1
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Duval CJ, Steffen CL, Pavic K, Abankwa DK. Protocol to measure and analyze protein interactions in mammalian cells using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:103348. [PMID: 39342617 PMCID: PMC11470631 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103348] [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: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) allows to quantitate protein interactions in intact cells. Here, we present a protocol for measuring BRET due to transient interactions of oncogenic K-RasG12V in plasma membrane nanoclusters of HEK293-EBNA cells. We describe steps for seeding, transfecting, and replating cells. We then detail procedures for their preparation for BRET measurements on a CLARIOstar microplate reader and detailed data analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Steffen et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Jane Duval
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Candy Laura Steffen
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Karolina Pavic
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Daniel Kwaku Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
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2
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Davis Z, Coyle K, Park MK, Oren T, Hartley T, Umphlett A, Monahan J, Light K, Hunter K, Choi YS. A Modular Biosensor Design for Quantitative Measurement of Free Nedd8. ACS Sens 2024; 9:4740-4747. [PMID: 39253816 PMCID: PMC11443517 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c01130] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
The objective of our study was to develop a genetically encoded biosensor for quantification of Nedd8, a post-translational modifier that regulates cellular signals through conjugation to other proteins. Perturbations in the balance of free (i.e., unconjugated) and conjugated Nedd8 caused by defects in Nedd8 enzymes or cellular stress are implicated in various diseases. Despite the biological and biomedical importance of Nedd8 dynamics, no method exists for direct quantification of free Nedd8, hindering the study of Nedd8 and activities of its associated enzymes. Genetically encoded biosensors are established as tools to study other dynamic systems, but limitations of current biosensor design methods make them poorly suited for free Nedd8 quantification. We have developed a modular method to design genetically encoded biosensors that employs a target binding domain and two reporter domains positioned on opposite sides of the target binding site. Target quantification is based on competition between target binding and the interaction of the reporter domains. We applied our design strategy to free Nedd8 quantification by developing a selective binder for free Nedd8 and combining it with fluorescent or split nanoluciferase reporters. Our sensors produced quantifiable and specific signals for free Nedd8 and enabled real-time monitoring of deneddylation by DEN1 with a physiological substrate. Our sensor design will be useful for high-throughput screening for deneddylation inhibitors, which have potential in treatment of cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The modular design strategy can be extended to develop genetically encoded quantitative biosensors for other proteins of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary
Wyatt Davis
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799, United States
| | - Korbyn Coyle
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799, United States
| | - Min Kyung Park
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799, United States
| | - Tara Oren
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799, United States
| | - Teagen Hartley
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799, United States
| | - Alyssa Umphlett
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799, United States
| | - Jessilyn Monahan
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799, United States
| | - Kylie Light
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799, United States
| | - Kaylyn Hunter
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799, United States
| | - Yun-Seok Choi
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota 57799, United States
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3
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Liu Y, Hussain M, Wang C, Yang H, Wang K, Wei J, Long L, Ding L, Qian J. Programmable DNA Templates for Silver Nanoclusters Synthesis To Develop On-Demand FRET Aptasensor. Anal Chem 2024; 96:10391-10398. [PMID: 38844882 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (AgNCs-DNA) can be synthesized via a one-pot method bypassing the tedious process of biomolecular labeling. Appending an aptamer to DNA templates results in dual-functionalized DNA strands that can be utilized for synthesizing aptamer-modified AgNCs, thereby enabling the development of label-free fluorescence aptasensors. However, a major challenge lies in the necessity to redesign the dual-functionalized DNA strand for each specific target, thus increasing the complexity and hindering widespread application of these aptasensors. To overcome this challenge, we designed six DNA strands (DNA1-DNA6) that incorporate the templates for AgNCs synthesis and A4-linker for further aptamer coupling. Among all the synthesized AgNCs-DNA samples, it was found that both AgNCs-DNA1 and AgNCs-DNA2 stood out for their excellent long-term stability. After capturing the T4-linker that connected with aptamer1 specific for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), however, we found that only AgNCs-DNA1/aptamer1 maintained excellent long-term stability. This finding highlighted the potential of AgNCs-DNA1 as a versatile label-free fluorescence probe for the development of on-demand fluorescence aptasensors. To emphasize its benefits in aptasensing applications, we utilized AgNCs-DNA1/aptamer1 as the fluorescence probe and MoS2 nanosheets as the quencher to develop a FRET aptasensor for AFB1 detection. This aptasensor demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, enabling the detection of AFB1 within a wide concentration range of 0.03-120 ng/mL, with a limit of detection as low as 3.6 pg/mL (S/N = 3). The versatility of the aptasensor has been validated through the recognition of diverse targets, employing aptamer2 specific for ochratoxin A and aptamer3 specific for zearalenone, thereby showcasing its extensive applicability for on-demand detection. The universal applicability of this aptasensor holds great promise for future applications in diverse fields including food safety, environmental monitoring, and clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Mustafa Hussain
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Chengquan Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Huiyuan Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Kun Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Jie Wei
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Lingliang Long
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Lijun Ding
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Jing Qian
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
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4
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Jensen GC, Janis MK, Nguyen HN, David OW, Zastrow ML. Fluorescent Protein-Based Sensors for Detecting Essential Metal Ions across the Tree of Life. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1622-1643. [PMID: 38587931 PMCID: PMC11073808 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02695] [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] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent metal ion sensors are powerful tools for elucidating metal dynamics in living systems. Over the last 25 years since the first examples of genetically encoded fluorescent protein-based calcium indicators, this toolbox of probes has expanded to include other essential and non-essential metal ions. Collectively, these tools have illuminated fundamental aspects of metal homeostasis and trafficking that are crucial to fields ranging from neurobiology to human nutrition. Despite these advances, much of the application of metal ion sensors remains limited to mammalian cells and tissues and a limited number of essential metals. Applications beyond mammalian systems and in vivo applications in living organisms have primarily used genetically encoded calcium ion sensors. The aim of this Perspective is to provide, with the support of historical and recent literature, an updated and critical view of the design and use of fluorescent protein-based sensors for detecting essential metal ions in various organisms. We highlight the historical progress and achievements with calcium sensors and discuss more recent advances and opportunities for the detection of other essential metal ions. We also discuss outstanding challenges in the field and directions for future studies, including detecting a wider variety of metal ions, developing and implementing a broader spectral range of sensors for multiplexing experiments, and applying sensors to a wider range of single- and multi-species biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary C Jensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Makena K Janis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Hazel N Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Ogonna W David
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Melissa L Zastrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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5
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Hwang HG, Ye DY, Jung GY. Biosensor-guided discovery and engineering of metabolic enzymes. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108251. [PMID: 37690614 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108251] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
A variety of chemicals have been produced through metabolic engineering approaches, and enhancing biosynthesis performance can be achieved by using enzymes with high catalytic efficiency. Accordingly, a number of efforts have been made to discover enzymes in nature for various applications. In addition, enzyme engineering approaches have been attempted to suit specific industrial purposes. However, a significant challenge in enzyme discovery and engineering is the efficient screening of enzymes with the desired phenotype from extensive enzyme libraries. To overcome this bottleneck, genetically encoded biosensors have been developed to specifically detect target molecules produced by enzyme activity at the intracellular level. Especially, the biosensors facilitate high-throughput screening (HTS) of targeted enzymes, expanding enzyme discovery and engineering strategies with advances in systems and synthetic biology. This review examines biosensor-guided HTS systems and highlights studies that have utilized these tools to discover enzymes in diverse areas and engineer enzymes to enhance their properties, such as catalytic efficiency, specificity, and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Gyu Hwang
- Institute of Environmental and Energy Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Yeol Ye
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyoo Yeol Jung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea; School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Wang J, Xue N, Pan W, Tu R, Li S, Zhang Y, Mao Y, Liu Y, Cheng H, Guo Y, Yuan W, Ni X, Wang M. Repurposing conformational changes in ANL superfamily enzymes to rapidly generate biosensors for organic and amino acids. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6680. [PMID: 37865661 PMCID: PMC10590383 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42431-y] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Biosensors are powerful tools for detecting, real-time imaging, and quantifying molecules, but rapidly constructing diverse genetically encoded biosensors remains challenging. Here, we report a method to rapidly convert enzymes into genetically encoded circularly permuted fluorescent protein-based indicators to detect organic acids (GECFINDER). ANL superfamily enzymes undergo hinge-mediated ligand-coupling domain movement during catalysis. We introduce a circularly permuted fluorescent protein into enzymes hinges, converting ligand-induced conformational changes into significant fluorescence signal changes. We obtain 11 GECFINDERs for detecting phenylalanine, glutamic acid and other acids. GECFINDER-Phe3 and GECFINDER-Glu can efficiently and accurately quantify target molecules in biological samples in vitro. This method simplifies amino acid quantification without requiring complex equipment, potentially serving as point-of-care testing tools for clinical applications in low-resource environments. We also develop a GECFINDER-enabled droplet-based microfluidic high-throughput screening method for obtaining high-yield industrial strains. Our method provides a foundation for using enzymes as untapped blueprint resources for biosensor design, creation, and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Ning Xue
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjia Pan
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Ran Tu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- College of Environmental and Resources, Chongqing Technology and Business University, 400067, Chongqing, China
| | - Shixin Li
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Yufeng Mao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Haijiao Cheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanmei Guo
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaomeng Ni
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China.
