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Vallina NS, McRae EKS, Geary C, Andersen ES. An RNA origami robot that traps and releases a fluorescent aptamer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk1250. [PMID: 38507482 PMCID: PMC10954211 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology aims to use RNA as a programmable material to create self-assembling nanodevices for application in medicine and synthetic biology. The main challenge is to develop advanced RNA robotic devices that both sense, compute, and actuate to obtain enhanced control over molecular processes. Here, we use the RNA origami method to prototype an RNA robotic device, named the "Traptamer," that mechanically traps the fluorescent aptamer, iSpinach. The Traptamer is shown to sense two RNA key strands, acts as a Boolean AND gate, and reversibly controls the fluorescence of the iSpinach aptamer. Cryo-electron microscopy of the closed Traptamer structure at 5.45-angstrom resolution reveals the mechanical mode of distortion of the iSpinach motif. Our study suggests a general approach to distorting RNA motifs and a path forward to build sophisticated RNA machines that through sensing, computing, and actuation modules can be used to precisely control RNA functionalities in cellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewan K. S. McRae
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, R10-117, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cody Geary
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ebbe S. Andersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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2
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Yu F, Li X, Zhao J, Zhao Y, Li L. Photoactivated DNA Assembly and Disassembly for On-Demand Activation and Termination of cGAS-STING Signaling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202305837. [PMID: 37365782 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202305837] [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] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in DNA self-assembly for interfacing with biology, spatiotemporally controlled regulation of biological process via in situ dynamic DNA assembly remains an outstanding challenge. Here, we report an optically triggered DNA assembly and disassembly strategy that enables on-demand activation and termination of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. In the design, an activatable DNA hairpin is engineered with a photocleavable group at defined site to modulate its self-assembly activity. Light activation induces the configurational switching and consequent self-assembly of the DNA hairpins to form long linear double-stranded structures, allowing to stimulate cGAS protein to synthesize 2',3'-cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP) for STING stimulation. Furthermore, by endowing the pre-assembled DNA scaffold with a built-in photolysis feature, we demonstrate that the cGAS-STING stimulation can be efficiently terminated through remote photo-triggering, providing for the first time a route to control the temporal "dose" on-demand for such a stimulation. We envision that this regulation strategy will benefit and inspire both fundamental research and therapeutic applications regarding the cGAS-STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhi Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangfei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yuliang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Lele Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, China
- College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
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Lu C, Saint-Pierre C, Gasparutto D, Roupioz Y, Ravelet C, Peyrin E, Buhot A. Melting Curve Analysis of Aptachains: Adenosine Detection with Internal Calibration. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:112. [PMID: 33917864 PMCID: PMC8068264 DOI: 10.3390/bios11040112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Small molecules are ubiquitous in nature and their detection is relevant in various domains. However, due to their size, sensitive and selective probes are difficult to select and the detection methods are generally indirect. In this study, we introduced the use of melting curve analysis of aptachains based on split-aptamers for the detection of adenosine. Aptamers, short oligonucleotides, are known to be particularly efficient probes compared to antibodies thanks to their advantageous probe/target size ratio. Aptachains are formed from dimers with dangling ends followed by the split-aptamer binding triggered by the presence of the target. The high melting temperature of the dimers served as a calibration for the detection/quantification of the target based on the height and/or temperature shift of the aptachain melting peak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenze Lu
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China;
- University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, SyMMES, F-38000 Grenoble, France; (C.S.-P.); (D.G.); (Y.R.)
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DPM, F-38000 Grenoble, France; (C.R.); (E.P.)
| | - Christine Saint-Pierre
- University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, SyMMES, F-38000 Grenoble, France; (C.S.-P.); (D.G.); (Y.R.)
| | - Didier Gasparutto
- University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, SyMMES, F-38000 Grenoble, France; (C.S.-P.); (D.G.); (Y.R.)
| | - Yoann Roupioz
- University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, SyMMES, F-38000 Grenoble, France; (C.S.-P.); (D.G.); (Y.R.)
| | - Corinne Ravelet
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DPM, F-38000 Grenoble, France; (C.R.); (E.P.)
| | - Eric Peyrin
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DPM, F-38000 Grenoble, France; (C.R.); (E.P.)
| | - Arnaud Buhot
- University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, SyMMES, F-38000 Grenoble, France; (C.S.-P.); (D.G.); (Y.R.)
