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Amaral DT, Kaplan RA, Takishita TKE, de Souza DR, Oliveira AG, Rosa SP. Glowing wonders: exploring the diversity and ecological significance of bioluminescent organisms in Brazil. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:1373-1392. [PMID: 38733516 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00590-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescence, the emission of light by living organisms, is a captivating and widespread phenomenon with diverse ecological functions. This comprehensive review explores the biodiversity, mechanisms, ecological roles, and conservation challenges of bioluminescent organisms in Brazil, a country known for its vast and diverse ecosystems. From the enchanting glow of fireflies and glow-in-the-dark mushrooms to the mesmerizing displays of marine dinoflagellates and cnidarians, Brazil showcases a remarkable array of bioluminescent species. Understanding the biochemical mechanisms and enzymes involved in bioluminescence enhances our knowledge of their evolutionary adaptations and ecological functions. However, habitat loss, climate change, and photopollution pose significant threats to these bioluminescent organisms. Conservation measures, interdisciplinary collaborations, and responsible lighting practices are crucial for their survival. Future research should focus on identifying endemic species, studying environmental factors influencing bioluminescence, and developing effective conservation strategies. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, advanced technologies, and increased funding, Brazil can unravel the mysteries of its bioluminescent biodiversity, drive scientific advancements, and ensure the long-term preservation of these captivating organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo T Amaral
- Centro de Ciências Naturais E Humanas, Universidade Federal Do ABC (UFABC), Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós Graduação Em Biotecnociência, Universidade Federal Do ABC (UFABC), Avenida Dos Estados, Bloco A, Room 504-3. ZIP 09210-580, Santo André, São Paulo, 5001, Brazil.
| | - Rachel A Kaplan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Yeshiva University, 245 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | | | - Daniel R de Souza
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados Em Jornalismo, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anderson G Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Yeshiva University, 245 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Simone Policena Rosa
- Instituto de Recursos Naturais (IRN), Universidade Federal de Itajubá (UNIFEI), Itajubá, MG, Brazil
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2
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim R Viviani
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (DFQM), Center for Sustainable Sciences and Technologies (CCTS), Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
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3
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Beyond luciferase-luciferin system: Modification, improved imaging and biomedical application. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Vysotski ES. Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Proteins: Molecular Mechanisms and Modern Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010281. [PMID: 36613724 PMCID: PMC9820413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Light emission by living organisms in the visible spectrum range is called bioluminescence [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene S Vysotski
- Photobiology Laboratory, Institute of Biophysics SB RAS, Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Science Center SB RAS", Krasnoyarsk 660036, Russia
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5
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Macromolecular assembly of bioluminescent protein nanoparticles for enhanced imaging. Mater Today Bio 2022; 17:100455. [PMID: 36304975 PMCID: PMC9593766 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging has advantages over fluorescence imaging, such as minimal photobleaching and autofluorescence, and greater signal-to-noise ratios in many complex environments. Although significant achievements have been made in luciferase engineering for generating bright and stable reporters, the full capability of luciferases for nanoparticle tracking has not been comprehensively examined. In biocatalysis, enhanced enzyme performance after immobilization on nanoparticles has been reported. Thus, we hypothesized that by assembling luciferases onto a nanoparticle, the resulting complex could lead to substantially improved imaging properties. Using a modular bioconjugation strategy, we attached NanoLuc (NLuc) or Akaluc bioluminescent proteins to a protein nanoparticle platform (E2), yielding nanoparticles NLuc-E2 and Akaluc-E2, both with diameters of ∼45 nm. Although no significant differences were observed between different conditions involving Akaluc and Akaluc-E2, free NLuc at pH 5.0 showed significantly lower emission values than free NLuc at pH 7.4. Interestingly, NLuc immobilization on E2 nanoparticles (NLuc-E2) emitted increased luminescence at pH 7.4, and at pH 5.0 showed over two orders of magnitude (>200-fold) higher luminescence (than free NLuc), expanding the potential for imaging detection using the nanoparticle even upon endocytic uptake. After uptake by macrophages, the resulting luminescence with NLuc-E2 nanoparticles was up to 7-fold higher than with free NLuc at 48 h. Cells incubated with NLuc-E2 could also be imaged using live bioluminescence microscopy. Finally, biodistribution of nanoparticles into lymph nodes was detected through imaging using NLuc-E2, but not with conventionally-labeled fluorescent E2. Our data demonstrate that NLuc-bound nanoparticles have advantageous properties that can be utilized in applications ranging from single-cell imaging to in vivo biodistribution.
