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Kim C, Yun SR, Lee SJ, Kim SO, Lee H, Choi J, Kim JG, Kim TW, You S, Kosheleva I, Noh T, Baek J, Ihee H. Structural dynamics of protein-protein association involved in the light-induced transition of Avena sativa LOV2 protein. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6991. [PMID: 39143073 PMCID: PMC11324726 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The Light-oxygen-voltage-sensing domain (LOV) superfamily, found in enzymes and signal transduction proteins, plays a crucial role in converting light signals into structural signals, mediating various biological mechanisms. While time-resolved spectroscopic studies have revealed the dynamics of the LOV-domain chromophore's electronic structures, understanding the structural changes in the protein moiety, particularly regarding light-induced dimerization, remains challenging. Here, we utilize time-resolved X-ray liquidography to capture the light-induced dimerization of Avena sativa LOV2. Our analysis unveils that dimerization occurs within milliseconds after the unfolding of the A'α and Jα helices in the microsecond time range. Notably, our findings suggest that protein-protein interactions (PPIs) among the β-scaffolds, mediated by helix unfolding, play a key role in dimerization. In this work, we offer structural insights into the dimerization of LOV2 proteins following structural changes in the A'α and Jα helices, as well as mechanistic insights into the protein-protein association process driven by PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - So Ri Yun
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jin Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ok Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyosub Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungkweon Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Goo Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Wu Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyoung You
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Irina Kosheleva
- Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Taeyoon Noh
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghoon Baek
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyotcherl Ihee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Advanced Reaction Dynamics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Effiong UM, Khairandish H, Ramirez-Velez I, Wang Y, Belardi B. Turn-on protein switches for controlling actin binding in cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5840. [PMID: 38992021 PMCID: PMC11239668 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49934-2] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Within a shared cytoplasm, filamentous actin (F-actin) plays numerous and critical roles across the cell body. Cells rely on actin-binding proteins (ABPs) to organize F-actin and to integrate its polymeric characteristics into diverse cellular processes. Yet, the multitude of ABPs that engage with and shape F-actin make studying a single ABP's influence on cellular activities a significant challenge. Moreover, without a means of manipulating actin-binding subcellularly, harnessing the F-actin cytoskeleton for synthetic biology purposes remains elusive. Here, we describe a suite of designed proteins, Controllable Actin-binding Switch Tools (CASTs), whose actin-binding behavior can be controlled with external stimuli. CASTs were developed that respond to different external inputs, providing options for turn-on kinetics and enabling orthogonality and multiplexing. Being genetically encoded, we show that CASTs can be inserted into native protein sequences to control F-actin association locally and engineered into structures to control cell and tissue shape and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unyime M Effiong
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Hannah Khairandish
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Isabela Ramirez-Velez
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Yanran Wang
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Brian Belardi
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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3
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Nishibe N, Maruta S. Photocontrol of small GTPase Ras fused with a photoresponsive protein. J Biochem 2024; 176:11-21. [PMID: 38366640 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvae017] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The small GTPase Ras plays an important role in intracellular signal transduction and functions as a molecular switch. In this study, we used a photoresponsive protein as the molecular regulatory device to photoregulate Ras GTPase activity. Photo zipper (PZ), a variant of the photoresponsive protein Aureochrome1 developed by Hisatomi et al. was incorporated into the C-terminus of Ras as a fusion protein. The three constructs of the Ras-PZ fusion protein had spacers of different lengths between Ras and PZ. They were designed using an Escherichia coli expression system. The Ras-PZ fusion proteins exhibited photoisomerization upon blue light irradiation and in the dark. Ras-PZ dimerized upon light irradiation. Moreover, Ras GTPase activity, which is accelerated by the Ras regulators guanine nucleotide exchange factors and GTPase-activating proteins, is controlled by photoisomerization. It has been suggested that light-responsive proteins are applicable to the photoswitching of the enzymatic activity of small GTPases as photoregulatory molecular devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Nishibe
- Department of Biosciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-cho, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8577, Japan
| | - Shinsaku Maruta
- Department of Biosciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-cho, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8577, Japan
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4
