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Liu H, Wang H. From cells to subcellular organelles: Next-generation cancer therapy based on peptide self-assembly. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024:115327. [PMID: 38703895 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115327] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Due to the editability, functionality, and excellent biocompatibility of peptides, in situ self-assembly of peptides in cells is a powerful strategy for biomedical applications. Subcellular organelle targeting of peptides assemblies enables more precise drug delivery, enhances selectivity to disease cells, and mitigates drug resistance, providing an effective strategy for disease diagnosis and therapy. This reviewer first introduces the triggering conditions, morphological changes, and intracellular locations of self-assembling peptides. Then, the functions of peptide assemblies are summarized, followed by a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between peptide assemblies and subcellular organelles. Finally, we provide a brief outlook and the remaining challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Sandun Town, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Huaimin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Westlake University, No. 600 Dunyu Road, Sandun Town, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China.
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2
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Yu X, Huang Y, Tao Y, Fan L, Zhang Y. Mitochondria-targetable small molecule fluorescent probes for the detection of cancer-associated biomarkers: A review. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1289:342060. [PMID: 38245195 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.342060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer represents a global threat to human health, and effective strategies for improved cancer early diagnosis and treatment are urgently needed. The detection of tumor biomarkers has been one of the important auxiliary means for tumor screening and diagnosis. Mitochondria are crucial subcellular organelles that produce most chemical energy used by cells, control metabolic processes, and maintain cell function. Evidence suggests the close involvement of mitochondria with cancer development. As a consequence, the identification of cancer-associated biomarker expression levels in mitochondria holds significant importance in the diagnosis of early-stage diseases and the monitoring of therapy efficacy. Small-molecule fluorescent probes are effective for the identification and visualization of bioactive entities within biological systems, owing to their heightened sensitivity, expeditious non-invasive analysis and real-time detection capacities. The design principles and sensing mechanisms of mitochondrial targeted fluorescent probes are summarized in this review. Additionally, the biomedical applications of these probes for detecting cancer-associated biomarkers are highlighted. The limitations and challenges of fluorescent probes in vivo are also considered and some future perspectives are provided. This review is expected to provide valuable insights for the future development of novel fluorescent probes for clinical imaging, thereby contributing to the advancement of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yu
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, 132022, PR China
| | - Yunong Huang
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, 132022, PR China
| | - Yunqi Tao
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, 132022, PR China
| | - Li Fan
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China.
| | - Yuewei Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, 132022, PR China.
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3
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Wu H, Liu G, Chen K, Zhang T, Ye Q, Chen J, Peng Y. A piperazine-substituted phthalocyanine with rapid cellular uptake and dual organelle-targeting for in vitro photodynamic therapy. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 44:103818. [PMID: 37788794 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103818] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The rational design of photosensitizers with rapid cellular uptake and dual-organelle targeting ability is essential for enhancing the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, achieving this goal is a great challenge. In this paper, a novel axial piperazine substituted (PIP) silicon phthalocyanine (PIP-SiPc) has been synthesized. The PIP substitution significantly improved the cellular uptake of PIP-SiPc in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, as demonstrated by two-photon fluorescence imaging combined with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Additionally, PIP-SiPc was able to target both mitochondria and lysosomes simultaneously. Notably, PIP-SiPc exhibited remarkable singlet oxygen generation ability, leading to apoptosis in cancer cells upon irradiation, with an IC50 value of only 0.2 µM. These findings highlight the effectiveness of PIP-SiPc as a multifunctional photosensitizer for PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijian Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guowei Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kuizhi Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiuhao Ye
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianling Chen
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Institute of Laser and Optoelectronics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Yiru Peng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.
