1
|
Aguilar G, Bauer M, Vigano MA, Guerrero I, Affolter M. Protocol for generating in-frame seamless knockins in Drosophila using the SEED/Harvest technology. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102932. [PMID: 38996063 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102932] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The generation of knockins is fundamental to dissect biological systems. SEED/Harvest, a technology based on CRISPR-Cas9, offers a powerful approach for seamless genome editing in Drosophila. Here, we present a protocol to tag any gene in the Drosophila genome using SEED/Harvest technology. We describe knockin design, plasmid preparation, injection, and insertion screening. We then detail procedures for germline harvesting. The technique combines straightforward cloning and robust screening of insertions, while still resulting in scarless gene editing. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Aguilar et al.1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Aguilar
- Growth & Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Milena Bauer
- Growth & Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Alessandra Vigano
- Growth & Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Guerrero
- Tissue and Organ Homeostasis, CBMSO (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, Madrid, Spain
| | - Markus Affolter
- Growth & Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gauvrit S, Zhao S, Rothbauer U, Stainier DYR. A β-catenin chromobody-based probe highlights endothelial maturation during vascular morphogenesis in vivo. Development 2024; 151:dev202122. [PMID: 38847494 PMCID: PMC11190570 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202122] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Visualization of protein dynamics is a crucial step in understanding cellular processes. Chromobodies, fluorescently labelled single-domain antibodies, have emerged as versatile probes for live cell imaging of endogenous proteins. However, how these chromobodies behave in vivo and how accurately they monitor tissue changes remain poorly explored. Here, we generated an endothelial-specific β-catenin chromobody-derived probe and analyzed its expression pattern during cardiovascular development in zebrafish. Using high-resolution confocal imaging, we show that the chromobody signal correlates with the localization of β-catenin in the nucleus and at cell-cell junctions, and thereby can be used to assess endothelial maturation. Loss of Cadherin 5 strongly affects the localization of the chromobody at the cell membrane, confirming the cadherin-based adherens junction role of β-catenin. Furthermore, using a genetic model to block blood flow, we observed that cell junctions are compromised in most endothelial cells but not in the endocardium, highlighting the heterogeneous response of the endothelium to the lack of blood flow. Overall, our data further expand the use of chromobodies for in vivo applications and illustrate their potential to monitor tissue morphogenesis at high resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Gauvrit
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Shengnan Zhao
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) ‘Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Didier Y. R. Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Frecot DI, Froehlich T, Rothbauer U. 30 years of nanobodies - an ongoing success story of small binders in biological research. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs261395. [PMID: 37937477 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261395] [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] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A milestone in the field of recombinant binding molecules was achieved 30 years ago with the discovery of single-domain antibodies from which antigen-binding variable domains, better known as nanobodies (Nbs), can be derived. Being only one tenth the size of conventional antibodies, Nbs feature high affinity and specificity, while being highly stable and soluble. In addition, they display accessibility to cryptic sites, low off-target accumulation and deep tissue penetration. Efficient selection methods, such as (semi-)synthetic/naïve or immunized cDNA libraries and display technologies, have facilitated the isolation of Nbs against diverse targets, and their single-gene format enables easy functionalization and high-yield production. This Review highlights recent advances in Nb applications in various areas of biological research, including structural biology, proteomics and high-resolution and in vivo imaging. In addition, we provide insights into intracellular applications of Nbs, such as live-cell imaging, biosensors and targeted protein degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desiree I Frecot
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Theresa Froehlich
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Matsuda S, Affolter M. Is Drosophila Dpp/BMP morphogen spreading required for wing patterning and growth? Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200218. [PMID: 37452394 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200218] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Secreted signaling molecules act as morphogens to control patterning and growth in many developing tissues. Since locally produced morphogens spread to form a concentration gradient in the surrounding tissue, spreading is generally thought to be the key step in the non-autonomous actions. Here, we review recent advances in tool development to investigate morphogen function using the role of decapentaplegic (Dpp)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-type ligand in the Drosophila wing disc as an example. By applying protein binder tools to distinguish between the roles of Dpp spreading and local Dpp signaling, we found that Dpp signaling in the source cells is important for wing patterning and growth but Dpp spreading from this source cells is not as strictly required as previously thought. Given recent studies showing unexpected requirements of long-range action of different morphogens, manipulating endogenous morphogen gradients by synthetic protein binder tools could shed more light on how morphogens act in developing tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Matsuda