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Xiao S, Ibrahim MT, Verkhivker GM, Zoltowski BD, Tao P. β-sheets mediate the conformational change and allosteric signal transmission between the AsLOV2 termini. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:1493-1504. [PMID: 38476039 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Avena sativa phototropin 1 light-oxygen-voltage 2 domain (AsLOV2) is a model protein of Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) superfamily, characterized by conformational changes in response to external environmental stimuli. This conformational change begins with the unfolding of the N-terminal A'α helix in the dark state followed by the unfolding of the C-terminal Jα helix. The light state is characterized by the unfolded termini and the subsequent modifications in hydrogen bond patterns. In this photoreceptor, β-sheets are identified as crucial components for mediating allosteric signal transmission between the two termini. Through combined experimental and computational investigations, the Hβ and Iβ strands are recognized as the most critical and influential β-sheets in AsLOV2's allosteric mechanism. To elucidate the role of these β-sheets, we introduced 13 distinct mutations (F490L, N492A, L493A, F494L, H495L, L496F, Q497A, R500A, F509L, Q513A, L514A, D515V, and T517V) and conducted comprehensive molecular dynamics simulations. In-depth hydrogen bond analyses emphasized the role of two hydrogen bonds, Asn482-Leu453 and Gln479-Val520, in the observed distinct behaviors of L493A, L496F, Q497A, and D515V mutants. This illustrates the role of β-sheets in the transmission of the allosteric signal upon the photoactivation of the light state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Mayar Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Gennady M Verkhivker
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Brian D Zoltowski
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Peng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Wang X, Xu P, Bentley-DeSousa A, Hancock-Cerutti W, Cai S, Johnson BT, Tonelli F, Talaia G, Alessi DR, Ferguson SM, De Camilli P. Lysosome damage triggers acute formation of ER to lysosomes membrane tethers mediated by the bridge-like lipid transport protein VPS13C. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.08.598070. [PMID: 38895395 PMCID: PMC11185796 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.08.598070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Based on genetic studies, lysosome dysfunction is thought to play a pathogenetic role in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we show that VPS13C, a bridge-like lipid transport protein and a PD gene, is a sensor of lysosome stress/damage. Upon lysosome membrane perturbation, VPS13C rapidly relocates from the cytosol to the surface of lysosomes where it tethers their membranes to the ER. This recruitment depends on Rab7 and requires release of a brake, most likely an intramolecular interaction within VPS13C, which hinders access of its VAB domain to lysosome-bound Rab7. While another PD protein, LRRK2, is also recruited to stressed/damaged lysosomes, its recruitment occurs at much later stages and by different mechanisms. Given the putative role of VPS13 proteins in bulk lipid transport, these findings suggest lipid delivery to lysosomes by VPS13C is part of an early response to lysosome damage.
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6
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Zhang W, Wang H, Luo Z, Jian Y, Gong C, Wang H, Lin X, Liu M, Wang Y, Shao H. Hitchhiking of Cas9 with nucleus-localized proteins impairs its controllability and leads to efficient genome editing of NLS-free Cas9. Mol Ther 2024; 32:920-934. [PMID: 38341611 PMCID: PMC11163216 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.02.008] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is the most commonly used genome-editing tool in eukaryotic cells. To modulate Cas9 entry into the nucleus to enable control of genome editing, we constructed a light-controlled CRISPR-Cas9 system to control exposure of the Cas9 protein nuclear localization signal (NLS). Although blue-light irradiation was found to effectively control the entry of Cas9 protein into the nucleus with confocal microscopy observation, effective gene editing occurred in controls with next-generation sequencing analysis. To further clarify this phenomenon, a CRISPR-Cas9 editing system without the NLS and a CRISPR-Cas9 editing system containing a nuclear export signal were also constructed. Interestingly, both Cas9 proteins could achieve effective editing of target sites with significantly reduced off-target effects. Thus, we speculated that other factors might mediate Cas9 entry into the nucleus. However, NLS-free Cas9 was found to produce effective target gene editing even following inhibition of cell mitosis to prevent nuclear import caused by nuclear membrane disassembly. Furthermore, multiple nucleus-localized proteins were found to interact with Cas9, which could mediate the "hitchhiking" of NLS-free Cas9 into the nucleus. These findings will inform future attempts to construct controllable gene-editing systems and provide new insights into the evolution of the nucleus and compatible protein functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Zhang
- School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Biopharmaceutical Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
| | - Haozheng Wang
- School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Biopharmaceutical Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhongtao Luo
- School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Biopharmaceutical Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yingzhen Jian
- School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Biopharmaceutical Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chenyu Gong
- School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Biopharmaceutical Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Biopharmaceutical Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xinjian Lin
- School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Biopharmaceutical Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Meilin Liu
- School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Biopharmaceutical Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yangmin Wang
- School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Biopharmaceutical Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Shao
