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Andregic N, Weaver C, Basu S. The binding of a c-MYC promoter G-quadruplex to neurotransmitters: An analysis of G-quadruplex stabilization using DNA melting, fluorescence spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and molecular docking. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130473. [PMID: 37778448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130473] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The interactions of several neurotransmitter and neural hormone molecules with the c-MYC G-quadruplex DNA sequence were analyzed using a combination of spectroscopic and computational techniques. The interactions between indole, catecholamine, and amino acid neurotransmitters and DNA sequences could potentially add to the understanding of the role of G-quadruplex structures play in various diseases. Also, the interaction of the DNA sequence derived from the nuclear hypersensitivity element (NHE) III1 region of c-MYC oncogene (Pu22), 5'-TGAGGGTGGGTAGGGTGGGTAA-3', has added significance in that these molecules may promote or inhibit the formation of G-quadruplex DNA which could lead to the development of promising drugs for anticancer therapy. The results showed that these molecules did not disrupt G-quadruplex formation even in the absence of quadruplex-stabilizing cations. There was also evidence of concentration-dependent binding and high binding affinities based on the Stern-Volmer model, and thermodynamically favorable interactions in the form of hydrogen-bonding and interactions involving the π system of the aromatic neurotransmitters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Andregic
- Department of Biology, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
| | - Caitlin Weaver
- Department of Biology, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
| | - Swarna Basu
- Department of Chemistry, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA.
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Xia J, Yang H, Mu M, Micovic N, Poskanzer KE, Monaghan JR, Clark HA. Imaging in vivo acetylcholine release in the peripheral nervous system with a fluorescent nanosensor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2023807118. [PMID: 33795516 PMCID: PMC8040656 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023807118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to monitor the release of neurotransmitters during synaptic transmission would significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases. Here, we present a DNA-based enzymatic nanosensor for quantitative detection of acetylcholine (ACh) in the peripheral nervous system of living mice. ACh nanosensors consist of DNA as a scaffold, acetylcholinesterase as a recognition component, pH-sensitive fluorophores as signal generators, and α-bungarotoxin as a targeting moiety. We demonstrate the utility of the nanosensors in the submandibular ganglia of living mice to sensitively detect ACh ranging from 0.228 to 358 μM. In addition, the sensor response upon electrical stimulation of the efferent nerve is dose dependent, reversible, and we observe a reduction of ∼76% in sensor signal upon pharmacological inhibition of ACh release. Equipped with an advanced imaging processing tool, we further spatially resolve ACh signal propagation on the tissue level. Our platform enables sensitive measurement and mapping of ACh transmission in the peripheral nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfei Xia
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Hongrong Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Michelle Mu
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Nicholas Micovic
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Kira E Poskanzer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Kavli Insititute for Fundamental Neuroscience, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - James R Monaghan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Heather A Clark
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115;
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
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Hendler-Neumark A, Bisker G. Fluorescent Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Protein Detection. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E5403. [PMID: 31817932 PMCID: PMC6960995 DOI: 10.3390/s19245403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nanosensors have a central role in recent approaches to molecular recognition in applications like imaging, drug delivery systems, and phototherapy. Fluorescent nanoparticles are particularly attractive for such tasks owing to their emission signal that can serve as optical reporter for location or environmental properties. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) fluoresce in the near-infrared part of the spectrum, where biological samples are relatively transparent, and they do not photobleach or blink. These unique optical properties and their biocompatibility make SWCNTs attractive for a variety of biomedical applications. Here, we review recent advancements in protein recognition using SWCNTs functionalized with either natural recognition moieties or synthetic heteropolymers. We emphasize the benefits of the versatile applicability of the SWCNT sensors in different systems ranging from single-molecule level to in-vivo sensing in whole animal models. Finally, we discuss challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gili Bisker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
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Rong G, Tuttle EE, Neal Reilly A, Clark HA. Recent Developments in Nanosensors for Imaging Applications in Biological Systems. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2019; 12:109-128. [PMID: 30857408 PMCID: PMC6958676 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061417-125747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Sensors are key tools for monitoring the dynamic changes of biomolecules and biofunctions that encode valuable information that helps us understand underlying biological processes of fundamental importance. Because of their distinctive size-dependent physicochemical properties, materials with nanometer scales have recently emerged as promising candidates for biological sensing applications by offering unique insights into real-time changes of key physiological parameters. This review focuses on recent advances in imaging-based nanosensor developments and applications categorized by their signal transduction mechanisms, namely, fluorescence, plasmonics, MRI, and photoacoustics. We further discuss the synergy created by multimodal nanosensors in which sensor components work based on two or more signal transduction mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxin Rong
