1
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Brumbaugh-Reed EH, Gao Y, Aoki K, Toettcher JE. Rapid and reversible dissolution of biomolecular condensates using light-controlled recruitment of a solubility tag. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6717. [PMID: 39112465 PMCID: PMC11306331 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50858-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are broadly implicated in both normal cellular regulation and disease. Consequently, several chemical biology and optogenetic approaches have been developed to induce phase separation of a protein of interest. However, few tools are available to perform the converse function - dissolving a condensate of interest on demand. Such a tool would aid in testing whether the condensate plays specific functional roles. Here we show that light-gated recruitment of a solubilizing domain, maltose-binding protein (MBP), results in rapid and controlled dissolution of condensates formed from proteins of interest. Our optogenetic MBP-based dissolution strategy (OptoMBP) is rapid, reversible, and can be spatially controlled with subcellular precision. We also provide a proof-of-principle application of OptoMBP by disrupting condensation of the oncogenic fusion protein FUS-CHOP and reverting FUS-CHOP driven transcriptional changes. We envision that the OptoMBP system could be broadly useful for disrupting constitutive protein condensates to probe their biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen H Brumbaugh-Reed
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- International Research Collaboration Center (IRCC), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Tokyo, 105-0001, Japan
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- International Research Collaboration Center (IRCC), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Tokyo, 105-0001, Japan
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8315, Japan
| | - Jared E Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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2
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Mashita T, Kowada T, Yamamoto H, Hamaguchi S, Sato T, Matsui T, Mizukami S. Quantitative control of subcellular protein localization with a photochromic dimerizer. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01654-w. [PMID: 38890432 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01654-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Artificial control of intracellular protein dynamics with high precision provides deep insight into complicated biomolecular networks. Optogenetics and caged compound-based chemically induced dimerization (CID) systems are emerging as tools for spatiotemporally regulating intracellular protein dynamics. However, both technologies face several challenges for accurate control such as the duration of activation, deactivation rate and repetition cycles. Herein, we report a photochromic CID system that uses the photoisomerization of a ligand so that both association and dissociation are controlled by light, enabling quick, repetitive and quantitative regulation of the target protein localization upon illumination with violet and green light. We also demonstrate the usability of the photochromic CID system as a potential tool to finely manipulate intracellular protein dynamics during multicolor fluorescence imaging to study diverse cellular processes. We use this system to manipulate PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)-Parkin-mediated mitophagy, showing that PINK1 recruitment to the mitochondria can promote Parkin recruitment to proceed with mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takato Mashita
- Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Kowada
- Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hayashi Yamamoto
- Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Toshizo Sato
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Matsui
- Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shin Mizukami
- Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
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3
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Lu Q, Sun Y, Liang Z, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Mei Q. Nano-optogenetics for Disease Therapies. ACS NANO 2024; 18:14123-14144. [PMID: 38768091 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Optogenetic, known as the method of 21 centuries, combines optic and genetic engineering to precisely control photosensitive proteins for manipulation of a broad range of cellular functions, such as flux of ions, protein oligomerization and dissociation, cellular intercommunication, and so on. In this technique, light is conventionally delivered to targeted cells through optical fibers or micro light-emitting diodes, always suffering from high invasiveness, wide-field illumination facula, strong absorption, and scattering by nontargeted endogenous substance. Light-transducing nanomaterials with advantages of high spatiotemporal resolution, abundant wireless-excitation manners, and easy functionalization for recognition of specific cells, recently have been widely explored in the field of optogenetics; however, there remain a few challenges to restrain its clinical applications. This review summarized recent progress on light-responsive genetically encoded proteins and the myriad of activation strategies by use of light-transducing nanomaterials and their disease-treatment applications, which is expected for sparking helpful thought to push forward its preclinical and translational uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Lu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Yaru Sun
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Zhengbing Liang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Qingsong Mei
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
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4