- School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China; Biopharmaceutical Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
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7
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Fenelon KD, Krause J, Koromila T. Opticool: Cutting-edge transgenic optical tools. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011208. [PMID: 38517915 PMCID: PMC10959397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Only a few short decades have passed since the sequencing of GFP, yet the modern repertoire of transgenically encoded optical tools implies an exponential proliferation of ever improving constructions to interrogate the subcellular environment. A myriad of tags for labeling proteins, RNA, or DNA have arisen in the last few decades, facilitating unprecedented visualization of subcellular components and processes. Development of a broad array of modern genetically encoded sensors allows real-time, in vivo detection of molecule levels, pH, forces, enzyme activity, and other subcellular and extracellular phenomena in ever expanding contexts. Optogenetic, genetically encoded optically controlled manipulation systems have gained traction in the biological research community and facilitate single-cell, real-time modulation of protein function in vivo in ever broadening, novel applications. While this field continues to explosively expand, references are needed to assist scientists seeking to use and improve these transgenic devices in new and exciting ways to interrogate development and disease. In this review, we endeavor to highlight the state and trajectory of the field of in vivo transgenic optical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli D. Fenelon
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Julia Krause
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Theodora Koromila
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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8
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Tague N, Coriano-Ortiz C, Sheets MB, Dunlop MJ. Light-inducible protein degradation in E. coli with the LOVdeg tag. eLife 2024; 12:RP87303. [PMID: 38270583 PMCID: PMC10945698 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87303] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular tools for optogenetic control allow for spatial and temporal regulation of cell behavior. In particular, light-controlled protein degradation is a valuable mechanism of regulation because it can be highly modular, used in tandem with other control mechanisms, and maintain functionality throughout growth phases. Here, we engineered LOVdeg, a tag that can be appended to a protein of interest for inducible degradation in Escherichia coli using blue light. We demonstrate the modularity of LOVdeg by using it to tag a range of proteins, including the LacI repressor, CRISPRa activator, and the AcrB efflux pump. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of pairing the LOVdeg tag with existing optogenetic tools to enhance performance by developing a combined EL222 and LOVdeg system. Finally, we use the LOVdeg tag in a metabolic engineering application to demonstrate post-translational control of metabolism. Together, our results highlight the modularity and functionality of the LOVdeg tag system and introduce a powerful new tool for bacterial optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Tague
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
- Biological Design Center, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Cristian Coriano-Ortiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
- Biological Design Center, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Michael B Sheets
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
- Biological Design Center, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Mary J Dunlop
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
- Biological Design Center, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
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9
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Xiao S, Ibrahim MT, Verkhivker GM, Zoltowski BD, Tao P. Microsecond Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Markov State Models of Mutation-Induced Allosteric Mechanisms for the Light-Oxygen-Voltage 2 Protein : Revealing Structural Basis of Signal Transmission Induced by Photoactivation of the Light Protein State. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.22.573121. [PMID: 38187662 PMCID: PMC10769362 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.573121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Avena Sativa phototropin 1 Light-oxygen-voltage 2 domain (AsLOV2) is the model protein of Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) superfamily, characterized by conformational changes in response to external environmental stimuli. This conformational change is initiated by the unfolding of the N-terminal helix in the dark state followed by the unfolding of the C-terminal helix. The light state is defined by the unfolded termini and the subsequent modifications in hydrogen bond patterns. In this photoreceptor, β-sheets have been identified as crucial components for mediating allosteric signal transmission between the two termini. In this study, we combined microsecond all-atm molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state modeling of conformational states to quantify molecular basis of mutation-induced allostery in the AsLOV2 protein. Through a combination of computational investigations, we determine that the Hβ and Iβ strands are the most critical structural elements involved in the allosteric mechanism. To elucidate the role of these β-sheets, we introduced 13 distinct mutations (F490L, N492A, L493A, F494L, H495L, L496F, Q497A, R500A, F509L, Q513A, L514A, D515V, and T517V) and conducted comprehensive simulation analysis. The results highlighted the role of two hydrogen bond Asn482-Leu453 and Gln479-Val520 in the observed distinct behaviors of L493A, L496F, Q497A, and D515V mutants. The comprehensive atomistic-level analysis of the conformational landscapes revealed the critical functional role of β-sheet segments in the transmission of the allosteric signal upon the photoactivation of the light state.
