1
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Meier SSM, Multamäki E, Ranzani AT, Takala H, Möglich A. Leveraging the histidine kinase-phosphatase duality to sculpt two-component signaling. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4876. [PMID: 38858359 PMCID: PMC11164954 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49251-8] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria must constantly probe their environment for rapid adaptation, a crucial need most frequently served by two-component systems (TCS). As one component, sensor histidine kinases (SHK) control the phosphorylation of the second component, the response regulator (RR). Downstream responses hinge on RR phosphorylation and can be highly stringent, acute, and sensitive because SHKs commonly exert both kinase and phosphatase activity. With a bacteriophytochrome TCS as a paradigm, we here interrogate how this catalytic duality underlies signal responses. Derivative systems exhibit tenfold higher red-light sensitivity, owing to an altered kinase-phosphatase balance. Modifications of the linker intervening the SHK sensor and catalytic entities likewise tilt this balance and provide TCSs with inverted output that increases under red light. These TCSs expand synthetic biology and showcase how deliberate perturbations of the kinase-phosphatase duality unlock altered signal-response regimes. Arguably, these aspects equally pertain to the engineering and the natural evolution of TCSs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elina Multamäki
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Américo T Ranzani
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Heikki Takala
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland.
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
- North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
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2
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García de Fuentes A, Möglich A. Reduction midpoint potential of a paradigm light-oxygen-voltage receptor and its modulation by methionine residues. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:530-543. [PMID: 38846079 PMCID: PMC11151830 DOI: 10.1039/d4cb00056k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Light-dependent adaptations of organismal physiology, development, and behavior abound in nature and depend on sensory photoreceptors. As one class, light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) photoreceptors harness flavin-nucleotide chromophores to sense blue light. Photon absorption drives the LOV receptor to its signaling state, characterized by a metastable thioadduct between the flavin and a conserved cysteine residue. With this cysteine absent, LOV receptors instead undergo photoreduction to the flavin semiquinone which however can still elicit downstream physiological responses. Irrespective of the cysteine presence, the LOV photochemical response thus entails a formal reduction of the flavin. Against this backdrop, we here investigate the reduction midpoint potential E 0 in the paradigmatic LOV2 domain from Avena sativa phototropin 1 (AsLOV2), and how it can be deliberately varied. Replacements of residues at different sites near the flavin by methionine consistently increase E 0 from its value of around -280 mV by up to 40 mV. Moreover, methionine introduction invariably impairs photoactivation efficiency and thus renders the resultant AsLOV2 variants less light-sensitive. Although individual methionine substitutions also affect the stability of the signaling state and downstream allosteric responses, no clear-cut correlation with the redox properties emerges. With a reduction midpoint potential near -280 mV, AsLOV2 and, by inference, other LOV receptors may be partially reduced inside cells which directly affects their light responsiveness. The targeted modification of the chromophore environment, as presently demonstrated, may mitigate this effect and enables the design of LOV receptors with stratified redox sensitivities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth 95447 Bayreuth Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth 95447 Bayreuth Germany
- North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth 95447 Bayreuth Germany
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3
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Meier SSM, Multamäki E, Ranzani AT, Takala H, Möglich A. Multimodal Control of Bacterial Gene Expression by Red and Blue Light. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2760:463-477. [PMID: 38468104 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3658-9_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
By applying sensory photoreceptors, optogenetics realizes the light-dependent control of cellular events and state. Given reversibility, noninvasiveness, and exquisite spatiotemporal precision, optogenetic approaches enable innovative use cases in cell biology, synthetic biology, and biotechnology. In this chapter, we detail the implementation of the pREDusk, pREDawn, pCrepusculo, and pAurora optogenetic circuits for controlling bacterial gene expression by red and blue light, respectively. The protocols provided here guide the practical use and multiplexing of these circuits, thereby enabling graded protein production in bacteria at analytical and semi-preparative scales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elina Multamäki
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Américo T Ranzani
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Heikki Takala
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
- North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
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4
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Dubey KK, Kumar A, Baldia A, Rajput D, Kateriya S, Singh R, Nikita, Tandon R, Mishra YK. Biomanufacturing of glycosylated antibodies: Challenges, solutions, and future prospects. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108267. [PMID: 37813174 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108267] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, recombinant protein production has been done in several expression hosts of bacteria, fungi, and majorly CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells; few have high production costs and are susceptible to harmful toxin contamination. Green algae have the potential to produce recombinant proteins in a more sustainable manner. Microalgal diversity leads to offer excellent opportunities to produce glycosylated antibodies. An antibody with humanized glycans plays a crucial role in cellular communication that works to regulate cells and molecules, to control disease, and to stimulate immunity. Therefore, it becomes necessary to understand the role of abiotic factors (light, temperature, pH, etc.) in the production of bioactive molecules and molecular mechanisms of product synthesis from microalgae which would lead to harnessing the potential of algal bio-refinery. However, the potential of microalgae as the source of bio-refinery has been less explored. In the present review, omics approaches for microalgal engineering, methods of humanized glycoproteins production focusing majorly on N-glycosylation pathways, light-based regulation of glycosylation machinery, and production of antibodies with humanized glycans in microalgae with a major emphasis on modulation of post-translation machinery of microalgae which might play a role in better understanding of microalgal potential as a source for antibody production along with future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashyap Kumar Dubey
- Biomanufacturing and Process Development Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
| | - Akshay Kumar
- Biomanufacturing and Process Development Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Anshu Baldia
- Biomanufacturing and Process Development Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Deepanshi Rajput
- Biomanufacturing and Process Development Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Suneel Kateriya
- Laboratory of Optobiotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Rajani Singh
- Laboratory of Optobiotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Nikita
- Laboratory of AIDS Research and Immunology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ravi Tandon
- Laboratory of AIDS Research and Immunology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Yogendra Kumar Mishra
- Mads Clausen Institute, NanoSYD, University of Southern Denmark, Alison 2, 6400 Sønderborg, Denmark.
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5
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Suzuki T, Yoshimura M, Hoshino H, Fushimi K, Arai M, Narikawa R. Introduction of reversible cysteine ligation ability to the biliverdin-binding cyanobacteriochrome photoreceptor. FEBS J 2023; 290:4999-5015. [PMID: 37488966 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16911] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteriochrome (CBCR) photoreceptors are distantly related to the canonical red/far-red reversible phytochrome photoreceptors. In the case of the CBCRs, only the GAF domain is required for chromophore incorporation and photoconversion. The GAF domains of CBCR are highly diversified into many lineages to sense various colors of light. These CBCR GAF domains are divided into two types: those possessing only the canonical Cys residue and those with both canonical and second Cys residues. The canonical Cys residue stably ligates to the chromophore in both cases. The second Cys residue mostly shows reversible adduct formation with the chromophore during photoconversion for spectral tuning. In this study, we focused on the CBCR GAF domain AnPixJg2_BV4, which possesses only the canonical Cys residue. AnPixJg2_BV4 covalently ligates to the biliverdin (BV) chromophore and shows far-red/orange reversible photoconversion. Because BV is a mammalian intrinsic chromophore, BV-binding molecules are advantageous for in vivo optogenetic and bioimaging tool development. To obtain a better developmental platform molecule, we performed site-saturation random mutagenesis and serendipitously obtained a unique variant molecule that showed far-red/blue reversible photoconversion, in which the Cys residue was introduced near the chromophore. This introduced Cys residue functioned as the second Cys residue that reversibly ligated with the chromophore. Because the position of the introduced Cys residue is distinct from the known second Cys residues, the variant molecule obtained in this study would expand our knowledge about the spectral tuning mechanism of CBCRs and contribute to tool development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahisa Suzuki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Masataka Yoshimura
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Hoshino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Keiji Fushimi
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Munehito Arai
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rei Narikawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
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6
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Soheili ZS. Optogenetic Therapy for Retinal Degenerative Diseases. J Ophthalmic Vis Res 2023; 18:348-350. [PMID: 38250239 PMCID: PMC10794795 DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v18i4.14542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This is an Editorial and does not have an abstract. Please download the PDF or view the article in HTML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra-Soheila Soheili
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Kurttila M, Rumfeldt J, Takala H, Ihalainen JA. The interconnecting hairpin extension "arm": An essential allosteric element of phytochrome activity. Structure 2023; 31:1100-1108.e4. [PMID: 37392739 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.06.007] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
In red-light sensing phytochromes, isomerization of the bilin chromophore triggers structural and dynamic changes across multiple domains, ultimately leading to control of the output module (OPM) activity. In between, a hairpin structure, "arm", extends from an interconnecting domain to the chromophore region. Here, by removing this protein segment in a bacteriophytochrome from Deinococcus radiodurans (DrBphP), we show that the arm is crucial for signal transduction. Crystallographic, spectroscopic, and biochemical data indicate that this variant maintains the properties of DrBphP in the resting state. Spectroscopic data also reveal that the armless systems maintain the ability to respond to light. However, there is no subsequent regulation of OPM activity without the arms. Thermal denaturation reveals that the arms stabilize the DrBphP structure. Our results underline the importance of the structurally flexible interconnecting hairpin extensions and describe their central role in the allosteric coupling of phytochromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moona Kurttila
- University of Jyvaskyla, Nanoscience Center, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Jessica Rumfeldt
- University of Jyvaskyla, Nanoscience Center, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Heikki Takala
- University of Jyvaskyla, Nanoscience Center, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland.
| | - Janne A Ihalainen
- University of Jyvaskyla, Nanoscience Center, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland.