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Shivakumar AB, Mehak SF, Jijimon F, Gangadharan G. Extrahippocampal Contributions to Social Memory: The Role of Septal Nuclei. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01287-3. [PMID: 38718881 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Social memory, the ability to recognize and remember individuals within a social group, is crucial for social interactions and relationships. Deficits in social memory have been linked to several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The hippocampus, especially the circuit that links dorsal CA2 and ventral CA1 neurons, is considered a neural substrate for social memory formation. Recent studies have provided compelling evidence of extrahippocampal contributions to social memory. The septal nuclei, including the medial and lateral septum, make up a basal forebrain region that shares bidirectional neuronal connections with the hippocampus and has recently been identified as critical for social memory. The focus of our review is the neural circuit mechanisms that underlie social memory, with a special emphasis on the septum. We also discuss the social memory dysfunction associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva Bettagere Shivakumar
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sonam Fathima Mehak
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Feyba Jijimon
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Gireesh Gangadharan
- Department of Ageing Research, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
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5
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Chukhutsina VU, Kennis JTM. Photosensory Receptors - Mechanisms and Effects. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168488. [PMID: 38341173 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Volha U Chukhutsina
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - John T M Kennis
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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6
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Pinheiro D, Mitchel J. Pulling the strings on solid-to-liquid phase transitions in cell collectives. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102310. [PMID: 38176350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Cell collectives must dynamically adapt to different biological contexts. For instance, in homeostatic conditions, epithelia must establish a barrier between body compartments and resist external stresses, while during development, wound healing or cancer invasion, these tissues undergo extensive remodeling. Using analogies from inert, passive materials, changes in cellular density, shape, rearrangements and/or migration were shown to result in collective transitions between solid and fluid states. However, what biological mechanisms govern these transitions remains an open question. In particular, the upstream signaling pathways and molecular effectors controlling the key physical axes determining tissue rheology and dynamics remain poorly understood. In this perspective, we focus on emerging evidence identifying the first biological signals determining the collective state of living tissues, with an emphasis on how these mechanisms are exploited for functionality across biological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pinheiro
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | - Jennifer Mitchel
- Department of Biology, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, USA.
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7
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Brumbaugh-Reed EH, Aoki K, Toettcher JE. Rapid and reversible dissolution of biomolecular condensates using light-controlled recruitment of a solubility tag. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.16.575860. [PMID: 38293146 PMCID: PMC10827175 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.16.575860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are broadly implicated in both normal cellular regulation and disease. Consequently, several chemical biology and optogenetic approaches have been developed to induce phase separation of a protein of interest. However, few tools are available to perform the converse function-dissolving a condensate of interest on demand. Such a tool would aid in testing whether the condensate plays specific functional roles, a major question in cell biology and drug development. Here we report an optogenetic approach to selectively dissolve a condensate of interest in a reversible and spatially controlled manner. We show that light-gated recruitment of maltose-binding protein (MBP), a commonly used solubilizing domain in protein purification, results in rapid and controlled dissolution of condensates formed from proteins of interest. Our optogenetic MBP-based dissolution strategy (OptoMBP) is rapid, reversible, and can be spatially controlled with subcellular precision. We also provide a proof-of-principle application of OptoMBP, showing that disrupting condensation of the oncogenic fusion protein FUS-CHOP results in reversion of FUS-CHOP driven transcriptional changes. We envision that the OptoMBP system could be broadly useful for disrupting constitutive protein condensates to probe their biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen H Brumbaugh-Reed
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544
- International Research Collaboration Center (IRCC), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- International Research Collaboration Center (IRCC), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
- Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8315, Japan
| | - Jared E Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544
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8
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Nayak AN, Hirashima T. Tug-of-war via ERK signaling pathway for tissue organization - ERK activation to force generation. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 85:102249. [PMID: 37783032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) plays a crucial role in regulating collective cell behaviors observed in diverse biological phenomena. Emerging studies have shed light on the involvement of the ERK signaling pathway in the reception and generation of mechanical forces, thereby governing local mechanical interactions within multicellular tissues. Although limited in number, studies have provided insights into how ERK-mediated mechanical interactions contribute to multicellular organization. Here we explore the impact of ERK-mediated mechanical interactions on tissue morphogenesis, cell extrusion in homeostasis, and their interplay with the physical microenvironments of the extracellular matrix. We conclude that the coupling system of ERK activity with mechanical forces offers a promising avenue to unravel the emergent collective dynamics underlying tissue organization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirashima