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Trabuco Amaral D, Mitani Y, Aparecida Silva Bonatelli I, Cerri R, Ohmiya Y, Viviani V. Genome analysis of Phrixothrix hirtus (Phengodidae) railroad worm shows the expansion of odorant-binding gene families and positive selection on morphogenesis and sex determination genes. Gene X 2022; 850:146917. [PMID: 36174905 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146917] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Among bioluminescent beetles of the Elateroidea superfamily, Phengodidae is the third largest family, with 244 bioluminescent species distributed only in the Americas, but is still the least studied from the phylogenetic and evolutionary points of view. The railroad worm Phrixothrix hirtus is an essential biological model and symbolic species due to its bicolor bioluminescence, being the only organism that produces true red light among bioluminescent terrestrial species. Here, we performed partial genome assembly of P. hirtus, combining short and long reads generated with Illumina sequencing, providing the first source of genomic information and a framework for comparative analyses of the bioluminescent system in Elateroidea. This is the largest genome described in the Elateroidea superfamily, with an estimated size of ∼3.4 Gb, displaying 32 % GC content, and 67 % transposable elements. Comparative genomic analyses showed a positive selection of genes and gene family expansion events of growths and morphogenesis gene products, which could be associated with the atypical anatomical development and morphogenesis found in paedomorphic females and underdeveloped males. We also observed gene family expansion among distinct odorant-binding receptors, which could be associated with the pheromone communication system typical of these beetles, and retrotransposable elements. Common genes putatively regulating bioluminescence production and control, including two luciferase genes corresponding to lateral lanterns green-emitting and head lanterns red-emitting luciferases with 7 exons and 6 introns, and genes potentially involved in luciferin biosynthesis were found, indicating that there are no clear differences about the presence or absence of gene families associated with bioluminescence in Elateroidea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Trabuco Amaral
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnociência, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas. Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Yasuo Mitani
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Ricardo Cerri
- Department of Computational Science, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Yoshihiro Ohmiya
- Biomedical Research Institute, AIST, Ikeda-Osaka, Japan; Osaka Institute of Technology, OIT, Osaka, Japan
| | - Vadim Viviani
- Graduate Program of Evolutive Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil; Graduate Program of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Sorocaba, Brazil.
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Liu YJ. Understanding the complete bioluminescence cycle from a multiscale computational perspective: A review. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C: PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2022.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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8
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Systematic Comparison of Beetle Luciferase-Luciferin Pairs as Sources of Near-Infrared Light for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052451. [PMID: 35269601 PMCID: PMC8910387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Luciferases catalyze light-emitting reactions that produce a rainbow of colors from their substrates (luciferins), molecular oxygen, and often additional cofactors. These bioluminescence (BL) systems have afforded an incredible variety of basic research and medical applications. Driven by the importance of BL-based non-invasive animal imaging (BLI) applications, especially in support of cancer research, new BL systems have been developed by engineering beetle luciferase (Luc) variants and synthetic substrate combinations to produce red to near-infrared (nIR) light to improve imaging sensitivity and resolution. To stimulate the application of BLI research and advance the development of improved reagents for BLI, we undertook a systematic comparison of the spectroscopic and BL properties of seven beetle Lucs with LH2 and nine substrates, which included two new quinoline ring-containing analogs. The results of these experiments with purified Luc enzymes in vitro and in live HEK293T cells transfected with luc genes have enabled us to identify Luc/analog combinations with improved properties compared to those previously reported and to provide live cell BL data that may be relevant to in vivo imaging applications. Additionally, we found strong candidate enzyme/substrate pairs for in vitro biomarker applications requiring nIR sources with minimal visible light components. Notably, one of our new substrates paired with a previously developed Luc variant was demonstrated to be an excellent in vitro source of nIR and a potentially useful BL system for improved resolution in BLI.
