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Desmet NM, Dhusia K, Qi W, Doseff AI, Bhattacharya S, Gilad AA. Bioengineering of Genetically Encoded Gene Promoter Repressed by the Flavonoid Apigenin for Constructing Intracellular Sensor for Molecular Events. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2021; 11:bios11050137. [PMID: 33924783 PMCID: PMC8147076 DOI: 10.3390/bios11050137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, Synthetic Biology has emerged as a new discipline where functions that were traditionally performed by electronic devices are replaced by "cellular devices"; genetically encoded circuits constructed of DNA that are built from biological parts (aka bio-parts). The cellular devices can be used for sensing and responding to natural and artificial signals. However, a major challenge in the field is that the crosstalk between many cellular signaling pathways use the same signaling endogenous molecules that can result in undesired activation. To overcome this problem, we utilized a specific promoter that can activate genes with a natural, non-toxic ligand at a highly-induced transcription level with low background or undesirable off-target expression. Here we used the orphan aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor that upon activation binds to specific AHR response elements (AHRE) of the Cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP1A1) promoter. Flavonoids have been identified as AHR ligands. Data presented here show the successful creation of a synthetic gene "off" switch that can be monitored directly using an optical reporter gene. This is the first step towards bioengineering of a synthetic, nanoscale bio-part for constructing a sensor for molecular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Desmet
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (N.M.D.); (K.D.); (W.Q.); (S.B.)
- Division of Synthetic Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kalyani Dhusia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (N.M.D.); (K.D.); (W.Q.); (S.B.)
| | - Wenjie Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (N.M.D.); (K.D.); (W.Q.); (S.B.)
| | - Andrea I. Doseff
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sudin Bhattacharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (N.M.D.); (K.D.); (W.Q.); (S.B.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Assaf A. Gilad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (N.M.D.); (K.D.); (W.Q.); (S.B.)
- Division of Synthetic Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence:
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Perlman O, Ito H, Gilad AA, McMahon MT, Chiocca EA, Nakashima H, Farrar CT. Redesigned reporter gene for improved proton exchange-based molecular MRI contrast. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20664. [PMID: 33244130 PMCID: PMC7692519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77576-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reporter gene imaging allows for non-invasive monitoring of molecular processes in living cells, providing insights on the mechanisms underlying pathology and therapy. A lysine-rich protein (LRP) chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI reporter gene has previously been developed and used to image tumor cells, cardiac viral gene transfer, and oncolytic virotherapy. However, the highly repetitive nature of the LRP reporter gene sequence leads to DNA recombination events and the expression of a range of truncated LRP protein fragments, thereby greatly limiting the CEST sensitivity. Here we report the use of a redesigned LRP reporter (rdLRP), aimed to provide excellent stability and CEST sensitivity. The rdLRP contains no DNA repeats or GC rich regions and 30% less positively charged amino-acids. RT-PCR of cell lysates transfected with rdLRP demonstrated a stable reporter gene with a single distinct band corresponding to full-length DNA. A distinct increase in CEST-MRI contrast was obtained in cell lysates of rdLRP transfected cells and in in vivo LRP expressing mouse brain tumors ([Formula: see text], n = 10).
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Affiliation(s)
- Or Perlman
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Suite 2301, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Hirotaka Ito
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Assaf A Gilad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- The Institute of Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Michael T McMahon
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of MR Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - E Antonio Chiocca
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakashima
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian T Farrar
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Suite 2301, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
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Liu S, Tang Y, Xing Y, Kramer P, Bellinger L, Tao F. Potential Application of Optogenetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Pain and Migraine Headache: A Perspective from Animal Studies. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9020026. [PMID: 30699891 PMCID: PMC6406977 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic manipulation is uniquely useful in unraveling the functional organization of neuronal circuits in the central nervous system by enabling reversible gain- or loss-of-function of discrete populations of neurons within restricted brain regions. This state-of-the-art technology can produce circuit-specific neuromodulation by overexpressing light-sensitive proteins (opsins) in particular cell types of interest. Here, we discuss the principle of optogenetic manipulation and its application in pain research using animal models, and we also discuss how to potentially use optogenetic stimulation in the treatment of migraine headache in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Zhengzhou University School of Medicine, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of Physiology, Zhengzhou University School of Medicine, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Phillip Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
| | - Larry Bellinger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
| | - Feng Tao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
- Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75246, USA.