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8
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Takeda Y, Ohtsu I, Suzuki T, Nakasone Y, Fushimi K, Ikeuchi M, Terazima M, Dohra H, Narikawa R. Conformational change in an engineered biliverdin-binding cyanobacteriochrome during the photoconversion process. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 745:109715. [PMID: 37549803 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109715] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) derived from cyanobacteria are linear-tetrapyrrole-binding photoreceptors related to the canonical red/far-red reversible phytochrome photoreceptors. CBCRs contain chromophore-binding cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase/adenylate cyclase/FhlA (GAF) domains that are highly diverse in their primary sequences and are categorized into many subfamilies. Among this repertoire, the biliverdin (BV)-binding CBCR GAF domains receive considerable attention for their in vivo optogenetic and bioimaging applications because BV is a mammalian intrinsic chromophore and can absorb far-red light that penetrates deep into the mammalian body. The typical BV-binding CBCR GAF domain exhibits reversible photoconversion between far-red-absorbing dark-adapted and orange-absorbing photoproduct states. Herein, we applied various biochemical and spectral studies to identify the details of the conformational change during this photoconversion process. No oligomeric state change was observed, whereas the surface charge would change with a modification of the α-helix structures during the photoconversion process. Combinatorial analysis using partial protease digestion and mass spectrometry identified the region where the conformational change occurred. These results provide clues for the future development of optogenetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Takeda
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Itsuki Ohtsu
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Takahisa Suzuki
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Ohsawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakasone
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Keiji Fushimi
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Hyogo, 657-0013, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ikeuchi
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Ohsawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan
| | - Masahide Terazima
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hideo Dohra
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan; Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
| | - Rei Narikawa
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Ohsawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan.
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9
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Vide U, Kasapović D, Fuchs M, Heimböck MP, Totaro MG, Zenzmaier E, Winkler A. Illuminating the inner workings of a natural protein switch: Blue-light sensing in LOV-activated diguanylate cyclases. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh4721. [PMID: 37531459 PMCID: PMC10396304 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh4721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory proteins play a crucial role in adaptation to environmental cues. Especially for lifestyle transitions, such as cell proliferation or apoptosis, switch-like characteristics are desirable. While nature frequently uses regulatory circuits to amplify or dampen signals, stand-alone protein switches are interesting for applications like biosensors, diagnostic tools, or optogenetics. However, such stand-alone systems frequently feature limited dynamic and operational ranges and suffer from slow response times. Here, we characterize a LOV-activated diguanylate cyclase (LadC) that offers precise temporal and spatial control of enzymatic activity with an exceptionally high dynamic range over four orders of magnitude. To establish this pronounced activation, the enzyme exhibits a two-stage activation process in which its activity is inhibited in the dark by caging its effector domains and stimulated upon illumination by the formation of an extended coiled-coil. These switch-like characteristics of the LadC system can be used to develop new optogenetic tools with tight regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uršula Vide
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Dženita Kasapović
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Maximilian Fuchs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Martin P. Heimböck
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Massimo G. Totaro
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Elfriede Zenzmaier
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Winkler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
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10
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Hemmer S, Schulte M, Knieps-Grünhagen E, Granzin J, Willbold D, Jaeger KE, Batra-Safferling R, Panwalkar V, Krauss U. Residue alterations within a conserved hydrophobic pocket influence light, oxygen, voltage photoreceptor dark recovery. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 22:713-727. [PMID: 36480084 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00346-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractLight, oxygen, voltage (LOV) photoreceptors are widely distributed throughout all kingdoms of life, and have in recent years, due to their modular nature, been broadly used as sensor domains for the construction of optogenetic tools. For understanding photoreceptor function as well as for optogenetic tool design and fine-tuning, a detailed knowledge of the photophysics, photochemistry, and structural changes underlying the LOV signaling paradigm is instrumental. Mutations that alter the lifetime of the photo-adduct signaling state represent a convenient handle to tune LOV sensor on/off kinetics and, thus, steady-state on/off equilibria of the photoreceptor (or optogenetic switch). Such mutations, however, should ideally only influence sensor kinetics, while being benign with regard to the nature of the structural changes that are induced by illumination, i.e., they should not result in a disruption of signal transduction. In the present study, we identify a conserved hydrophobic pocket for which mutations have a strong impact on the adduct-state lifetime across different LOV photoreceptor families. Using the slow cycling bacterial short LOV photoreceptor PpSB1-LOV, we show that the I48T mutation within this pocket, which accelerates adduct rupture, is otherwise structurally and mechanistically benign, i.e., light-induced structural changes, as probed by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography, are not altered in the variant. Additional mutations within the pocket of PpSB1-LOV and the introduction of homologous mutations in the LOV photoreceptor YtvA of Bacillus subtilis and the Avena sativa LOV2 domain result in similarly altered kinetics. Given the conserved nature of the corresponding structural region, the here identified mutations should find application in dark-recovery tuning of optogenetic tools and LOV photoreceptors, alike.
Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hemmer
- Institut Für Molekulare Enzymtechnologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- IBG-1: Biotechnology IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Marianne Schulte
- IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Institut Für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Esther Knieps-Grünhagen
- Institut Für Molekulare Enzymtechnologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Joachim Granzin
- IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- JuStruct: Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dieter Willbold
- IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Institut Für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institut Für Molekulare Enzymtechnologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- IBG-1: Biotechnology IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Renu Batra-Safferling
- IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- JuStruct: Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428, Jülich, Germany
| | - Vineet Panwalkar
- IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Institut Für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Biozentrum University of Basel, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Krauss
- Institut Für Molekulare Enzymtechnologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany.
- IBG-1: Biotechnology IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425, Jülich, Germany.
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11
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A red light-responsive photoswitch for deep tissue optogenetics. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:1672-1679. [PMID: 35697806 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Red light penetrates deep into mammalian tissues and has low phototoxicity, but few optogenetic tools that use red light have been developed. Here we present MagRed, a red light-activatable photoswitch that consists of a red light-absorbing bacterial phytochrome incorporating a mammalian endogenous chromophore, biliverdin and a photo-state-specific binder that we developed using Affibody library selection. Red light illumination triggers the binding of the two components of MagRed and the assembly of split-proteins fused to them. Using MagRed, we developed a red light-activatable Cre recombinase, which enables light-activatable DNA recombination deep in mammalian tissues. We also created red light-inducible transcriptional regulators based on CRISPR-Cas9 that enable an up to 378-fold activation (average, 135-fold induction) of multiple endogenous target genes. MagRed will facilitate optogenetic applications deep in mammalian organisms in a variety of biological research areas.
