1
|
Hori M, Steinauer A, Tetter S, Hälg J, Manz EM, Hilvert D. Stimulus-responsive assembly of nonviral nucleocapsids. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3576. [PMID: 38678040 PMCID: PMC11055949 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Controlled assembly of a protein shell around a viral genome is a key step in the life cycle of many viruses. Here we report a strategy for regulating the co-assembly of nonviral proteins and nucleic acids into highly ordered nucleocapsids in vitro. By fusing maltose binding protein to the subunits of NC-4, an engineered protein cage that encapsulates its own encoding mRNA, we successfully blocked spontaneous capsid assembly, allowing isolation of the individual monomers in soluble form. To initiate RNA-templated nucleocapsid formation, the steric block can be simply removed by selective proteolysis. Analyses by transmission and cryo-electron microscopy confirmed that the resulting assemblies are structurally identical to their RNA-containing counterparts produced in vivo. Enzymatically triggered cage formation broadens the range of RNA molecules that can be encapsulated by NC-4, provides unique opportunities to study the co-assembly of capsid and cargo, and could be useful for studying other nonviral and viral assemblies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mao Hori
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SB ISIC LIBN, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jamiro Hälg
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eva-Maria Manz
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Proteins that self-assemble into polyhedral shell-like structures are useful molecular containers both in nature and in the laboratory. Here we review efforts to repurpose diverse protein cages, including viral capsids, ferritins, bacterial microcompartments, and designed capsules, as vaccines, drug delivery vehicles, targeted imaging agents, nanoreactors, templates for controlled materials synthesis, building blocks for higher-order architectures, and more. A deep understanding of the principles underlying the construction, function, and evolution of natural systems has been key to tailoring selective cargo encapsulation and interactions with both biological systems and synthetic materials through protein engineering and directed evolution. The ability to adapt and design increasingly sophisticated capsid structures and functions stands to benefit the fields of catalysis, materials science, and medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mao Hori
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tetter S, Terasaka N, Steinauer A, Bingham RJ, Clark S, Scott AJP, Patel N, Leibundgut M, Wroblewski E, Ban N, Stockley PG, Twarock R, Hilvert D. Evolution of a virus-like architecture and packaging mechanism in a repurposed bacterial protein. Science 2021; 372:1220-1224. [PMID: 34112695 DOI: 10.1126/science.abg2822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are ubiquitous pathogens of global impact. Prompted by the hypothesis that their earliest progenitors recruited host proteins for virion formation, we have used stringent laboratory evolution to convert a bacterial enzyme that lacks affinity for nucleic acids into an artificial nucleocapsid that efficiently packages and protects multiple copies of its own encoding messenger RNA. Revealing remarkable convergence on the molecular hallmarks of natural viruses, the accompanying changes reorganized the protein building blocks into an interlaced 240-subunit icosahedral capsid that is impermeable to nucleases, and emergence of a robust RNA stem-loop packaging cassette ensured high encapsidation yields and specificity. In addition to evincing a plausible evolutionary pathway for primordial viruses, these findings highlight practical strategies for developing nonviral carriers for diverse vaccine and delivery applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Naohiro Terasaka
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Richard J Bingham
- Departments of Mathematics and Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sam Clark
- Departments of Mathematics and Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Andrew J P Scott
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nikesh Patel
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Marc Leibundgut
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emma Wroblewski
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nenad Ban
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter G Stockley
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Reidun Twarock
- Departments of Mathematics and Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Knox SL, Steinauer A, Alpha-Cobb G, Trexler A, Rhoades E, Schepartz A. Quantification of protein delivery in live cells using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Methods Enzymol 2020; 641:477-505. [PMID: 32713536 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a quantitative single-molecule method that measures the concentration and rate of diffusion of fluorophore-tagged molecules, both large and small, in vitro and within live cells, and even within discrete cellular compartments. FCS is exceptionally well-suited to directly quantify the efficiency of intracellular protein delivery-specifically, how well different "cell-penetrating" proteins and peptides guide proteinaceous materials into the cytosol and nuclei of live mammalian cells. This article provides an overview of the procedures necessary to execute robust FCS experiments and evaluate endosomal escape efficiencies: preparation of fluorophore-tagged proteins, incubation with mammalian cells and preparation of FCS samples, setup and execution of an FCS experiment, and a detailed discussion of and custom MATLAB® script for analyzing the resulting autocorrelation curves in the context of appropriate diffusion models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Knox