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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9
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Ren H, Cheng Y, Wen G, Wang J, Zhou M. Emerging optogenetics technologies in biomedical applications. SMART MEDICINE 2023; 2:e20230026. [PMID: 39188295 PMCID: PMC11235740 DOI: 10.1002/smmd.20230026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Optogenetics is a cutting-edge technology that merges light control and genetics to achieve targeted control of tissue cells. Compared to traditional methods, optogenetics offers several advantages in terms of time and space precision, accuracy, and reduced damage to the research object. Currently, optogenetics is primarily used in pathway research, drug screening, gene expression regulation, and the stimulation of molecule release to treat various diseases. The selection of light-sensitive proteins is the most crucial aspect of optogenetic technology; structural changes occur or downstream channels are activated to achieve signal transmission or factor release, allowing efficient and controllable disease treatment. In this review, we examine the extensive research conducted in the field of biomedicine concerning optogenetics, including the selection of light-sensitive proteins, the study of carriers and delivery devices, and the application of disease treatment. Additionally, we offer critical insights and future implications of optogenetics in the realm of clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haozhen Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryHepatobiliary InstituteNanjing Drum Tower HospitalMedical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yi Cheng
- Department of Vascular SurgeryThe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
| | - Gaolin Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryHepatobiliary InstituteNanjing Drum Tower HospitalMedical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryHepatobiliary InstituteNanjing Drum Tower HospitalMedical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Vascular SurgeryThe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
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10
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Yang H, Tel J. Engineering global and local signal generators for probing temporal and spatial cellular signaling dynamics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1239026. [PMID: 37790255 PMCID: PMC10543096 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1239026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells constantly encounter a wide range of environmental signals and rely on their signaling pathways to initiate reliable responses. Understanding the underlying signaling mechanisms and cellular behaviors requires signal generators capable of providing diverse input signals to deliver to cell systems. Current research efforts are primarily focused on exploring cellular responses to global or local signals, which enable us to understand cellular signaling and behavior in distinct dimensions. This review presents recent advancements in global and local signal generators, highlighting their applications in studying temporal and spatial signaling activity. Global signals can be generated using microfluidic or photochemical approaches. Local signal sources can be created using living or artificial cells in combination with different control methods. We also address the strengths and limitations of each signal generator type, discussing challenges and potential extensions for future research. These approaches are expected to continue to facilitate on-going research to discover novel and intriguing cellular signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Yang
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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11
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Lataster L, Huber HM, Böttcher C, Föller S, Takors R, Radziwill G. Cell Cycle Control by Optogenetically Regulated Cell Cycle Inhibitor Protein p21. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1194. [PMID: 37759593 PMCID: PMC10525493 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The progression through the cell cycle phases is driven by cyclin-dependent kinases and cyclins as their regulatory subunits. As nuclear protein, the cell cycle inhibitor p21/CDKN1A arrests the cell cycle at the growth phase G1 by inhibiting the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases. The G1 phase correlates with increased cell size and cellular productivity. Here, we applied an optogenetic approach to control the subcellular localization of p21 and its nuclear functions. To generate light-controllable p21, appropriate fusions with the blue light switch cryptochrome 2/CIBN and the AsLOV-based light-inducible nuclear localization signal, LINuS, were used. Both systems, p21-CRY2/CIB1 and p21-LINuS, increased the amounts of cells arrested in the G1 phase correlating with the increased cell-specific productivity of the reporter-protein-secreted alkaline phosphatase. Varying the intervals of blue LED light exposure and the light dose enable the fine-tuning of the systems. Light-controllable p21 implemented in producer cell lines could be applied to steer the uncoupling of cell proliferation and cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase optimizing the production of biotherapeutic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levin Lataster
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79098 Freiburg, Germany; (L.L.)
| | - Hanna Mereth Huber
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79098 Freiburg, Germany; (L.L.)
| | - Christina Böttcher
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79098 Freiburg, Germany; (L.L.)
| | - Stefanie Föller
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (S.F.); (R.T.)
| | - Ralf Takors
- Institute of Biochemical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (S.F.); (R.T.)
| | - Gerald Radziwill
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79098 Freiburg, Germany; (L.L.)