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12
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Multamäki E, García de Fuentes A, Sieryi O, Bykov A, Gerken U, Ranzani A, Köhler J, Meglinski I, Möglich A, Takala H. Optogenetic Control of Bacterial Expression by Red Light. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3354-3367. [PMID: 35998606 PMCID: PMC9594775 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In optogenetics, as in nature, sensory photoreceptors serve to control cellular processes by light. Bacteriophytochrome (BphP) photoreceptors sense red and far-red light via a biliverdin chromophore and, in response, cycle between the spectroscopically, structurally, and functionally distinct Pr and Pfr states. BphPs commonly belong to two-component systems that control the phosphorylation of cognate response regulators and downstream gene expression through histidine kinase modules. We recently demonstrated that the paradigm BphP from Deinococcus radiodurans exclusively acts as a phosphatase but that its photosensory module can control the histidine kinase activity of homologous receptors. Here, we apply this insight to reprogram two widely used setups for bacterial gene expression from blue-light to red-light control. The resultant pREDusk and pREDawn systems allow gene expression to be regulated down and up, respectively, uniformly under red light by 100-fold or more. Both setups are realized as portable, single plasmids that encode all necessary components including the biliverdin-producing machinery. The triggering by red light affords high spatial resolution down to the single-cell level. As pREDusk and pREDawn respond sensitively to red light, they support multiplexing with optogenetic systems sensitive to other light colors. Owing to the superior tissue penetration of red light, the pREDawn system can be triggered at therapeutically safe light intensities through material layers, replicating the optical properties of the skin and skull. Given these advantages, pREDusk and pREDawn enable red-light-regulated expression for diverse use cases in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Multamäki
- Department
of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | | | - Oleksii Sieryi
- Optoelectronics
and Measurement Techniques, University of
Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland
| | - Alexander Bykov
- Optoelectronics
and Measurement Techniques, University of
Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland
| | - Uwe Gerken
- Lehrstuhl
für Spektroskopie weicher Materie, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95447, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Köhler
- Lehrstuhl
für Spektroskopie weicher Materie, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95447, Germany
| | - Igor Meglinski
- Optoelectronics
and Measurement Techniques, University of
Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland,College
of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston
University, Birmingham B4 7ET, U.K.
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Lehrstuhl
für Biochemie, Photobiochemie, Universität
Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95447, Germany,. Phone: +49 921 55
7835
| | - Heikki Takala
- Department
of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland,Department
of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla 40014, Finland,. Phone: +358 46 923 6211
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13
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Ranzani AT, Wehrmann M, Kaiser J, Juraschitz M, Weber AM, Pietruschka G, Gerken U, Mayer G, Möglich A. Light-Dependent Control of Bacterial Expression at the mRNA Level. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3482-3492. [PMID: 36129831 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Sensory photoreceptors mediate numerous light-dependent adaptations across organisms. In optogenetics, photoreceptors achieve the reversible, non-invasive, and spatiotemporally precise control by light of gene expression and other cellular processes. The light-oxygen-voltage receptor PAL binds to small RNA aptamers with sequence specificity upon blue-light illumination. By embedding the responsive aptamer in the ribosome-binding sequence of genes of interest, their expression can be downregulated by light. We developed the pCrepusculo and pAurora optogenetic systems that are based on PAL and allow to down- and upregulate, respectively, bacterial gene expression using blue light. Both systems are realized as compact, single plasmids that exhibit stringent blue-light responses with low basal activity and up to several 10-fold dynamic range. As PAL exerts light-dependent control at the RNA level, it can be combined with other optogenetic circuits that control transcription initiation. By integrating regulatory mechanisms operating at the DNA and mRNA levels, optogenetic circuits with emergent properties can thus be devised. As a case in point, the pEnumbra setup permits to upregulate gene expression under moderate blue light whereas strong blue light shuts off expression again. Beyond providing novel signal-responsive expression systems for diverse applications in biotechnology and synthetic biology, our work also illustrates how the light-dependent PAL-aptamer interaction can be harnessed for the control and interrogation of RNA-based processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Américo T Ranzani
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Markus Wehrmann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jennifer Kaiser
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Marc Juraschitz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Anna M Weber
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Georg Pietruschka
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Uwe Gerken
- Lehrstuhl für Spektroskopie weicher Materie, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Günter Mayer
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany.,Center of Aptamer Research & Development, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.,Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.,North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
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14
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Ohlendorf R, Möglich A. Light-regulated gene expression in Bacteria: Fundamentals, advances, and perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1029403. [PMID: 36312534 PMCID: PMC9614035 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1029403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous photoreceptors and genetic circuits emerged over the past two decades and now enable the light-dependent i.e., optogenetic, regulation of gene expression in bacteria. Prompted by light cues in the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, gene expression can be up- or downregulated stringently, reversibly, non-invasively, and with precision in space and time. Here, we survey the underlying principles, available options, and prominent examples of optogenetically regulated gene expression in bacteria. While transcription initiation and elongation remain most important for optogenetic intervention, other processes e.g., translation and downstream events, were also rendered light-dependent. The optogenetic control of bacterial expression predominantly employs but three fundamental strategies: light-sensitive two-component systems, oligomerization reactions, and second-messenger signaling. Certain optogenetic circuits moved beyond the proof-of-principle and stood the test of practice. They enable unprecedented applications in three major areas. First, light-dependent expression underpins novel concepts and strategies for enhanced yields in microbial production processes. Second, light-responsive bacteria can be optogenetically stimulated while residing within the bodies of animals, thus prompting the secretion of compounds that grant health benefits to the animal host. Third, optogenetics allows the generation of precisely structured, novel biomaterials. These applications jointly testify to the maturity of the optogenetic approach and serve as blueprints bound to inspire and template innovative use cases of light-regulated gene expression in bacteria. Researchers pursuing these lines can choose from an ever-growing, versatile, and efficient toolkit of optogenetic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ohlendorf
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- *Correspondence: Andreas Möglich,
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15
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Kurttila M, Etzl S, Rumfeldt J, Takala H, Galler N, Winkler A, Ihalainen JA. The structural effect between the output module and chromophore-binding domain is a two-way street via the hairpin extension. PHOTOCHEMICAL & PHOTOBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN PHOTOCHEMISTRY ASSOCIATION AND THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR PHOTOBIOLOGY 2022; 21:1881-1894. [PMID: 35984631 PMCID: PMC9630206 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00265-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Signal transduction typically starts with either ligand binding or cofactor activation, eventually affecting biological activities in the cell. In red light-sensing phytochromes, isomerization of the bilin chromophore results in regulation of the activity of diverse output modules. During this process, several structural elements and chemical events influence signal propagation. In our study, we have studied the full-length bacteriophytochrome from Deinococcus radiodurans as well as a previously generated optogenetic tool where the native histidine kinase output module has been replaced with an adenylate cyclase. We show that the composition of the output module influences the stability of the hairpin extension. The hairpin, often referred as the PHY tongue, is one of the central structural elements for signal transduction. It extends from a distinct domain establishing close contacts with the chromophore binding site. If the coupling between these interactions is disrupted, the dynamic range of the enzymatic regulation is reduced. Our study highlights the complex conformational properties of the hairpin extension as a bidirectional link between the chromophore-binding site and the output module, as well as functional properties of diverse output modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moona Kurttila
- Nanoscience Center, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Stefan Etzl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Jessica Rumfeldt
- Nanoscience Center, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Heikki Takala
- Nanoscience Center, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Nadine Galler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Winkler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Janne A Ihalainen
- Nanoscience Center, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland.
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16
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Dietler J, Gelfert R, Kaiser J, Borin V, Renzl C, Pilsl S, Ranzani AT, García de Fuentes A, Gleichmann T, Diensthuber RP, Weyand M, Mayer G, Schapiro I, Möglich A. Signal transduction in light-oxygen-voltage receptors lacking the active-site glutamine. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2618. [PMID: 35552382 PMCID: PMC9098866 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30252-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature as in biotechnology, light-oxygen-voltage photoreceptors perceive blue light to elicit spatiotemporally defined cellular responses. Photon absorption drives thioadduct formation between a conserved cysteine and the flavin chromophore. An equally conserved, proximal glutamine processes the resultant flavin protonation into downstream hydrogen-bond rearrangements. Here, we report that this glutamine, long deemed essential, is generally dispensable. In its absence, several light-oxygen-voltage receptors invariably retained productive, if often attenuated, signaling responses. Structures of a light-oxygen-voltage paradigm at around 1 Å resolution revealed highly similar light-induced conformational changes, irrespective of whether the glutamine is present. Naturally occurring, glutamine-deficient light-oxygen-voltage receptors likely serve as bona fide photoreceptors, as we showcase for a diguanylate cyclase. We propose that without the glutamine, water molecules transiently approach the chromophore and thus propagate flavin protonation downstream. Signaling without glutamine appears intrinsic to light-oxygen-voltage receptors, which pertains to biotechnological applications and suggests evolutionary descendance from redox-active flavoproteins. Light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) photoreceptors perceive blue light to elicit spatio-temporally defined cellular responses, and their signalling process has been extensively characterized. Here the authors report that the light signal is still transduced in the absence of a conserved Gln residue, thought to be key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dietler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Renate Gelfert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jennifer Kaiser
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Veniamin Borin
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Christian Renzl
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Pilsl
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Tobias Gleichmann
- Biophysical Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Michael Weyand
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Günter Mayer
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121, Bonn, Germany.,Center of Aptamer Research & Development, University of Bonn, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Igor Schapiro
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany. .,Biophysical Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin, 10115, Berlin, Germany. .,Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany. .,North-Bavarian NMR Center, Universität Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
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17
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Structure-guided optimization of light-activated chimeric G-protein-coupled receptors. Structure 2022; 30:1075-1087.e4. [PMID: 35588733 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest human receptor family and involved in virtually every physiological process. One hallmark of their function is specific coupling to selected signaling pathways. The ability to tune this coupling would make development of receptors with new capabilities possible. Complexes of GPCRs and G-proteins have recently been resolved at high resolution, but this information was in only few cases harnessed for rational receptor engineering. Here, we demonstrate structure-guided optimization of light-activated OptoXRs. Our hypothesis was that incorporation of GPCR-Gα contacts would lead to improved coupling. We first evaluated structure-based alignments for chimeric receptor fusion. We then show in a light-activated β2AR that including Gα contacts increased signaling 7- to 20-fold compared with other designs. In turn, contact elimination diminished function. Finally, this platform allowed optimization of a further OptoXR and spectral tuning. Our work exemplifies structure-based OptoXR development for targeted cell and network manipulation.
