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Buzzatto M, Benegas Guerrero F, Álvarez P, Zizzias M, Polo L, Tomes C. Expression, purification and application of a recombinant, membrane permeating version of the light chain of botulinum toxin B. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20240117. [PMID: 39011584 PMCID: PMC11292472 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20240117] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are valuable tools to unveil molecular mechanisms of exocytosis in neuronal and non-neuronal cells due to their peptidase activity on exocytic isoforms of SNARE proteins. They are produced by Clostridia as single-chain polypeptides that are proteolytically cleaved into light, catalytic domains covalently linked via disulfide bonds to heavy, targeting domains. This format of two subunits linked by disulfide bonds is required for the full neurotoxicity of BoNTs. We have generated a recombinant version of BoNT/B that consists of the light chain of the toxin fused to the protein transduction domain of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (TAT peptide) and a hexahistidine tag. His6-TAT-BoNT/B-LC, expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography, penetrated membranes and exhibited strong enzymatic activity, as evidenced by cleavage of the SNARE synaptobrevin from rat brain synaptosomes and human sperm cells. Proteolytic attack of synaptobrevin hindered exocytosis triggered by a calcium ionophore in the latter. The novel tool reported herein disrupts the function of a SNARE protein within minutes in cells that may or may not express the receptors for the BoNT/B heavy chain, and without the need for transient transfection or permeabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Vanina Buzzatto
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Argentina
| | | | - Pablo Ariel Álvarez
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Argentina
| | - María Paz Zizzias
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Argentina
| | - Luis Mariano Polo
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Argentina
| | - Claudia Nora Tomes
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Argentina
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Li X, Liu H, Wang Y, Crabbe MJC, Wang L, Ma W, Ren Z. Preparation of a novel metallothionein-AuNP composite material by genetic modification and AuS covalent combination. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:129960. [PMID: 38325687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129960] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Metallothionein (MTs) can be used in the prevention and treatment of tumors and diabetes due to its antioxidant properties. However, it is necessary to solve its non-transmembrane properties and further improve its antioxidant activity, increase its fluorescence visualization and enhance its stability to meet practical applications in the biomedical field. Here, we report the preparation of a novel metallothionein-AuNP composite material with high transmembrane ability, fluorescence visualization, antioxidant activity, and stability by genetic modification (introducing transduction peptide TAT, fluorescence tag GFP and increasing sulfydryl groups) and immobilization technology (covalently bonding with AuNPs). The transmembrane activity of modified proteins was verified by immunofluorescence. Increasing the sulfhydryl content within a certain range can enhance the antioxidant activity of the protein. In addition, GFP were used to further simplify the imaging of the metallothionein-AuNP composite in cells. XPS results indicated that AuNPs can immobilize metallothionein through AuS covalent bonds. TGA characterization and degradation experiments showed that thermal and degradation stability of the immobilized material was significantly improved. This work provides new ideas to construct metallothionein composites with high transmembrane ability, antioxidant activity, fluorescence visualization and stability to meet novel applications in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefen Li
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
| | - Yuxia Wang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
| | - M James C Crabbe
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China; Wolfson College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6UD, UK; Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Science & Technology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science, University of Bedfordshire, University Square, Luton LU1 3JU, UK
| | - Lan Wang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
| | - Wenli Ma
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China.
| | - Zhumei Ren
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China.
