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Armbruster A, Mohamed AM, Phan HT, Weber W. Lighting the way: recent developments and applications in molecular optogenetics. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103126. [PMID: 38554641 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Molecular optogenetics utilizes genetically encoded, light-responsive protein switches to control the function of molecular processes. Over the last two years, there have been notable advances in the development of novel optogenetic switches, their utilization in elucidating intricate signaling pathways, and their progress toward practical applications in biotechnological processes, material sciences, and therapeutic applications. In this review, we discuss these areas, offer insights into recent developments, and contemplate future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Armbruster
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Asim Me Mohamed
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hoang T Phan
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Saarland University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
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2
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Huang P, Zhao Z, Duan L. Optogenetic activation of intracellular signaling based on light-inducible protein-protein homo-interactions. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:25-30. [PMID: 34100422 PMCID: PMC8451544 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.314293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic protein-protein interactions are essential for proper cell functioning. Homo-interaction events—physical interactions between the same type of proteins—represent a pivotal subset of protein-protein interactions that are widely exploited in activating intracellular signaling pathways. Capacities of modulating protein-protein interactions with spatial and temporal resolution are greatly desired to decipher the dynamic nature of signal transduction mechanisms. The emerging optogenetic technology, based on genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins, provides promising opportunities to dissect the highly complex signaling networks with unmatched specificity and spatiotemporal precision. Here we review recent achievements in the development of optogenetic tools enabling light-inducible protein-protein homo-interactions and their applications in optical activation of signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyuan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhihao Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Liting Duan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Shun Hing Institute of Advanced Engineering (SHIAE), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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3
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Kramer MM, Lataster L, Weber W, Radziwill G. Optogenetic Approaches for the Spatiotemporal Control of Signal Transduction Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5300. [PMID: 34069904 PMCID: PMC8157557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological signals are sensed by their respective receptors and are transduced and processed by a sophisticated intracellular signaling network leading to a signal-specific cellular response. Thereby, the response to the signal depends on the strength, the frequency, and the duration of the stimulus as well as on the subcellular signal progression. Optogenetic tools are based on genetically encoded light-sensing proteins facilitating the precise spatiotemporal control of signal transduction pathways and cell fate decisions in the absence of natural ligands. In this review, we provide an overview of optogenetic approaches connecting light-regulated protein-protein interaction or caging/uncaging events with steering the function of signaling proteins. We briefly discuss the most common optogenetic switches and their mode of action. The main part deals with the engineering and application of optogenetic tools for the control of transmembrane receptors including receptor tyrosine kinases, the T cell receptor and integrins, and their effector proteins. We also address the hallmarks of optogenetics, the spatial and temporal control of signaling events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus M. Kramer
- Faculty of Biology and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (M.M.K.); (L.L.); (W.W.)
- SGBM—Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Levin Lataster
- Faculty of Biology and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (M.M.K.); (L.L.); (W.W.)
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of Biology and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (M.M.K.); (L.L.); (W.W.)
- SGBM—Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gerald Radziwill
- Faculty of Biology and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (M.M.K.); (L.L.); (W.W.)
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4
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Shaaya M, Fauser J, Karginov AV. Optogenetics: The Art of Illuminating Complex Signaling Pathways. Physiology (Bethesda) 2021; 36:52-60. [PMID: 33325819 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00022.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dissection of cell signaling requires tools that can mimic spatiotemporal dynamics of individual pathways in living cells. Optogenetic methods enable manipulation of signaling processes with precise timing and local control. In this review, we describe recent optogenetic approaches for regulation of cell signaling, highlight their advantages and limitations, and discuss examples of their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Shaaya
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jordan Fauser
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrei V Karginov
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,University of Illinois Cancer Center, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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5
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Somuncu ÖS, Berns HM, Sanchez JG. New Pioneers of Optogenetics in Neuroscience. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1288:47-60. [PMID: 31983055 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics have recently increased in popularity as tools to study behavior in response to the brain and how these trends relate back to a neuronal circuit. Additionally, the high demand for human cerebral tissue in research has led to the generation of a new model to investigate human brain development and disease. Human Pluripotent Stem Cells (hPSCs) have been previously used to recapitulate the development of several tissues such as intestine, stomach and liver and to model disease in a human context, recently new improvements have been made in the field of hPSC-derived brain organoids to better understand overall brain development but more specifically, to mimic inter-neuronal communication. This review aims to highlight the recent advances in these two separate approaches of brain research and to emphasize the need for overlap. These two novel approaches would combine the study of behavior along with the specific circuits required to produce the signals causing such behavior. This review is focused on the current state of the field, as well as the development of novel optogenetic technologies and their potential for current scientific study and potential therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ö Sezin Somuncu
- Department of Medical Biology, Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - H Matthew Berns
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - J Guillermo Sanchez
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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McCormick JW, Pincus D, Resnekov O, Reynolds KA. Strategies for Engineering and Rewiring Kinase Regulation. Trends Biochem Sci 2019; 45:259-271. [PMID: 31866305 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic protein kinases (EPKs) catalyze the transfer of a phosphate group onto another protein in response to appropriate regulatory cues. In doing so, they provide a primary means for cellular information transfer. Consequently, EPKs play crucial roles in cell differentiation and cell-cycle progression, and kinase dysregulation is associated with numerous disease phenotypes including cancer. Nonnative cues for synthetically regulating kinases are thus much sought after, both for dissecting cell signaling pathways and for pharmaceutical development. In recent years advances in protein engineering and sequence analysis have led to new approaches for manipulating kinase activity, localization, and in some instances specificity. These tools have revealed fundamental principles of intracellular signaling and suggest paths forward for the design of therapeutic allosteric kinase regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W McCormick
- The Green Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - David Pincus