- Growth & Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Affolter
- Growth & Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kakasi B, Gácsi E, Jankovics H, Vonderviszt F. Extreme thermal stability of the antiGFP nanobody - GFP complex. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:110. [PMID: 37340471 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06382-3] [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: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its derivatives are widely used in biomedical research. The manipulation of GFP-tagged proteins by GFP-specific binders, e.g. single-domain antibodies (nanobodies), is of increasing significance. It is therefore important to better understand the properties of antiGFP-GFP interaction in order to establish methodological applications. In this work the interaction of superfolder GFP (sfGFP) and its enhancer nanobody (aGFPenh) was characterized further. RESULTS Previous calorimetric experiments demonstrated that the aGFPenh nanobody binds strongly to sfGFP with a nanomolar affinity. Here we show that this interaction results in a substantial structural stabilization of aGFPenh reflected in a significant increase of its melting temperature by almost 30 °C. The thermal stability of the sfGFP-aGFPenh complex is close to 85 °C in the pH range 7.0-8.5. For therapeutic applications thermoresistance is often an essential factor. Our results suggest that methodologies based on GFP-aGFP interaction can be applied under a wide range of physicochemical conditions. The aGFPenh nanobody seems to be suitable for manipulating sfGFP-labeled targets even in extreme thermophilic organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Kakasi
- Bio-Nanosystems Laboratory, Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Eszter Gácsi
- Bio-Nanosystems Laboratory, Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Hajnalka Jankovics
- Bio-Nanosystems Laboratory, Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Vonderviszt
- Bio-Nanosystems Laboratory, Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary.
- Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, Budapest, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lepeta K, Roubinet C, Bauer M, Vigano MA, Aguilar G, Kanca O, Ochoa-Espinosa A, Bieli D, Cabernard C, Caussinus E, Affolter M. Engineered kinases as a tool for phosphorylation of selected targets in vivo. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:213463. [PMID: 36102907 PMCID: PMC9477969 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202106179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible protein phosphorylation by kinases controls a plethora of processes essential for the proper development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. One main obstacle in studying the role of a defined kinase–substrate interaction is that kinases form complex signaling networks and most often phosphorylate multiple substrates involved in various cellular processes. In recent years, several new approaches have been developed to control the activity of a given kinase. However, most of them fail to regulate a single protein target, likely hiding the effect of a unique kinase–substrate interaction by pleiotropic effects. To overcome this limitation, we have created protein binder-based engineered kinases that permit a direct, robust, and tissue-specific phosphorylation of fluorescent fusion proteins in vivo. We show the detailed characterization of two engineered kinases based on Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) and Src. Expression of synthetic kinases in the developing fly embryo resulted in phosphorylation of their respective GFP-fusion targets, providing for the first time a means to direct the phosphorylation to a chosen and tagged target in vivo. We presume that after careful optimization, the novel approach we describe here can be adapted to other kinases and targets in various eukaryotic genetic systems to regulate specific downstream effectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chantal Roubinet
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, UK 2
| | - Milena Bauer
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland 1
| | | | | | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 3
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xu J, Kim AR, Cheloha RW, Fischer FA, Li JSS, Feng Y, Stoneburner E, Binari R, Mohr SE, Zirin J, Ploegh HL, Perrimon N. Protein visualization and manipulation in Drosophila through the use of epitope tags recognized by nanobodies. eLife 2022; 11:74326. [PMID: 35076390 PMCID: PMC8853664 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansion of the available repertoire of reagents for visualization and manipulation of proteins will help understand their function. Short epitope tags linked to proteins of interest and recognized by existing binders such as nanobodies facilitate protein studies by obviating the need to isolate new antibodies directed against them. Nanobodies have several advantages over conventional antibodies, as they can be expressed and used as tools for visualization and manipulation of proteins in vivo. Here, we characterize two short (<15aa) NanoTag epitopes, 127D01 and VHH05, and their corresponding high-affinity nanobodies. We demonstrate their use in Drosophila for in vivo protein detection and re-localization, direct and indirect immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and immunoprecipitation. We further show that CRISPR-mediated gene targeting provides a straightforward approach to tagging endogenous proteins with the NanoTags. Single copies of the NanoTags, regardless of their location, suffice for detection. This versatile and validated toolbox of tags and nanobodies will serve as a resource for a wide array of applications, including functional studies in Drosophila and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