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Garrett Alpha-Cobb
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Adam Trexler
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Elizabeth Rhoades
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alanna Schepartz
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Steinauer A, LaRochelle JR, Knox SL, Wissner RF, Berry S, Schepartz A. HOPS-dependent endosomal fusion required for efficient cytosolic delivery of therapeutic peptides and small proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:512-521. [PMID: 30610181 PMCID: PMC6329960 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1812044116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein therapeutics represent a significant and growing component of the modern pharmacopeia, but their potential to treat human disease is limited because most proteins fail to traffic across biological membranes. Recently, we discovered a class of cell-permeant miniature proteins (CPMPs) containing a precisely defined, penta-arginine (penta-Arg) motif that traffics readily to the cytosol and nucleus of mammalian cells with efficiencies that rival those of hydrocarbon-stapled peptides active in animals and man. Like many cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), CPMPs enter the endocytic pathway; the difference is that CPMPs containing a penta-Arg motif are released efficiently from endosomes, while other CPPs are not. Here, we seek to understand how CPMPs traffic from endosomes into the cytosol and what factors contribute to the efficiency of endosomal release. First, using two complementary cell-based assays, we exclude endosomal rupture as the primary means of endosomal escape. Next, using an RNA interference screen, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and confocal imaging, we identify VPS39-a gene encoding a subunit of the homotypic fusion and protein-sorting (HOPS) complex-as a critical determinant in the trafficking of CPMPs and hydrocarbon-stapled peptides to the cytosol. Although CPMPs neither inhibit nor activate HOPS function, HOPS activity is essential to efficiently deliver CPMPs to the cytosol. CPMPs localize within the lumen of Rab7+ and Lamp1+ endosomes and their transport requires HOPS activity. Overall, our results identify Lamp1+ late endosomes and lysosomes as portals for passing proteins into the cytosol and suggest that this environment is prerequisite for endosomal escape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Steinauer
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8107
| | - Jonathan R LaRochelle
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8103
| | - Susan L Knox
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8107
| | | | - Samuel Berry
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8114
| | - Alanna Schepartz
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8107;
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8103
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wissner R, Steinauer A, Knox SL, Thompson AD, Schepartz A. Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy Reveals Efficient Cytosolic Delivery of Protein Cargo by Cell-Permeant Miniature Proteins. ACS Cent Sci 2018; 4:1379-1393. [PMID: 30410976 PMCID: PMC6202653 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.8b00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
New methods for delivering proteins into the cytosol of mammalian cells are being reported at a rapid pace. Differentiating between these methods in a quantitative manner is difficult, however, as most assays for evaluating cytosolic protein delivery are qualitative and indirect and thus often misleading. Here we make use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to determine with precision and accuracy the relative efficiencies with which seven different previously reported "cell-penetrating peptides" (CPPs) transport a model protein cargo-the self-labeling enzyme SNAP-tag-beyond endosomal membranes and into the cytosol. Using FCS, we discovered that the miniature protein ZF5.3 is an exceptional vehicle for delivering SNAP-tag to the cytosol. When delivered by ZF5.3, SNAP-tag can achieve a cytosolic concentration as high as 250 nM, generally at least 2-fold and as much as 6-fold higher than any other CPP evaluated. Additionally, we show that ZF5.3 can be fused to a second enzyme cargo-the engineered peroxidase APEX2-and reliably delivers the active enzyme to the cell interior. As FCS allows one to realistically assess the relative merits of protein transduction domains, we anticipate that it will greatly accelerate the identification, evaluation, and optimization of strategies to deliver large, intact proteins to intracellular locales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca
F. Wissner
- Department
of Chemistry, and Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental
Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Department
of Chemistry, and Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental
Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Susan L. Knox
- Department
of Chemistry, and Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental
Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Alexander D. Thompson
- Department
of Chemistry, and Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental
Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Alanna Schepartz
- Department
of Chemistry, and Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental
Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wadzinski TJ, Steinauer A, Hie L, Pelletier G, Schepartz A, Miller SJ. Rapid phenolic O-glycosylation of small molecules and complex unprotected peptides in aqueous solvent. Nat Chem 2018; 10:644-652. [PMID: 29713033 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-018-0041-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Glycosylated natural products and synthetic glycopeptides represent a significant and growing source of biochemical probes and therapeutic agents. However, methods that enable the aqueous glycosylation of endogenous amino acid functionality in peptides without the use of protecting groups are scarce. Here, we report a transformation that facilitates the efficient aqueous O-glycosylation of phenolic functionality in a wide range of small molecules, unprotected tyrosine, and tyrosine residues embedded within a range of complex, fully unprotected peptides. The transformation, which uses glycosyl fluoride donors and is promoted by Ca(OH)2, proceeds rapidly at room temperature in water, with good yields and selective formation of unique anomeric products depending on the stereochemistry of the glycosyl donor. High functional group tolerance is observed, and the phenol glycosylation occurs selectively in the presence of virtually all side chains of the proteinogenic amino acids with the singular exception of Cys. This method offers a highly selective, efficient, and operationally simple approach for the protecting-group-free synthesis of O-aryl glycosides and Tyr-O-glycosylated peptides in water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liana Hie
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Scott J Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Steinauer A, Butterfield AM, Linden A, Molina-Ontario A, Buck DC, Cotta RW, Echegoyen L, Baldridge KK, Siegel JS. Tunable Photochemical/Redox Properties of (Phenylthio)ncorannulenes: Application to a Photovoltaic Device. J BRAZIL CHEM SOC 2016. [DOI: 10.5935/0103-5053.20160072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
9
|
Li M, Tao Y, Shu Y, LaRochelle JR, Steinauer A, Thompson D, Schepartz A, Chen ZY, Liu DR. Discovery and Characterization of a Peptide That Enhances Endosomal Escape of Delivered Proteins in Vitro and in Vivo. J Am Chem Soc 2015; 137:14084-93. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b05694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margie Li
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Yong Tao
- Department
of Otolaryngology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School and Eaton Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Yilai Shu
- Department
of Otolaryngology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School and Eaton Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Otology and Skull Base Survery, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
- Key
Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jonathan R. LaRochelle
- Department
of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Department
of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - David Thompson
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Alanna Schepartz
- Department
of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Zheng-Yi Chen
- Department
of Otolaryngology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School and Eaton Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - David R. Liu
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
LaRochelle JR, Cobb GB, Steinauer A, Rhoades E, Schepartz A. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy reveals highly efficient cytosolic delivery of certain penta-arg proteins and stapled peptides. J Am Chem Soc 2015; 137:2536-2541. [PMID: 25679876 PMCID: PMC4700819 DOI: 10.1021/ja510391n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
We used fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to accurately and precisely determine the relative efficiencies with which three families of "cell-penetrating peptides" traffic to the cytosol of mammalian cells. We find that certain molecules containing a "penta-arg" motif reach the cytosol, intact, with efficiencies greater than 50%. This value is at least 10-fold higher than that observed for the widely studied cationic sequence derived from HIV Tat or polyarginine Arg8, and equals that of hydrocarbon-stapled peptides that are active in cells and animals. Moreover, we show that the efficiency with which stapled peptides reach the cytosol, as determined by FCS, correlates directly with their efficacy in cell-based assays. We expect that these findings and the associated technology will aid the design of peptides, proteins, and peptide mimetics that predictably and efficiently reach the interior of mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R. LaRochelle
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Garrett B. Cobb
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Elizabeth Rhoades
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Alanna Schepartz
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pasternak I, Rees M, Steinauer A, Plaschy S, Hillermann T. [Actually a routine matter: ischemia after catheterization of the radial artery]. Anaesthesist 2013; 62:193-6. [PMID: 23483231 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-013-2148-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A 76-year-old patient developed necrosis of the index finger after placement of a radial artery catheter. This article discusses the risks associated with invasive blood pressure monitoring and treatment options in cases of critical ischemia. The authors conclude that there is no consensus concerning optimal treatment and that a discussion on options for preoperative risk assessment and quickest possible recognition of such complications is worthwhile. Despite the risk of ischemia invasive blood pressure monitoring is an indispensable procedure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Pasternak
- Chirurgische Klinik, Spital Uster, Uster, Schweiz
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tuma J, Steinauer A. [CME ultrasound diagnosis 34. Acute pain in the left lower abdomen]. Praxis (Bern 1994) 2010; 99:742-743. [PMID: 20533237 DOI: 10.1024/1661-8157/a000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Tuma
- Präsident Ausbildungskommission SGUM, Uster, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|