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10
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Arshi SA, Chauhan M, Sharma A. Disruption of the FMN-A524 interaction cascade and Glu513-induced collapse of the hydrophobic barrier promotes light-induced Jα-helix unfolding in AsLOV2. Biophys J 2023; 122:4670-4685. [PMID: 37978801 PMCID: PMC10754690 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The C-terminal Jα-helix of the Avena sativa's Light Oxygen and Voltage (AsLOV2) protein, unfolds on exposure to blue light. This characteristic seeks relevance in applications related to engineering novel biological photoswitches. Using molecular dynamics simulations and the Markov state modeling (MSM) approach we provide the mechanism that explains the stepwise unfolding of the Jα-helix. The unfolding was resolved into seven steps represented by the structurally distinguishable states distributed over the initiation and the post initiation phases. Whereas, the initiation phase occurs due to the collapse of the interaction cascade FMN-Q513-N492-L480-W491-Q479-V520-A524, the onset of the post initiation phase is marked by breaking of the hydrophobic interactions between the Jα-helix and the Iβ-strand. This study indicates that the displacement of N492 out of the FMN binding pocket, not necessarily requiring Q513, is essential for the initiation of the Jα-helix unfolding. Rather, the structural reorientation of Q513 activates the protein to cross the hydrophobic barrier and enter the post initiation phase. Similarly, the structural deviations in N482, rather than its integral role in unfolding, could enhance the unfolding rates. Furthermore, the MSM studies on the wild-type and the Q513 mutant, provide the spatiotemporal roadmap that lay out the possible pathways of structural transition between the dark and the light states of the protein. Overall, the study provides insights useful to enhance the performance of AsLOV2-based photoswitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Amna Arshi
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advance Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Manisha Chauhan
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advance Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advance Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.
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11
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Joest EF, Tampé R. Design principles for engineering light-controlled antibodies. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1501-1517. [PMID: 37507295 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.06.006] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Engineered antibodies are essential tools for research and advanced pharmacy. In the development of therapeutics, antibodies are excellent candidates as they offer both target recognition and modulation. Thanks to the latest advances in biotechnology, light-activated antibody fragments can be constructed to control spontaneous antigen interaction with high spatiotemporal precision. To implement conditional antigen binding, several optogenetic and optochemical engineering concepts have recently been developed. Here, we highlight the various strategies and discuss the features of opto-conditional antibodies. Each concept offers intrinsic advantages beneficial to different applications. In summary, the novel design approaches constitute a complementary toolset to promote current and upcoming antibody technologies with ultimate precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike F Joest
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany.
| | - Robert Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany.