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7
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Sadoine M, De Michele R, Župunski M, Grossmann G, Castro-Rodríguez V. Monitoring nutrients in plants with genetically encoded sensors: achievements and perspectives. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:195-216. [PMID: 37307576 PMCID: PMC10469547 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding mechanisms of nutrient allocation in organisms requires precise knowledge of the spatiotemporal dynamics of small molecules in vivo. Genetically encoded sensors are powerful tools for studying nutrient distribution and dynamics, as they enable minimally invasive monitoring of nutrient steady-state levels in situ. Numerous types of genetically encoded sensors for nutrients have been designed and applied in mammalian cells and fungi. However, to date, their application for visualizing changing nutrient levels in planta remains limited. Systematic sensor-based approaches could provide the quantitative, kinetic information on tissue-specific, cellular, and subcellular distributions and dynamics of nutrients in situ that is needed for the development of theoretical nutrient flux models that form the basis for future crop engineering. Here, we review various approaches that can be used to measure nutrients in planta with an overview over conventional techniques, as well as genetically encoded sensors currently available for nutrient monitoring, and discuss their strengths and limitations. We provide a list of currently available sensors and summarize approaches for their application at the level of cellular compartments and organelles. When used in combination with bioassays on intact organisms and precise, yet destructive analytical methods, the spatiotemporal resolution of sensors offers the prospect of a holistic understanding of nutrient flux in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri Sadoine
- Institute of Cell and Interaction Biology, Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Roberto De Michele
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo 90129, Italy
| | - Milan Župunski
- Institute of Cell and Interaction Biology, Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Guido Grossmann
- Institute of Cell and Interaction Biology, Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Vanessa Castro-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain
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8
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Khoroshyy P, Martinez-Seara H, Myšková J, Lazar J. Dynamics of transition dipole moment orientation in representative fluorescent proteins. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:22117-22123. [PMID: 37560975 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp01242e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Molecules of fluorescent proteins (FPs) exhibit distinct optical directionality. This optical directionality is characterized by transition dipole moments (TDMs), and their orientation with respect to the molecular structures. Although our recent observations of FP crystals allowed us to determine the mean TDM directions with respect to the framework of representative FP molecules, the dynamics of TDM orientations within FP molecules remain to be ascertained. Here we describe the results of our investigations of the dynamics of TDM directions in the fluorescent proteins eGFP, mTurquoise2 and mCherry, through time-resolved fluorescence polarization measurements and microsecond time scale all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The investigated FPs exhibit initial fluorescence anisotropies (r0) consistent with significant differences in the orientation of the excitation and emission TDMs. However, based on MD data, we largely attribute this observation to rapid (sub-nanosecond) fluorophore motions within the FP molecular framework. Our results allow improved determinations of orientational distributions of FP molecules by polarization microscopy, as well as more accurate interpretations of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petro Khoroshyy
- Inst. of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 160 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
- 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Hector Martinez-Seara
- Inst. of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 160 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Myšková
- 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Josef Lazar
- Inst. of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 160 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
- 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Stepanov AI, Besedovskaia ZV, Moshareva MA, Lukyanov KA, Putlyaeva LV. Studying Chromatin Epigenetics with Fluorescence Microscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168988. [PMID: 36012253 PMCID: PMC9409072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications of histones (methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, etc.) are of great importance in determining the functional state of chromatin. Changes in epigenome underlay all basic biological processes, such as cell division, differentiation, aging, and cancerous transformation. Post-translational histone modifications are mainly studied by immunoprecipitation with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq). It enables an accurate profiling of target modifications along the genome, but suffers from the high cost of analysis and the inability to work with living cells. Fluorescence microscopy represents an attractive complementary approach to characterize epigenetics. It can be applied to both live and fixed cells, easily compatible with high-throughput screening, and provide access to rich spatial information down to the single cell level. In this review, we discuss various fluorescent probes for histone modification detection. Various types of live-cell imaging epigenetic sensors suitable for conventional as well as super-resolution fluorescence microscopy are described. We also focus on problems and future perspectives in the development of fluorescent probes for epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afanasii I. Stepanov
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoi Blvd. 30, Bld. 1, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Zlata V. Besedovskaia
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoi Blvd. 30, Bld. 1, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A. Moshareva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklay St. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin A. Lukyanov
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoi Blvd. 30, Bld. 1, 121205 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (K.A.L.); (L.V.P.)
| | - Lidia V. Putlyaeva
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoi Blvd. 30, Bld. 1, 121205 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (K.A.L.); (L.V.P.)
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10
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Dey SK, Filonov GS, Olarerin-George AO, Jackson BT, Finley LWS, Jaffrey SR. Repurposing an adenine riboswitch into a fluorogenic imaging and sensing tag. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:180-190. [PMID: 34937909 PMCID: PMC8967656 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00925-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Fluorogenic RNA aptamers are used to genetically encode fluorescent RNA and to construct RNA-based metabolite sensors. Unlike naturally occurring aptamers that efficiently fold and undergo metabolite-induced conformational changes, fluorogenic aptamers can exhibit poor folding, which limits their cellular fluorescence. To overcome this, we evolved a naturally occurring well-folded adenine riboswitch into a fluorogenic aptamer. We generated a library of roughly 1015 adenine aptamer-like RNAs in which the adenine-binding pocket was randomized for both size and sequence, and selected Squash, which binds and activates the fluorescence of green fluorescent protein-like fluorophores. Squash exhibits markedly improved in-cell folding and highly efficient metabolite-dependent folding when fused to a S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-binding aptamer. A Squash-based ratiometric sensor achieved quantitative SAM measurements, revealed cell-to-cell heterogeneity in SAM levels and revealed metabolic origins of SAM. These studies show that the efficient folding of naturally occurring aptamers can be exploited to engineer well-folded cell-compatible fluorogenic aptamers and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Kumar Dey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Grigory S Filonov
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Sartorius, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Benjamin T Jackson
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lydia W S Finley
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Chandris P, Giannouli CC, Panayotou G. Imaging Approaches for the Study of Metabolism in Real Time Using Genetically Encoded Reporters. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:725114. [PMID: 35118062 PMCID: PMC8804523 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.725114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism comprises of two axes in order to serve homeostasis: anabolism and catabolism. Both axes are interbranched with the so-called bioenergetics aspect of metabolism. There is a plethora of analytical biochemical methods to monitor metabolites and reactions in lysates, yet there is a rising need to monitor, quantify and elucidate in real time the spatiotemporal orchestration of complex biochemical reactions in living systems and furthermore to analyze the metabolic effect of chemical compounds that are destined for the clinic. The ongoing technological burst in the field of imaging creates opportunities to establish new tools that will allow investigators to monitor dynamics of biochemical reactions and kinetics of metabolites at a resolution that ranges from subcellular organelle to whole system for some key metabolites. This article provides a mini review of available toolkits to achieve this goal but also presents a perspective on the open space that can be exploited to develop novel methodologies that will merge classic biochemistry of metabolism with advanced imaging. In other words, a perspective of "watching metabolism in real time."