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79098 Freiburg, Germany
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12
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Landau LM, Kagan JC. Beyond natural biology: rewiring cellular networks to study innate immunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 83:102349. [PMID: 37269786 PMCID: PMC10526630 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Within immune cells, microbial and self-ligands trigger pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to nucleate and activate the signaling organelles of the immune system. Much work in this area has derived from observational biology of natural innate immune signaling. More recently, synthetic biology approaches have been used to rewire and study innate immune networks. By utilizing controllable chemical or optogenetic inputs, rearranging protein building blocks, or engineering signal recording circuits, synthetic biology-based techniques complement and inform studies of natural immune pathway operation. In this review, we describe recent synthetic biology-based approaches that have uncovered new insights into PRR signaling, virus-host interactions, and systemic cytokine responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Landau
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan C Kagan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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13
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Zhu L, McNamara HM, Toettcher JE. Light-switchable transcription factors obtained by direct screening in mammalian cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3185. [PMID: 37268649 PMCID: PMC10238501 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38993-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic tools can provide fine spatial and temporal control over many biological processes. Yet the development of new light-switchable protein variants remains challenging, and the field still lacks general approaches to engineering or discovering protein variants with light-switchable biological functions. Here, we adapt strategies for protein domain insertion and mammalian-cell expression to generate and screen a library of candidate optogenetic tools directly in mammalian cells. The approach is based on insertion of the AsLOV2 photoswitchable domain at all possible positions in a candidate protein of interest, introduction of the library into mammalian cells, and light/dark selection for variants with photoswitchable activity. We demonstrate the approach's utility using the Gal4-VP64 transcription factor as a model system. Our resulting LightsOut transcription factor exhibits a > 150-fold change in transcriptional activity between dark and blue light conditions. We show that light-switchable function generalizes to analogous insertion sites in two additional Cys6Zn2 and C2H2 zinc finger domains, providing a starting point for optogenetic regulation of a broad class of transcription factors. Our approach can streamline the identification of single-protein optogenetic switches, particularly in cases where structural or biochemical knowledge is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Harold M McNamara
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Lewis Sigler Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Jared E Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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14
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McNamara HM, Ramm B, Toettcher JE. Synthetic developmental biology: New tools to deconstruct and rebuild developmental systems. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 141:33-42. [PMID: 35484026 PMCID: PMC10332110 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Technological advances have driven many recent advances in developmental biology. Light sheet imaging can reveal single-cell dynamics in living three-dimensional tissues, whereas single-cell genomic methods open the door to a complete catalogue of cell types and gene expression states. An equally powerful but complementary set of approaches are also becoming available to define development processes from the bottom up. These synthetic approaches aim to reconstruct the minimal developmental patterns, signaling processes, and gene networks that produce the basic set of developmental operations: spatial polarization, morphogen interpretation, tissue movement, and cellular memory. In this review we discuss recent approaches at the intersection of synthetic biology and development, including synthetic circuits to deliver and record signaling stimuli and synthetic reconstitution of pattern formation on multicellular scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold M McNamara
- Lewis Sigler Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Beatrice Ramm
- Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jared E Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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15
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Mapping and exploring the organoid state space using synthetic biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 141:23-32. [PMID: 35466054 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The functional relevance of an organoid is dependent on the differentiation, morphology, cell arrangement and biophysical properties, which collectively define the state of an organoid. For an organoid culture, an individual organoid or the cells that compose it, these state variables can be characterised, most easily by transcriptomics and by high-content image analysis. Their states can be compared to their in vivo counterparts. Current evidence suggests that organoids explore a wider state space than organs in vivo due to the lack of niche signalling and the variability of boundary conditions in vitro. Using data-driven state inference and in silico modelling, phase diagrams can be constructed to systematically sort organoids along biochemical or biophysical axes. These phase diagrams allow us to identify control strategies to modulate organoid state. To do so, the biochemical and biophysical environment, as well as the cells that seed organoids, can be manipulated.