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Center for Physics of Evolving Systems, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Kimberly A Reynolds
- The Green Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Wang J, Luo J, Huang W, Liu C, Zeng D, Liu H, Qu X, Liu C, Xiang Y, Qin X. Increased intracellular Cl - concentration by activating FAK promotes airway epithelial BEAS-2B cells proliferation and wound healing. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 680:108225. [PMID: 31838119 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.108225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An increase in intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) may be a general response of airway epithelial cells to various stimuli and may participate in some basic cellular functions. However, whether the basic functional activities of cells, such as proliferation and wound healing, are related to Cl- activities remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of [Cl-]i on the proliferation and wound healing ability of airway epithelial BEAS-2B cells. BEAS-2B cells were treated with four Cl- channel inhibitors (T16Ainh-A01, CFTRinh-172, CaCCinh-A01, and IAA-94), and the Cl- fluorescence probe N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide was used. Results showed that all Cl- channel inhibitors could increase [Cl-]i in BEAS-2B cells. The increased [Cl-]i induced by Cl- channel inhibitors or clamping [Cl-]i at high levels enhanced the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and subsequently promoted the proliferation and wound healing ability of BEAS-2B cells. By contrast, the FAK inhibitor PF573228 abrogated these effects induced by the increased [Cl-]i. FAK also activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In conclusion, increased [Cl-]i promotes the proliferation and wound healing ability of BEAS-2B cells by activating FAK to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Intracellular Cl- may act as a signaling molecule to regulate the proliferation and wound healing ability of airway epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First-affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410016, China
| | - Jinhua Luo
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Caixia Liu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Dan Zeng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China; Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First-affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410016, China
| | - Huijun Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Xiangping Qu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Chi Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China.
| | - Xiaoqun Qin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China.
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Hu W, Li Q, Li B, Ma K, Zhang C, Fu X. Optogenetics sheds new light on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Biomaterials 2019; 227:119546. [PMID: 31655444 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics has demonstrated great potential in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, from basic research to clinical applications. Spatiotemporal encoding during individual development has been widely identified and is considered a novel strategy for regeneration. A as a noninvasive method with high spatiotemporal resolution, optogenetics are suitable for this strategy. In this review, we discuss roles of dynamic signal coding in cell physiology and embryonic development. Several optogenetic systems are introduced as ideal optogenetic tools, and their features are compared. In addition, potential applications of optogenetics for tissue engineering are discussed, including light-controlled genetic engineering and regulation of signaling pathways. Furthermore, we present how emerging biomaterials and photoelectric technologies have greatly promoted the clinical application of optogenetics and inspired new concepts for optically controlled therapies. Our summation of currently available data conclusively demonstrates that optogenetic tools are a promising method for elucidating and simulating developmental processes, thus providing vast prospects for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Hu
- Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medicine Science, College of Life Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration of PLA and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100048, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qiankun Li
- Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medicine Science, College of Life Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration of PLA and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100048, Beijing, PR China
| | - Bingmin Li
- Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medicine Science, College of Life Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration of PLA and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100048, Beijing, PR China
| | - Kui Ma
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration of PLA and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100048, Beijing, PR China
| | - Cuiping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration of PLA and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100048, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medicine Science, College of Life Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration of PLA and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100048, Beijing, PR China.
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Ricken J, Medda R, Wegner SV. Photo‐ECM: A Blue Light Photoswitchable Synthetic Extracellular Matrix Protein for Reversible Control over Cell–Matrix Adhesion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3:e1800302. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ricken
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
- Department of Biophysical ChemistryUniversity of Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 253 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research Jahnstraße 29 69120 Heidelberg Germany
| | - Rebecca Medda
- Department of Biophysical ChemistryUniversity of Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 253 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research Jahnstraße 29 69120 Heidelberg Germany
| | - Seraphine V. Wegner
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
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Abstract
Sensory photoreceptors underpin light-dependent adaptations of organismal physiology, development, and behavior in nature. Adapted for optogenetics, sensory photoreceptors become genetically encoded actuators and reporters to enable the noninvasive, spatiotemporally accurate and reversible control by light of cellular processes. Rooted in a mechanistic understanding of natural photoreceptors, artificial photoreceptors with customized light-gated function have been engineered that greatly expand the scope of optogenetics beyond the original application of light-controlled ion flow. As we survey presently, UV/blue-light-sensitive photoreceptors have particularly allowed optogenetics to transcend its initial neuroscience applications by unlocking numerous additional cellular processes and parameters for optogenetic intervention, including gene expression, DNA recombination, subcellular localization, cytoskeleton dynamics, intracellular protein stability, signal transduction cascades, apoptosis, and enzyme activity. The engineering of novel photoreceptors benefits from powerful and reusable design strategies, most importantly light-dependent protein association and (un)folding reactions. Additionally, modified versions of these same sensory photoreceptors serve as fluorescent proteins and generators of singlet oxygen, thereby further enriching the optogenetic toolkit. The available and upcoming UV/blue-light-sensitive actuators and reporters enable the detailed and quantitative interrogation of cellular signal networks and processes in increasingly more precise and illuminating manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aba Losi
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences , University of Parma , Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A-43124 Parma , Italy
| | - Kevin H Gardner
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center , New York , New York 10031 , United States.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York , New York , New York 10031 , United States.,Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Biology , The Graduate Center of the City University of New York , New York , New York 10016 , United States
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie , Universität Bayreuth , 95447 Bayreuth , Germany.,Research Center for Bio-Macromolecules , Universität Bayreuth , 95447 Bayreuth , Germany.,Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , Universität Bayreuth , 95447 Bayreuth , Germany
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