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Minoshima M, Reja SI, Hashimoto R, Iijima K, Kikuchi K. Hybrid Small-Molecule/Protein Fluorescent Probes. Chem Rev 2024; 124:6198-6270. [PMID: 38717865 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00549] [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: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Hybrid small-molecule/protein fluorescent probes are powerful tools for visualizing protein localization and function in living cells. These hybrid probes are constructed by diverse site-specific chemical protein labeling approaches through chemical reactions to exogenous peptide/small protein tags, enzymatic post-translational modifications, bioorthogonal reactions for genetically incorporated unnatural amino acids, and ligand-directed chemical reactions. The hybrid small-molecule/protein fluorescent probes are employed for imaging protein trafficking, conformational changes, and bioanalytes surrounding proteins. In addition, fluorescent hybrid probes facilitate visualization of protein dynamics at the single-molecule level and the defined structure with super-resolution imaging. In this review, we discuss development and the bioimaging applications of fluorescent probes based on small-molecule/protein hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Minoshima
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Shahi Imam Reja
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 2-1, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Ryu Hashimoto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Kohei Iijima
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kikuchi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
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2
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Sarkar D, Galleano I, Heusser SA, Ou SY, Uzun GR, Khoo KK, van der Heden van Noort GJ, Harrison JS, Pless SA. Protein semisynthesis underscores the role of a conserved lysine in activation and desensitization of acid-sensing ion channels. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1000-1010.e6. [PMID: 38113885 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.11.013] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are trimeric ion channels that open a cation-conducting pore in response to proton binding. Excessive ASIC activation during prolonged acidosis in conditions such as inflammation and ischemia is linked to pain and stroke. A conserved lysine in the extracellular domain (Lys211 in mASIC1a) is suggested to play a key role in ASIC function. However, the precise contributions are difficult to dissect with conventional mutagenesis, as replacement of Lys211 with naturally occurring amino acids invariably changes multiple physico-chemical parameters. Here, we study the contribution of Lys211 to mASIC1a function using tandem protein trans-splicing (tPTS) to incorporate non-canonical lysine analogs. We conduct optimization efforts to improve splicing and functionally interrogate semisynthetic mASIC1a. In combination with molecular modeling, we show that Lys211 charge and side-chain length are crucial to activation and desensitization, thus emphasizing that tPTS can enable atomic-scale interrogations of membrane proteins in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debayan Sarkar
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Iacopo Galleano
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Sofie Yuewei Ou
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gül Refika Uzun
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Keith K Khoo
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Stephan Alexander Pless
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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3
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Karasev MM, Verkhusha VV, Shcherbakova DM. Near-Infrared Optogenetic Module for Conditional Protein Splicing. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168360. [PMID: 37949312 PMCID: PMC10842711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168360] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics has emerged as a powerful tool for spatiotemporal control of biological processes. Near-infrared (NIR) light, with its low phototoxicity and deep tissue penetration, holds particular promise. However, the optogenetic control of polypeptide bond formation has not yet been developed. In this study, we introduce a NIR optogenetic module for conditional protein splicing (CPS) based on the gp41-1 intein. We optimized the module to minimize background signals in the darkness and to maximize the contrast between light and dark conditions. Next, we engineered a NIR CPS gene expression system based on the protein ligation of a transcription factor. We applied the NIR CPS for light-triggered protein cleavage to activate gasdermin D, a pore-forming protein that induces pyroptotic cell death. Our NIR CPS optogenetic module represents a promising tool for controlling molecular processes through covalent protein linkage and cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksim M Karasev
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland; Department of Genetics, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Daria M Shcherbakova
- Department of Genetics, and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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4
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Keeble AH, Wood DP, Howarth M. Design and Evolution of Enhanced Peptide-Peptide Ligation for Modular Transglutaminase Assembly. Bioconjug Chem 2023. [PMID: 37289810 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Robust and precise tools are needed to enhance the functionality and resilience of synthetic nanoarchitectures. Here, we have employed directed evolution and rational design to build a fast-acting molecular superglue from a bacterial adhesion protein. We have generated the SnoopLigase2 coupling system, a genetically encoded route for efficient transamidation between SnoopTag2 and DogTag2 peptides. Each peptide was selected for rapid reaction by phage display screening. The optimized set allows more than 99% completion and is compatible with diverse buffers, pH values, and temperatures, accelerating the reaction over 1000-fold. SnoopLigase2 directs a specific reaction in the mammalian secretory pathway, allowing covalent display on the plasma membrane. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has a network of interactions and substrates amidst the mammalian cell surface and extracellular matrix. We expressed a modified TG2 with resistance to oxidative inactivation and minimal self-reactivity. SnoopLigase2 enables TG2 functionalization with transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) in routes that would be impossible through genetic fusion. The TG2:TGFα conjugate retained transamidase activity, stably anchored TGFα for signal activation in the extracellular environment, and reprogrammed cell behavior. This modular toolbox should create new opportunities for molecular assembly, both for novel biomaterials and complex cellular environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony H Keeble