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12
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Gao R, Yu X, Kumar BVVSP, Tian L. Hierarchical Structuration in Protocellular System. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300422. [PMID: 37438327 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Spatial control is one of the ubiquitous features in biological systems and the key to the functional complexity of living cells. The strategies to achieve such precise spatial control in protocellular systems are crucial to constructing complex artificial living systems with functional collective behavior. Herein, the authors review recent advances in the spatial control within a single protocell or between different protocells and discuss how such hierarchical structured protocellular system can be used to understand complex living systems or to advance the development of functional microreactors with the programmable release of various biomacromolecular payloads, or smart protocell-biological cell hybrid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xinran Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | | | - Liangfei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Innovation Center for Smart Medical Technologies & Devices, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
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13
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Effiong UM, Khairandish H, Ramirez-Velez I, Wang Y, Belardi B. Turn-On Protein Switches for Controlling Actin Binding in Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.26.561921. [PMID: 37961502 PMCID: PMC10634840 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.26.561921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Within a shared cytoplasm, filamentous actin (F-actin) plays numerous and critical roles across the cell body. Cells rely on actin-binding proteins (ABPs) to organize F-actin and to integrate its polymeric characteristics into diverse cellular processes. Yet, the multitude of ABPs that engage with and shape F-actin make studying a single ABP's influence on cellular activities a significant challenge. Moreover, without a means of manipulating actin-binding subcellularly, harnessing the F-actin cytoskeleton for synthetic biology purposes remains elusive. Here, we describe a suite of designed proteins, Controllable Actin-binding Switch Tools (CASTs), whose actin-binding behavior can be controlled with external stimuli. CASTs were developed that respond to different external inputs, providing options for turn-on kinetics and enabling orthogonality. Being genetically encoded, we show that CASTs can be inserted into native protein sequences to control F-actin association locally and engineered into new structures to control cell and tissue shape and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unyime M. Effiong
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Hannah Khairandish
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Isabela Ramirez-Velez
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Yanran Wang
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Brian Belardi
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
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14
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Tague N, Coriano-Ortiz C, Sheets MB, Dunlop MJ. Light inducible protein degradation in E. coli with the LOVdeg tag. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.25.530042. [PMID: 36865169 PMCID: PMC9980293 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.25.530042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Molecular tools for optogenetic control allow for spatial and temporal regulation of cell behavior. In particular, light controlled protein degradation is a valuable mechanism of regulation because it can be highly modular, used in tandem with other control mechanisms, and maintain functionality throughout growth phases. Here, we engineered LOVdeg, a tag that can be appended to a protein of interest for inducible degradation in Escherichia coli using blue light. We demonstrate the modularity of LOVdeg by using it to tag a range of proteins, including the LacI repressor, CRISPRa activator, and the AcrB efflux pump. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of pairing the LOVdeg tag with existing optogenetic tools to enhance performance by developing a combined EL222 and LOVdeg system. Finally, we use the LOVdeg tag in a metabolic engineering application to demonstrate post-translational control of metabolism. Together, our results highlight the modularity and functionality of the LOVdeg tag system, and introduce a powerful new tool for bacterial optogenetics.
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15
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Nzigou Mombo B, Bijonowski BM, Raab CA, Niland S, Brockhaus K, Müller M, Eble JA, Wegner SV. Reversible photoregulation of cell-cell adhesions with opto-E-cadherin. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6292. [PMID: 37813868 PMCID: PMC10562482 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41932-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
E-cadherin-based cell-cell adhesions are dynamically and locally regulated in many essential processes, including embryogenesis, wound healing and tissue organization, with dysregulation manifesting as tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the lack of tools that would provide control of the high spatiotemporal precision observed with E-cadherin adhesions hampers investigation of the underlying mechanisms. Here, we present an optogenetic tool, opto-E-cadherin, that allows reversible control of E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesions with blue light. With opto-E-cadherin, functionally essential calcium binding is photoregulated such that cells expressing opto-E-cadherin at their surface adhere to each other in the dark but not upon illumination. Consequently, opto-E-cadherin provides remote control over multicellular aggregation, E-cadherin-associated intracellular signalling and F-actin organization in 2D and 3D cell cultures. Opto-E-cadherin also allows switching of multicellular behaviour between single and collective cell migration, as well as of cell invasiveness in vitro and in vivo. Overall, opto-E-cadherin is a powerful optogenetic tool capable of controlling cell-cell adhesions at the molecular, cellular and behavioural level that opens up perspectives for the study of dynamics and spatiotemporal control of E-cadherin in biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice Nzigou Mombo