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Chandris
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
| | | | - George Panayotou
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
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12
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Protein-like particles through nanoprecipitation of mixtures of polymers of opposite charge. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 607:1786-1795. [PMID: 34600342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.09.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Polymer nanoparticles (NPs) have a very high potential for applications notably in the biomedical field. However, synthetic polymer NPs cannot yet concurrence the functionalities of proteins, their natural counterparts, notably in terms of size, control over internal structure and interactions with biological environments. We hypothesize that kinetic trapping of polymers bearing oppositely charged groups in NPs could bring a new level of control and allow mimicking the surfaces of proteins. EXPERIMENTS Here, the assembly of mixed-charge polymer NPs through nanoprecipitation of mixtures of oppositely charged polymers is studied. Two series of copolymers made of ethyl methacrylate and 1 to 25 mol% of either methacrylic acid or a trimethylammonium bearing methacrylate are synthesized. These carboxylic acid or trimethylammonium bearing polymers are then mixed in different ratios and nanoprecipitated. The influence of the charge fraction, mixing ratio of the polymers, and precipitation conditions on NP size and surface charge is studied. FINDINGS Using this approach, NPs of less than 25 nm with tunable surface charge from +40 mV to -40 mV are assembled. The resulting NPs are sensitive to pH and certain NP formulations have an isoelectric point allowing repeated charge reversal. Encapsulation of fluorescent dyes yields very bright fluorescent NPs, whose interactions with cells are studied through fluorescence microscopy. The obtained results show the potential of nanoprecipitation of oppositely charged polymers for the design of NPs with precisely tuned surface properties.
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13
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Periplasmic-binding protein-based biosensors and bioanalytical assay platforms: Advances, considerations, and strategies for optimal utility. TALANTA OPEN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talo.2021.100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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14
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Reinartz I, Sarter M, Otten J, Höfig H, Pohl M, Schug A, Stadler AM, Fitter J. Structural Analysis of a Genetically Encoded FRET Biosensor by SAXS and MD Simulations. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21124144. [PMID: 34208740 PMCID: PMC8234384 DOI: 10.3390/s21124144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Inspired by the modular architecture of natural signaling proteins, ligand binding proteins are equipped with two fluorescent proteins (FPs) in order to obtain Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors. Here, we investigated a glucose sensor where the donor and acceptor FPs were attached to a glucose binding protein using a variety of different linker sequences. For three resulting sensor constructs the corresponding glucose induced conformational changes were measured by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and compared to recently published single molecule FRET results (Höfig et al., ACS Sensors, 2018). For one construct which exhibits a high change in energy transfer and a large change of the radius of gyration upon ligand binding, we performed coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations for the ligand-free and the ligand-bound state. Our analysis indicates that a carefully designed attachment of the donor FP is crucial for the proper transfer of the glucose induced conformational change of the glucose binding protein into a well pronounced FRET signal change as measured in this sensor construct. Since the other FP (acceptor) does not experience such a glucose induced alteration, it becomes apparent that only one of the FPs needs to have a well-adjusted attachment to the glucose binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Reinartz
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany;
- HIDSS4Health-Helmholtz Information and Data Science School for Health, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Mona Sarter
- I Physikalisches Institut (IA), AG Biophysik, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.S.); (H.H.)
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, IBI-8/JCNS-1, 52428 Jülich, Germany;
| | - Julia Otten
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, IBG-1, 52426 Jülich, Germany; (J.O.); (M.P.)
| | - Henning Höfig
- I Physikalisches Institut (IA), AG Biophysik, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.S.); (H.H.)
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, IBI-6, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Martina Pohl
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, IBG-1, 52426 Jülich, Germany; (J.O.); (M.P.)
| | - Alexander Schug
- John von Neumann Institute for Computing, Jülich Supercomputing Centre, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany;
- Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas M. Stadler
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, IBI-8/JCNS-1, 52428 Jülich, Germany;
- Institut für Physikalische Chemie, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörg Fitter
- I Physikalisches Institut (IA), AG Biophysik, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.S.); (H.H.)
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, IBI-6, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-241-80-27209
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15
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Betjes MA, Zheng X, Kok RNU, van Zon JS, Tans SJ. Cell Tracking for Organoids: Lessons From Developmental Biology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:675013. [PMID: 34150770 PMCID: PMC8209328 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.675013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoids have emerged as powerful model systems to study organ development and regeneration at the cellular level. Recently developed microscopy techniques that track individual cells through space and time hold great promise to elucidate the organizational principles of organs and organoids. Applied extensively in the past decade to embryo development and 2D cell cultures, cell tracking can reveal the cellular lineage trees, proliferation rates, and their spatial distributions, while fluorescent markers indicate differentiation events and other cellular processes. Here, we review a number of recent studies that exemplify the power of this approach, and illustrate its potential to organoid research. We will discuss promising future routes, and the key technical challenges that need to be overcome to apply cell tracking techniques to organoid biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sander J Tans
- AMOLF, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Bionanoscience Department, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
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16
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Klein F, Sardi F, Machado MR, Ortega C, Comini MA, Pantano S. CUTie2: The Attack of the Cyclic Nucleotide Sensor Clones. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:629773. [PMID: 33778003 PMCID: PMC7991088 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.629773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of small molecules in living cells using genetically encoded FRET sensors has revolutionized our understanding of signaling pathways at the sub-cellular level. However, engineering fluorescent proteins and specific binding domains to create new sensors remains challenging because of the difficulties associated with the large size of the polypeptides involved, and their intrinsically huge conformational variability. Indeed, FRET sensors’ design still relies on vague structural notions, and trial and error combinations of linkers and protein modules. We recently designed a FRET sensor for the second messenger cAMP named CUTie (Cyclic nucleotide Universal Tag for imaging experiments), which granted sub-micrometer resolution in living cells. Here we apply a combination of sequence/structure analysis to produce a new-generation FRET sensor for the second messenger cGMP based on Protein kinase G I (PKGI), which we named CUTie2. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations achieved an exhaustive sampling of the relevant spatio-temporal coordinates providing a quasi-quantitative prediction of the FRET efficiency, as confirmed by in vitro experiments. Moreover, biochemical characterization showed that the cGMP binding module maintains virtually the same affinity and selectivity for its ligand thant the full-length protein. The computational approach proposed here is easily generalizable to other allosteric protein modules, providing a cost effective-strategy for the custom design of FRET sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Klein
- BioMolecular Simulation Group, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Graduate Program in Chemistry, Facultad de Química, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Sardi
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Matías R Machado
- BioMolecular Simulation Group, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Claudia Ortega
- Recombinant Protein Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo A Comini
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sergio Pantano
- BioMolecular Simulation Group, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Redolfi N, Greotti E, Zanetti G, Hochepied T, Fasolato C, Pendin D, Pozzan T. A New Transgenic Mouse Line for Imaging Mitochondrial Calcium Signals. FUNCTION 2021; 2:zqab012. [PMID: 35330679 PMCID: PMC8788866 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play a key role in cellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis. Dysfunction in the organelle Ca2+ handling appears to be involved in several pathological conditions, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases, cardiac failure and malignant transformation. In the past years, several targeted green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) have been developed to study Ca2+ dynamics inside mitochondria of living cells. Surprisingly, while there is a number of transgenic mice expressing different types of cytosolic GECIs, few examples are available expressing mitochondria-localized GECIs, and none of them exhibits adequate spatial resolution. Here we report the generation and characterization of a transgenic mouse line (hereafter called mt-Cam) for the controlled expression of a mitochondria-targeted, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based Cameleon, 4mtD3cpv. To achieve this goal, we engineered the mouse ROSA26 genomic locus by inserting the optimized sequence of 4mtD3cpv, preceded by a loxP-STOP-loxP sequence. The probe can be readily expressed in a tissue-specific manner upon Cre recombinase-mediated excision, obtainable with a single cross. Upon ubiquitous Cre expression, the Cameleon is specifically localized in the mitochondrial matrix of cells in all the organs and tissues analyzed, from embryos to aged animals. Ca2+ imaging experiments performed in vitro and ex vivo in brain slices confirmed the functionality of the probe in isolated cells and live tissues. This new transgenic mouse line allows the study of mitochondrial Ca2+ dynamics in different tissues with no invasive intervention (such as viral infection or electroporation), potentially allowing simple calibration of the fluorescent signals in terms of mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Redolfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Greotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Tino Hochepied
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Cristina Fasolato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Diana Pendin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Tullio Pozzan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Via G. Orus 2, 35129 Padua, Italy
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18
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Baek K, Ji K, Peng W, Liyanaarachchi SM, Dodani SC. The design and evolution of fluorescent protein-based sensors for monoatomic ions in biology. Protein Eng Des Sel 2021; 34:gzab023. [PMID: 34581820 PMCID: PMC8477612 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzab023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Living cells rely on a finely tuned symphony of inorganic ion gradients composed of both cations and anions. This delicate balance is maintained by biological receptors all acting in concert to selectively recognize and position ions for homeostasis. These dynamic processes can be intercepted and visualized with optical microscopy at the organismal, tissue, cellular and subcellular levels using fluorescent protein-based biosensors. Since the first report of such tool for calcium (Ca2+) in 1997, outstanding biological questions and innovations in protein engineering along with associated fields have driven the development of new biosensors for Ca2+ and beyond. In this Review, we summarize a workflow that can be used to generate fluorescent protein-based biosensors to study monoatomic ions in biology. To showcase the scope of this approach, we highlight recent advances reported for Ca2+ biosensors and in detail discuss representative case studies of biosensors reported in the last four years for potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), copper (Cu2+/+), lanthanide (Ln3+) and chloride (Cl-) ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiheon Baek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Ke Ji