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
| | - Erin E Tuttle
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Ashlyn Neal Reilly
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
| | - Heather A Clark
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Kim EH, Chin G, Rong G, Poskanzer KE, Clark HA. Optical Probes for Neurobiological Sensing and Imaging. Acc Chem Res 2018; 51:1023-1032. [PMID: 29652127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.7b00564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent nanosensors and molecular probes are next-generation tools for imaging chemical signaling inside and between cells. Electrophysiology has long been considered the gold standard in elucidating neural dynamics with high temporal resolution and precision, particularly on the single-cell level. However, electrode-based techniques face challenges in illuminating the specific chemicals involved in neural cell activation with adequate spatial information. Measuring chemical dynamics is of fundamental importance to better understand synergistic interactions between neurons as well as interactions between neurons and non-neuronal cells. Over the past decade, significant technological advances in optical probes and imaging methods have enabled entirely new possibilities for studying neural cells and circuits at the chemical level. These optical imaging modalities have shown promise for combining chemical, temporal, and spatial information. This potential makes them ideal candidates to unravel the complex neural interactions at multiple scales in the brain, which could be complemented by traditional electrophysiological methods to obtain a full spatiotemporal picture of neurochemical dynamics. Despite the potential, only a handful of probe candidates have been utilized to provide detailed chemical information in the brain. To date, most live imaging and chemical mapping studies rely on fluorescent molecular indicators to report intracellular calcium (Ca2+) dynamics, which correlates with neuronal activity. Methodological advances for monitoring a full array of chemicals in the brain with improved spatial, temporal, and chemical resolution will thus enable mapping of neurochemical circuits with finer precision. On the basis of numerous studies in this exciting field, we review the current efforts to develop and apply a palette of optical probes and nanosensors for chemical sensing in the brain. There is a strong impetus to further develop technologies capable of probing entire neurobiological units with high spatiotemporal resolution. Thus, we introduce selected applications for ion and neurotransmitter detection to investigate both neurons and non-neuronal brain cells. We focus on families of optical probes because of their ability to sense a wide array of molecules and convey spatial information with minimal damage to tissue. We start with a discussion of currently available molecular probes, highlight recent advances in genetically modified fluorescent probes for ions and small molecules, and end with the latest research in nanosensors for biological imaging. Customizable, nanoscale optical sensors that accurately and dynamically monitor the local environment with high spatiotemporal resolution could lead to not only new insights into the function of all cell types but also a broader understanding of how diverse neural signaling systems act in conjunction with neighboring cells in a spatially relevant manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory Chin
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | | | - Kira E. Poskanzer
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
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Liu Y, Kumar S, Taylor RE. Mix-and-match nanobiosensor design: Logical and spatial programming of biosensors using self-assembled DNA nanostructures. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 10:e1518. [PMID: 29633568 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The evergrowing need to understand and engineer biological and biochemical mechanisms has led to the emergence of the field of nanobiosensing. Structural DNA nanotechnology, encompassing methods such as DNA origami and single-stranded tiles, involves the base pairing-driven knitting of DNA into discrete one-, two-, and three-dimensional shapes at nanoscale. Such nanostructures enable a versatile design and fabrication of nanobiosensors. These systems benefit from DNA's programmability, inherent biocompatibility, and the ability to incorporate and organize functional materials such as proteins and metallic nanoparticles. In this review, we present a mix-and-match taxonomy and approach to designing nanobiosensors in which the choices of bioanalyte and transduction mechanism are fully independent of each other. We also highlight opportunities for greater complexity and programmability of these systems that are built using structural DNA nanotechnology. This article is categorized under: Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sriram Kumar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rebecca E Taylor
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Yang H, Xi W. Nucleobase-Containing Polymers: Structure, Synthesis, and Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:E666. [PMID: 30965964 PMCID: PMC6418729 DOI: 10.3390/polym9120666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleobase interactions play a fundamental role in biological functions, including transcription and translation. Natural nucleic acids like DNA are also widely implemented in material realm such as DNA guided self-assembly of nanomaterials. Inspired by that, polymer chemists have contributed phenomenal endeavors to mimic both the structures and functions of natural nucleic acids in synthetic polymers. Similar sequence-dependent responses were observed and employed in the self-assembly of these nucleobase-containing polymers. Here, the structures, synthetic approaches, and applications of nucleobase-containing polymers are highlighted and a brief look is taken at the future development of these polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China.
| | - Weixian Xi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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