The sensor screening platform promises to enable rapid fine-tuning of the ABA sensors and engineering of plant and animal hormone sensors to advance our understanding of hormone signaling. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01741.001 Plants are able to respond to detrimental changes in their environment—when, for example, water becomes scarce or the soil becomes too salty—in ways that minimize stress and damage caused by these changes. Hormones are chemicals that trigger the plant’s response under these circumstances. Abscisic acid is the hormone that regulates how plants respond to drought and salt stress, and also controls growth and development. In the past, it was possible to measure the average level of this hormone in a given tissue, but not the level in individual cells in a living plant, nor in specific compartments within a cell. Moreover, it was difficult to follow directly how abscisic acid moved between the plant cells, tissues or organs. Now, Jones et al. (and independently Waadt et al.) have developed tools that can measure the levels of abscisic acid within defined compartments of individual cells in living plants and in real time. The plants were genetically engineered to produce sensor proteins with two properties: they can bind to abscisic acid in a reversible manner, and they contain two ‘reporters’ that fluoresce at different wavelengths. Shining light onto the plant at a specific wavelength that is only absorbed by one of the reporters causes both of the reporters on the sensor proteins to fluoresce. However, the two reporters fluoresce differently when the sensor binds to abscisic acid. Specifically, one reporter fluoresces more and the other less. Hence, measuring the ratio of these two wavelengths in the light that is given off by the sensor proteins can be used as a measure of the concentration of abscisic acid in a plant cell. Jones et al. used a high-throughput platform to engineer five sensor proteins that detect abscisic acid over a wide range of concentrations. Using these ‘ABACUS’ sensors in living plants could track the uptake of abscisic acid into root cells, and revealed that the concentration of the hormone inside the cell stayed below the levels provided on the outside. Since known abscisic acid-transporters are capable of raising the hormone concentration inside a cell above that provided on the outside, abscisic acid transport into plant roots may occur via as-yet-undiscovered transporter proteins. Jones et al. also show that root cells rapidly eliminate abscisic acid, and that adding extra abscisic acid to the roots increases the rate of elimination within minutes. Plants were also engineered to target the sensor proteins specifically to the cell nucleus. In the future, targeting these sensors to the cell wall should allow tracking of the cell-to-cell movement of this hormone. Further aims include using ABACUS to track abscisic acid in plants undergoing stress, and to use the high-throughput platform to develop new sensors to track other hormones in living organisms (including animals). DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01741.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Jones
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, United States
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33
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Ho CH, Frommer WB. Fluorescent sensors for activity and regulation of the nitrate transceptor CHL1/NRT1.1 and oligopeptide transporters. eLife 2014; 3:e01917. [PMID: 24623305 PMCID: PMC3950950 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To monitor nitrate and peptide transport activity in vivo, we converted the dual-affinity nitrate transceptor CHL1/NRT1.1/NPF6.3 and four related oligopeptide transporters PTR1, 2, 4, and 5 into fluorescence activity sensors (NiTrac1, PepTrac). Substrate addition to yeast expressing transporter fusions with yellow fluorescent protein and mCerulean triggered substrate-dependent donor quenching or resonance energy transfer. Fluorescence changes were nitrate/peptide-specific, respectively. Like CHL1, NiTrac1 had biphasic kinetics. Mutation of T101A eliminated high-affinity transport and blocked the fluorescence response to low nitrate. NiTrac was used for characterizing side chains considered important for substrate interaction, proton coupling, and regulation. We observed a striking correlation between transport activity and sensor output. Coexpression of NiTrac with known calcineurin-like proteins (CBL1, 9; CIPK23) and candidates identified in an interactome screen (CBL1, KT2, WNKinase 8) blocked NiTrac1 responses, demonstrating the suitability for in vivo analysis of activity and regulation. The new technology is applicable in plant and medical research. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01917.001 About 1% of global energy output is used to produce nitrogen-enriched fertiliser to improve crop yields, but much of this energy is wasted because plants absorb only a fraction of the nitrogen that is applied as fertiliser. Even worse, the excess nitrogen leaches into water sources, poisoning the environment and causing health problems. However, to date, most efforts to increase the efficiency of nitrogen uptake in plants have been unsuccessful. The key to improving the uptake efficiency of a nutrient is to identify obstacles in its journey from the soil to cells inside the plant. The first obstacle that nitrate ions encounter is the membrane of the cells on the surface of the roots of the plant. Many researchers believe that it would be possible to increase the amount of nitrogen absorbed by the plant if more was known about the ways that plants control how nitrate ions and other chemicals enter cells. The cell membrane contains gated pores called transporters that allow particular molecules to pass through it. Although the transporters responsible for the uptake of nitrate ions, peptides, and ammonium ions (the main nitrogen compounds that plants acquire) have been identified, current experimental techniques cannot determine when and where a specific transporter is active within