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Weicheng Peng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Sureshee M Liyanaarachchi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Sheel C Dodani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
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19
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Basak S, Sakia N, Dougherty L, Guo Z, Wu F, Mindlin F, Lary JW, Cole JL, Ding F, Bowen ME. Probing Interdomain Linkers and Protein Supertertiary Structure In Vitro and in Live Cells with Fluorescent Protein Resonance Energy Transfer. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166793. [PMID: 33388290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.166793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many proteins are composed of independently-folded domains connected by flexible linkers. The primary sequence and length of such linkers can set the effective concentration for the tethered domains, which impacts rates of association and enzyme activity. The length of such linkers can be sensitive to environmental conditions, which raises questions as to how studies in dilute buffer relate to the highly-crowded cellular environment. To examine the role of linkers in domain separation, we measured Fluorescent Protein-Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FP-FRET) for a series of tandem FPs that varied in the length of their interdomain linkers. We used discrete molecular dynamics to map the underlying conformational distribution, which revealed intramolecular contact states that we confirmed with single molecule FRET. Simulations found that attached FPs increased linker length and slowed conformational dynamics relative to the bare linkers. This makes the CLYs poor sensors of inherent linker properties. However, we also showed that FP-FRET in CLYs was sensitive to solvent quality and macromolecular crowding making them potent environmental sensors. Finally, we targeted the same proteins to the plasma membrane of living mammalian cells to measure FP-FRET in cellulo. The measured FP-FRET when tethered to the plasma membrane was the same as that in dilute buffer. While caveats remain regarding photophysics, this suggests that the supertertiary conformational ensemble of these CLY proteins may not be affected by this specific cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujit Basak
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8661, USA
| | - Nabanita Sakia
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0978, USA
| | - Laura Dougherty
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8661, USA
| | - Zhuojun Guo
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8661, USA
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8661, USA
| | - Frank Mindlin
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8661, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Lary
- National Analytical Ultracentrifugation Facility, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - James L Cole
- National Analytical Ultracentrifugation Facility, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, and Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0978, USA
| | - Mark E Bowen
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8661, USA.
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20
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Sabatini BL, Tian L. Imaging Neurotransmitter and Neuromodulator Dynamics In Vivo with Genetically Encoded Indicators. Neuron 2020; 108:17-32. [PMID: 33058762 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The actions of neuromodulation are thought to mediate the ability of the mammalian brain to dynamically adjust its functional state in response to changes in the environment. Altered neurotransmitter (NT) and neuromodulator (NM) signaling is central to the pathogenesis or treatment of many human neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, depression, and addiction. To reveal the precise mechanisms by which these neurochemicals regulate healthy and diseased neural circuitry, one needs to measure their spatiotemporal dynamics in the living brain with great precision. Here, we discuss recent development, optimization, and applications of optical approaches to measure the spatial and temporal profiles of NT and NM release in the brain using genetically encoded sensors for in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo L Sabatini
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lin Tian
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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21
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Sang Y, Han J, Zhao T, Duan P, Liu M. Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Nanoassemblies: Generation, Amplification, and Application. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1900110. [PMID: 31394014 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201900110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 448] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the development of circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) materials has drawn extensive attention due to the numerous potential applications in optical data storage, displays, backlights in 3D displays, and so on. While the fabrication of CPL-active materials generally requires chiral luminescent molecules, the introduction of the "self-assembly" concept offers a new perspective in obtaining the CPL-active materials. Following this approach, various self-assembled materials, including organic-, inorganic-, and hybrid systems can be endowed with CPL properties. Benefiting from the advantages of self-assembly, not only chiral molecules, but also achiral species, as well as inorganic nanoparticles have potential to be self-assembled into chiral nanoassemblies showing CPL activity. In addition, the dissymmetry factor, an important parameter of CPL materials, can be enhanced through various pathways of self-assembly. Here, the present status and progress of self-assembled nanomaterials with CPL activity are reviewed. An overview of the key factors in regulating chiral emission materials at the supramolecular level will largely boost their application in multidisciplinary fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Sang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 2 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiJie, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jianlei Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, Division of Nanophotonics, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Tonghan Zhao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, Division of Nanophotonics, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Duan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, Division of Nanophotonics, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Minghua Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 2 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiJie, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, Division of Nanophotonics, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 ZhongGuanCun BeiYiTiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
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22
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Expanding the Toolkit of Fluorescent Biosensors for Studying Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases in Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155350. [PMID: 32731410 PMCID: PMC7432370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are key regulators of numerous biological processes in plants. To better understand the mechanisms by which these kinases function, high resolution measurement of MAPK activation kinetics in different biological contexts would be beneficial. One method to measure MAPK activation in plants is via fluorescence-based genetically-encoded biosensors, which can provide real-time readouts of the temporal and spatial dynamics of kinase activation in living tissue. Although fluorescent biosensors have been widely used to study MAPK dynamics in animal cells, there is currently only one MAPK biosensor that has been described for use in plants. To facilitate creation of additional plant-specific MAPK fluorescent biosensors, we report the development of two new tools: an in vitro assay for efficiently characterizing MAPK docking domains and a translocation-based kinase biosensor for use in plants. The implementation of these two methods has allowed us to expand the available pool of plant MAPK biosensors, while also providing a means to generate more specific and selective MAPK biosensors in the future. Biosensors developed using these methods have the potential to enhance our understanding of the roles MAPKs play in diverse plant signaling networks affecting growth, development, and stress response.
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23
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Nguyen D, Behrens DM, Sen S, Najdahmadi A, Pham JN, Speciale G, Lawrence MM, Majumdar S, Weiss GA, Botvinick EL. Photostable and Proteolysis-Resistant Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Calcium Biosensor. Anal Chem 2020; 92:7683-7689. [PMID: 32352281 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Molecular sensors from protein engineering offer new methods to sensitively bind to and detect target analytes for a wide range of applications. For example, these sensors can be integrated into probes for implantation, and then yield new and valuable physiological information. Here, a new Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based sensor is integrated with an optical fiber to yield a device measuring free Ca2+. This membrane encapsulated optical fiber (MEOF) device is composed of a sensor matrix that fills poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) with an engineered troponin C (TnC) protein fused to a pair of FRET fluorophores. The FRET efficiency is modulated upon Ca2+ ion binding. The probe further comprises a second, size-excluding filter membrane that is synthesized by filling the pores of a PTFE matrix with a poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) hydrogel; this design ensures protection from circulating proteases and the foreign body response. The two membranes are stacked and placed on a thin, silica optical fiber for optical excitation and detection. Results show the biosensor responds to changes in Ca2+ concentration within minutes with a sensitivity ranging from 0.01 to 10 mM Ca2+, allowing discrimination of hyper- and hypocalcemia. Furthermore, the system reversibly binds Ca2+ to allow continuous monitoring. This work paves the way for the use of engineered structure-switching proteins for continuous optical monitoring in a large number of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dat Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2730, United States
| | - Danielle M Behrens
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2730, United States
| | - Sanjana Sen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-3900, United States
| | - Avid Najdahmadi
- Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic, University of California, Irvine, California 92612-1475, United States
| | - Jessica N Pham
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2015, United States
| | - Gaetano Speciale
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2015, United States
| | - Micah M Lawrence
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2730, United States
| | - Sudipta Majumdar
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2015, United States
| | - Gregory A Weiss
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-3900, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2015, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4625, United States
| | - Elliot L Botvinick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2730, United States.,Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic, University of California, Irvine, California 92612-1475, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2730, United States
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24
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AMPfret: synthetic nanosensor for cellular energy states. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:103-111. [PMID: 32010945 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cellular energy is a cornerstone of metabolism and is crucial for human health and disease. Knowledge of the cellular energy states and the underlying regulatory mechanisms is therefore key to understanding cell physiology and to design therapeutic interventions. Cellular energy states are characterised by concentration ratios of adenylates, in particular ATP:ADP and ATP:AMP. We applied synthetic biology approaches to design, engineer and validate a genetically encoded nano-sensor for cellular energy state, AMPfret. It employs the naturally evolved energy sensing of eukaryotic cells provided by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Our synthetic nano-sensor relies on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to detect changes in ATP:ADP and ATP:AMP ratios both in vitro and in cells in vivo. Construction and iterative optimisation relied on ACEMBL, a parallelised DNA assembly and construct screening technology we developed, facilitated by a method we termed tandem recombineering (TR). Our approach allowed rapid testing of numerous permutations of the AMPfret sensor to identify the most sensitive construct, which we characterised and validated both in the test tube and within cells.