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Brent M Bijonowski
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Christopher A Raab
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Niland
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Katrin Brockhaus
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Marc Müller
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes A Eble
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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16
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Alapin JM, Mohamed MS, Shrestha P, Khaled HG, Vorabyeva AG, Bowling HL, Oliveira MM, Klann E. Opto4E-BP, an optogenetic tool for inducible, reversible, and cell type-specific inhibition of translation initiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.30.554643. [PMID: 37693507 PMCID: PMC10491233 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.30.554643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The protein kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is one of the primary triggers for initiating cap-dependent translation. Amongst its functions, mTORC1 phosphorylates eIF4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs), which prevents them from binding to eIF4E and thereby enables translation initiation. mTORC1 signaling is required for multiple forms of protein synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity and various forms of long-term memory (LTM), including associative threat memory. However, the approaches used thus far to target mTORC1 and its effectors, such as pharmacological inhibitors or genetic knockouts, lack fine spatial and temporal control. The development of a conditional and inducible eIF4E knockdown mouse line partially solved the issue of spatial control, but still lacked optimal temporal control to study memory consolidation. Here, we have designed a novel optogenetic tool (Opto4E-BP) for cell type-specific, light-dependent regulation of eIF4E in the brain. We show that light-activation of Opto4E-BP decreases protein synthesis in HEK cells and primary mouse neurons. In situ , light-activation of Opto4E-BP in excitatory neurons decreased protein synthesis in acute amygdala slices. Finally, light activation of Opto4E-BP in principal excitatory neurons in the lateral amygdala (LA) of mice after training blocked the consolidation of LTM. The development of this novel optogenetic tool to modulate eIF4E-dependent translation with spatiotemporal precision will permit future studies to unravel the complex relationship between protein synthesis and the consolidation of LTM.
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17
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Deng C, Li S, Liu Y, Bao W, Xu C, Zheng W, Wang M, Ma X. Split-Cas9-based targeted gene editing and nanobody-mediated proteolysis-targeting chimeras optogenetically coordinated regulation of Survivin to control the fate of cancer cells. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1382. [PMID: 37620295 PMCID: PMC10449816 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1382] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precise regulation of partial critical proteins in cancer cells, such as anti-apoptotic proteins, is one of the crucial strategies for treating cancer and discovering related molecular mechanisms. Still, it is also challenging in actual research and practice. The widely used CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing technology and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have played an essential role in regulating gene expression and protein function in cells. However, the accuracy and controllability of their targeting remain necessary. METHODS Construction of UMUC-3-EGFP stable transgenic cell lines using the Sleeping Beauty system, Flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, fluorescence microplate reader and fluorescence inverted microscope analysis of EGFP intensity. Characterization of Survivin inhibition was done by using Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis, calcein/PI/DAPI cell viability/cytotoxicity assay, cloning formation assay and scratch assay. The cell-derived xenograft (CDX) model was constructed to assess the in vivo effects of reducing Survivin expression. RESULTS Herein, we established a synergistic control platform that coordinated photoactivatable split-Cas9 targeted gene editing and light-induced protein degradation, on which the Survivin gene in the nucleus was controllably edited by blue light irradiation (named paCas9-Survivin) and simultaneously the Survivin protein in the cytoplasm was degraded precisely by a nanobody-mediated target (named paProtacL-Survivin). Meanwhile, in vitro experiments demonstrated that reducing Survivin expression could effectively promote apoptosis and decrease the proliferation and migration of bladder cancerous cells. Furthermore, the CDX model was constructed using UMUC-3 cell lines, results from animal studies indicated that both the paCas9-Survivin system and paProtacL-Survivin significantly inhibited tumour growth, with higher inhibition rates when combined. CONCLUSIONS In short, the coordinated regulatory strategies and combinable technology platforms offer clear advantages in controllability and targeting, as well as an excellent reference value and universal applicability in controlling the fate of cancer cells through multi-level regulation of key intracellular factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changping Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shihui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yuping Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Wen Bao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Chengnan Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Wenyun Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug DesignSchool of PharmacyEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Meiyan Wang
- Synthetic Biology and Biomedical Engineering LaboratoryBiomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory BiologyInstitute of BiomedicalSciences and School of Life SciencesEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Xingyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiP. R. China
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18
