A new set of reversibly photoswitchable fluorescent proteins for use in transgenic plants

Current and future advances in fluorescence-based visualization of plant cell wall components and cell wall biosynthetic machineries

Plant cell wall-derived biomass serves as a renewable source of energy and materials with increasing importance. The cell walls are biomacromolecular assemblies defined by a fine arrangement of different classes of polysaccharides, proteoglycans, and aromatic polymers and are one of the most complex structures in Nature. One of the most challenging tasks of cell biology and biomass biotechnology research is to image the structure and organization of this complex matrix, as well as to visualize the compartmentalized, multiplayer biosynthetic machineries that build the elaborate cell wall architecture. Better knowledge of the plant cells, cell walls, and whole tissue is essential for bioengineering efforts and for designing efficient strategies of industrial deconstruction of the cell wall-derived biomass and its saccharification. Cell wall-directed molecular probes and analysis by light microscopy, which is capable of imaging with a high level of specificity, little sample processing, and often in real time, are important tools to understand cell wall assemblies. This review provides a comprehensive overview about the possibilities for fluorescence label-based imaging techniques and a variety of probing methods, discussing both well-established and emerging tools. Examples of applications of these tools are provided. We also list and discuss the advantages and limitations of the methods. Specifically, we elaborate on what are the most important considerations when applying a particular technique for plants, the potential for future development, and how the plant cell wall field might be inspired by advances in the biomedical and general cell biology fields.

Dynamic Contrast for Plant Phenotyping

Noninvasiveness, minimal handling, and immediate response are favorable features of fluorescence readout for high-throughput phenotyping of labeled plants.Yet, remote fluorescence imaging may suffer from an autofluorescent background and artificial or natural ambient light. In this work, the latter limitations are overcome by adopting reversibly photoswitchable fluorescent proteins (RSFPs) as labels and Speed OPIOM (out-of-phase imaging after optical modulation), a fluorescence imaging protocol exploiting dynamic contrast. Speed OPIOM can efficiently distinguish the RSFP signal from autofluorescence and other spectrally interfering fluorescent reporters like GFP. It can quantitatively assess gene expressions, even when they are weak. It is as quantitative, sensitive, and robust in dark and bright light conditions. Eventually, it can be used to nondestructively record abiotic stress responses like water or iron limitations in real time at the level of individual plants and even of specific organs. Such Speed OPIOM validation could find numerous applications to identify plant lines in selection programs, design plants as environmental sensors, or ecologically monitor transgenic plants in the environment.

The Photoconvertible Fluorescent Protein Dendra2 Tag as a Tool to Investigate Intracellular Protein Dynamics

Fluorescence proteins changing spectral properties after exposure to light with a specific wavelength have recently become outstanding aids in the study of intracellular protein dynamics. Herein we show using Arabidopsis SYNAPTOTAGMIN 1 as a model protein that the Dendra2 green to red photoconvertible protein tag in combination with confocal scanning laser microscopy is a useful tool to study membrane protein intracellular dynamics.

Beyond Transcription: Fine-Tuning of Circadian Timekeeping by Post-Transcriptional Regulation

The circadian clock is an important endogenous timekeeper, helping plants to prepare for the periodic changes of light and darkness in their environment. The clockwork of this molecular timer is made up of clock proteins that regulate transcription of their own genes with a 24 h rhythm. Furthermore, the rhythmically expressed clock proteins regulate time-of-day dependent transcription of downstream genes, causing messenger RNA (mRNA) oscillations of a large part of the transcriptome. On top of the transcriptional regulation by the clock, circadian rhythms in mRNAs rely in large parts on post-transcriptional regulation, including alternative pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA degradation, and translational control. Here, we present recent insights into the contribution of post-transcriptional regulation to core clock function and to regulation of circadian gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Lighting Up Live Cells with Smart Genetically Encoded Fluorescence Probes from GMars Family

As a special kind of delicate light-controllable genetically encoded optical device, reversibly photoswitchable fluorescent proteins (RSFPs) have been widely applied in many fields, especially various kinds of advanced nanoscopy approaches in recent years. However, there are still necessities for exploring novel RSFPs with specific biochemical or photophysical properties not only for bioimaging or biosensing applications but also for fluorescent protein (FP) mechanisms study and further knowledge-based molecular sensors or optical actuators' rational design and evolution. Besides previously reported GMars-Q and GMars-T variants, herein, we reported the development and applications of other RSFPs from GMars family, especially some featured RSFPs with desired optical properties. In the current work, in vitro FP purification, spectra measurements, and live-cell RESOLFT nanoscopy approaches were applied to characterize the basic properties and test the imaging performances of the selected RSFPs. As demonstrated, GMars variants such as GMars-A, GMars-G, or remarkable photofatigue-resistant GMars-L were found with beneficial properties to be capable of parallelized RESOLFT nanoscopy in living cells, while other featured GMars variants such as dark GMars-P may be a good candidate for further biosensor or actuator design and applications.