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Zhu XG, Ort DR, Parry MAJ, von Caemmerer S. A wish list for synthetic biology in photosynthesis research. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:2219-2225. [PMID: 32060550 PMCID: PMC7134917 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
This perspective summarizes the presentations and discussions at the ' International Symposium on Synthetic Biology in Photosynthesis Research', which was held in Shanghai in 2018. Leveraging the current advanced understanding of photosynthetic systems, the symposium brain-stormed about the redesign and engineering of photosynthetic systems for translational goals and evaluated available new technologies/tools for synthetic biology as well as technological obstacles and new tools that would be needed to overcome them. Four major research areas for redesigning photosynthesis were identified: (i) mining natural variations of photosynthesis; (ii) coordinating photosynthesis with pathways utilizing photosynthate; (iii) reconstruction of highly efficient photosynthetic systems in non-host species; and (iv) development of new photosynthetic systems that do not exist in nature. To expedite photosynthesis synthetic biology research, an array of new technologies and community resources need to be developed, which include expanded modelling capacities, molecular engineering toolboxes, model species, and phenotyping tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Guang Zhu
- Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology and Center for Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Donald R Ort
- Departments of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Martin A J Parry
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Susanne von Caemmerer
- Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Acton, Australia
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Wu R, Karunanayake Mudiyanselage AP, Ren K, Sun Z, Tian Q, Zhao B, Bagheri Y, Lutati D, Keshri P, You M. Ratiometric Fluorogenic RNA-Based Sensors for Imaging Live-Cell Dynamics of Small Molecules. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:2633-2642. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b01237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rigumula Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | | | - Kewei Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Zhining Sun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Qian Tian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Yousef Bagheri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - David Lutati
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Puspam Keshri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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27
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Ren C, Wen X, Mencius J, Quan S. Selection and screening strategies in directed evolution to improve protein stability. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s40643-019-0288-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractProtein stability is not only fundamental for experimental, industrial, and therapeutic applications, but is also the baseline for evolving novel protein functions. For decades, stability engineering armed with directed evolution has continued its rapid development and inevitably poses challenges. Generally, in directed evolution, establishing a reliable link between a genotype and any interpretable phenotype is more challenging than diversifying genetic libraries. Consequently, we set forth in a small picture to emphasize the screening or selection techniques in protein stability-directed evolution to secure the link. For a more systematic review, two main branches of these techniques, namely cellular or cell-free display and stability biosensors, are expounded with informative examples.
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Anjum NA, Amreen, Tantray AY, Khan NA, Ahmad A. Reactive oxygen species detection-approaches in plants: Insights into genetically encoded FRET-based sensors. J Biotechnol 2019; 308:108-117. [PMID: 31836526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (and their reaction products) in abiotic stressed plants can be simultaneous. Hence, it is very difficult to establish individual roles of ROS (and their reaction products) in plants particularly under abiotic stress conditions. It is highly imperative to detect ROS (and their reaction products) and ascertain their role in vivo and also to point their optimal level in order to unveil exact relation of ROS (and their reaction products) with the major components of ROS-controlling systems. Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) technology enables us with high potential for monitoring and quantification of ROS and redox variations, avoiding some of the obstacles presented by small-molecule fluorescent dyes. This paper aims to: (i) introduce ROS and overview ROS-chemistry and ROS-accrued major damages to major biomolecules; (ii) highlight invasive and non-invasive approaches for the detection of ROS (and their reaction products); (iii) appraise literature available on genetically encoded ROS (and their reaction products)-sensors based on FRET technology, and (iv) enlighten so far unexplored aspects in the current context. The studies integrating the outcomes of the FRET-based ROS-detection approaches with OMICS sciences (genetics, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) would enlighten major insights into real-time ROS and redox dynamics, and their signaling at cellular and subcellular levels in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser A Anjum
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, U.P., India.
| | - Amreen
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, U.P., India
| | - Aadil Y Tantray
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, U.P., India
| | - Nafees A Khan
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, U.P., India
| | - Altaf Ahmad
- Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, U.P., India.
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29
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Wu R, Karunanayake Mudiyanselage APKK, Shafiei F, Zhao B, Bagheri Y, Yu Q, McAuliffe K, Ren K, You M. Genetically Encoded Ratiometric RNA‐Based Sensors for Quantitative Imaging of Small Molecules in Living Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201911799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rigumula Wu
- University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | | | | | - Bin Zhao
- University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | | | - Qikun Yu
- University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | | | - Kewei Ren
- University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - Mingxu You
- University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
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30
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Wu R, Karunanayake Mudiyanselage APKK, Shafiei F, Zhao B, Bagheri Y, Yu Q, McAuliffe K, Ren K, You M. Genetically Encoded Ratiometric RNA-Based Sensors for Quantitative Imaging of Small Molecules in Living Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:18271-18275. [PMID: 31591798 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201911799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Precisely determining the intracellular concentrations of metabolites and signaling molecules is critical in studying cell biology. Fluorogenic RNA-based sensors have emerged to detect various targets in living cells. However, it is still challenging to apply these genetically encoded sensors to quantify the cellular concentrations and distributions of targets. Herein, using a pair of orthogonal fluorogenic RNA aptamers, DNB and Broccoli, we engineered a modular sensor system to apply the DNB-to-Broccoli fluorescence ratio to quantify the cell-to-cell variations of target concentrations. These ratiometric sensors can be broadly applied for live-cell imaging and quantification of metabolites, signaling molecules, and other synthetic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigumula Wu
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | | | | | - Bin Zhao
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | | | - Qikun Yu
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | | | - Kewei Ren
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Mingxu You
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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31
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Leopold AV, Shcherbakova DM, Verkhusha VV. Fluorescent Biosensors for Neurotransmission and Neuromodulation: Engineering and Applications. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:474. [PMID: 31708747 PMCID: PMC6819510 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how neuronal activity patterns in the brain correlate with complex behavior is one of the primary goals of modern neuroscience. Chemical transmission is the major way of communication between neurons, however, traditional methods of detection of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator transients in mammalian brain lack spatiotemporal precision. Modern fluorescent biosensors for neurotransmitters and neuromodulators allow monitoring chemical transmission in vivo with millisecond precision and single cell resolution. Changes in the fluorescent biosensor brightness occur upon neurotransmitter binding and can be detected using fiber photometry, stationary microscopy and miniaturized head-mounted microscopes. Biosensors can be expressed in the animal brain using adeno-associated viral vectors, and their cell-specific expression can be achieved with Cre-recombinase expressing animals. Although initially fluorescent biosensors for chemical transmission were represented by glutamate biosensors, nowadays biosensors for GABA, acetylcholine, glycine, norepinephrine, and dopamine are available as well. In this review, we overview functioning principles of existing intensiometric and ratiometric biosensors and provide brief insight into the variety of neurotransmitter-binding proteins from bacteria, plants, and eukaryotes including G-protein coupled receptors, which may serve as neurotransmitter-binding scaffolds. We next describe a workflow for development of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator biosensors. We then discuss advanced setups for functional imaging of neurotransmitter transients in the brain of awake freely moving animals. We conclude by providing application examples of biosensors for the studies of complex behavior with the single-neuron precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Leopold
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daria M Shcherbakova
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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32
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Roelse M, Wehrens R, Henquet MG, Witkamp RF, Hall RD, Jongsma MA. The Effect of Calcium Buffering and Calcium Sensor Type on the Sensitivity of an Array-Based Bitter Receptor Screening Assay. Chem Senses 2019; 44:497-505. [PMID: 31278864 PMCID: PMC7357244 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjz044] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetically encoded calcium sensor protein Cameleon YC3.6 has previously been applied for functional G protein-coupled receptor screening using receptor cell arrays. However, different types of sensors are available, with a wide range in [Ca2+] sensitivity, Hill coefficients, calcium binding domains, and fluorophores, which could potentially improve the performance of the assay. Here, we compared the responses of 3 structurally different calcium sensor proteins (Cameleon YC3.6, Nano140, and Twitch2B) simultaneously, on a single chip, at different cytosolic expression levels and in combination with 2 different bitter receptors, TAS2R8 and TAS2R14. Sensor concentrations were modified by varying the amount of calcium sensor DNA that was printed on the DNA arrays prior to reverse transfection. We found that ~2-fold lower concentrations of calcium sensor protein, by transfecting 4 times less sensor-coding DNA, resulted in more sensitive bitter responses. The best results were obtained with Twitch2B, where, relative to YC3.6 at the default DNA concentration, a 4-fold lower DNA concentration increased sensitivity 60-fold and signal strength 5- to 10-fold. Next, we compared the performance of YC3.6 and Twitch2B against an array with 11 different bitter taste receptors. We observed a 2- to 8-fold increase in sensitivity using Twitch2B compared with YC3.6. The bitter receptor arrays contained 300 spots and could be exposed to a series of 18 injections within 1 h resulting in 5400 measurements. These optimized sensor conditions provide a basis for enhancing receptomics calcium assays for receptors with poor Ca2+ signaling and will benefit future high-throughput receptomics experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margriet Roelse
- BU Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen.,Nutritional Biology and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng, WE Wageningen, The Netherlandsand