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Belleti E, Bevilaqua VR, Brito AMM, Modesto DA, Lanfredi AJC, Viviani VR, Nantes-Cardoso IL. Synthesis of bioluminescent gold nanoparticle-luciferase hybrid systems for technological applications. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 20:1439-1453. [PMID: 34613602 PMCID: PMC8493054 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00111-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized in situ using dithiol-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG(SH)2) as reducer and stabilizing agents. Hybrid Au/F3O4 nanoparticles were also produced in a variation of synthesis, and both types of nanostructures had the polymer capping replaced by L-cysteine (Cys). The four types of nanoparticles, PEG(SH)2AuNPs, PEG(SH)2Au/F3O4NPs, CysAuNPs, and CysAu/F3O4NPs were associated with purified recombinant Pyrearinus termitilluminans green emitting click beetle luciferase (PyLuc) and Phrixotrix hirtus (RELuc) red-emitting railroad worm luciferase. Enzyme association with PEG(SH)2 was also investigated as a control. Luciferases were chosen because they catalyze bioluminescent reactions used in a wide range of bioanalytical applications, including ATP assays, gene reporting, high-throughput screening, bioluminescence imaging, biosensors and other bioluminescence-based assays. The immobilization of PyLuc and RELuc promoted partial suppression of the enzyme luminescence activity in a functionalization-dependent way. Association of PyLuc and RELuc with AuNPs increased the enzyme operational stability in relation to the free enzyme, as evidenced by the luminescence intensity from 0 to 7 h after substrate addition. The stability of the immobilized enzymes was also functionalization-dependent and the association with CysAuNPs was the condition that combined more sustained luminescent activity with a low degree of luminescence quenching. The higher enzymatic stability and sustained luminescence of luciferases associated with nanoparticles may improve the applicability of bioluminescence for bioimaging and biosensing purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisângela Belleti
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Vanessa R Bevilaqua
- Graduate School of Evolutive Genetics and Molecular Biology (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Adrianne M M Brito
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Diego A Modesto
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Alexandre J C Lanfredi
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Vadim R Viviani
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
- Graduate School of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring (UFSCar), Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Iseli L Nantes-Cardoso
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil.
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Emerging tools for bioluminescence imaging. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:86-94. [PMID: 33770744 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence (BL) relies on the enzymatic reaction between luciferase, a substrate conventionally named luciferin, and various cofactors. BL imaging has become a widely used technique to interrogate gene expression and cell fate, both in small and large animal models of research. Recent developments include the generation of improved luciferase-luciferin systems for deeper and more sensitive imaging as well as new caged luciferins to report on enzymatic activity and other intracellular functions. Here, we critically evaluate the emerging tools for BL imaging aiming to provide the reader with an updated compendium of the latest developments (2018-2020) and their notable applications.
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Saito-Moriya R, Nakayama J, Kamiya G, Kitada N, Obata R, Maki SA, Aoyama H. How to Select Firefly Luciferin Analogues for In Vivo Imaging. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1848. [PMID: 33673331 PMCID: PMC7918177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041848] [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: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence reactions are widely applied in optical in vivo imaging in the life science and medical fields. Such reactions produce light upon the oxidation of a luciferin (substrate) catalyzed by a luciferase (enzyme), and this bioluminescence enables the quantification of tumor cells and gene expression in animal models. Many researchers have developed single-color or multicolor bioluminescence systems based on artificial luciferin analogues and/or luciferase mutants, for application in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI). In the current review, we focus on the characteristics of firefly BLI technology and discuss the development of luciferin analogues for high-resolution in vivo BLI. In addition, we discuss the novel luciferin analogues TokeOni and seMpai, which show potential as high-sensitivity in vivo BLI reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Saito-Moriya
- School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Jun Nakayama
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Genta Kamiya
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Nobuo Kitada
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Rika Obata
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Shojiro A Maki
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aoyama
- School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
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