| | - Ah-Ram Kim
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
| | | | | | | | - Yuan Feng
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Matsuda S, Aguilar G, Vigano MA, Affolter M. Nanobody-Based GFP Traps to Study Protein Localization and Function in Developmental Biology. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2446:581-593. [PMID: 35157295 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2075-5_30] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic protein-binding tools based on anti-green fluorescent protein (GFP) nanobodies have recently emerged as useful resources to study developmental biology. By fusing GFP-targeting nanobodies to well-characterized protein domains residing in discrete sub-cellular locations, it is possible to directly and acutely manipulate the localization of GFP-tagged proteins-of-interest in a predictable manner. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for the application of nanobody-based GFP-binding tools, namely Morphotrap and GrabFP, to study the localization and function of extracellular and intracellular proteins in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc. Given the generality of these methods, they are easily applicable for use in other tissues and model organisms.
Collapse
|
9
|
Matsuda S, Schaefer JV, Mii Y, Hori Y, Bieli D, Taira M, Plückthun A, Affolter M. Asymmetric requirement of Dpp/BMP morphogen dispersal in the Drosophila wing disc. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6435. [PMID: 34750371 PMCID: PMC8576045 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26726-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
How morphogen gradients control patterning and growth in developing tissues remains largely unknown due to lack of tools manipulating morphogen gradients. Here, we generate two membrane-tethered protein binders that manipulate different aspects of Decapentaplegic (Dpp), a morphogen required for overall patterning and growth of the Drosophila wing. One is "HA trap" based on a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against the HA tag that traps HA-Dpp to mainly block its dispersal, the other is "Dpp trap" based on a Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein (DARPin) against Dpp that traps Dpp to block both its dispersal and signaling. Using these tools, we found that, while posterior patterning and growth require Dpp dispersal, anterior patterning and growth largely proceed without Dpp dispersal. We show that dpp transcriptional refinement from an initially uniform to a localized expression and persistent signaling in transient dpp source cells render the anterior compartment robust against the absence of Dpp dispersal. Furthermore, despite a critical requirement of dpp for the overall wing growth, neither Dpp dispersal nor direct signaling is critical for lateral wing growth after wing pouch specification. These results challenge the long-standing dogma that Dpp dispersal is strictly required to control and coordinate overall wing patterning and growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonas V Schaefer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yusuke Mii
- National Institute for Basic Biology and Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- JST PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hori
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Masanori Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Deng DJ, Xia QC, Jia GS, Suo F, Chen JL, Sun L, Wang JQ, Wang SM, Du LL, Wang Y, Jin QW. Perturbation of kinetochore function using GFP-binding protein in fission yeast. G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2021; 11:6353032. [PMID: 34849791 PMCID: PMC8527488 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Using genetic mutations to study protein functions in vivo is a central paradigm of modern biology. Single-domain camelid antibodies generated against GFP have been engineered as nanobodies or GFP-binding proteins (GBPs) that can bind GFP as well as some GFP variants with high affinity and selectivity. In this study, we have used GBP-mCherry fusion protein as a tool to perturb the natural functions of a few kinetochore proteins in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We found that cells simultaneously expressing GBP-mCherry and the GFP-tagged inner kinetochore protein Cnp1 are sensitive to high temperature and microtubule drug thiabendazole (TBZ). In addition, kinetochore-targeted GBP-mCherry by a few major kinetochore proteins with GFP tags causes defects in faithful chromosome segregation. Thus, this setting compromises the functions of kinetochores and renders cells to behave like conditional mutants. Our study highlights the potential of using GBP as a general tool to perturb the function of some GFP-tagged proteins in vivo with the objective of understanding their functional relevance to certain physiological processes, not only in yeasts, but also potentially in other model systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Da-Jie Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qian-Cheng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Guo-Song Jia
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Fang Suo
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jia-Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Li Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jin-Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shuang-Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Li-Lin Du