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Mitchell C, Polanco JA, DeWald L, Kress D, Jaeger L, Grabow WW. Responsive self-assembly of tectoRNAs with loop-receptor interactions from the tetrahydrofolate (THF) riboswitch. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:6439-6451. [PMID: 31045210 PMCID: PMC6614920 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring RNAs are known to exhibit a high degree of modularity, whereby specific structural modules (or motifs) can be mixed and matched to create new molecular architectures. The modular nature of RNA also affords researchers the ability to characterize individual structural elements in controlled synthetic contexts in order to gain new and critical insights into their particular structural features and overall performance. Here, we characterized the binding affinity of a unique loop–receptor interaction found in the tetrahydrofolate (THF) riboswitch using rationally designed self-assembling tectoRNAs. Our work suggests that the THF loop–receptor interaction has been fine-tuned for its particular role as a riboswitch component. We also demonstrate that the thermodynamic stability of this interaction can be modulated by the presence of folinic acid, which induces a local structural change at the level of the loop–receptor. This corroborates the existence of a THF binding site within this tertiary module and paves the way for its potential use as a THF responsive module for RNA nanotechnology and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 918119-1997, USA
| | - Julio A Polanco
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
| | - Laura DeWald
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 918119-1997, USA
| | - Dustin Kress
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 918119-1997, USA
| | - Luc Jaeger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
| | - Wade W Grabow
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 918119-1997, USA
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Chen S, Hermann T. RNA-DNA hybrid nanoshapes that self-assemble dependent on ligand binding. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:3302-3307. [PMID: 31971536 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr09706f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of nucleic acid nanostructures is driven by selective association of oligonucleotide modules through base pairing between complementary sequences. Herein, we report the development of RNA-DNA hybrid nanoshapes that conditionally assemble under the control of an adenosine ligand. The design concept for the nanoshapes relies on ligand-dependent stabilization of DNA aptamers that serve as connectors between marginally stable RNA corner modules. Ligand-dependent RNA-DNA nanoshapes self-assemble in an all-or-nothing process by coupling adenosine binding to the formation of circularly closed structures which are stabilized through continuous base stacking in the resulting polygons. By screening combinations of various DNA aptamer constructs with RNA corner modules for the formation of stable complexes, we identified adenosine-dependent nanosquares whose shape was confirmed by atomic force microscopy. As a proof-of-concept for sensor applications, adenosine-responsive FRET-active nanosquares were obtained by dye conjugation of the DNA aptamer components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Chen
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Thomas Hermann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA. and Center for Drug Discovery Innovation, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Li Q, Liu L, Mao D, Yu Y, Li W, Zhao X, Mao C. ATP-Triggered, Allosteric Self-Assembly of DNA Nanostructures. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:665-668. [PMID: 31877040 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b10272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Responsive self-assembly is a general process in biological systems and is highly desired in engineered systems. DNA nanostructures provide a versatile molecular platform for studying such responsive self-assembly. Various triggers have been explored for DNA nanostructures. However, each trigger requires a unique mechanism for its response. This situation brings a great challenge to engineer the responsiveness. Herein, we propose an aptamer-based, allosteric mechanism for responsive DNA self-assembly. The aptamer-ligand binding causes the DNA motif to change its conformation and thus influences the motif assembly. With a model of an ATP aptamer, we have demonstrated the responsive assembly. Such responsive behavior, we believe, will be an important element for molecular machines, bioimaging/biosensing, and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- College of Life Sciences , Northwest University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710069 , China.,Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Longfei Liu
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Dake Mao
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Yuyan Yu