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18
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Shankar U, Lenka SK, Leigh Ackland M, Callahan DL. Review of the structures and functions of algal photoreceptors to optimize bioproduct production with novel bioreactor designs for strain improvement. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2031-2045. [PMID: 35441370 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28116] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae are important renewable feedstock to produce biodiesel and high-value chemicals. Different wavelengths of light influence the growth and metabolic activities of algae. Recent research has identified the light-sensing proteins called photoreceptors that respond to blue or red light. Structural elucidations of algal photoreceptors have gained momentum over recent years. These include channelrhodopsins, PHOT proteins, animal-like cryptochromes, blue-light sensors utilizing flavin-adenine dinucleotide (BLUF) proteins. Pulsing light has also been investigated as a means to optimize energy inputs into bioreactors. This review summarizes the current structural and functional basis of photoreceptor modulation to optimize the growth, production of carotenoids and other high-value metabolites from microalgae. The review also encompasses novel photobioreactor designs that implement different light regimes including light wavelengths and time to optimize algal growth and desired metabolite profiles for high-value products. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttara Shankar
- TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute, Gurugram, Haryana, 122001, India.,Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, (Burwood Campus), Centre for Cellular and Molecular biology. 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Sangram K Lenka
- TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute, Gurugram, Haryana, 122001, India.,Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - M Leigh Ackland
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, (Burwood Campus), Centre for Cellular and Molecular biology. 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Damien L Callahan
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, (Burwood Campus), Centre for Cellular and Molecular biology. 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
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19
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Optogenetic tools for microbial synthetic biology. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107953. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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20
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Kneuttinger AC. A guide to designing photocontrol in proteins: methods, strategies and applications. Biol Chem 2022; 403:573-613. [PMID: 35355495 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Light is essential for various biochemical processes in all domains of life. In its presence certain proteins inside a cell are excited, which either stimulates or inhibits subsequent cellular processes. The artificial photocontrol of specifically proteins is of growing interest for the investigation of scientific questions on the organismal, cellular and molecular level as well as for the development of medicinal drugs or biocatalytic tools. For the targeted design of photocontrol in proteins, three major methods have been developed over the last decades, which employ either chemical engineering of small-molecule photosensitive effectors (photopharmacology), incorporation of photoactive non-canonical amino acids by genetic code expansion (photoxenoprotein engineering), or fusion with photoreactive biological modules (hybrid protein optogenetics). This review compares the different methods as well as their strategies and current applications for the light-regulation of proteins and provides background information useful for the implementation of each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Kneuttinger
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry and Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
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21
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Lehtinen K, Nokia MS, Takala H. Red Light Optogenetics in Neuroscience. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:778900. [PMID: 35046775 PMCID: PMC8761848 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.778900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics, a field concentrating on controlling cellular functions by means of light-activated proteins, has shown tremendous potential in neuroscience. It possesses superior spatiotemporal resolution compared to the surgical, electrical, and pharmacological methods traditionally used in studying brain function. A multitude of optogenetic tools for neuroscience have been created that, for example, enable the control of action potential generation via light-activated ion channels. Other optogenetic proteins have been used in the brain, for example, to control long-term potentiation or to ablate specific subtypes of neurons. In in vivo applications, however, the majority of optogenetic tools are operated with blue, green, or yellow light, which all have limited penetration in biological tissues compared to red light and especially infrared light. This difference is significant, especially considering the size of the rodent brain, a major research model in neuroscience. Our review will focus on the utilization of red light-operated optogenetic tools in neuroscience. We first outline the advantages of red light for in vivo studies. Then we provide a brief overview of the red light-activated optogenetic proteins and systems with a focus on new developments in the field. Finally, we will highlight different tools and applications, which further facilitate the use of red light optogenetics in neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimmo Lehtinen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Miriam S. Nokia
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Heikki Takala
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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22
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Pook B, Goenrich J, Hasenjäger S, Essen LO, Spadaccini R, Taxis C. An Optogenetic Toolbox for Synergistic Regulation of Protein Abundance. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:3411-3421. [PMID: 34797069 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetic tools have been proven to be useful in regulating cellular processes via an external signal. Light can be applied with high spatial and temporal precision as well as easily modulated in quantity and quality. Natural photoreceptors of the light oxygen voltage (LOV) domain family have been characterized in depth, especially the LOV2 domain of Avena sativa (As) phototropin 1 and its derivatives. Information on the behavior of LOV2 variants with changes in the photocycle or the light response has been recorded. Here, we applied well-described photocycle mutations on the AsLOV2 domain of a photosensitive transcription factor (psTF) as well as its variant that is part of the photosensitive degron (psd) psd3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In vivo and in vitro measurements revealed that each photoreceptor component of the light-sensitive transcription factor and the psd3 module can be modulated in its light sensitivity by mutations that are known to prolong or shorten the dark-reversion time of AsLOV2. Yet, only two of the mutations showed differences in the in vivo behavior in the context of the psd3 module. For the AsLOV2 domain in the context of the psTF, we observed different characteristics for all four variants. Molecular dynamics simulations showed distinct influences of the shortened Jα helix and the V416L mutation in the context of the psd3 photoreceptor. In conclusion, we demonstrated the tunability of two optogenetic tools with a set of mutations that affect the photocycle of the inherent photoreceptors. As these optogenetic tools are concurrent in their action, pleiotropic effects on target protein abundance are achievable with the simultaneous action of the diverse photoreceptor variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Pook
- Unit for Structural Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Juri Goenrich
- Department of Biology/Genetics, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Hasenjäger
- Department of Biology/Genetics, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Lars-Oliver Essen
- Unit for Structural Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Roberta Spadaccini
- Department of Science and Technology, Università degli Studi del Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Christof Taxis
- Department of Biology/Genetics, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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23
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Hogenkamp F, Hilgers F, Bitzenhofer NL, Ophoven V, Haase M, Bier C, Binder D, Jaeger KE, Drepper T, Pietruszka J. Optochemical Control of Bacterial Gene Expression: Novel Photocaged Compounds for Different Promoter Systems. Chembiochem 2021; 23:e202100467. [PMID: 34750949 PMCID: PMC9299732 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Photocaged compounds are applied for implementing precise, optochemical control of gene expression in bacteria. To broaden the scope of UV‐light‐responsive inducer molecules, six photocaged carbohydrates were synthesized and photochemically characterized, with the absorption exhibiting a red‐shift. Their differing linkage through ether, carbonate, and carbamate bonds revealed that carbonate and carbamate bonds are convenient. Subsequently, those compounds were successfully applied in vivo for controlling gene expression in E. coli via blue light illumination. Furthermore, benzoate‐based expression systems were subjected to light control by establishing a novel photocaged salicylic acid derivative. Besides its synthesis and in vitro characterization, we demonstrate the challenging choice of a suitable promoter system for light‐controlled gene expression in E. coli. We illustrate various bottlenecks during both photocaged inducer synthesis and in vivo application and possibilities to overcome them. These findings pave the way towards novel caged inducer‐dependent systems for wavelength‐selective gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Hogenkamp
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
| | - Fabienne Hilgers
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
| | - Nora Lisa Bitzenhofer
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
| | - Vera Ophoven
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
| | - Mona Haase
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
| | - Claus Bier
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
| | - Dennis Binder
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC).,Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-1: Biotechnology), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52426, Jülich, Germany
| | - Thomas Drepper
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC)
| | - Jörg Pietruszka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf at Forschungszentrum Jülich Stetternicher Forst, 52426, Jülich, Germany.,Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC).,Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-1: Biotechnology), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52426, Jülich, Germany