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16
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Qian W, Good MC. Peeking under the hood of early embryogenesis: Using tools and synthetic biology to understand native control systems and sculpt tissues. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 141:43-49. [PMID: 35525819 PMCID: PMC9633583 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Early embryogenesis requires rapid division of pluripotent blastomeres, regulated genome activation, precise spatiotemporal signaling to pattern cell fate, and morphogenesis to shape primitive tissue architectures. The complexity of this process has inspired researchers to move beyond simple genetic perturbation into engineered devices and synthetic biology tools to permit temporal and spatial manipulation of the control systems guiding development. By precise alteration of embryo organization, it is now possible to advance beyond basic analytical strategies and directly test the sufficiency of models for developmental regulation. Separately, advances in micropatterning and embryoid culture have facilitated the bottom-up construction of complex embryo tissues allowing ex vivo systems to recapitulate even later stages of development. Embryos fertilized and grown ex vivo offer an excellent opportunity to exogenously perturb fundamental pathways governing embryogenesis. Here we review the technologies developed to thermally modulate the embryo cell cycle, and optically regulate morphogen and signaling pathways in space and time, specifically in the blastula embryo. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in cell patterning in two and three dimensions that have helped reveal the self-organizing properties and gene regulatory networks guiding early embryo organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Qian
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew C. Good
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Lead Contact,Correspondence: (M.C.G), Address: 421 Curie Blvd, 1151 Biomedical Research Building, Philadelphia PA 19104
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17
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Konrad KR, Gao S, Zurbriggen MD, Nagel G. Optogenetic Methods in Plant Biology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 74:313-339. [PMID: 37216203 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-071122-094840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics is a technique employing natural or genetically engineered photoreceptors in transgene organisms to manipulate biological activities with light. Light can be turned on or off, and adjusting its intensity and duration allows optogenetic fine-tuning of cellular processes in a noninvasive and spatiotemporally resolved manner. Since the introduction of Channelrhodopsin-2 and phytochrome-based switches nearly 20 years ago, optogenetic tools have been applied in a variety of model organisms with enormous success, but rarely in plants. For a long time, the dependence of plant growth on light and the absence of retinal, the rhodopsin chromophore, prevented the establishment of plant optogenetics until recent progress overcame these difficulties. We summarize the recent results of work in the field to control plant growth and cellular motion via green light-gated ion channels and present successful applications to light-control gene expression with single or combined photoswitches in plants. Furthermore, we highlight the technical requirements and options for future plant optogenetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai R Konrad
- Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs Institute for Biosciences, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Shiqiang Gao
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ,
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Institute of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Georg Nagel
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ,
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18
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Reynolds JA, Vishweshwaraiah YL, Chirasani VR, Pritchard JR, Dokholyan NV. An engineered N-acyltransferase-LOV2 domain fusion protein enables light-inducible allosteric control of enzymatic activity. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103069. [PMID: 36841477 PMCID: PMC10060751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transferases are ubiquitous across all known life. While much work has been done to understand and describe these essential enzymes, there have been minimal efforts to exert tight and reversible control over their activity for various biotechnological applications. Here, we apply a rational, computation-guided methodology to design and test a transferase-class enzyme allosterically regulated by light-oxygen-voltage 2 sensing domain. We utilize computational techniques to determine the intrinsic allosteric networks within N-acyltransferase (Orf11/∗Dbv8) and identify potential allosteric sites on the protein's surface. We insert light-oxygen-voltage 2 sensing domain at the predicted allosteric site, exerting reversible control over enzymatic activity. We demonstrate blue-light regulation of N-acyltransferase (Orf11/∗Dbv8) function. Our study for the first time demonstrates optogenetic regulation of a transferase-class enzyme as a proof-of-concept for controllable transferase design. This successful design opens the door for many future applications in metabolic engineering and cellular programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Reynolds
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Y L Vishweshwaraiah
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - V R Chirasani
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - J R Pritchard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - N V Dokholyan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
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19