| | - Ron Wehrens
- BU Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.,BU Biometris, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen
| | - Maurice Gl Henquet
- BU Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Renger F Witkamp
- Nutritional Biology and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng, WE Wageningen, The Netherlandsand
| | - Robert D Hall
- BU Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen
| | - Maarten A Jongsma
- BU Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
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33
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Kostyuk AI, Demidovich AD, Kotova DA, Belousov VV, Bilan DS. Circularly Permuted Fluorescent Protein-Based Indicators: History, Principles, and Classification. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4200. [PMID: 31461959 PMCID: PMC6747460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensors based on fluorescent proteins (FPs) are a reliable tool for studying the various biological processes in living systems. The circular permutation of single FPs led to the development of an extensive class of biosensors that allow the monitoring of many intracellular events. In circularly permuted FPs (cpFPs), the original N- and C-termini are fused using a peptide linker, while new termini are formed near the chromophore. Such a structure imparts greater mobility to the FP than that of the native variant, allowing greater lability of the spectral characteristics. One of the common principles of creating genetically encoded biosensors is based on the integration of a cpFP into a flexible region of a sensory domain or between two interacting domains, which are selected according to certain characteristics. Conformational rearrangements of the sensory domain associated with ligand interaction or changes in the cellular parameter are transferred to the cpFP, changing the chromophore environment. In this review, we highlight the basic principles of such sensors, the history of their creation, and a complete classification of the available biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Kostyuk
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | | | - Daria A Kotova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Vsevolod V Belousov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Georg August University Göttingen, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dmitry S Bilan
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia.
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia.
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34
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Sikkema HR, Gaastra BF, Pols T, Poolman B. Cell Fuelling and Metabolic Energy Conservation in Synthetic Cells. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2581-2592. [PMID: 31381223 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We are aiming for a blue print for synthesizing (moderately complex) subcellular systems from molecular components and ultimately for constructing life. However, without comprehensive instructions and design principles, we rely on simple reaction routes to operate the essential functions of life. The first forms of synthetic life will not make every building block for polymers de novo according to complex pathways, rather they will be fed with amino acids, fatty acids and nucleotides. Controlled energy supply is crucial for any synthetic cell, no matter how complex. Herein, we describe the simplest pathways for the efficient generation of ATP and electrochemical ion gradients. We have estimated the demand for ATP by polymer synthesis and maintenance processes in small cell-like systems, and we describe circuits to control the need for ATP. We also present fluorescence-based sensors for pH, ionic strength, excluded volume, ATP/ADP, and viscosity, which allow the major physicochemical conditions inside cells to be monitored and tuned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik R Sikkema
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bauke F Gaastra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tjeerd Pols
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bert Poolman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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35
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Wang H, Lo WT, Haucke V. Phosphoinositide switches in endocytosis and in the endolysosomal system. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2019; 59:50-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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36
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Live-Cell Imaging of Physiologically Relevant Metal Ions Using Genetically Encoded FRET-Based Probes. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050492. [PMID: 31121936 PMCID: PMC6562680 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential biochemical reactions and processes within living organisms are coupled to subcellular fluctuations of metal ions. Disturbances in cellular metal ion homeostasis are frequently associated with pathological alterations, including neurotoxicity causing neurodegeneration, as well as metabolic disorders or cancer. Considering these important aspects of the cellular metal ion homeostasis in health and disease, measurements of subcellular ion signals are of broad scientific interest. The investigation of the cellular ion homeostasis using classical biochemical methods is quite difficult, often even not feasible or requires large cell numbers. Here, we report of genetically encoded fluorescent probes that enable the visualization of metal ion dynamics within individual living cells and their organelles with high temporal and spatial resolution. Generally, these probes consist of specific ion binding domains fused to fluorescent protein(s), altering their fluorescent properties upon ion binding. This review focuses on the functionality and potential of these genetically encoded fluorescent tools which enable monitoring (sub)cellular concentrations of alkali metals such as K+, alkaline earth metals including Mg2+ and Ca2+, and transition metals including Cu+/Cu2+ and Zn2+. Moreover, we discuss possible approaches for the development and application of novel metal ion biosensors for Fe2+/Fe3+, Mn2+ and Na+.
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37
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van de Wiel SMW, Bijsmans ITGW, van Mil SWC, van de Graaf SFJ. Identification of FDA-approved drugs targeting the Farnesoid X Receptor. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2193. [PMID: 30778102 PMCID: PMC6379390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) belongs to the nuclear receptor family and is activated by bile acids. Multiple, chemically rather diverse, FXR agonists have been developed and several of these compounds are currently tested in clinical trials for NAFLD and cholestasis. Here, we investigated possible FXR-agonism or antagonism of existing FDA/EMA-approved drugs. By using our recently developed FRET-sensor, containing the ligand binding domain of FXR (FXR-LBD), 1280 FDA-approved drugs were screened for their ability to activate FXR in living cells using flow cytometry. Fifteen compounds induced the sensor for more than twenty percent above background. Real-time confocal microscopy confirmed that avermectin B1a, gliquidone, nicardipine, bepridil and triclosan activated the FRET sensor within two minutes. These compounds, including fluticasone, increased mRNA expression of FXR target genes OSTα and OSTβ in Huh7 cells, and in most cases also of MRP2, SHP and FGF19. Finally, avermectin B1a, gliquidone, nicardipine and bepridil significantly increased IBABP promoter activity in a luciferase reporter assay in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, six FDA/EMA-approved drugs currently used in the clinical practice exhibit moderate agonistic FXR activity. This may on the one hand explain (undesired) side-effects, but on the other hand may form an opportunity for polypharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M W van de Wiel
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid T G W Bijsmans
- Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia W C van Mil
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stan F J van de Graaf
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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38
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Shen Y, Wu SY, Rancic V, Aggarwal A, Qian Y, Miyashita SI, Ballanyi K, Campbell RE, Dong M. Genetically encoded fluorescent indicators for imaging intracellular potassium ion concentration. Commun Biol 2019; 2:18. [PMID: 30652129 PMCID: PMC6331434 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-018-0269-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium ion (K+) homeostasis and dynamics play critical roles in biological activities. Here we describe three genetically encoded K+ indicators. KIRIN1 (potassium (K) ion ratiometric indicator) and KIRIN1-GR are Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based indicators with a bacterial K+ binding protein (Kbp) inserting between the fluorescent protein FRET pairs mCerulean3/cp173Venus and Clover/mRuby2, respectively. GINKO1 (green indicator of K+ for optical imaging) is a single fluorescent protein-based K+ indicator constructed by insertion of Kbp into enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). These indicators are suitable for detecting K+ at physiologically relevant concentrations in vitro and in cells. KIRIN1 enabled imaging of cytosolic K+ depletion in live cells and K+ efflux and reuptake in cultured neurons. GINKO1, in conjunction with red fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, enable dual-color imaging of K+ and Ca2+ dynamics in neurons and glial cells. These results demonstrate that KIRIN1 and GINKO1 are useful tools for imaging intracellular K+ dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shen
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Sheng-Yi Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Vladimir Rancic
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7 Canada
| | - Abhi Aggarwal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Yong Qian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2 Canada
| | - Shin-Ichiro Miyashita
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Klaus Ballanyi
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7 Canada
| | - Robert E. Campbell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2 Canada
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033 Japan
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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Terai K, Imanishi A, Li C, Matsuda M. Two Decades of Genetically Encoded Biosensors Based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer. Cell Struct Funct 2019; 44:153-169. [DOI: 10.1247/csf.18035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Terai
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Research Center for Dynamic Living Systems, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
| | - Ayako Imanishi
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
| | - Chunjie Li
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
| | - Michiyuki Matsuda
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Research Center for Dynamic Living Systems, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University
- Department of Pathology and Biology of Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
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40
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Single-Molecule Studies on a FRET Biosensor: Lessons from a Comparison of Fluorescent Protein Equipped versus Dye-Labeled Species. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123105. [PMID: 30486450 PMCID: PMC6320824 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial periplasmic binding proteins (PBPs) undergo a pronounced ligand-induced conformational change which can be employed to monitor ligand concentrations. The most common strategy to take advantage of this conformational change for a biosensor design is to use a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) signal. This can be achieved by attaching either two fluorescent proteins (FPs) or two organic fluorescent dyes of different colors to the PBPs in order to obtain an optical readout signal which is closely related to the ligand concentration. In this study we compare a FP-equipped and a dye-labeled version of the glucose/galactose binding protein MglB at the single-molecule level. The comparison demonstrates that changes in the FRET signal upon glucose binding are more pronounced for the FP-equipped sensor construct as compared to the dye-labeled analog. Moreover, the FP-equipped sensor showed a strong increase of the FRET signal under crowding conditions whereas the dye-labeled sensor was not influenced by crowding. The choice of a labeling scheme should therefore be made depending on the application of a FRET-based sensor.