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24
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Blain-Hartung M, Rockwell NC, Lagarias JC. Natural diversity provides a broad spectrum of cyanobacteriochrome-based diguanylate cyclases. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 187:632-645. [PMID: 34608946 PMCID: PMC8491021 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) are spectrally diverse photosensors from cyanobacteria distantly related to phytochromes that exploit photoisomerization of linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophores to regulate associated signaling output domains. Unlike phytochromes, a single CBCR domain is sufficient for photoperception. CBCR domains that regulate the production or degradation of cyclic nucleotide second messengers are becoming increasingly well characterized. Cyclic di-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a widespread small-molecule regulator of bacterial motility, developmental transitions, and biofilm formation whose biosynthesis is regulated by CBCRs coupled to GGDEF (diguanylate cyclase) output domains. In this study, we compare the properties of diverse CBCR-GGDEF proteins with those of synthetic CBCR-GGDEF chimeras. Our investigation shows that natural diversity generates promising candidates for robust, broad spectrum optogenetic applications in live cells. Since light quality is constantly changing during plant development as upper leaves begin to shade lower leaves-affecting elongation growth, initiation of flowering, and responses to pathogens, these studies presage application of CBCR-GGDEF sensors to regulate orthogonal, c-di-GMP-regulated circuits in agronomically important plants for robust mitigation of such deleterious responses under natural growing conditions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Blain-Hartung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Nathan C. Rockwell
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - J. Clark Lagarias
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
- Author for communication:
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25
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Dietler J, Schubert R, Krafft TGA, Meiler S, Kainrath S, Richter F, Schweimer K, Weyand M, Janovjak H, Möglich A. A Light-Oxygen-Voltage Receptor Integrates Light and Temperature. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167107. [PMID: 34146595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sensory photoreceptors enable organisms to adjust their physiology, behavior, and development in response to light, generally with spatiotemporal acuity and reversibility. These traits underlie the use of photoreceptors as genetically encoded actuators to alter by light the state and properties of heterologous organisms. Subsumed as optogenetics, pertinent approaches enable regulating diverse cellular processes, not least gene expression. Here, we controlled the widely used Tet repressor by coupling to light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) modules that either homodimerize or dissociate under blue light. Repression could thus be elevated or relieved, and consequently protein expression was modulated by light. Strikingly, the homodimeric RsLOV module from Rhodobacter sphaeroides not only dissociated under light but intrinsically reacted to temperature. The limited light responses of wild-type RsLOV at 37 °C were enhanced in two variants that exhibited closely similar photochemistry and structure. One variant improved the weak homodimerization affinity of 40 µM by two-fold and thus also bestowed light sensitivity on a receptor tyrosine kinase. Certain photoreceptors, exemplified by RsLOV, can evidently moonlight as temperature sensors which immediately bears on their application in optogenetics and biotechnology. Properly accounted for, the temperature sensitivity can be leveraged for the construction of signal-responsive cellular circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dietler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Roman Schubert
- Biophysical Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias G A Krafft
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Simone Meiler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kainrath
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Florian Richter
- Biophysical Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristian Schweimer
- Biopolymers, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; North-Bavarian NMR Center, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Michael Weyand
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Harald Janovjak
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; Biophysical Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; North-Bavarian NMR Center, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
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26
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Hartzell EJ, Terr J, Chen W. Engineering a Blue Light Inducible SpyTag System (BLISS). J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:8572-8577. [PMID: 34077186 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c03198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The SpyCatcher/SpyTag protein conjugation system has recently exploded in popularity due to its fast kinetics and high yield under biologically favorable conditions in both in vitro and intracellular settings. The utility of this system could be expanded by introducing the ability to spatially and temporally control the conjugation event. Taking inspiration from photoreceptor proteins in nature, we designed a method to integrate light dependency into the protein conjugation reaction. The light-oxygen-voltage domain 2 of Avena sativa (AsLOV2) undergoes a dramatic conformational change in its c-terminal Jα-helix in response to blue light. By inserting SpyTag into the different locations of the Jα-helix, we created a blue light inducible SpyTag system (BLISS). In this design, the SpyTag is blocked from reacting with the SpyCatcher in the dark, but upon irradiation with blue light, the Jα-helix of the AsLOV2 undocks to expose the SpyTag. We tested several insertion sites and characterized the kinetics. We found three variants with dynamic ranges over 15, which were active within different concentration ranges. These could be tuned using SpyCatcher variants with different reaction kinetics. Further, the reaction could be instantaneously quenched by removing light. We demonstrated the spatial aspect of this light control mechanism through photopatterning of two fluorescent proteins. This system offers opportunities for many other biofabrication and optogenetics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Hartzell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Justin Terr
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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27
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Dietler J, Liang C, Frank S, Müller AK, Greiner A, Möglich A. Photobiologically Directed Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000179. [PMID: 34028211 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000179] [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: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In nature, photoreceptor proteins undergo molecular responses to light, that exhibit supreme fidelity in time and space and generally occur under mild reaction conditions. To unlock these traits for material science, the light-induced homodimerization of light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) photoreceptors is leveraged to control the assembly of gold nanoparticles. Conjugated to genetically encodable LOV proteins, the nanoparticles are monodispersed in darkness but rapidly assemble into large aggregates upon blue-light exposure. The study establishes a new modality for reaction control in macromolecular chemistry and thus augurs enhanced precision in space and time in diverse applications of gold nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dietler
- Department of Biochemistry, Photobiochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, D-95440, Germany
| | - Chen Liang
- Macromolecular Chemistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, D-95440, Germany
| | - Saskia Frank
- Department of Biochemistry, Photobiochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, D-95440, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Müller
- Macromolecular Chemistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, D-95440, Germany
| | - Andreas Greiner
- Macromolecular Chemistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, D-95440, Germany
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, Photobiochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, D-95440, Germany
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28
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An Engineered Biliverdin-Compatible Cyanobacteriochrome Enables a Unique Ultrafast Reversible Photoswitching Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105252. [PMID: 34065754 PMCID: PMC8156171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) are promising optogenetic tools for their diverse absorption properties with a single compact cofactor-binding domain. We previously uncovered the ultrafast reversible photoswitching dynamics of a red/green photoreceptor AnPixJg2, which binds phycocyanobilin (PCB) that is unavailable in mammalian cells. Biliverdin (BV) is a mammalian cofactor with a similar structure to PCB but exhibits redder absorption. To improve the AnPixJg2 feasibility in mammalian applications, AnPixJg2_BV4 with only four mutations has been engineered to incorporate BV. Herein, we implemented femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA) and ground state femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (GS-FSRS) to uncover transient electronic dynamics on molecular time scales and key structural motions responsible for the photoconversion of AnPixJg2_BV4 with PCB (Bpcb) and BV (Bbv) cofactors in comparison with the parent AnPixJg2 (Apcb). Bpcb adopts the same photoconversion scheme as Apcb, while BV4 mutations create a less bulky environment around the cofactor D ring that promotes a faster twist. The engineered Bbv employs a reversible clockwise/counterclockwise photoswitching that requires a two-step twist on ~5 and 35 picosecond (ps) time scales. The primary forward Pfr → Po transition displays equal amplitude weights between the two processes before reaching a conical intersection. In contrast, the primary reverse Po → Pfr transition shows a 2:1 weight ratio of the ~35 ps over 5 ps component, implying notable changes to the D-ring-twisting pathway. Moreover, we performed pre-resonance GS-FSRS and quantum calculations to identify the Bbv vibrational marker bands at ~659,797, and 1225 cm-1. These modes reveal a stronger H-bonding network around the BV cofactor A ring with BV4 mutations, corroborating the D-ring-dominant reversible photoswitching pathway in the excited state. Implementation of BV4 mutations in other PCB-binding GAF domains like AnPixJg4, AM1_1870g3, and NpF2164g5 could promote similar efficient reversible photoswitching for more directional bioimaging and optogenetic applications, and inspire other bioengineering advances.