A Simple Separation Method of the Protein and Polystyrene Bead-Labeled Protein for Enhancing the Performance of Fluorescent Sensor

Dielectrophoresis- (DEP-) based separation method between a protein, amyloid beta 42, and polystyrene (PS) beads in different microholes was demonstrated for enhancement of performance for bead-based fluorescent sensor. An intensity of ∇|E|² was relative to a diameter of a microhole, and the diameters of two microholes for separation between the protein and PS beads were simulated to 3 μm and 15 μm, respectively. The microholes were fabricated by microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The separation between the protein and the PS beads was demonstrated by comparing the average intensity of fluorescence (AIF) by each molecule. Relative AIF was measured in various applying voltage and time conditions, and the conditions for allocating the PS beads into 15 μm hole were optimized at 80 mV and 15 min, respectively. In the optimized condition, the relative AIF was observed approximately 4.908 ± 0.299. Finally, in 3 μm and 15 μm hole, the AIFs were approximately 3.143 and -1.346 by 2 nm of protein and about -2.515 and 4.211 by 30 nm of the PS beads, respectively. The results showed that 2 nm of the protein and 30 nm of PS beads were separated by DEP force in each microhole effectively, and that our method is applicable as a new method to verify an efficiency of the labeling for bead-based fluorescent sensor ∇|E|².

Protein Localization and Interaction Studies in Plants: Toward Defining Complete Proteomes by Visualization

Protein interaction and localization studies in plants are a fundamental component of achieving mechanistic understanding of virus:plant interactions at the systems level. Many such studies are conducted using transient expression assays in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana, the most widely used experimental plant host in virology, examined by laser-scanning confocal microscopy. This chapter provides a workflow for protein interaction and localization experiments, with particular attention to the many control and supporting assays that may also need to be performed. Basic principles of microscopy are introduced to aid researchers in the early stages of adding imaging techniques to their experimental repertoire. Three major types of imaging-based experiments are discussed in detail: (i) protein localization using autofluorescent proteins, (ii) colocalization studies, and (iii) bimolecular fluorescence complementation, with emphasis on judicious interpretation of the data obtained from these approaches. In addition to establishing a general framework for protein localization experiments in plants, the need for proteome-scale localization projects is discussed, with emphasis on nuclear-localized proteins.

Adaptation of iCLIP to plants determines the binding landscape of the clock-regulated RNA-binding protein AtGRP7

Background

Functions for RNA-binding proteins in orchestrating plant development and environmental responses are well established. However, the lack of a genome-wide view of their in vivo binding targets and binding landscapes represents a gap in understanding the mode of action of plant RNA-binding proteins. Here, we adapt individual nucleotide resolution crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (iCLIP) genome-wide to determine the binding repertoire of the circadian clock-regulated Arabidopsis thaliana glycine-rich RNA-binding protein AtGRP7.

Results

iCLIP identifies 858 transcripts with significantly enriched crosslink sites in plants expressing AtGRP7-GFP that are absent in plants expressing an RNA-binding-dead AtGRP7 variant or GFP alone. To independently validate the targets, we performed RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-sequencing of AtGRP7-GFP plants subjected to formaldehyde fixation. Of the iCLIP targets, 452 were also identified by RIP-seq and represent a set of high-confidence binders. AtGRP7 can bind to all transcript regions, with a preference for 3′ untranslated regions. In the vicinity of crosslink sites, U/C-rich motifs are overrepresented. Cross-referencing the targets against transcriptome changes in AtGRP7 loss-of-function mutants or AtGRP7-overexpressing plants reveals a predominantly negative effect of AtGRP7 on its targets. In particular, elevated AtGRP7 levels lead to damping of circadian oscillations of transcripts, including DORMANCY/AUXIN ASSOCIATED FAMILY PROTEIN2 and CCR-LIKE. Furthermore, several targets show changes in alternative splicing or polyadenylation in response to altered AtGRP7 levels.

Conclusions

We have established iCLIP for plants to identify target transcripts of the RNA-binding protein AtGRP7. This paves the way to investigate the dynamics of posttranscriptional networks in response to exogenous and endogenous cues.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-017-1332-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Rational design of ultrastable and reversibly photoswitchable fluorescent proteins for super-resolution imaging of the bacterial periplasm

Phototransformable fluorescent proteins are central to several nanoscopy approaches. As yet however, there is no available variant allowing super-resolution imaging in cell compartments that maintain oxidative conditions. Here, we report the rational design of two reversibly switchable fluorescent proteins able to fold and photoswitch in the bacterial periplasm, rsFolder and rsFolder2. rsFolder was designed by hybridisation of Superfolder-GFP with rsEGFP2, and inherited the fast folding properties of the former together with the rapid switching of the latter, but at the cost of a reduced switching contrast. Structural characterisation of the switching mechanisms of rsFolder and rsEGFP2 revealed different scenarios for chromophore cis-trans isomerisation and allowed designing rsFolder2, a variant of rsFolder that exhibits improved switching contrast and is amenable to RESOLFT nanoscopy. The rsFolders can be efficiently expressed in the E. coli periplasm, opening the door to the nanoscale investigation of proteins localised in hitherto non-observable cellular compartments.