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4
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Dutta T, Pal K, Koner AL. Intracellular Physical Properties with Small Organic Fluorescent Probes: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. CHEM REC 2022; 22:e202200035. [PMID: 35801859 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200035] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular physical parameters i. e., polarity, viscosity, fluidity, tension, potential, and temperature of a live cell are the hallmark of cellular health and have garnered immense interest over the past decade. In this context, small molecule organic fluorophores exhibit prominent useful properties including easy functionalizability, environmental sensitivity, biocompatibility, and fast yet efficient cellular uptakability which has made them a popular tool to understand intra-cellular micro-environmental properties. Throughout this discussion, we have outlined the basic design strategies of small molecules for specific organelle targeting and quantification of physical properties. The values of these parameters are indicative of cellular homeostasis and subtle alteration may be considered as the onset of disease. We believe this comprehensive review will facilitate the development of potential future probes for superior insight into the physical parameters that are yet to be quantified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanoy Dutta
- Bionanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462066, INDIA (TD) (ALK
| | - Kaushik Pal
- Bionanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462066, INDIA (TD) (ALK.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Apurba Lal Koner
- Bionanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462066, INDIA (TD) (ALK
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Abstract
As essential structural molecules of fungal cell membrane, ergosterol is not only an important component of fungal growth and stress-resistance but also a key precursor for manufacturing steroid drugs of pharmaceutical or agricultural significance. So far, ergosterol biosynthesis in yeast has been elucidated elaborately, and efforts have been made to increase ergosterol production through regulation of ergosterol metabolism and storage. Furthermore, the same intermediates shared by yeasts and animals or plants make the construction of heterologous sterol pathways in yeast a promising approach to synthesize valuable steroids, such as phytosteroids and animal steroid hormones. During these challenging processes, several obstacles have arisen and been combated with great endeavors. This paper reviews recent research progress of yeast metabolic engineering for improving the production of ergosterol and heterologous steroids. The remaining tactics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Qi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jian-Ping Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
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Tasso TT, Baptista MS. Photosensitized Oxidation of Intracellular Targets: Understanding the Mechanisms to Improve the Efficiency of Photodynamic Therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2451:261-283. [PMID: 35505023 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2099-1_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The development of improved photosensitizers is a key aspect in the establishment of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a reliable treatment modality. In this chapter, we discuss how molecular design can lead to photosensitizers with higher selectivity and better efficiency, with focus on the importance of specific intracellular targeting in determining the cell death mechanism and, consequently, the PDT outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Teixeira Tasso
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maurício S Baptista
- Biochemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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7
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Lee S, Kim HJ, Park JI, Cho HB, Park JS, Park KH. Organelle targeting using a fluorescent probe that selectively penetrates the zona pellucida. Int J Pharm 2021; 610:121282. [PMID: 34774691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121282] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The characteristics of oocytes, which are female germ cells, have not been studied using optical materials. The structural layers (zona pellucida, ZP) around oocytes make it difficult to deliver drugs aimed at treating infertility. Here, we investigated whether the fluorescent probes sulforhodamine, fluorescein 5(6)-isothiocyanate, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate, cyanine 3 carboxylic acid, and cyanine 5 carboxylic acid penetrate oocytes. By targeting the ZP layer of the oocyte, the characteristics of the model drug, a fluorescent probe, were analyzed, and the position of the probe in the oocyte was confirmed for differences in the characteristics. Penetration of the ZP and delivery into the cytoplasm differed between the fluorescent probes. This was due to their different physiochemical properties, including hydrophobicity (contact angle and surface tension), surfactant activity, and electrical charge. Among the fluorescent probes delivered to cytoplasm, unlike TRITC, Cy3 and Cy5 perturbed oocyte development. These results suggest that in oocytes with high physical barriers (cell membrane, zona pellucida), the delivery efficiency can be estimated by considering the properties (molecular weight and structure, solubility and functional structure, etc.) of the drug. In addition, it suggests that an encapsulated or bound carrier of a drug with properties similar to that of a fluorescent probe can be efficiently delivered into oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Lee
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-In Park
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Bang Cho
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sun Park
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea.
| | - Keun-Hong Park
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Cho H, Cho YY, Shim MS, Lee JY, Lee HS, Kang HC. Mitochondria-targeted drug delivery in cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165808. [PMID: 32333953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are considered one of the most important subcellular organelles for targeting and delivering drugs because mitochondria are the main location for various cellular functions and energy (i.e., ATP) production, and mitochondrial dysfunctions and malfunctions cause diverse diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disorders, and cancers. In particular, unique mitochondrial characteristics (e.g., negatively polarized membrane potential, alkaline pH, high reactive oxygen species level, high glutathione level, high temperature, and paradoxical mitochondrial dynamics) in pathological cancers have been used as targets, signals, triggers, or driving forces for specific sensing/diagnosing/imaging of characteristic changes in mitochondria, targeted drug delivery on mitochondria, targeted drug delivery/accumulation into mitochondria, or stimuli-triggered drug release in mitochondria. In this review, we describe the distinctive structures, functions, and physiological properties of cancer mitochondria and discuss recent technologies of mitochondria-specific "key characteristic" sensing systems, mitochondria-targeted "drug delivery" systems, and mitochondrial stimuli-specific "drug release" systems as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Cho
- Department of Pharmacy and BK21PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-based Future Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Yeon Cho
- Department of Pharmacy and BK21PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-based Future Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Suk Shim
- Division of Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Young Lee
- Department of Pharmacy and BK21PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-based Future Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Suk Lee
- Department of Pharmacy and BK21PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-based Future Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Chang Kang
- Department of Pharmacy and BK21PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-based Future Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 14662, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Donahue ND, Acar H, Wilhelm S. Concepts of nanoparticle cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and kinetics in nanomedicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 143:68-96. [PMID: 31022434 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based therapeutics and diagnostics are commonly referred to as nanomedicine and may significantly impact the future of healthcare. However, the clinical translation of these technologies is challenging. One of these challenges is the efficient delivery of nanoparticles to specific cell populations and subcellular targets in the body to elicit desired biological and therapeutic responses. It is critical for researchers to understand the fundamental concepts of how nanoparticles interact with biological systems to predict and control in vivo nanoparticle transport for improved clinical benefit. In this overview article, we review and discuss cellular internalization pathways, summarize the field`s understanding of how nanoparticle physicochemical properties affect cellular interactions, and explore and discuss intracellular nanoparticle trafficking and kinetics. Our overview may provide a valuable resource for researchers and may inspire new studies to expand our current understanding of nanotechnology-biology interactions at cellular and subcellular levels with the goal to improve clinical translation of nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Donahue
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Handan Acar
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States; Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, United States.