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Oda S, Sato-Ebine E, Nakamura A, Kimura KD, Aoki K. Optical Control of Cell Signaling with Red/Far-Red Light-Responsive Optogenetic Tools in Caenorhabditis elegans. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:700-708. [PMID: 36802521 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques have been intensively applied to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate its neural functions. However, as most of these optogenetics are responsive to blue light and the animal exhibits avoidance behavior to blue light, the application of optogenetic tools responsive to longer wavelength light has been eagerly anticipated. In this study, we report the implementation in C. elegans of a phytochrome-based optogenetic tool that responds to red/near-infrared light and manipulates cell signaling. We first introduced the SynPCB system, which enabled us to synthesize phycocyanobilin (PCB), a chromophore for phytochrome, and confirmed the biosynthesis of PCB in neurons, muscles, and intestinal cells. We further confirmed that the amount of PCBs synthesized by the SynPCB system was sufficient for photoswitching of phytochrome B (PhyB)-phytochrome interacting factor 3 (PIF3). In addition, optogenetic elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels in intestinal cells induced a defecation motor program. These SynPCB system and phytochrome-based optogenetic techniques would be of great value in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying C. elegans behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigekazu Oda
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Emi Sato-Ebine
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Akinobu Nakamura
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
| | - Koutarou D Kimura
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan.,Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, Faculty of Life Science, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
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20
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Crellin HA, Buckley CE. Using Optogenetics to Investigate the Shared Mechanisms of Apical-Basal Polarity and Mitosis. Cells Tissues Organs 2023; 213:161-180. [PMID: 36599311 DOI: 10.1159/000528796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The initiation of apical-basal (AB) polarity and the process of mitotic cell division are both characterised by the generation of specialised plasma membrane and cortical domains. These are generated using shared mechanisms, such as asymmetric protein accumulation, Rho GTPase signalling, cytoskeletal reorganisation, vesicle trafficking, and asymmetric phosphoinositide distribution. In epithelial tissue, the coordination of AB polarity and mitosis in space and time is important both during initial epithelial development and to maintain tissue integrity and ensure appropriate cell differentiation at later stages. Whilst significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms underlying cell division and AB polarity, it has so far been challenging to fully unpick the complex interrelationship between polarity, signalling, morphogenesis, and cell division. However, the recent emergence of optogenetic protein localisation techniques is now allowing researchers to reversibly control protein activation, localisation, and signalling with high spatiotemporal resolution. This has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of how subcellular processes such as AB polarity are integrated with cell behaviours such as mitosis and how these processes impact whole tissue morphogenesis. So far, these techniques have been used to investigate processes such as cleavage furrow ingression, mitotic spindle positioning, and in vivo epithelial morphogenesis. This review describes some of the key shared mechanisms of cell division and AB polarity establishment, how they are coordinated during development and how the advance of optogenetic techniques is furthering this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena A Crellin
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Clare E Buckley
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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21
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Abstract
Embryonic development hinges on effective coordination of molecular events across space and time. Waves have recently emerged as constituting an ubiquitous mechanism that ensures rapid spreading of regulatory signals across embryos, as well as reliable control of their patterning, namely, for the emergence of body plan structures. In this article, we review a selection of recent quantitative work on signaling waves and present an overview of the theory of waves. Our aim is to provide a succinct yet comprehensive guiding reference for the theoretical frameworks by which signaling waves can arise in embryos. We start, then, from reaction-diffusion systems, both static and time dependent; move to excitable dynamics; and conclude with systems of coupled oscillators. We link these theoretical models to molecular mechanisms recently elucidated for the control of mitotic waves in early embryos, patterning of the vertebrate body axis, micropattern cultures, and bone regeneration. Our goal is to inspire experimental work that will advance theory in development and connect its predictions to quantitative biological observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Talia
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Massimo Vergassola
- Laboratoire de physique de l'École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France;
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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22
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Singh AP, Wu P, Ryabichko S, Raimundo J, Swan M, Wieschaus E, Gregor T, Toettcher JE. Optogenetic control of the Bicoid morphogen reveals fast and slow modes of gap gene regulation. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110543. [PMID: 35320726 PMCID: PMC9019726 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental patterning networks are regulated by multiple inputs and feedback connections that rapidly reshape gene expression, limiting the information that can be gained solely from slow genetic perturbations. Here we show that fast optogenetic stimuli, real-time transcriptional reporters, and a simplified genetic background can be combined to reveal the kinetics of gene expression downstream of a developmental transcription factor in vivo. We engineer light-controlled versions of the Bicoid transcription factor and study their effects on downstream gap genes in embryos. Our results recapitulate known relationships, including rapid Bicoid-dependent transcription of giant and hunchback and delayed repression of Krüppel. In addition, we find that the posterior pattern of knirps exhibits a quick but inverted response to Bicoid perturbation, suggesting a noncanonical role for Bicoid in directly suppressing knirps transcription. Acute modulation of transcription factor concentration while recording output gene activity represents a powerful approach for studying developmental gene networks in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand P Singh