a living plant. This makes it difficult to know where to target modifications and to determine how effective they have been at each step. The nitrate transporter also acts as an antenna that measures nitrate concentration to ensure it is used optimally in the plant, but current techniques cannot show how this actually works. Now, Ho and Frommer have exploited the fact that a transporter changes shape as it does its job to create sensors that can track the movement of nitrate and peptides through the cell membrane. By using fluorescent proteins to monitor how the shape of the transporter changes, Ho and Frommer were able to measure how structural mutations and regulatory proteins influenced the movement of nitrate and peptides through the membrane. For efficiency, all of this work was performed in yeast cells. The next goal is to use the technique in plants to uncover how they adjust to changes in nutrient levels in the soil. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01917.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hsun Ho
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, United States
| | - Wolf B Frommer
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, United States
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34
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Hamers D, van Voorst Vader L, Borst JW, Goedhart J. Development of FRET biosensors for mammalian and plant systems. PROTOPLASMA 2014; 251:333-347. [PMID: 24337770 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-013-0590-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensors are increasingly used in visualising signalling processes in different organisms. Sensors based on green fluorescent protein technology are providing a great opportunity for using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) as a tool that allows for monitoring dynamic processes in living cells. The development of these FRET biosensors requires careful selection of fluorophores, substrates and recognition domains. In this review, we will discuss recent developments, strategies to create and optimise FRET biosensors and applications of FRET-based biosensors for use in the two major eukaryotic kingdoms and elaborate on different methods for FRET detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Hamers
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Microspectroscopy Centre, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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35
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Müller SM, Galliardt H, Schneider J, Barisas BG, Seidel T. Quantification of Förster resonance energy transfer by monitoring sensitized emission in living plant cells. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2013; 4:413. [PMID: 24194740 PMCID: PMC3810607 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) describes excitation energy exchange between two adjacent molecules typically in distances ranging from 2 to 10 nm. The process depends on dipole-dipole coupling of the molecules and its probability of occurrence cannot be proven directly. Mostly, fluorescence is employed for quantification as it represents a concurring process of relaxation of the excited singlet state S1 so that the probability of fluorescence decreases as the probability of FRET increases. This reflects closer proximity of the molecules or an orientation of donor and acceptor transition dipoles that facilitates FRET. Monitoring sensitized emission by 3-Filter-FRET allows for fast image acquisition and is suitable for quantifying FRET in dynamic systems such as living cells. In recent years, several calibration protocols were established to overcome to previous difficulties in measuring FRET-efficiencies. Thus, we can now obtain by 3-filter FRET FRET-efficiencies that are comparable to results from sophisticated fluorescence lifetime measurements. With the discovery of fluorescent proteins and their improvement toward spectral variants and usability in plant cells, the tool box for in vivo FRET-analyses in plant cells was provided and FRET became applicable for the in vivo detection of protein-protein interactions and for monitoring conformational dynamics. The latter opened the door toward a multitude of FRET-sensors such as the widely applied Ca(2+)-sensor Cameleon. Recently, FRET-couples of two fluorescent proteins were supplemented by additional fluorescent proteins toward FRET-cascades in order to monitor more complex arrangements. Novel FRET-couples involving switchable fluorescent proteins promise to increase the utility of FRET through combination with photoactivation-based super-resolution microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Müller
- Dynamic Cell Imaging, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld UniversityBielefeld, Germany
| | - Helena Galliardt
- Dynamic Cell Imaging, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld UniversityBielefeld, Germany
| | - Jessica Schneider
- Bioinformatic Resource Facility, Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld UniversityBielefeld, Germany
| | - B. George Barisas
- Chemistry Department, Colorado State UniversityFort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Thorsten Seidel
- Dynamic Cell Imaging, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld UniversityBielefeld, Germany
- *Correspondence: Thorsten Seidel, Dynamic Cell Imaging, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany e-mail:
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36
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Gjetting SK, Schulz A, Fuglsang AT. Perspectives for using genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors in plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2013; 4:234. [PMID: 23874345 PMCID: PMC3709170 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors have long proven to be excellent tools for quantitative live imaging, but sensor applications in plants have been lacking behind those in mammalian systems with respect to the variety of sensors and tissue types used. How can this be improved, and what can be expected for the use of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors in plants in the future? In this review, we present a table of successful physiological experiments in plant tissue using fluorescent biosensors, and draw some conclusions about the specific challenges plant cell biologists are faced with and some of the ways they have been overcome so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisse K. Gjetting