| | - Stefan Wilhelm
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States; Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, United States.
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10
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Shen Y, Cheng Y, Uyeda TQP, Plaza GR. Cell Mechanosensors and the Possibilities of Using Magnetic Nanoparticles to Study Them and to Modify Cell Fate. Ann Biomed Eng 2017; 45:2475-2486. [PMID: 28744841 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-017-1884-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is a promising technique for future advances in biomedical applications. This idea is supported by the availability of MNPs that can target specific cell components, the variety of shapes of MNPs and the possibility of finely controlling the applied magnetic forces. To examine this opportunity, here we review the current developments in the use of MNPs to mechanically stimulate cells and, specifically, the cell mechanotransduction systems. We analyze the cell components that may act as mechanosensors and their effect on cell fate and we focus on the promising possibilities of controlling stem-cell differentiation, inducing cancer-cell death and treating nervous-system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Shen
- The Institute for Translational Nanomedicine, Shanghai East Hospital, The Institute for Biomedical Engineering & Nano Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- The Institute for Translational Nanomedicine, Shanghai East Hospital, The Institute for Biomedical Engineering & Nano Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Taro Q P Uyeda
- The Institute for Translational Nanomedicine, Shanghai East Hospital, The Institute for Biomedical Engineering & Nano Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.,Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Gustavo R Plaza
- The Institute for Translational Nanomedicine, Shanghai East Hospital, The Institute for Biomedical Engineering & Nano Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China. .,Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain.
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11
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Hill JM, De Stefani D, Jones AWE, Ruiz A, Rizzuto R, Szabadkai G. Measuring baseline Ca(2+) levels in subcellular compartments using genetically engineered fluorescent indicators. Methods Enzymol 2014; 543:47-72. [PMID: 24924127 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801329-8.00003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular Ca(2+) signaling is involved in a series of physiological and pathological processes. In particular, an intimate crosstalk between bioenergetic metabolism and Ca(2+) homeostasis has been shown to determine cell fate in resting conditions as well as in response to stress. The endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria represent key hubs of cellular metabolism and Ca(2+) signaling. However, it has been challenging to specifically detect highly localized Ca(2+) fluxes such as those bridging these two organelles. To circumvent this issue, various recombinant Ca(2+) indicators that can be targeted to specific subcellular compartments have been developed over the past two decades. While the use of these probes for measuring agonist-induced Ca(2+) signals in various organelles has been extensively described, the assessment of basal Ca(2+) concentrations within specific organelles is often disregarded, in spite of the fact that this parameter is vital for several metabolic functions, including the enzymatic activity of mitochondrial dehydrogenases of the Krebs cycle and protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we provide an overview on genetically engineered, organelle-targeted fluorescent Ca(2+) probes and outline their evolution. Moreover, we describe recently developed protocols to quantify baseline Ca(2+) concentrations in specific subcellular compartments. Among several applications, this method is suitable for assessing how changes in basal Ca(2+) levels affect the metabolic profile of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Hill
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diego De Stefani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CNR Neuroscience Institute, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Aleck W E Jones
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asier Ruiz
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience-UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain; Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Rizzuto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CNR Neuroscience Institute, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gyorgy Szabadkai
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Biomedical Sciences, CNR Neuroscience Institute, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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