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Sergey Ryabichko
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - João Raimundo
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Michael Swan
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Eric Wieschaus
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
| | - Thomas Gregor
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
| | - Jared E Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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23
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Wolf AE, Heinrich MA, Breinyn IB, Zajdel TJ, Cohen DJ. Short-term bioelectric stimulation of collective cell migration in tissues reprograms long-term supracellular dynamics. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac002. [PMID: 35360553 PMCID: PMC8962779 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The ability to program collective cell migration can allow us to control critical multicellular processes in development, regenerative medicine, and invasive disease. However, while various technologies exist to make individual cells migrate, translating these tools to control myriad, collectively interacting cells within a single tissue poses many challenges. For instance, do cells within the same tissue interpret a global migration 'command' differently based on where they are in the tissue? Similarly, since no stimulus is permanent, what are the long-term effects of transient commands on collective cell dynamics? We investigate these questions by bioelectrically programming large epithelial tissues to globally migrate 'rightward' via electrotaxis. Tissues clearly developed distinct rear, middle, side, and front responses to a single global migration stimulus. Furthermore, at no point poststimulation did tissues return to their prestimulation behavior, instead equilibrating to a 3rd, new migratory state. These unique dynamics suggested that programmed migration resets tissue mechanical state, which was confirmed by transient chemical disruption of cell-cell junctions, analysis of strain wave propagation patterns, and quantification of cellular crowd dynamics. Overall, this work demonstrates how externally driving the collective migration of a tissue can reprogram baseline cell-cell interactions and collective dynamics, even well beyond the end of the global migratory cue, and emphasizes the importance of considering the supracellular context of tissues and other collectives when attempting to program crowd behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham E Wolf
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | | | | | - Tom J Zajdel
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Daniel J Cohen
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Address: Attn. , 111 Hoyt Laboratory, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA. E-mail:
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24
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Zhang X, Pan Y, Kang S, Gu L. Combinatorial Approaches for Efficient Design of Photoswitchable Protein-Protein Interactions as In Vivo Actuators. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:844405. [PMID: 35211467 PMCID: PMC8863173 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.844405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Light switchable two-component protein dimerization systems offer versatile manipulation and dissection of cellular events in living systems. Over the past 20 years, the field has been driven by the discovery of photoreceptor-based interaction systems, the engineering of light-actuatable binder proteins, and the development of photoactivatable compounds as dimerization inducers. This perspective is to categorize mechanisms and design approaches of these dimerization systems, compare their advantages and limitations, and bridge them to emerging applications. Our goal is to identify new opportunities in combinatorial protein design that can address current engineering challenges and expand in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yuxin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Shoukai Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Liangcai Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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25
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Bogetti AT, Presti MF, Loh SN, Chong LT. The Next Frontier for Designing Switchable Proteins: Rational Enhancement of Kinetics. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:9069-9077. [PMID: 34324338 PMCID: PMC8826494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c04082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Designing proteins that can switch between active (ON) and inactive (OFF) conformations in response to signals such as ligand binding and incident light has been a tantalizing endeavor in protein engineering for over a decade. While such designs have yielded novel biosensors, therapeutic agents, and smart biomaterials, the response times (times for switching ON and OFF) of many switches have been too slow to be of practical use. Among the defining properties of such switches, the kinetics of switching has been the most challenging to optimize. This is largely due to the difficulty of characterizing the structures of transient states, which are required for manipulating the height of the effective free energy barrier between the ON and OFF states. We share our perspective of the most promising new experimental and computational strategies over the past several years for tackling this next frontier for designing switchable proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony T Bogetti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Maria F Presti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Stewart N Loh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Lillian T Chong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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