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29
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Forlani G, Di Ventura B. A light way for nuclear cell biologists. J Biochem 2021; 169:273-286. [PMID: 33245128 PMCID: PMC8053400 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvaa139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleus is a very complex organelle present in eukaryotic cells. Having the crucial task to safeguard, organize and manage the genetic information, it must tightly control its molecular constituents, its shape and its internal architecture at any given time. Despite our vast knowledge of nuclear cell biology, much is yet to be unravelled. For instance, only recently we came to appreciate the existence of a dynamic nuclear cytoskeleton made of actin filaments that regulates processes such as gene expression, DNA repair and nuclear expansion. This suggests further exciting discoveries ahead of us. Modern cell biologists embrace a new methodology relying on precise perturbations of cellular processes that require a reversible, highly spatially confinable, rapid, inexpensive and tunEable external stimulus: light. In this review, we discuss how optogenetics, the state-of-the-art technology that uses genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins to steer biological processes, can be adopted to specifically investigate nuclear cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Forlani
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM)
- Centers for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS and CIBSS
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology II, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Di Ventura
- Centers for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS and CIBSS
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology II, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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30
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Poddar H, Heyes DJ, Schirò G, Weik M, Leys D, Scrutton NS. A guide to time-resolved structural analysis of light-activated proteins. FEBS J 2021; 289:576-595. [PMID: 33864718 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Dynamical changes in protein structures are essential for protein function and occur over femtoseconds to seconds timescales. X-ray free electron lasers have facilitated investigations of structural dynamics in proteins with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. Light-activated proteins are attractive targets for time-resolved structural studies, as the reaction chemistry and associated protein structural changes can be triggered by short laser pulses. Proteins with different light-absorbing centres have evolved to detect light and harness photon energy to bring about downstream chemical and biological output responses. Following light absorption, rapid chemical/small-scale structural changes are typically localised around the chromophore. These localised changes are followed by larger structural changes propagated throughout the photoreceptor/photocatalyst that enables the desired chemical and/or biological output response. Time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) and solution scattering techniques enable direct visualisation of early chemical change in light-activated proteins on timescales previously inaccessible, whereas scattering gives access to slower timescales associated with more global structural change. Here, we review how advances in time-resolved SFX and solution scattering techniques have uncovered mechanisms of photochemistry and its coupling to output responses. We also provide a prospective on how these time-resolved structural approaches might impact on other photoreceptors/photoenzymes that have not yet been studied by these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshwardhan Poddar
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Derren J Heyes
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Giorgio Schirò
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - Martin Weik
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - David Leys
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Nigel S Scrutton
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, UK
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31
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Seong J, Lin MZ. Optobiochemistry: Genetically Encoded Control of Protein Activity by Light. Annu Rev Biochem 2021; 90:475-501. [PMID: 33781076 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-072420-112431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Optobiochemical control of protein activities allows the investigation of protein functions in living cells with high spatiotemporal resolution. Over the last two decades, numerous natural photosensory domains have been characterized and synthetic domains engineered and assembled into photoregulatory systems to control protein function with light. Here, we review the field of optobiochemistry, categorizing photosensory domains by chromophore, describing photoregulatory systems by mechanism of action, and discussing protein classes frequently investigated using optical methods. We also present examples of how spatial or temporal control of proteins in living cells has provided new insights not possible with traditional biochemical or cell biological techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Seong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea;
| | - Michael Z Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA; .,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.,Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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32
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Christie JM, Zurbriggen MD. Optogenetics in plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:3108-3115. [PMID: 33064858 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The last two decades have witnessed the emergence of optogenetics; a field that has given researchers the ability to use light to control biological processes at high spatiotemporal and quantitative resolutions, in a reversible manner with minimal side-effects. Optogenetics has revolutionized the neurosciences, increased our understanding of cellular signalling and metabolic networks and resulted in variety of applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. However, implementing optogenetics in plants has been less straightforward, given their dependency on light for their life cycle. Here, we highlight some of the widely used technologies in microorganisms and animal systems derived from plant photoreceptor proteins and discuss strategies recently implemented to overcome the challenges for using optogenetics in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Christie
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Institute of Synthetic Biology and CEPLAS, University of Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, 40225, Germany
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33
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Baumschlager A, Khammash M. Synthetic Biological Approaches for Optogenetics and Tools for Transcriptional Light-Control in Bacteria. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000256. [PMID: 34028214 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Light has become established as a tool not only to visualize and investigate but also to steer biological systems. This review starts by discussing the unique features that make light such an effective control input in biology. It then gives an overview of how light-control came to progress, starting with photoactivatable compounds and leading up to current genetic implementations using optogenetic approaches. The review then zooms in on optogenetics, focusing on photosensitive proteins, which form the basis for optogenetic engineering using synthetic biological approaches. As the regulation of transcription provides a highly versatile means for steering diverse biological functions, the focus of this review then shifts to transcriptional light regulators, which are presented in the biotechnologically highly relevant model organism Escherichia coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Baumschlager
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH-Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
| | - Mustafa Khammash
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH-Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
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34
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Photoreaction Mechanisms of Flavoprotein Photoreceptors and Their Applications. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1293:189-206. [PMID: 33398814 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Three classes of flavoprotein photoreceptors, cryptochromes (CRYs), light-oxygen-voltage (LOV)-domain proteins, and blue light using FAD (BLUF)-domain proteins, have been identified that control various physiological processes in multiple organisms. Accordingly, signaling activities of photoreceptors have been intensively studied and the related mechanisms have been exploited in numerous optogenetic tools. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of photoactivation mechanisms of the flavoprotein photoreceptors and review their applications.
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35
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Sokolovski SG, Zherebtsov EA, Kar RK, Golonka D, Stabel R, Chichkov NB, Gorodetsky A, Schapiro I, Möglich A, Rafailov EU. Two-photon conversion of a bacterial phytochrome. Biophys J 2021; 120:964-974. [PMID: 33545103 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In nature, sensory photoreceptors underlie diverse spatiotemporally precise and generally reversible biological responses to light. Photoreceptors also serve as genetically encoded agents in optogenetics to control by light organismal state and behavior. Phytochromes represent a superfamily of photoreceptors that transition between states absorbing red light (Pr) and far-red light (Pfr), thus expanding the spectral range of optogenetics to the near-infrared range. Although light of these colors exhibits superior penetration of soft tissue, the transmission through bone and skull is poor. To overcome this fundamental challenge, we explore the activation of a bacterial phytochrome by a femtosecond laser emitting in the 1 μm wavelength range. Quantum chemical calculations predict that bacterial phytochromes possess substantial two-photon absorption cross sections. In line with this notion, we demonstrate that the photoreversible Pr ↔ Pfr conversion is driven by two-photon absorption at wavelengths between 1170 and 1450 nm. The Pfr yield was highest for wavelengths between 1170 and 1280 nm and rapidly plummeted beyond 1300 nm. By combining two-photon activation with bacterial phytochromes, we lay the foundation for enhanced spatial resolution in optogenetics and unprecedented penetration through bone, skull, and soft tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge G Sokolovski
- Optoelectronics and Biomedical Photonics Group, AIPT, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Evgeny A Zherebtsov
- Optoelectronics and Measurement Techniques, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Cell Physiology and Pathology Laboratory, Orel State University, Orel, Russia
| | - Rajiv K Kar
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David Golonka
- Photobiochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Robert Stabel
- Photobiochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Nikolai B Chichkov
- Optoelectronics and Biomedical Photonics Group, AIPT, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrei Gorodetsky
- ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Igor Schapiro
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Photobiochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Edik U Rafailov
- Optoelectronics and Biomedical Photonics Group, AIPT, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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36
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Phytochromes and Cyanobacteriochromes: Photoreceptor Molecules Incorporating a Linear Tetrapyrrole Chromophore. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1293:167-187. [PMID: 33398813 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this chapter, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of the linear tetrapyrrole-binding photoreceptors, phytochromes, and cyanobacteriochromes. We especially focus on the color-tuning mechanisms and conformational changes during the photoconversion process. Furthermore, we introduce current status of development of the optogenetic tools based on these molecules. Huge repertoire of these photoreceptors with diverse spectral properties would contribute to development of multiplex optogenetic regulation. Among them, the photoreceptors incorporating the biliverdin IXα chromophore is advantageous for in vivo optogenetics because this is intrinsic in the mammalian cells, and absorbs far-red light penetrating into deep mammalian tissues.
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37
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Humphreys PA, Woods S, Smith CA, Bates N, Cain SA, Lucas R, Kimber SJ. Optogenetic Control of the BMP Signaling Pathway. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:3067-3078. [PMID: 33084303 PMCID: PMC7927147 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily and have crucial roles during development; including mesodermal patterning and specification of renal, hepatic, and skeletal tissues. In vitro developmental models currently rely upon costly and unreliable recombinant BMP proteins that do not enable dynamic or precise activation of the BMP signaling pathway. Here, we report the development of an optogenetic BMP signaling system (optoBMP) that enables rapid induction of the canonical BMP signaling pathway driven by illumination with blue light. We demonstrate the utility of the optoBMP system in multiple human cell lines to initiate signal transduction through phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of SMAD1/5, leading to upregulation of BMP target genes including Inhibitors of DNA binding ID2 and ID4. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the optoBMP system can be used to fine-tune activation of the BMP signaling pathway through variable light stimulation. Optogenetic control of BMP signaling will enable dynamic and high-throughput intervention across a variety of applications in cellular and developmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Humphreys
- Division
of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine
and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
- Division
of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology,
Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Steven Woods
- Division
of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine
and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Christopher A. Smith
- Division
of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine
and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Nicola Bates
- Division
of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine
and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Stuart A. Cain
- Division
of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine
and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Robert Lucas
- Division
of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology,
Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Susan J. Kimber
- Division
of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine
and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, U.K.