Super-resolution Microscopy in Plant Cell Imaging

Although the development of super-resolution microscopy methods dates back to 1994, relevant applications in plant cell imaging only started to emerge in 2010. Since then, the principal super-resolution methods, including structured-illumination microscopy (SIM), photoactivation localization microscopy (PALM), stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), and stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED), have been implemented in plant cell research. However, progress has been limited due to the challenging properties of plant material. Here we summarize the basic principles of existing super-resolution methods and provide examples of applications in plant science. The limitations imposed by the nature of plant material are reviewed and the potential for future applications in plant cell imaging is highlighted.

Transient plant transformation mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens: Principles, methods and applications

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is widely used as a versatile tool for development of stably transformed model plants and crops. However, the development of Agrobacterium based transient plant transformation methods attracted substantial attention in recent years. Transient transformation methods offer several applications advancing stable transformations such as rapid and scalable recombinant protein production and in planta functional genomics studies. Herein, we highlight Agrobacterium and plant genetics factors affecting transfer of T-DNA from Agrobacterium into the plant cell nucleus and subsequent transient transgene expression. We also review recent methods concerning Agrobacterium mediated transient transformation of model plants and crops and outline key physical, physiological and genetic factors leading to their successful establishment. Of interest are especially Agrobacterium based reverse genetics studies in economically important crops relying on use of RNA interference (RNAi) or virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology. The applications of Agrobacterium based transient plant transformation technology in biotech industry are presented in thorough detail. These involve production of recombinant proteins (plantibodies, vaccines and therapeutics) and effectoromics-assisted breeding of late blight resistance in potato. In addition, we also discuss biotechnological potential of recombinant GFP technology and present own examples of successful Agrobacterium mediated transient plant transformations.

The evolutionarily conserved multifunctional glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins play key roles in development and stress adaptation

The class IV glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins are a distinct subgroup within the heterogenous superfamily of glycine-rich proteins (GRPs). They are distinguished by the presence of an RNA-binding domain in the N-terminus; generally in the form of an RNA-recognition motif (RRM) or a cold-shock domain (CSD). These are followed by a C-terminal glycine-rich domain. Growing evidence suggests that these proteins play key roles in the adaptation of organisms to biotic and abiotic stresses including those resulting from pathogenesis, alterations in the osmotic, saline and oxidative environment and changes in temperature. Similar vertebrate proteins are also cold-induced and involved in, e.g. hibernation, suggesting evolutionarily conserved functions. The class IV RNA-binding GRPs are likely to operate as key molecular components of hormonally regulated development and to work by regulating gene expression at multiple levels by modifying alternative splicing, mRNA export, mRNA translation and mRNA degradation.

Fluorescent proteins for live-cell imaging with super-resolution

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) from the GFP family have become indispensable as marker tools for imaging live cells, tissues and entire organisms. A wide variety of these proteins have been isolated from natural sources and engineered to optimize their properties as genetically encoded markers. Here we review recent developments in this field. A special focus is placed on photoactivatable FPs, for which the fluorescence emission can be controlled by light irradiation at specific wavelengths. They enable regional optical marking in pulse-chase experiments on live cells and tissues, and they are essential marker tools for live-cell optical imaging with super-resolution. Photoconvertible FPs, which can be activated irreversibly via a photo-induced chemical reaction that either turns on their emission or changes their emission wavelength, are excellent markers for localization-based super-resolution microscopy (e.g., PALM). Patterned illumination microscopy (e.g., RESOLFT), however, requires markers that can be reversibly photoactivated many times. Photoswitchable FPs can be toggled repeatedly between a fluorescent and a non-fluorescent state by means of a light-induced chromophore isomerization coupled to a protonation reaction. We discuss the mechanistic origins of the effect and illustrate how photoswitchable FPs are employed in RESOLFT imaging. For this purpose, special FP variants with low switching fatigue have been introduced in recent years. Despite nearly two decades of FP engineering by many laboratories, there is still room for further improvement of these important markers for live cell imaging.

Phototransformable fluorescent proteins: which one for which application?

In these last two decades , fluorescent proteins (FPs) have become highly valued imaging tools for cell biology, owing to their compatibility with living samples, their low levels of invasiveness and the possibility to specifically fuse them to a variety of proteins of interest. Remarkably, the recent development of phototransformable fluorescent proteins (PTFPs) has made it possible to conceive optical imaging experiments that were unimaginable only a few years ago. For example, it is nowadays possible to monitor intra- or intercellular trafficking, to optically individualize single cells in tissues or to observe single molecules in live cells. The tagging specificity brought by these genetically encoded highlighters leads to constant progress in the engineering of increasingly powerful, versatile and non-cytotoxic FPs. This review is focused on the recent developments of PTFPs and highlights their contribution to studies within cells, tissues and even living organisms. The aspects of single-molecule localization microscopy, intracellular tracking of photoactivated molecules, applications of PTFPs in biotechnology/optobiology and complementarities between PTFPs and other microscopy techniques are particularly discussed.