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Zhu L, McNamara HM, Toettcher JE. Light-switchable transcription factors obtained by direct screening in mammalian cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3185. [PMID: 37268649 PMCID: PMC10238501 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38993-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic tools can provide fine spatial and temporal control over many biological processes. Yet the development of new light-switchable protein variants remains challenging, and the field still lacks general approaches to engineering or discovering protein variants with light-switchable biological functions. Here, we adapt strategies for protein domain insertion and mammalian-cell expression to generate and screen a library of candidate optogenetic tools directly in mammalian cells. The approach is based on insertion of the AsLOV2 photoswitchable domain at all possible positions in a candidate protein of interest, introduction of the library into mammalian cells, and light/dark selection for variants with photoswitchable activity. We demonstrate the approach's utility using the Gal4-VP64 transcription factor as a model system. Our resulting LightsOut transcription factor exhibits a > 150-fold change in transcriptional activity between dark and blue light conditions. We show that light-switchable function generalizes to analogous insertion sites in two additional Cys6Zn2 and C2H2 zinc finger domains, providing a starting point for optogenetic regulation of a broad class of transcription factors. Our approach can streamline the identification of single-protein optogenetic switches, particularly in cases where structural or biochemical knowledge is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Harold M McNamara
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Lewis Sigler Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Jared E Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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19
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Ji Y, Chakraborty T, Wegner SV. Self-Regulated and Bidirectional Communication in Synthetic Cell Communities. ACS NANO 2023; 17:8992-9002. [PMID: 37156507 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is not limited to a sender releasing a signaling molecule and a receiver perceiving it but is often self-regulated and bidirectional. Yet, in communities of synthetic cells, such features that render communication efficient and adaptive are missing. Here, we report the design and implementation of adaptive two-way signaling with lipid-vesicle-based synthetic cells. The first layer of self-regulation derives from coupling the temporal dynamics of the signal, H2O2, production in the sender to adhesions between sender and receiver cells. This way the receiver stays within the signaling range for the duration sender produces the signal and detaches once the signal fades. Specifically, H2O2 acts as both a forward signal and a regulator of the adhesions by activating photoswitchable proteins at the surface for the duration of the chemiluminescence. The second layer of self-regulation arises when the adhesions render the receiver permeable and trigger the release of a backward signal, resulting in bidirectional exchange. These design rules provide a concept for engineering multicellular systems with adaptive communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Ji
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Taniya Chakraborty
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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20
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Shen J, Geng L, Li X, Emery C, Kroning K, Shingles G, Lee K, Heyden M, Li P, Wang W. A general method for chemogenetic control of peptide function. Nat Methods 2023; 20:112-122. [PMID: 36481965 PMCID: PMC10069916 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01697-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Natural or engineered peptides serve important biological functions. A general approach to achieve chemical-dependent activation of short peptides will be valuable for spatial and temporal control of cellular processes. Here we present a pair of chemically activated protein domains (CAPs) for controlling the accessibility of both the N- and C-terminal portion of a peptide. CAPs were developed through directed evolution of an FK506-binding protein. By fusing a peptide to one or both CAPs, the function of the peptide is blocked until a small molecule displaces them from the FK506-binding protein ligand-binding site. We demonstrate that CAPs are generally applicable to a range of short peptides, including a protease cleavage site, a dimerization-inducing heptapeptide, a nuclear localization signal peptide, and an opioid peptide, with a chemical dependence up to 156-fold. We show that the CAPs system can be utilized in cell cultures and multiple organs in living animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Shen
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lequn Geng
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xingyu Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Catherine Emery
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kayla Kroning
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Shingles
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kerry Lee
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthias Heyden
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Peng Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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21
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Ribeiro IMA, Eßbauer W, Kutlesa R, Borst A. Spatial and temporal control of expression with light-gated LOV-LexA. G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2022; 12:6649684. [PMID: 35876796 PMCID: PMC9526042 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The ability to drive expression of exogenous genes in different tissues and cell types, under the control of specific enhancers, has been crucial for discovery in biology. While many enhancers drive expression broadly, several genetic tools were developed to obtain access to isolated cell types. Studies of spatially organized neuropiles in the central nervous system of fruit flies have raised the need for a system that targets subsets of cells within a single neuronal type, a feat currently dependent on stochastic flip-out methods. To access the same cells within a given expression pattern consistently across fruit flies, we developed the light-gated expression system LOV-LexA. We combined the bacterial LexA transcription factor with the plant-derived light, oxygen, or voltage photosensitive domain and a fluorescent protein. Exposure to blue light uncages a nuclear localizing signal in the C-terminal of the light, oxygen, or voltage domain and leads to the translocation of LOV-LexA to the nucleus, with the subsequent initiation of transcription. LOV-LexA enables spatial and temporal control of expression of transgenes under LexAop sequences in larval fat body and pupal and adult neurons with blue light. The LOV-LexA tool is ready to use with GAL4 and Split-GAL4 drivers in its current form and constitutes another layer of intersectional genetics that provides light-controlled genetic access to specific cells across flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês M A Ribeiro