- Transport Biology Section, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexander Schulz
- Transport Biology Section, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja T. Fuglsang
- Transport Biology Section, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark
- Center of Excellence for Membrane Pumps and Disease, PUMPKINAarhus, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Anja T. Fuglsang, Transport Biology Section, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Copenhagen, DK-1871, Denmark e-mail:
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37
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Heinig U, Gutensohn M, Dudareva N, Aharoni A. The challenges of cellular compartmentalization in plant metabolic engineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2012; 24:239-46. [PMID: 23246154 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The complex metabolic networks in plants are highly compartmentalized and biochemical steps of a single pathway can take place in multiple subcellular locations. Our knowledge regarding reactions and precursor compounds in the various cellular compartments has increased in recent years due to innovations in tracking the spatial distribution of proteins and metabolites. Nevertheless, to date only few studies have integrated subcellular localization criteria in metabolic engineering attempts. Here, we highlight the crucial factors for subcellular-localization-based strategies in plant metabolic engineering including substrate availability, enzyme targeting, the role of transporters, and multigene transfer approaches. The availability of compartmentalized metabolic network models for plants in the near future will greatly advance the integration of localization constraints in metabolic engineering experiments and aid in predicting their outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Heinig
- Department of Plant Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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38
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Grossmann G, Meier M, Cartwright HN, Sosso D, Quake SR, Ehrhardt DW, Frommer WB. Time-lapse fluorescence imaging of Arabidopsis root growth with rapid manipulation of the root environment using the RootChip. J Vis Exp 2012:4290. [PMID: 22805296 PMCID: PMC3471268 DOI: 10.3791/4290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The root functions as the physical anchor of the plant and is the organ responsible for uptake of water and mineral nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfate and trace elements that plants acquire from the soil. If we want to develop sustainable approaches to producing high crop yield, we need to better understand how the root develops, takes up a wide spectrum of nutrients, and interacts with symbiotic and pathogenic organisms. To accomplish these goals, we need to be able to explore roots in microscopic detail over time periods ranging from minutes to days. We developed the RootChip, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)- based microfluidic device, which allows us to grow and image roots from Arabidopsis seedlings while avoiding any physical stress to roots during preparation for imaging(1) (Figure 1). The device contains a bifurcated channel structure featuring micromechanical valves to guide the fluid flow from solution inlets to each of the eight observation chambers(2). This perfusion system allows the root microenvironment to be controlled and modified with precision and speed. The volume of the chambers is approximately 400 nl, thus requiring only minimal amounts of test solution. Here we provide a detailed protocol for studying root biology on the RootChip using imaging-based approaches with real time resolution. Roots can be analyzed over several days using time lapse microscopy. Roots can be perfused with nutrient solutions or inhibitors, and up to eight seedlings can be analyzed in parallel. This system has the potential for a wide range of applications, including analysis of root growth in the presence or absence of chemicals, fluorescence-based analysis of gene expression, and the analysis of biosensors, e.g. FRET nanosensors(3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Grossmann
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science
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Ali MM, Kang DK, Tsang K, Fu M, Karp JM, Zhao W. Cell-surface sensors: lighting the cellular environment. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2012; 4:547-61. [PMID: 22761045 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell-surface sensors are powerful tools to elucidate cell functions including cell signaling, metabolism, and cell-to-cell communication. These sensors not only facilitate our understanding in basic biology but also advance the development of effective therapeutics and diagnostics. While genetically encoded fluorescent protein/peptide sensors have been most popular, emerging cell surface sensor systems including polymer-, nanoparticle-, and nucleic acid aptamer-based sensors have largely expanded our toolkits to interrogate complex cellular signaling and micro- or nano-environments. In particular, cell-surface sensors that interrogate in vivo cellular microenvironments represent an emerging trend in the development of next generation tools which biologists may routinely apply to elucidate cell biology in vivo and to develop new therapeutics and diagnostics. This review focuses on the most recent development in areas of cell-surface sensors. We will first discuss some recently reported genetically encoded sensors that were used for monitoring cellular metabolites, proteins, and neurotransmitters. We will then focus on the emerging cell surface sensor systems with emphasis on the use of DNA aptamer sensors for probing cell signaling and cell-to-cell communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Monsur Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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40