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yamei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Quan-Wen Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kim SK, Tsao DD, Suh GSB, Miguel-Aliaga I. Discovering signaling mechanisms governing metabolism and metabolic diseases with Drosophila. Cell Metab 2021; 33:1279-1292. [PMID: 34139200 PMCID: PMC8612010 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There has been rapid growth in the use of Drosophila and other invertebrate systems to dissect mechanisms governing metabolism. New assays and approaches to physiology have aligned with superlative genetic tools in fruit flies to provide a powerful platform for posing new questions, or dissecting classical problems in metabolism and disease genetics. In multiple examples, these discoveries exploit experimental advantages as-yet unavailable in mammalian systems. Here, we illustrate how fly studies have addressed long-standing questions in three broad areas-inter-organ signaling through hormonal or neural mechanisms governing metabolism, intestinal interoception and feeding, and the cellular and signaling basis of sexually dimorphic metabolism and physiology-and how these findings relate to human (patho)physiology. The imaginative application of integrative physiology and related approaches in flies to questions in metabolism is expanding, and will be an engine of discovery, revealing paradigmatic features of metabolism underlying human diseases and physiological equipoise in health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung K Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine (Endocrinology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Deborah D Tsao
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Greg S B Suh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, South Korea.
| | - Irene Miguel-Aliaga
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vigano MA, Ell CM, Kustermann MMM, Aguilar G, Matsuda S, Zhao N, Stasevich TJ, Affolter M, Pyrowolakis G. Protein manipulation using single copies of short peptide tags in cultured cells and in Drosophila melanogaster. Development 2021; 148:dev191700. [PMID: 33593816 PMCID: PMC7990863 DOI: 10.1242/dev.191700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cellular development and function rely on highly dynamic molecular interactions among proteins distributed in all cell compartments. Analysis of these interactions has been one of the main topics in cellular and developmental research, and has been mostly achieved by the manipulation of proteins of interest (POIs) at the genetic level. Although genetic strategies have significantly contributed to our current understanding, targeting specific interactions of POIs in a time- and space-controlled manner or analysing the role of POIs in dynamic cellular processes, such as cell migration or cell division, would benefit from more-direct approaches. The recent development of specific protein binders, which can be expressed and function intracellularly, along with advancement in synthetic biology, have contributed to the creation of a new toolbox for direct protein manipulations. Here, we have selected a number of short-tag epitopes for which protein binders from different scaffolds have been generated and showed that single copies of these tags allowed efficient POI binding and manipulation in living cells. Using Drosophila, we also find that single short tags can be used for POI manipulation in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Alessandra Vigano
- Growth and Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Clara-Maria Ell
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Biology I, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manuela M M Kustermann
- Institute for Biology I, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gustavo Aguilar
- Growth and Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shinya Matsuda
- Growth and Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ning Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Timothy J Stasevich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Markus Affolter
- Growth and Development, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - George Pyrowolakis
- Institute for Biology I, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schneider F, Sych T, Eggeling C, Sezgin E. Influence of nanobody binding on fluorescence emission, mobility, and organization of GFP-tagged proteins. iScience 2021; 24:101891. [PMID: 33364580 PMCID: PMC7753935 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced fluorescence microscopy studies require specific and monovalent molecular labeling with bright and photostable fluorophores. This necessity led to the widespread use of fluorescently labeled nanobodies against commonly employed fluorescent proteins (FPs). However, very little is known how these nanobodies influence their target molecules. Here, we tested commercially available nanobodies and observed clear changes of the fluorescence properties, mobility and organization of green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged proteins after labeling with the anti-GFP nanobody. Intriguingly, we did not observe any co-diffusion of fluorescently labeled nanobodies with the GFP-labeled proteins. Our results suggest significant binding of the nanobodies to a non-emissive, likely oligomerized, form of the FPs, promoting disassembly into monomeric form after binding. Our findings have significant implications on the application of nanobodies and GFP labeling for studying dynamic and quantitative protein organization in the plasma membrane of living cells using advanced imaging techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Falk Schneider
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Taras Sych
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Christian Eggeling
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
- Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Max-Wien Platz 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology e.V., Albert-Einstein-Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center of Soft Matters, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Erdinc Sezgin