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38
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Mathony J, Niopek D. Enlightening Allostery: Designing Switchable Proteins by Photoreceptor Fusion. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2020; 5:e2000181. [PMID: 33107225 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics harnesses natural photoreceptors to non-invasively control selected processes in cells with previously unmet spatiotemporal precision. Linking the activity of a protein of choice to the conformational state of a photosensor domain through allosteric coupling represents a powerful method for engineering light-responsive proteins. It enables the design of compact and highly potent single-component optogenetic systems with fast on- and off-switching kinetics. However, designing protein-photoreceptor chimeras, in which structural changes of the photoreceptor are effectively propagated to the fused effector protein, is a challenging engineering problem and often relies on trial and error. Here, recent advances in the design and application of optogenetic allosteric switches are reviewed. First, an overview of existing optogenetic tools based on inducible allostery is provided and their utility for cell biology applications is highlighted. Focusing on light-oxygen-voltage domains, a widely applied class of small blue light sensors, the available strategies for engineering light-dependent allostery are presented and their individual advantages and limitations are highlighted. Finally, high-throughput screening technologies based on comprehensive insertion libraries, which could accelerate the creation of stimulus-responsive receptor-protein chimeras for use in optogenetics and beyond, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mathony
- Department of Biology and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 12, Darmstadt, 64287, Germany.,BZH graduate school, Heidelberg University, Im Neuheimer Feld 328, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Dominik Niopek
- Department of Biology and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 12, Darmstadt, 64287, Germany
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39
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Wittmann T, Dema A, van Haren J. Lights, cytoskeleton, action: Optogenetic control of cell dynamics. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2020; 66:1-10. [PMID: 32371345 PMCID: PMC7577957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Cell biology is moving from observing molecules to controlling them in real time, a critical step towards a mechanistic understanding of how cells work. Initially developed from light-gated ion channels to control neuron activity, optogenetics now describes any genetically encoded protein system designed to accomplish specific light-mediated tasks. Recent photosensitive switches use many ingenious designs that bring spatial and temporal control within reach for almost any protein or pathway of interest. This next generation optogenetics includes light-controlled protein-protein interactions and shape-shifting photosensors, which in combination with live microscopy enable acute modulation and analysis of dynamic protein functions in living cells. We provide a brief overview of various types of optogenetic switches. We then discuss how diverse approaches have been used to control cytoskeleton dynamics with light through Rho GTPase signaling, microtubule and actin assembly, mitotic spindle positioning and intracellular transport and highlight advantages and limitations of different experimental strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Wittmann
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Alessandro Dema
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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40
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Evolution-inspired design of multicolored photoswitches from a single cyanobacteriochrome scaffold. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:15573-15580. [PMID: 32571944 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2004273117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) are small, bistable linear tetrapyrrole (bilin)-binding light sensors which are typically found as modular components in multidomain cyanobacterial signaling proteins. The CBCR family has been categorized into many lineages that roughly correlate with their spectral diversity, but CBCRs possessing a conserved DXCF motif are found in multiple lineages. DXCF CBCRs typically possess two conserved Cys residues: a first Cys that remains ligated to the bilin chromophore and a second Cys found in the DXCF motif. The second Cys often forms a second thioether linkage, providing a mechanism to sense blue and violet light. DXCF CBCRs have been described with blue/green, blue/orange, blue/teal, and green/teal photocycles, and the molecular basis for some of this spectral diversity has been well established. We here characterize AM1_1499g1, an atypical DXCF CBCR that lacks the second cysteine residue and exhibits an orange/green photocycle. Based on prior studies of CBCR spectral tuning, we have successfully engineered seven AM1_1499g1 variants that exhibit robust yellow/teal, green/teal, blue/teal, orange/yellow, yellow/green, green/green, and blue/green photocycles. The remarkable spectral diversity generated by modification of a single CBCR provides a good template for multiplexing synthetic photobiology systems within the same cellular context, thereby bypassing the time-consuming empirical optimization process needed for multiple probes with different protein scaffolds.
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41
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Hansen WA, Khare SD. Recent progress in designing protein-based supramolecular assemblies. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020; 63:106-114. [PMID: 32569994 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The design of protein-based assemblies is an emerging area in bionanotechnology with wide ranging applications, from vaccines to smart biomaterials. Design approaches have sought to mimic both the topologies of assemblies observed in nature, as well as their functionally relevant properties, such as being responsive to external cues. In the last few years, diverse design approaches have been used to construct assemblies with integer-dimensional (e.g. filaments, layers, lattices and polyhedra) and non-integer-dimensional (fractal) topologies. Supramolecular structures that assemble/disassemble in response to chemical and physical stimuli have also been built. Hybrid protein-DNA assemblies have expanded the set of building blocks used for generating supramolecular architectures. While still far from reproducing the sophistication of natural assemblies, these exciting results represent important steps towards the design of responsive and functional biomaterials built from the bottom up. As the complexity of topologies and diversity of building blocks increases, considerations of both thermodynamics and kinetics of assembly formation will play crucial roles in making the design of protein-based assemblies robust and useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Hansen
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, NJ, USA
| | - Sagar D Khare
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, NJ, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, NJ, USA.
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42
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Elucidating cyclic AMP signaling in subcellular domains with optogenetic tools and fluorescent biosensors. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 47:1733-1747. [PMID: 31724693 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The second messenger 3',5'-cyclic nucleoside adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays a key role in signal transduction across prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Cyclic AMP signaling is compartmentalized into microdomains to fulfil specific functions. To define the function of cAMP within these microdomains, signaling needs to be analyzed with spatio-temporal precision. To this end, optogenetic approaches and genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors are particularly well suited. Synthesis and hydrolysis of cAMP can be directly manipulated by photoactivated adenylyl cyclases (PACs) and light-regulated phosphodiesterases (PDEs), respectively. In addition, many biosensors have been designed to spatially and temporarily resolve cAMP dynamics in the cell. This review provides an overview about optogenetic tools and biosensors to shed light on the subcellular organization of cAMP signaling.
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Hepp S, Trauth J, Hasenjäger S, Bezold F, Essen LO, Taxis C. An Optogenetic Tool for Induced Protein Stabilization Based on the Phaeodactylum tricornutum Aureochrome 1a Light-Oxygen-Voltage Domain. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:1880-1900. [PMID: 32105734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Control of cellular events by optogenetic tools is a powerful approach to manipulate cellular functions in a minimally invasive manner. A common problem posed by the application of optogenetic tools is to tune the activity range to be physiologically relevant. Here, we characterized a photoreceptor of the light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) domain family of Phaeodactylum tricornutum aureochrome 1a (AuLOV) as a tool for increasing protein stability under blue light conditions in budding yeast. Structural studies of AuLOVwt, the variants AuLOVM254, and AuLOVW349 revealed alternative dimer association modes for the dark state, which differ from previously reported AuLOV dark-state structures. Rational design of AuLOV-dimer interface mutations resulted in an optimized optogenetic tool that we fused to the photoactivatable adenylyl cyclase from Beggiatoa sp. This synergistic light-regulation approach using two photoreceptors resulted in an optimized, photoactivatable adenylyl cyclase with a cyclic adenosine monophosphate production activity that matches the physiological range of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Overall, we enlarged the optogenetic toolbox for yeast and demonstrated the importance of fine-tuning the optogenetic tool activity for successful application in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Hepp
- Unit for Structural Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany; Center of Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein- Strasse 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan Trauth
- Unit for Structural Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany; Center of Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein- Strasse 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany; Molecular Genetics, Department of Biology, Philipps Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Hasenjäger
- Molecular Genetics, Department of Biology, Philipps Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Filipp Bezold
- Unit for Structural Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany; Center of Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein- Strasse 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Lars-Oliver Essen
- Unit for Structural Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany; Center of Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein- Strasse 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Christof Taxis
- Molecular Genetics, Department of Biology, Philipps Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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Two-Photon Excitation of Azobenzene Photoswitches for Synthetic Optogenetics. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10030805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic optogenetics is an emerging optical technique that enables users to photocontrol molecules, proteins, and cells in vitro and in vivo. This is achieved by use of synthetic chromophores—denoted photoswitches—that undergo light-dependent changes (e.g., isomerization), which are meticulously designed to interact with unique cellular targets, notably proteins. Following light illumination, the changes adopted by photoswitches are harnessed to affect the function of nearby proteins. In most instances, photoswitches absorb visible light, wavelengths of poor tissue penetration, and excessive scatter. These shortcomings impede their use in vivo. To overcome these challenges, photoswitches of red-shifted absorbance have been developed. Notably, this shift in absorbance also increases their compatibility with two-photon excitation (2PE) methods. Here, we provide an overview of recent efforts devoted towards optimizing azobenzene-based photoswitches for 2PE and their current applications.