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Farré EM, Weise SE. The interactions between the circadian clock and primary metabolism. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2012; 15:293-300. [PMID: 22305520 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2012.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Primary metabolism in plants is tightly regulated by environmental factors such as light and nutrient availability at multiple levels. The circadian clock is a self-sustained endogenous oscillator that enables organisms to predict daily and seasonal changes. The regulation of primary metabolism by the circadian clock has been proposed to explain the importance of circadian rhythms in plant growth and survival. Recent transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicate a wide spread circadian regulation of different metabolic processes. We review evidence of circadian regulation of pathways in primary metabolism, discuss the challenges faced for discerning the mechanisms regulating circadian metabolic oscillations and present recent evidence of regulation of the circadian clock by metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Farré
- Michigan State University, Department of Plant Biology, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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41
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Gjetting KSK, Ytting CK, Schulz A, Fuglsang AT. Live imaging of intra- and extracellular pH in plants using pHusion, a novel genetically encoded biosensor. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2012; 63:3207-18. [PMID: 22407646 PMCID: PMC3350929 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ers040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Revised: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Changes in pH are now widely accepted as a signalling mechanism in cells. In plants, proton pumps in the plasma membrane and tonoplast play a key role in regulation of intracellular pH homeostasis and maintenance of transmembrane proton gradients. Proton transport in response to external stimuli can be expected to be finely regulated spatially and temporally. With the ambition to follow such changes live, a new genetically encoded sensor, pHusion, has been developed. pHusion is especially designed for apoplastic pH measurements. It was constitutively expressed in Arabidopsis and targeted for expression in either the cytosol or the apoplast including intracellular compartments. pHusion consists of the tandem concatenation of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP1), and works as a ratiometric pH sensor. Live microscopy at high spatial and temporal resolution is highly dependent on appropriate immobilization of the specimen for microscopy. Medical adhesive often used in such experiments destroys cell viability in roots. Here a novel system for immobilizing Arabidopsis seedling roots for perfusion experiments is presented which does not impair cell viability. With appropriate immobilization, it was possible to follow changes of the apoplastic and cytosolic pH in mesophyll and root tissue. Rapid pH homeostasis upon external pH changes was reflected by negligible cytosolic pH fluctuations, while the apoplastic pH changed drastically. The great potential for analysing pH regulation in a whole-tissue, physiological context is demonstrated by the immediate alkalinization of the subepidermal apoplast upon external indole-3-acetic acid administration. This change is highly significant in the elongation zone compared with the root hair zone and control roots.
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Adams JP, Adeli A, Hsu CY, Harkess RL, Page GP, Depamphilis CW, Schultz EB, Yuceer C. Plant-based FRET biosensor discriminates environmental zinc levels. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2012; 10:207-216. [PMID: 21910820 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7652.2011.00656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal accumulation in the environment poses great risks to flora and fauna. However, monitoring sites prone to accumulation poses scale and economic challenges. In this study, we present and test a method for monitoring these sites using fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) change in response to zinc (Zn) accumulation in plants as a proxy for environmental health. We modified a plant Zn transport protein by adding flanking fluorescent proteins (FPs) and deploying the construct into two different species. In Arabidopsis thaliana, FRET was monitored by a confocal microscope and had a 1.4-fold increase in intensity as the metal concentration increased. This led to a 16.7% overall error-rate when discriminating between a control (1μm Zn) and high (10mm Zn) treatment after 96h. The second host plant (Populus tremula×Populu salba) also had greater FRET values (1.3-fold increase) when exposed to the higher concentration of Zn, while overall error-rates were greater at 22.4%. These results indicate that as plants accumulate Zn, protein conformational changes occur in response to Zn causing differing interaction between FPs. This results in greater FRET values when exposed to greater amounts of Zn and monitored with appropriate light sources and filters. We also demonstrate how this construct can be moved into different host plants effectively including one tree species. This chimeric protein potentially offers a method for monitoring large areas of land for Zn accumulation, is transferable among species, and could be modified to monitor other specific heavy metals that pose environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Adams
- School of Forest Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Monticello, AR, USA.