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Klug J, Berberián MV, López Martí JM, Mayorga LS, Del Pópolo MG. Membrane Binding Strength vs Pore Formation Cost─What Drives the Membrane Permeation of Nanoparticles Coated with Cell-Penetrating Peptides? J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:937-948. [PMID: 38232319 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) enable the transport of nanoparticles through cell membranes. Using molecular simulations, we conduct an in-depth investigation into the thermodynamic forces governing the passive translocation of CPP-coated nanoparticles across lipid bilayers, contrasting their behavior with that of bare particles to dissect the contribution of the peptides. Our analysis unveils a distinctive two-stage translocation mechanism, where the adsorption energy of the particles overcomes the cost of forming a hydrophilic transmembrane pore. Proper evaluation of the translocation mechanisms is only possible when using two reaction coordinates, in particular, one that explicitly includes the density of the lipids on the binding site of the particle. An analysis of adsorption and activation free energies in terms of a simple kinetic model provides a clearer understanding of the CPP effect. Experimental validation using nonendocytic cells confirms the superior membrane permeation of CPP-coated particles. Our findings have implications for the rational design of more efficient cell-permeating particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Klug
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, ATU Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo F91 YW50, Ireland
| | - María Victoria Berberián
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) CONICET/UNCUYO. Centro Universitario, Mendoza M5502JMA, Argentina
- Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas (ICB)─CONICET/UNCUYO, Padre Jorge Contreras 1300, Mendoza CP5500, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Padre Jorge Contreras 1300, Mendoza CP5500, Argentina
| | - Jesús M López Martí
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Padre Jorge Contreras 1300, Mendoza CP5500, Argentina
| | - Luis S Mayorga
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) CONICET/UNCUYO. Centro Universitario, Mendoza M5502JMA, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Padre Jorge Contreras 1300, Mendoza CP5500, Argentina
| | - Mario G Del Pópolo
- Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas (ICB)─CONICET/UNCUYO, Padre Jorge Contreras 1300, Mendoza CP5500, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Padre Jorge Contreras 1300, Mendoza CP5500, Argentina
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Gori A, Lodigiani G, Colombarolli SG, Bergamaschi G, Vitali A. Cell Penetrating Peptides: Classification, Mechanisms, Methods of Study, and Applications. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300236. [PMID: 37389978 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) encompass a class of peptides that possess the remarkable ability to cross cell membranes and deliver various types of cargoes, including drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins, into cells. For this reason, CPPs are largely investigated in drug delivery applications in the context of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and genetic disorders. While sharing this functionality and some common structural features, such as a high content of positively charged amino acids, CPPs represent an extremely diverse group of elements, which can differentiate under many aspects. In this review, we summarize the most common characteristics of CPPs, introduce their main distinctive features, mechanistic aspects that drive their function, and outline the most widely used techniques for their structural and functional studies. We highlight current gaps and future perspectives in this field, which have the potential to significantly impact the future field of drug delivery and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gori
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Lodigiani
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Stella G Colombarolli
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Greta Bergamaschi
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
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Wang Q, Cao Z, Du B, Zhang Q, Chen L, Wang X, Yuan Z, Wang P, He R, Shan J, Zhao Y, Miao L. Membrane contact site-dependent cholesterol transport regulates Na +/K +-ATPase polarization and spermiogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Dev Cell 2021; 56:1631-1645.e7. [PMID: 34051143 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis in nematodes is a process whereby round and quiescent spermatids differentiate into asymmetric and crawling spermatozoa. The molecular mechanism underlying this symmetry breaking remains uncharacterized. In this study, we revealed that sperm-specific Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) is evenly distributed on the plasma membrane (PM) of Caenorhabditis elegans spermatids but is translocated to and subsequently enters the invaginated membrane of the spermatozoa cell body during sperm activation. The polarization of NKA depends on the transport of cholesterol from the PM to membranous organelles (MOs) via membrane contact sites (MCSs). The inositol 5-phosphatase CIL-1 and the MO-localized PI4P phosphatase SAC-1 may mediate PI4P metabolism to drive cholesterol countertransport via sterol/lipid transport proteins through MCSs. Furthermore, the NKA function is required for C. elegans sperm motility and reproductive success. Our data imply that the lipid dynamics mediated by MCSs might play crucial roles in the establishment of cell polarity. eGraphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushi Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Baochen Du
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lianwan Chen
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhiheng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruijun He
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jin Shan
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanmei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Long Miao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Biological Imaging, Core Facilities for Protein Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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