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, U.K
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, U.K
| | - Dominic P Wood
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, U.K
| | - Mark Howarth
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, U.K
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, U.K
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5
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Pasch T, Schröder A, Kattelmann S, Eisenstein M, Pietrokovski S, Kümmel D, Mootz HD. Structural and biochemical analysis of a novel atypically split intein reveals a conserved histidine specific to cysteine-less inteins. Chem Sci 2023; 14:5204-5213. [PMID: 37206380 PMCID: PMC10189870 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc01200j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein trans-splicing mediated by a split intein reconstitutes a protein backbone from two parts. This virtually traceless autoprocessive reaction provides the basis for numerous protein engineering applications. Protein splicing typically proceeds through two thioester or oxyester intermediates involving the side chains of cysteine or serine/threonine residues. A cysteine-less split intein has recently attracted particular interest as it can splice under oxidizing conditions and is orthogonal to disulfide or thiol bioconjugation chemistries. Here, we report the split PolB16 OarG intein, a second such cysteine-independent intein. As a unique trait, it is atypically split with a short intein-N precursor fragment of only 15 amino acids, the shortest characterized to date, which was chemically synthesized to enable protein semi-synthesis. By rational engineering we obtained a high-yielding, improved split intein mutant. Structural and mutational analysis revealed the dispensability of the usually crucial conserved motif N3 (block B) histidine as an obvious peculiar property. Unexpectedly, we identified a previously unnoticed histidine in hydrogen-bond forming distance to the catalytic serine 1 as critical for splicing. This histidine has been overlooked so far in multiple sequence alignments and is highly conserved only in cysteine-independent inteins as a part of a newly discovered motif NX. The motif NX histidine is thus likely of general importance to the specialized environment in the active site required in this intein subgroup. Together, our study advances the toolbox as well as the structural and mechanistic understanding of cysteine-less inteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Pasch
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Alexander Schröder
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Sabrina Kattelmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Miriam Eisenstein
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 76100 Israel
| | - Shmuel Pietrokovski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 76100 Israel
| | - Daniel Kümmel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
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Abstract
The ability to manipulate the chemical composition of proteins and peptides has been central to the development of improved polypeptide-based therapeutics and has enabled researchers to address fundamental biological questions that would otherwise be out of reach. Protein ligation, in which two or more polypeptides are covalently linked, is a powerful strategy for generating semisynthetic products and for controlling polypeptide topology. However, specialized tools are required to efficiently forge a peptide bond in a chemoselective manner with fast kinetics and high yield. Fortunately, nature has addressed this challenge by evolving enzymatic mechanisms that can join polypeptides using a diverse set of chemical reactions. Here, we summarize how such nature-inspired protein ligation strategies have been repurposed as chemical biology tools that afford enhanced control over polypeptide composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Pihl
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Qingfei Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Center for Cancer Metabolism, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Yael David
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Bhagawati M, Arroum T, Webeling N, Montoro AG, Mootz HD, Busch KB. The receptor subunit Tom20 is dynamically associated with the TOM complex in mitochondria of human cells. Mol Biol Cell 2021; 32:br1. [PMID: 34347503 PMCID: PMC8684756 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-01-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane translocase (TOM) is the import channel for nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins. The general import pore contains Tom40, Tom22, Tom5, Tom6, and Tom7. Precursor proteins are bound by the (peripheral) receptor proteins Tom20, Tom22, and Tom70 before being imported by the TOM complex. Here we investigated the association of the receptor Tom20 with the TOM complex. Tom20 was found in the TOM complex, but not in a smaller subcomplex. In addition, a subcomplex was found without Tom40 and Tom7 but with Tom20. Using single particle tracking of labeled Tom20 in overexpressing human cells, we show that Tom20 has, on average, higher lateral mobility in the membrane than Tom7/TOM. After ligation of Tom20 with the TOM complex by post-tranlational protein trans-splicing using the traceless, ultrafast cleaved Gp41-1 integrin system, a significant decrease in the mean diffusion coefficient of Tom20 was observed in the resulting Tom20–Tom7 fusion protein. Exposure of Tom20 to high substrate loading also resulted in reduced mobility. Taken together, our data show that the receptor subunit Tom20 interacts dynamically with the TOM core complex. We suggest that the TOM complex containing Tom20 is the active import pore and that Tom20 is associated when substrate is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maniraj Bhagawati