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Okumoto S, Jones A, Frommer WB. Quantitative imaging with fluorescent biosensors. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2012; 63:663-706. [PMID: 22404462 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-042110-103745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Molecular activities are highly dynamic and can occur locally in subcellular domains or compartments. Neighboring cells in the same tissue can exist in different states. Therefore, quantitative information on the cellular and subcellular dynamics of ions, signaling molecules, and metabolites is critical for functional understanding of organisms. Mass spectrometry is generally used for monitoring ions and metabolites; however, its temporal and spatial resolution are limited. Fluorescent proteins have revolutionized many areas of biology-e.g., fluorescent proteins can report on gene expression or protein localization in real time-yet promoter-based reporters are often slow to report physiologically relevant changes such as calcium oscillations. Therefore, novel tools are required that can be deployed in specific cells and targeted to subcellular compartments in order to quantify target molecule dynamics directly. We require tools that can measure enzyme activities, protein dynamics, and biophysical processes (e.g., membrane potential or molecular tension) with subcellular resolution. Today, we have an extensive suite of tools at our disposal to address these challenges, including translocation sensors, fluorescence-intensity sensors, and Förster resonance energy transfer sensors. This review summarizes sensor design principles, provides a database of sensors for more than 70 different analytes/processes, and gives examples of applications in quantitative live cell imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakiko Okumoto
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Krebs M, Held K, Binder A, Hashimoto K, Den Herder G, Parniske M, Kudla J, Schumacher K. FRET-based genetically encoded sensors allow high-resolution live cell imaging of Ca²⁺ dynamics. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 69:181-92. [PMID: 21910770 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2011.04780.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Temporally and spatially defined calcium signatures are integral parts of numerous signalling pathways. Monitoring calcium dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution is therefore critically important to understand how this ubiquitous second messenger can control diverse cellular responses. Yellow cameleons (YCs) are fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based genetically encoded Ca(2+) -sensors that provide a powerful tool to monitor the spatio-temporal dynamics of Ca(2+) fluxes. Here we present an advanced set of vectors and transgenic lines for live cell Ca(2+) imaging in plants. Transgene silencing mediated by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter has severely limited the application of nanosensors for ions and metabolites and we have thus used the UBQ10 promoter from Arabidopsis and show here that this results in constitutive and stable expression of YCs in transgenic plants. To improve the spatial resolution, our vector repertoire includes versions of YCs that can be targeted to defined locations. Using this toolkit, we identified temporally distinct responses to external ATP at the plasma membrane, in the cytosol and in the nucleus of neighbouring root cells. Moreover analysis of Ca(2+) dynamics in Lotus japonicus revealed distinct Nod factor induced Ca(2+) spiking patterns in the nucleus and the cytosol. Consequently, the constructs and transgenic lines introduced here enable a detailed analysis of Ca(2+) dynamics in different cellular compartments and in different plant species and will foster novel approaches to decipher the temporal and spatial characteristics of calcium signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Krebs
- Department of Developmental Biology, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Grossmann G, Guo WJ, Ehrhardt DW, Frommer WB, Sit RV, Quake SR, Meier M. The RootChip: an integrated microfluidic chip for plant science. THE PLANT CELL 2011; 23:4234-40. [PMID: 22186371 PMCID: PMC3269862 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.111.092577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Studying development and physiology of growing roots is challenging due to limitations regarding cellular and subcellular analysis under controlled environmental conditions. We describe a microfluidic chip platform, called RootChip, that integrates live-cell imaging of growth and metabolism of Arabidopsis thaliana roots with rapid modulation of environmental conditions. The RootChip has separate chambers for individual regulation of the microenvironment of multiple roots from multiple seedlings in parallel. We demonstrate the utility of The RootChip by monitoring time-resolved growth and cytosolic sugar levels at subcellular resolution in plants by a genetically encoded fluorescence sensor for glucose and galactose. The RootChip can be modified for use with roots from other plant species by adapting the chamber geometry and facilitates the systematic analysis of root growth and metabolism from multiple seedlings, paving the way for large-scale phenotyping of root metabolism and signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Grossmann
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Woei-Jiun Guo
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, California 94305
| | - David W. Ehrhardt
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Wolf B. Frommer
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Rene V. Sit
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, California 94605
- Departments of Applied Physics and Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Stephen R. Quake
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, California 94605
- Departments of Applied Physics and Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Matthias Meier
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, California 94605
- Departments of Applied Physics and Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
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Abstract
Optical sensors allow dynamic quantification of metabolite levels with subcellular resolution. Here we describe protocols for analyzing cytosolic glucose levels in yeast using genetically encoded Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensors. FRET glucose sensors with different glucose affinities (K(d)) covering the low nano- to mid- millimolar range can be targeted genetically to the cytosol or to subcellular compartments. The sensors detect the glucose-induced conformational change in the bacterial periplasmic glucose/galactose binding protein MglB using FRET between two fluorescent protein variants. Measurements can be performed with a single sensor or multiple sensors in parallel. In one approach, cytosolic glucose accumulation is measured in yeast cultures in a 96-well plate using a fluorimeter. Upon excitation of the cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), emission intensities of CFP and YFP (yellow fluorescent protein) are captured before and after glucose addition. FRET sensors provide temporally resolved quantitative data of glucose for the compartment of interest. In a second approach, reversible changes of cytosolic free glucose are measured in individual yeast cells trapped in a microfluidic platform, allowing perfusion of different solutions while FRET changes are monitored in a microscope setup. By using the microplate fluorimeter protocol, 96 cultures can be measured in less than 1 h; analysis of single cells of a single genotype can be completed in <2 h. FRET-based analysis has been performed with glucose, maltose, ATP and zinc sensors, and it can easily be adapted for high-throughput screening using a wide spectrum of sensors.