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Wiltbank LB, Kehoe DM. Diverse light responses of cyanobacteria mediated by phytochrome superfamily photoreceptors. Nat Rev Microbiol 2020; 17:37-50. [PMID: 30410070 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-018-0110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are an evolutionarily and ecologically important group of prokaryotes. They exist in diverse habitats, ranging from hot springs and deserts to glaciers and the open ocean. The range of environments that they inhabit can be attributed in part to their ability to sense and respond to changing environmental conditions. As photosynthetic organisms, one of the most crucial parameters for cyanobacteria to monitor is light. Cyanobacteria can sense various wavelengths of light and many possess a range of bilin-binding photoreceptors belonging to the phytochrome superfamily. Vital cellular processes including growth, phototaxis, cell aggregation and photosynthesis are tuned to environmental light conditions by these photoreceptors. In this Review, we examine the physiological responses that are controlled by members of this diverse family of photoreceptors and discuss the signal transduction pathways through which these photoreceptors operate. We highlight specific examples where the activities of multiple photoreceptors function together to fine-tune light responses. We also discuss the potential application of these photosensing systems in optogenetics and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa B Wiltbank
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - David M Kehoe
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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Deconstructing and repurposing the light-regulated interplay between Arabidopsis phytochromes and interacting factors. Commun Biol 2019; 2:448. [PMID: 31815202 PMCID: PMC6888877 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0687-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytochrome photoreceptors mediate adaptive responses of plants to red and far-red light. These responses generally entail light-regulated association between phytochromes and other proteins, among them the phytochrome-interacting factors (PIF). The interaction with Arabidopsis thaliana phytochrome B (AtPhyB) localizes to the bipartite APB motif of the A. thaliana PIFs (AtPIF). To address a dearth of quantitative interaction data, we construct and analyze numerous AtPIF3/6 variants. Red-light-activated binding is predominantly mediated by the APB N-terminus, whereas the C-terminus modulates binding and underlies the differential affinity of AtPIF3 and AtPIF6. We identify AtPIF variants of reduced size, monomeric or homodimeric state, and with AtPhyB affinities between 10 and 700 nM. Optogenetically deployed in mammalian cells, the AtPIF variants drive light-regulated gene expression and membrane recruitment, in certain cases reducing basal activity and enhancing regulatory response. Moreover, our results provide hitherto unavailable quantitative insight into the AtPhyB:AtPIF interaction underpinning vital light-dependent responses in plants. David Golonka et al. report the epitopes in Arabidopsis phytochrome-interacting factors (PIF) that underlie light-dependent interactions with phytochrome B. They identify compact PIF variants that enable light-activated gene expression and membrane recruitment with reduced basal activity and enhanced regulatory response.
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Möglich A. Signal transduction in photoreceptor histidine kinases. Protein Sci 2019; 28:1923-1946. [PMID: 31397927 PMCID: PMC6798134 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Two-component systems (TCS) constitute the predominant means by which prokaryotes read out and adapt to their environment. Canonical TCSs comprise a sensor histidine kinase (SHK), usually a transmembrane receptor, and a response regulator (RR). In signal-dependent manner, the SHK autophosphorylates and in turn transfers the phosphoryl group to the RR which then elicits downstream responses, often in form of altered gene expression. SHKs also catalyze the hydrolysis of the phospho-RR, hence, tightly adjusting the overall degree of RR phosphorylation. Photoreceptor histidine kinases are a subset of mostly soluble, cytosolic SHKs that sense light in the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared spectral range. Owing to their experimental tractability, photoreceptor histidine kinases serve as paradigms and provide unusually detailed molecular insight into signal detection, decoding, and regulation of SHK activity. The synthesis of recent results on receptors with light-oxygen-voltage, bacteriophytochrome and microbial rhodopsin sensor units identifies recurring, joint signaling strategies. Light signals are initially absorbed by the sensor module and converted into subtle rearrangements of α helices, mostly through pivoting and rotation. These conformational transitions propagate through parallel coiled-coil linkers to the effector unit as changes in left-handed superhelical winding. Within the effector, subtle conformations are triggered that modulate the solvent accessibility of residues engaged in the kinase and phosphatase activities. Taken together, a consistent view of the entire trajectory from signal detection to regulation of output emerges. The underlying allosteric mechanisms could widely apply to TCS signaling in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Möglich
- Department of BiochemistryUniversität BayreuthBayreuthGermany
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyUniversität BayreuthBayreuthGermany
- North‐Bavarian NMR CenterUniversität BayreuthBayreuthGermany
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Tahara S, Kuramochi H, Takeuchi S, Tahara T. Protein Dynamics Preceding Photoisomerization of the Retinal Chromophore in Bacteriorhodopsin Revealed by Deep-UV Femtosecond Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem Lett 2019; 10:5422-5427. [PMID: 31469573 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b02283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriorhodopsin is a prototypical photoreceptor protein that functions as a light-driven proton pump. The retinal chromophore of bacteriorhodopsin undergoes C13═C14 trans-to-cis isomerization upon photoexcitation, and it has been believed to be the first event that triggers the cascaded structural changes in bacteriorhodopsin. We investigated the protein dynamics of bacteriorhodopsin using deep-ultraviolet resonance femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the stimulated Raman signals of tryptophan and tyrosine residues exhibit significant changes within 0.2 ps after photoexcitation while they do not noticeably change during the isomerization process. This result implies that the protein environment changes first, and its change is small during isomerization. The obtained femtosecond stimulated Raman data indicate that ultrafast change is induced in the protein part by the sudden creation of the large dipole of the excited-state chromophore, providing an environment that realizes efficient and selective isomerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Tahara
- Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory , RIKEN , 2-1 Hirosawa , Wako 351-0198 , Japan
| | - Hikaru Kuramochi
- Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory , RIKEN , 2-1 Hirosawa , Wako 351-0198 , Japan
- Ultrafast Spectroscopy Research Team , RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics (RAP) , 2-1 Hirosawa , Wako 351-0198 , Japan
- PRESTO , Japan Science and Technology Agency , 4-1-8 Honcho , Kawaguchi 332-0012 , Japan
| | - Satoshi Takeuchi
- Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory , RIKEN , 2-1 Hirosawa , Wako 351-0198 , Japan
- Ultrafast Spectroscopy Research Team , RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics (RAP) , 2-1 Hirosawa , Wako 351-0198 , Japan
| | - Tahei Tahara
- Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory , RIKEN , 2-1 Hirosawa , Wako 351-0198 , Japan
- Ultrafast Spectroscopy Research Team , RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics (RAP) , 2-1 Hirosawa , Wako 351-0198 , Japan
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49
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Engineering the orange carotenoid protein for applications in synthetic biology. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 57:110-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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50
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Gourinchas G, Etzl S, Winkler A. Bacteriophytochromes - from informative model systems of phytochrome function to powerful tools in cell biology. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 57:72-83. [PMID: 30878713 PMCID: PMC6625962 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophytochromes are a subfamily of the diverse light responsive phytochrome photoreceptors. Considering their preferential interaction with biliverdin IXα as endogenous cofactor, they have recently been used for creating optogenetic tools and engineering fluorescent probes. Ideal absorption characteristics for the activation of bacteriophytochrome-based systems in the therapeutic near-infrared window as well the availability of biliverdin in mammalian tissues have resulted in tremendous progress in re-engineering bacteriophytochromes for diverse applications. At the same time, both the structural analysis and the functional characterization of diverse naturally occurring bacteriophytochrome systems have unraveled remarkable differences in signaling mechanisms and have so far only touched the surface of the evolutionary diversity within the family of bacteriophytochromes. This review highlights recent findings and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Gourinchas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Etzl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Winkler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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