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Liu B, Mavrova SN, van den Berg J, Kristensen SK, Mantovanelli L, Veenhoff LM, Poolman B, Boersma AJ. Influence of Fluorescent Protein Maturation on FRET Measurements in Living Cells. ACS Sens 2018; 3:1735-1742. [PMID: 30168711 PMCID: PMC6167724 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.8b00473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Förster resonance
energy transfer (FRET)-based sensors are
a valuable tool to quantify cell biology, yet it remains necessary
to identify and prevent potential artifacts in order to exploit their
full potential. We show here that artifacts arising from slow donor
mCerulean3 maturation can be substantially diminished by constitutive
expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, which can also
be achieved by incorporation of faster-maturing FRET donors. We developed
an improved version of the donor mTurquoise2 that matures faster than
the parent protein. Our analysis shows that using equal maturing fluorophores
in FRET-based sensors or using constitutive low expression conditions
helps to reduce maturation-induced artifacts, without the need of
additional noise-inducing spectral corrections. In general, we show
that monitoring and controlling the maturation of fluorescent proteins
in living cells is important and should be addressed in in
vivo applications of genetically encoded FRET sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boqun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sara N. Mavrova
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jonas van den Berg
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian K. Kristensen
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Mantovanelli
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth M. Veenhoff
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University
Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bert Poolman
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arnold J. Boersma
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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42
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Liu Y, Zeng H, Pediani JD, Ward RJ, Chen LY, Wu N, Ma L, Tang M, Yang Y, An S, Guo XX, Hao Q, Xu TR. Visualization of the activation of the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) using novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer biosensors and their potential application to the study of H3R pharmacology. FEBS J 2018; 285:2319-2336. [PMID: 29701013 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the histamine-3 receptor (H3R) is involved in memory processes and cognitive action, while blocking H3R activation can slow the progression of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and narcolepsy. To date, however, no direct way to examine the activation of H3R has been utilized. Here, we describe a novel biosensor that can visualize the activation of H3R through an intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) signal. To achieve this, we constructed an intramolecular H3R FRET sensor with cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) attached at the C terminus and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) inserted into the third intracellular loop. The sensor was found to internalize normally on agonist treatment. We measured FRET signals between the donor CFP and the acceptor YFP in living cells in real time, the results of which indicated that H3R agonist treatment (imetit or histamine) increases the FRET signal in a time- and concentration-dependent manner with Kon and Koff values consistent with published data and which maybe correlated with decreasing cAMP levels and the promotion of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The FRET signal was inhibited by H3R antagonists, and the introduction of mutations at F419A, F423A, L426A and L427A, once again, the promotion of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, was diminished. Thus, we have built a H3R biosensor which can visualize the activation of receptor through real-time structure changes and which can obtain pharmacological kinetic data at the same time. The FRET signals may allow the sensor to become a useful tool for screening compounds and optimizing useful ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - John D Pediani
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Richard J Ward
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Lu-Yao Chen
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Li Ma
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Mei Tang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Su An
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Guo
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Qian Hao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Tian-Rui Xu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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43
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Reiné P, Justicia J, Morcillo SP, Abbate S, Vaz B, Ribagorda M, Orte Á, Álvarez de Cienfuegos L, Longhi G, Campaña AG, Miguel D, Cuerva JM. Pyrene-Containing ortho-Oligo(phenylene)ethynylene Foldamer as a Ratiometric Probe Based on Circularly Polarized Luminescence. J Org Chem 2018; 83:4455-4463. [PMID: 29577727 PMCID: PMC6145600 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
In
this manuscript, we report the first synthesis of an organic
monomolecular emitter, which behaves as a circularly polarized luminescence
(CPL)-based ratiometric probe. The enantiopure helical ortho-oligo(phenylene)ethynylene (o-OPE) core has been
prepared by a new and efficient macrocyclization reaction. The combination
of such o-OPE helical skeleton and a pyrene couple
leads to two different CPL emission features in a single structure
whose ratio linearly responds to silver(I) concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Reiné
- Department of Organic Chemistry , University of Granada , Avenida de la Fuente Nueva , 18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Jose Justicia
- Department of Organic Chemistry , University of Granada , Avenida de la Fuente Nueva , 18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Sara P Morcillo
- Department of Organic Chemistry , University of Granada , Avenida de la Fuente Nueva , 18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Sergio Abbate
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Traslazionale , Universitá di Brescia , Viale Europa 11 , 25123 Brescia , Italy
| | - Belen Vaz
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), and Southern Galicia Institute of Health Research (IISSG) , Universidade de Vigo , 36310 Vigo , Spain
| | - María Ribagorda
- Department of Organic Chemistry , Universidad Autónoma de Madrid , Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco , 28049 Madrid , Spain
| | - Ángel Orte
- Department of Physical Chemistry , University of Granada , Avenida de la Fuente Nueva , 18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez de Cienfuegos
- Department of Organic Chemistry , University of Granada , Avenida de la Fuente Nueva , 18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Giovanna Longhi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Traslazionale , Universitá di Brescia , Viale Europa 11 , 25123 Brescia , Italy
| | - Araceli G Campaña
- Department of Organic Chemistry , University of Granada , Avenida de la Fuente Nueva , 18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Delia Miguel
- Department of Physical Chemistry , University of Granada , Avenida de la Fuente Nueva , 18071 Granada , Spain
| | - Juan M Cuerva
- Department of Organic Chemistry , University of Granada , Avenida de la Fuente Nueva , 18071 Granada , Spain
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44
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Ko W, Kim S, Lee HS. Engineering a periplasmic binding protein for amino acid sensors with improved binding properties. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 15:8761-8769. [PMID: 28994436 DOI: 10.1039/c7ob02165h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Periplasmic binding proteins (PBPs) are members of a widely distributed protein superfamily found in bacteria and archaea, and are involved in the cellular uptake of solutes. In this report, a leucine-binding PBP was engineered to detect l-Leu based on a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) change upon ligand binding. A fluorescent unnatural amino acid, l-(7-hydroxycoumarin-4-yl)ethylglycine (CouA), was genetically incorporated into the protein as a FRET donor, and a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) was fused with its N-terminus as a FRET acceptor. When CouA was incorporated into position 178, the sensor protein showed a 2.5-fold increase in the FRET ratio. Protein engineering significantly improved its substrate specificity, showing minimal changes in the FRET ratio with the other 19 natural amino acids and d-Leu. Further modification increased the sensitivity of the sensor protein (14-fold) towards l-Leu, and it recognized l-Met as well with moderate binding affinity. Selected mutant sensors were used to measure concentrations of l-Leu in a biological sample (fetal bovine serum) and to determine the optical purity of Leu and Met. This FRET-based sensor design strategy allowed us to easily manipulate the natural receptor to improve its binding affinity and specificity and to recognize other natural molecules, which are not recognized by the wild-type receptor. The design strategy can be applied to other natural receptors, enabling engineering receptors that sense biochemically interesting molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wooseok Ko
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, Seoul 121-742, Republic of Korea.