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States.,College of Pharmacy , Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Fuzhou , Fujian 305122 , China
| | - Weili Li
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States.,College of Chemistry & Environmental Engineering , Pingdingshan University , Pingdingshan , Henan 467000 , China
| | - Xinfeng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences , Northwest University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710069 , China
| | - Chengde Mao
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
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Chovelon B, Fiore E, Faure P, Peyrin E, Ravelet C. Kissing interactions for the design of a multicolour fluorescence anisotropy chiral aptasensor. Talanta 2019; 205:120098. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.06.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Neves MAD, Slavkovic S, Reinstein O, Shoara AA, Johnson PE. A proof of concept application of aptachain: ligand-induced self-assembly of a DNA aptamer. RSC Adv 2019; 9:1690-1695. [PMID: 35518030 PMCID: PMC9059725 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra07462c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A challenge for the use of aptamers as biosensors is how to signal the occurrence of their ligand binding event into a signal that can be exploited in a detection scheme. Here, we present the concept of “aptachain” formation, where an aptamer is split into two overlapping or staggered strands and assembles into an extended oligomer upon ligand binding. This assembly of aptamers can then be used as a way to detect ligand binding by the aptamer. As an example of this concept, we employed the cocaine-binding aptamer as a model system, used its ability to tightly bind quinine and demonstrated its capability in a gold nanoparticle-based biosensing application. We used isothermal titration calorimetry to demonstrate that, when split into two overlapping DNA strands, the aptamer remains functional. Size-exclusion chromatography showed that the quinine-bound oligos form a larger assembly of aptamer units than in the absence of ligand. Finally, we used the oligomer forming ability of the aptachain oligos in a biosensor application for quinine that brings gold nanoparticles closer together resulting in a shift in their plasmonic resonance to a longer wavelength and an observed colour shift. We propose that splitting aptamers into overlapping strands that form oligomers in the presence of a ligand, aptachain formation, will be generally applicable to aptamers and prove useful in a variety of biotechnology applications. We present the concept of aptachain. An aptamer is split into two overlapping strands that form an oligomer when it binds its target. Aptachain formation can be used to detect ligand binding and may be beneficial in other biotechnology applications.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. D. Neves
- Department of Chemistry & Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions
- York University
- Toronto
- Canada
| | - Sladjana Slavkovic
- Department of Chemistry & Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions
- York University
- Toronto
- Canada
| | - Oren Reinstein
- Department of Chemistry & Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions
- York University
- Toronto
- Canada
| | - Aron A. Shoara
- Department of Chemistry & Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions
- York University
- Toronto
- Canada
| | - Philip E. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry & Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions
- York University
- Toronto
- Canada
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Thermodynamic investigation of kissing-loop interactions. Biochimie 2018; 157:177-183. [PMID: 30502370 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Kissing loop interactions (KLIs) are a common motif that is critical in retroviral dimerization, viroid replication, mRNA, and riboswitches. In addition, KLIs are currently used in a variety of biotechnology applications, such as in aptamer sensors, RNA scaffolds and to stabilize vaccines for therapeutics. Here we describe the thermodynamics of a basic intramolecular DNA capable of engaging in a KLI, consisting of two hairpins connected by a flexible linker. Each hairpin loop has a five-nucleotide complementary sequence theoretically capable of engaging in a KLI. On either side of each loop is two thymines which will not engage in kissing but are present to provide more flexibility and optimal KLI positioning. Our results suggest that the KLI occurs even at physiological salt levels, and that the KLI does not alter the thermodynamics and stability of the two stem structures. The KLI does not involve all five nucleotides, or at least each base-pair stack is not making full contact. Adding a second strand complementary to the bottom of the kissing complex removes flexibility and causes destabilization of the stems. The KLI of this less flexible complex is maintained but the TM is reduced, indicating an entopic penalty to its formation.
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