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In vivo biochemistry: quantifying ion and metabolite levels in individual cells or cultures of yeast. Biochem J 2011; 438:1-10. [PMID: 21793803 DOI: 10.1042/bj20110428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, we have learned that cellular processes, including signalling and metabolism, are highly compartmentalized, and that relevant changes in metabolic state can occur at sub-second timescales. Moreover, we have learned that individual cells in populations, or as part of a tissue, exist in different states. If we want to understand metabolic processes and signalling better, it will be necessary to measure biochemical and biophysical responses of individual cells with high temporal and spatial resolution. Fluorescence imaging has revolutionized all aspects of biology since it has the potential to provide information on the cellular and subcellular distribution of ions and metabolites with sub-second time resolution. In the present review we summarize recent progress in quantifying ions and metabolites in populations of yeast cells as well as in individual yeast cells with the help of quantitative fluorescent indicators, namely FRET metabolite sensors. We discuss the opportunities and potential pitfalls and the controls that help preclude misinterpretation.
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Michener JK, Thodey K, Liang JC, Smolke CD. Applications of genetically-encoded biosensors for the construction and control of biosynthetic pathways. Metab Eng 2011; 14:212-22. [PMID: 21946159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cells are filled with biosensors, molecular systems that measure the state of the cell and respond by regulating host processes. In much the same way that an engineer would monitor a chemical reactor, the cell uses these sensors to monitor changing intracellular environments and produce consistent behavior despite the variable environment. While natural systems derive a clear benefit from pathway regulation, past research efforts in engineering cellular metabolism have focused on introducing new pathways and removing existing pathway regulation. Synthetic biology is a rapidly growing field that focuses on the development of new tools that support the design, construction, and optimization of biological systems. Recent advances have been made in the design of genetically-encoded biosensors and the application of this class of molecular tools for optimizing and regulating heterologous pathways. Biosensors to cellular metabolites can be taken directly from natural systems, engineered from natural sensors, or constructed entirely in vitro. When linked to reporters, such as antibiotic resistance markers, these metabolite sensors can be used to report on pathway productivity, allowing high-throughput screening for pathway optimization. Future directions will focus on the application of biosensors to introduce feedback control into metabolic pathways, providing dynamic control strategies to increase the efficient use of cellular resources and pathway reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua K Michener
- Department of Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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Slewinski TL. Diverse functional roles of monosaccharide transporters and their homologs in vascular plants: a physiological perspective. MOLECULAR PLANT 2011; 4:641-62. [PMID: 21746702 DOI: 10.1093/mp/ssr051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Vascular plants contain two gene families that encode monosaccharide transporter proteins. The classical monosaccharide transporter(-like) gene superfamily is large and functionally diverse, while the recently identified SWEET transporter family is smaller and, thus far, only found to transport glucose. These transporters play essential roles at many levels, ranging from organelles to the whole plant. Many family members are essential for cellular homeostasis and reproductive success. Although most transporters do not directly participate in long-distance transport, their indirect roles greatly impact carbon allocation and transport flux to the heterotrophic tissues of the plant. Functional characterization of some members from both gene families has revealed their diverse roles in carbohydrate partitioning, phloem function, resource allocation, plant defense, and sugar signaling. This review highlights the broad impacts and implications of monosaccharide transport by describing some of the functional roles of the monosaccharide transporter(-like) superfamily and the SWEET transporter family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Slewinski
- Department of Plant Biology, Cornell University, 262 Plant Science Building, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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