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Muyldermans S. A guide to: generation and design of nanobodies. FEBS J 2020; 288:2084-2102. [PMID: 32780549 PMCID: PMC8048825 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A nanobody (Nb) is a registered trademark of Ablynx, referring to the single antigen-binding domain of heavy chain-only antibodies (HCAbs) that are circulating in Camelidae. Nbs are produced recombinantly in micro-organisms and employed as research tools or for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. They were - and still are - also named single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) or variable domain of the heavy chain of HCAbs (VHH). A variety of methods are currently in use for the fast and efficient generation of target-specific Nbs. Such Nbs are produced at low cost and associate with high affinity to their cognate antigen. They are robust, strictly monomeric and easy to tailor into more complex entities to meet the requirements of their application. Here, we review the various sources and different strategies that have been developed to identify rapidly, target-specific Nbs. We further discuss a variety of engineering technologies that have been explored to broaden the application range of Nbs and summarise those applications where designed Nbs might offer a marked advantage over other affinity reagents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serge Muyldermans
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.,Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Imaging, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
de Marco A. Recombinant expression of nanobodies and nanobody-derived immunoreagents. Protein Expr Purif 2020; 172:105645. [PMID: 32289357 PMCID: PMC7151424 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2020.105645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antibody fragments for which the sequence is available are suitable for straightforward engineering and expression in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. When produced as fusions with convenient tags, they become reagents which pair their selective binding capacity to an orthogonal function. Several kinds of immunoreagents composed by nanobodies and either large proteins or short sequences have been designed for providing inexpensive ready-to-use biological tools. The possibility to choose among alternative expression strategies is critical because the fusion moieties might require specific conditions for correct folding or post-translational modifications. In the case of nanobody production, the trend is towards simpler but reliable (bacterial) methods that can substitute for more cumbersome processes requiring the use of eukaryotic systems. The use of these will not disappear, but will be restricted to those cases in which the final immunoconstructs must have features that cannot be obtained in prokaryotic cells. At the same time, bacterial expression has evolved from the conventional procedure which considered exclusively the nanobody and nanobody-fusion accumulation in the periplasm. Several reports show the advantage of cytoplasmic expression, surface-display and secretion for at least some applications. Finally, there is an increasing interest to use as a model the short nanobody sequence for the development of in silico methodologies aimed at optimizing the yields, stability and affinity of recombinant antibodies. There is an increasing request for immunoreagents based on nanobodies. The multiplicity of their applications requires constructs with different structural complexity. Alternative expression methods are necessary to achieve such structural requirements. In silico optimization of nanobody biophysical characteristics becomes more and more reliable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ario de Marco
- Laboratory for Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska cesta 13, S-5000, Nova Gorica, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Aguilar G, Vigano MA, Affolter M, Matsuda S. Reflections on the use of protein binders to study protein function in developmental biology. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 8:e356. [PMID: 31265212 PMCID: PMC6851689 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Studies in the field of developmental biology aim to unravel how a fertilized egg develops into an adult organism and how proteins and other macromolecules work together during this process. With regard to protein function, most of the developmental studies have used genetic and RNA interference approaches, combined with biochemical analyses, to reach this goal. However, there always remains much room for interpretation on how a given protein functions, because proteins work together with many other molecules in complex regulatory networks and it is not easy to reveal the function of one given protein without affecting the networks. Likewise, it has remained difficult to experimentally challenge and/or validate the proposed concepts derived from mutant analyses without tools that directly manipulate protein function in a predictable manner. Recently, synthetic tools based on protein binders such as scFvs, nanobodies, DARPins, and others have been applied in developmental biology to directly manipulate target proteins in a predicted manner. Although such tools would have a great impact in filling the gap of knowledge between mutant phenotypes and protein functions, careful investigations are required when applying functionalized protein binders to fundamental questions in developmental biology. In this review, we first summarize how protein binders have been used in the field, and then reflect on possible guidelines for applying such tools to study protein functions in developmental biology. This article is categorized under: Technologies > Analysis of Proteins Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Gradients Invertebrate Organogenesis > Flies.
Collapse
|