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, Schloßplatz 5, 48149 Münster (Germany).,Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster (Germany).,Center of Cellular Nanoanalytics Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück (Germany)
| | - Tasnim Arroum
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, Schloßplatz 5, 48149 Münster (Germany)
| | - Niklas Webeling
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, Schloßplatz 5, 48149 Münster (Germany)
| | - Ayelén González Montoro
- Center of Cellular Nanoanalytics Osnabrück, 49076 Osnabrück (Germany).,Cellular communication laboratoraty, Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Osnabrueck, Barbarastraße 13, 49076 Osnabrueck (Germany)
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster (Germany)
| | - Karin B Busch
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Münster, Schloßplatz 5, 48149 Münster (Germany)
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Wolf P, Gavins G, Beck‐Sickinger AG, Seitz O. Strategies for Site-Specific Labeling of Receptor Proteins on the Surfaces of Living Cells by Using Genetically Encoded Peptide Tags. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1717-1732. [PMID: 33428317 PMCID: PMC8248378 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence microscopy imaging enables receptor proteins to be investigated within their biological context. A key challenge is to site-specifically incorporate reporter moieties into proteins without interfering with biological functions or cellular networks. Small peptide tags offer the opportunity to combine inducible labeling with small tag sizes that avoid receptor perturbation. Herein, we review the current state of live-cell labeling of peptide-tagged cell-surface proteins. Considering their importance as targets in medicinal chemistry, we focus on membrane receptors such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). We discuss peptide tags that i) are subject to enzyme-mediated modification reactions, ii) guide the complementation of reporter proteins, iii) form coiled-coil complexes, and iv) interact with metal complexes. Given our own contributions in the field, we place emphasis on peptide-templated labeling chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Wolf
- Faculty of Life SciencesInstitute of BiochemistryLeipzig UniversityBrüderstrasse 3404103LeipzigGermany
| | - Georgina Gavins
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural SciencesDepartment of ChemistryHumboldt-Universität zu BerlinBrook-Taylor-Str. 212489BerlinGermany
| | - Annette G. Beck‐Sickinger
- Faculty of Life SciencesInstitute of BiochemistryLeipzig UniversityBrüderstrasse 3404103LeipzigGermany
| | - Oliver Seitz
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural SciencesDepartment of ChemistryHumboldt-Universität zu BerlinBrook-Taylor-Str. 212489BerlinGermany
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Sarkar D, Harms H, Galleano I, Sheikh ZP, Pless SA. Ion channel engineering using protein trans-splicing. Methods Enzymol 2021; 654:19-48. [PMID: 34120713 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Conventional site-directed mutagenesis and genetic code expansion approaches have been instrumental in providing detailed functional and pharmacological insight into membrane proteins such as ion channels. Recently, this has increasingly been complemented by semi-synthetic strategies, in which part of the protein is generated synthetically. This means a vast range of chemical modifications, including non-canonical amino acids (ncAA), backbone modifications, chemical handles, fluorescent or spectroscopic labels and any combination of these can be incorporated. Among these approaches, protein trans-splicing (PTS) is particularly promising for protein reconstitution in live cells. It relies on one or more split inteins, which can spontaneously and covalently link flanking peptide or protein sequences. Here, we describe the use of PTS and its variant tandem PTS (tPTS) in semi-synthesis of ion channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes to incorporate ncAAs, post-translational modifications or metabolically stable mimics thereof. This strategy has the potential to expand the type and number of modifications in ion channel research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debayan Sarkar
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Harms
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Iacopo Galleano
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zeshan Pervez Sheikh
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Conibear AC. Deciphering protein post-translational modifications using chemical biology tools. Nat Rev Chem 2020; 4:674-695. [PMID: 37127974 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-020-00223-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Proteins carry out a wide variety of catalytic, regulatory, signalling and structural functions in living systems. Following their assembly on ribosomes and throughout their lifetimes, most eukaryotic proteins are modified by post-translational modifications; small functional groups and complex biomolecules are conjugated to amino acid side chains or termini, and the protein backbone is cleaved, spliced or cyclized, to name just a few examples. These modifications modulate protein activity, structure, location and interactions, and, thereby, control many core biological processes. Aberrant post-translational modifications are markers of cellular stress or malfunction and are implicated in several diseases. Therefore, gaining an understanding of which proteins are modified, at which sites and the resulting biological consequences is an important but complex challenge requiring interdisciplinary approaches. One of the key challenges is accessing precisely modified proteins to assign functional consequences to specific modifications. Chemical biologists have developed a versatile set of tools for accessing specifically modified proteins by applying robust chemistries to biological molecules and developing strategies for synthesizing and ligating proteins. This Review provides an overview of these tools, with selected recent examples of how they have been applied to decipher the roles of a variety of protein post-translational modifications. Relative advantages and disadvantages of each of the techniques are discussed, highlighting examples where they are used in combination and have the potential to address new frontiers in understanding complex biological processes.
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