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45
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Development of a genetically encodable FRET system using fluorescent RNA aptamers. Nat Commun 2018; 9:18. [PMID: 29295996 PMCID: PMC5750238 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02435-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent RNA aptamers are useful as markers for tracking RNA molecules inside cells and for creating biosensor devices. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based on fluorescent proteins has been used to detect conformational changes, however, such FRET devices have not yet been produced using fluorescent RNA aptamers. Here we develop an RNA aptamer-based FRET (apta-FRET) system using single-stranded RNA origami scaffolds. To obtain FRET, the fluorescent aptamers Spinach and Mango are placed in close proximity on the RNA scaffolds and a new fluorophore is synthesized to increase spectral overlap. RNA devices that respond to conformational changes are developed, and finally, apta-FRET constructs are expressed in E. coli where FRET is observed, demonstrating that the apta-FRET system is genetically encodable and that the RNA nanostructures fold correctly in bacteria. We anticipate that the RNA apta-FRET system could have applications as ratiometric sensors for real-time studies in cell and synthetic biology. FRET has been used to study protein conformational changes but has never been applied to RNA aptamers. Here the authors develop a genetically encodable RNA aptamer-based FRET system on single-stranded RNA origami scaffolds, and demonstrate it can be used to study RNA conformational changes.
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46
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Ratiometric Matryoshka biosensors from a nested cassette of green- and orange-emitting fluorescent proteins. Nat Commun 2017; 8:431. [PMID: 28874729 PMCID: PMC5585204 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00400-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensitivity, dynamic and detection range as well as exclusion of expression and instrumental artifacts are critical for the quantitation of data obtained with fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors in vivo. Current biosensors designs are, in general, unable to simultaneously meet all these criteria. Here, we describe a generalizable platform to create dual-FP biosensors with large dynamic ranges by employing a single FP-cassette, named GO-(Green-Orange) Matryoshka. The cassette nests a stable reference FP (large Stokes shift LSSmOrange) within a reporter FP (circularly permuted green FP). GO- Matryoshka yields green and orange fluorescence upon blue excitation. As proof of concept, we converted existing, single-emission biosensors into a series of ratiometric calcium sensors (MatryoshCaMP6s) and ammonium transport activity sensors (AmTryoshka1;3). We additionally identified the internal acid-base equilibrium as a key determinant of the GCaMP dynamic range. Matryoshka technology promises flexibility in the design of a wide spectrum of ratiometric biosensors and expanded in vivo applications.Single fluorescent protein biosensors are susceptible to expression and instrumental artifacts. Here Ast et al. describe a dual fluorescent protein design whereby a reference fluorescent protein is nested within a reporter fluorescent protein to control for such artifacts while preserving sensitivity and dynamic range.
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47
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Pelosse M, Cottet-Rousselle C, Grichine A, Berger I, Schlattner U. Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors to Explore AMPK Signaling and Energy Metabolism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 107:491-523. [PMID: 27812993 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43589-3_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of energy homeostasis is a basic requirement for cell survival. Different mechanisms have evolved to cope with spatial and temporal mismatch between energy-providing and -consuming processes. Among these, signaling by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is one of the key players, regulated by and itself regulating cellular adenylate levels. Further understanding its complex cellular function requires deeper insight into its activation patterns in space and time at a single cell level. This may become possible with an increasing number of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors, mostly based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer, which have been engineered to monitor metabolic parameters and kinase activities. Here, we review basic principles of biosensor design and function and the advantages and limitations of their use and provide an overview on existing FRET biosensors to monitor AMPK activation, ATP concentration, and ATP/ADP ratios, together with other key metabolites and parameters of energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pelosse
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Bioenergetics (LBFA) and SFR Environmental and Systems Biology (BEeSy), University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Inserm, U1055 and U1209, Grenoble, France
| | - Cécile Cottet-Rousselle
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Bioenergetics (LBFA) and SFR Environmental and Systems Biology (BEeSy), University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Inserm, U1055 and U1209, Grenoble, France
| | - Alexei Grichine
- Inserm, U1055 and U1209, Grenoble, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Uwe Schlattner
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Bioenergetics (LBFA) and SFR Environmental and Systems Biology (BEeSy), University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France. .,Inserm, U1055 and U1209, Grenoble, France.
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48
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Chakraborty K, Veetil AT, Jaffrey SR, Krishnan Y. Nucleic Acid-Based Nanodevices in Biological Imaging. Annu Rev Biochem 2017; 85:349-73. [PMID: 27294440 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-060815-014244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The nanoscale engineering of nucleic acids has led to exciting molecular technologies for high-end biological imaging. The predictable base pairing, high programmability, and superior new chemical and biological methods used to access nucleic acids with diverse lengths and in high purity, coupled with computational tools for their design, have allowed the creation of a stunning diversity of nucleic acid-based nanodevices. Given their biological origin, such synthetic devices have a tremendous capacity to interface with the biological world, and this capacity lies at the heart of several nucleic acid-based technologies that are finding applications in biological systems. We discuss these diverse applications and emphasize the advantage, in terms of physicochemical properties, that the nucleic acid scaffold brings to these contexts. As our ability to engineer this versatile scaffold increases, its applications in structural, cellular, and organismal biology are clearly poised to massively expand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasturi Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637; , ,
| | - Aneesh T Veetil
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637; , ,
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10065;
| | - Yamuna Krishnan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637; , , .,Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637
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49
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Abstract
FRET-sensors have become important tools for intracellular imaging, but their dependence on external illumination presents some limitations, such as photobleaching and phototoxicity, which limit measurements over extended periods of time. Fluorescence measurements also suffer from autofluorescence and light scattering, which hampers in vivo imaging and measurements in strongly absorbing and scattering media such as blood. In principle, these issues can be resolved by using sensors based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). The recent development of brighter and more stable luciferases and the concomitant improvement in luciferase substrates have substantially decreased the sensitivity gap between fluorescence and bioluminescence. As a result, the application of BRET-sensors is no longer restricted to measurements on cell populations, but they can also be used for imaging of single living cells, and BRET has started to emerge as an attractive sensor format for point-of-care diagnostics. The aim of this chapter is to first provide a brief overview of the basic design principles for BRET-sensors. Next, important design considerations will be discussed in more detail by describing the development of three different classes of BRET-sensors, both from our own work and that of others. These examples are all based on the NanoLuc luciferase, a bright and very stable blue light-emitting luciferase developed by Promega that has quickly risen to prominence in the bioluminescence field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco Arts
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Stijn J A Aper
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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50
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Ledvina V, Janečková E, Matalová E, Klepárník K. Parallel single-cell analysis of active caspase-3/7 in apoptotic and non-apoptotic cells. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 409:269-274. [PMID: 27757513 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9998-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Analysing the chemical content of individual cells has already been proven to reveal unique information on various biological processes. Single-cell analysis provides more accurate and reliable results for biology and medicine than analyses of extracts from cell populations, where a natural heterogeneity is averaged. To meet the requirements in the research of important biologically active molecules, such as caspases, we have developed a miniaturized device for simultaneous analyses of individual cells. A stainless steel body with a carousel holder enables high-sensitivity parallel detections in eight microvials. The holder is mounted in front of a photomultiplier tube with cooled photocathode working in photon counting mode. The detection of active caspase-3/7, central effector caspases in apoptosis, in single cells is based on the bioluminescence chemistry commercially available as Caspase-Glo® 3/7 reagent developed by Promega. Individual cells were captured from a culture medium under microscope and transferred by micromanipulator into detection microvial filled with the reagent. As a result of testing, the limits of detection and quantification were determined to be 0.27/0.86 of active caspase-3/7 content in an average apoptotic cell and 0.46/2.92 for non-apoptotic cells. Application potential of this technology in laboratory diagnostics and related medical research is discussed. Graphical abstract Miniaturized device for simultaneous analyses of individual cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtěch Ledvina
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 60200, Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Janečková
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 60200, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Matalová
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 60200, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého 1/3, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Klepárník
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 60200, Brno, Czech Republic.
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