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Thompson GJ. Neural and metabolic basis of dynamic resting state fMRI. Neuroimage 2017; 180:448-462. [PMID: 28899744 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Resting state fMRI (rsfMRI) as a technique showed much initial promise for use in psychiatric and neurological diseases where diagnosis and treatment were difficult. To realize this promise, many groups have moved towards examining "dynamic rsfMRI," which relies on the assumption that rsfMRI measurements on short time scales remain relevant to the underlying neural and metabolic activity. Many dynamic rsfMRI studies have demonstrated differences between clinical or behavioral groups beyond what static rsfMRI measured, suggesting a neurometabolic basis. Correlative studies combining dynamic rsfMRI and other physiological measurements have supported this. However, they also indicate multiple mechanisms and, if using correlation alone, it is difficult to separate cause and effect. Hypothesis-driven studies are needed, a few of which have begun to illuminate the underlying neurometabolic mechanisms that shape observed differences in dynamic rsfMRI. While the number of potential noise sources, potential actual neurometabolic sources, and methodological considerations can seem overwhelming, dynamic rsfMRI provides a rich opportunity in systems neuroscience. Even an incrementally better understanding of the neurometabolic basis of dynamic rsfMRI would expand rsfMRI's research and clinical utility, and the studies described herein take the first steps on that path forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth J Thompson
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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Liu S, Li C, Xing Y, Wang Y, Tao F. Role of Neuromodulation and Optogenetic Manipulation in Pain Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 14:654-61. [PMID: 26935535 PMCID: PMC4981737 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160303110503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation, including invasive and non-invasive stimulation, has been used to treat intractable chronic pain. However, the mechanisms by which neuromodulation produces antinociceptive effect still remain uncertain. Optogenetic manipulation, a recently developed novel approach, has already proven its value to clinicians by providing new insights into mechanisms of current clinical neuromodulation methods as well as pathophysiology of nervous system diseases at the circuit level. Here, we discuss the principles of two neuromodulation methods (deep brain stimulation and motor cortex stimulation) and their applications in pain treatment. More important, we summarize the new information from recent studies regarding optogenetic manipulation in neuroscience research and its potential utility in pain study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Feng Tao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, Texas.
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Srivastava AK, Kadayakkara DK, Bar-Shir A, Gilad AA, McMahon MT, Bulte JWM. Advances in using MRI probes and sensors for in vivo cell tracking as applied to regenerative medicine. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:323-36. [PMID: 26035841 PMCID: PMC4381332 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of molecular and cellular imaging allows molecules and cells to be visualized in vivo non-invasively. It has uses not only as a research tool but in clinical settings as well, for example in monitoring cell-based regenerative therapies, in which cells are transplanted to replace degenerating or damaged tissues, or to restore a physiological function. The success of such cell-based therapies depends on several critical issues, including the route and accuracy of cell transplantation, the fate of cells after transplantation, and the interaction of engrafted cells with the host microenvironment. To assess these issues, it is necessary to monitor transplanted cells non-invasively in real-time. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a tool uniquely suited to this task, given its ability to image deep inside tissue with high temporal resolution and sensitivity. Extraordinary efforts have recently been made to improve cellular MRI as applied to regenerative medicine, by developing more advanced contrast agents for use as probes and sensors. These advances enable the non-invasive monitoring of cell fate and, more recently, that of the different cellular functions of living cells, such as their enzymatic activity and gene expression, as well as their time point of cell death. We present here a review of recent advancements in the development of these probes and sensors, and of their functioning, applications and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Srivastava
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Deepak K Kadayakkara
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Amnon Bar-Shir
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Assaf A Gilad
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Michael T McMahon
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jeff W M Bulte
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Li N, van Zijl P, Thakor N, Pelled G. Study of the spatial correlation between neuronal activity and BOLD fMRI responses evoked by sensory and channelrhodopsin-2 stimulation in the rat somatosensory cortex. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 53:553-61. [PMID: 24443233 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-013-0221-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we combined optogenetic tools with high-resolution blood oxygenation level-dependent functional MRI (BOLD fMRI), electrophysiology, and optical imaging of cerebral blood flow (CBF), to study the spatial correlation between the hemodynamic responses and neuronal activity. We first investigated the spatial and temporal characteristics of BOLD fMRI and the underlying neuronal responses evoked by sensory stimulations at different frequencies. The results demonstrated that under dexmedetomidine anesthesia, BOLD fMRI and neuronal activity in the rat primary somatosensory cortex (S1) have different frequency-dependency and distinct laminar activation profiles. We then found that localized activation of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) expressed in neurons throughout the cortex induced neuronal responses that were confined to the light stimulation S1 region (<500 μm) with distinct laminar activation profile. However, the spatial extent of the hemodynamic responses measured by CBF and BOLD fMRI induced by both ChR2 and sensory stimulation was greater than 3 mm. These results suggest that due to the complex neurovascular coupling, it is challenging to determine specific characteristics of the underlying neuronal activity exclusively from the BOLD fMRI signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- F. M. Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Minn I, Menezes ME, Sarkar S, Yarlagadda K, Das SK, Emdad L, Sarkar D, Fisher PB, Pomper MG. Molecular-genetic imaging of cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2014; 124:131-69. [PMID: 25287688 PMCID: PMC4339000 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-411638-2.00004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular-genetic imaging of cancer using nonviral delivery systems has great potential for clinical application as a safe, efficient, noninvasive tool for visualization of various cellular processes including detection of cancer, and its attendant metastases. In recent years, significant effort has been expended in overcoming technical hurdles to enable clinical adoption of molecular-genetic imaging. This chapter will provide an introduction to the components of molecular-genetic imaging and recent advances on each component leading to safe, efficient clinical applications for detecting cancer. Combination with therapy, namely, generating molecular-genetic theranostic constructs, will provide further impetus for clinical translation of this promising technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il Minn
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Siddik Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Keerthi Yarlagadda
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Mulder WJM, McMahon MT, Nicolay K. The evolution of MRI probes: from the initial development to state-of-the-art applications. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2013; 26:725-727. [PMID: 23784954 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.2976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
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