- Department of Circuits-Computations-Models, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology , 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Eßbauer
- Department of Circuits-Computations-Models, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology , 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Romina Kutlesa
- Department of Circuits-Computations-Models, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology , 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Alexander Borst
- Department of Circuits-Computations-Models, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology , 82152 Martinsried, Germany
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22
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McCue AC, Kuhlman B. Design and engineering of light-sensitive protein switches. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 74:102377. [PMID: 35461160 PMCID: PMC9968517 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Engineered, light-sensitive protein switches are used to interrogate a broad variety of biological processes. These switches are typically constructed by genetically fusing naturally occurring light-responsive protein domains with functional domains from other proteins. Protein activity can be controlled using a variety of mechanisms including light-induced colocalization, caging, and allosteric regulation. Protein design efforts have focused on reducing background signaling, maximizing the change in activity upon light stimulation, and perturbing the kinetics of switching. It is common to combine structure-based modeling with experimental screening to identify ideal fusion points between domains and discover point mutations that optimize switching. Here, we introduce commonly used light-sensitive domains and summarize recent progress in using them to regulate protein activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia C McCue
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Brian Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
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23
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Optogenetic tools for microbial synthetic biology. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107953. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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24
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Abstract
Optogenetics combines light and genetics to enable precise control of living cells, tissues, and organisms with tailored functions. Optogenetics has the advantages of noninvasiveness, rapid responsiveness, tunable reversibility, and superior spatiotemporal resolution. Following the initial discovery of microbial opsins as light-actuated ion channels, a plethora of naturally occurring or engineered photoreceptors or photosensitive domains that respond to light at varying wavelengths has ushered in the next chapter of optogenetics. Through protein engineering and synthetic biology approaches, genetically-encoded photoswitches can be modularly engineered into protein scaffolds or host cells to control a myriad of biological processes, as well as to enable behavioral control and disease intervention in vivo. Here, we summarize these optogenetic tools on the basis of their fundamental photochemical properties to better inform the chemical basis and design principles. We also highlight exemplary applications of opsin-free optogenetics in dissecting cellular physiology (designated "optophysiology"), and describe the current progress, as well as future trends, in wireless optogenetics, which enables remote interrogation of physiological processes with minimal invasiveness. This review is anticipated to spark novel thoughts on engineering next-generation optogenetic tools and devices that promise to accelerate both basic and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States.,Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Lian He
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Yun Huang
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, United States
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25
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Dwijayanti A, Zhang C, Poh CL, Lautier T. Toward Multiplexed Optogenetic Circuits. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:804563. [PMID: 35071213 PMCID: PMC8766309 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.804563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to its ubiquity and easy availability in nature, light has been widely employed to control complex cellular behaviors. Light-sensitive proteins are the foundation to such diverse and multilevel adaptive regulations in a large range of organisms. Due to their remarkable properties and potential applications in engineered systems, exploration and engineering of natural light-sensitive proteins have significantly contributed to expand optogenetic toolboxes with tailor-made performances in synthetic genetic circuits. Progressively, more complex systems have been designed in which multiple photoreceptors, each sensing its dedicated wavelength, are combined to simultaneously coordinate cellular responses in a single cell. In this review, we highlight recent works and challenges on multiplexed optogenetic circuits in natural and engineered systems for a dynamic regulation breakthrough in biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Congqiang Zhang
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chueh Loo Poh
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thomas Lautier
- CNRS@CREATE, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
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26
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Shen Y, Luchetti A, Fernandes G, Do Heo W, Silva AJ. The emergence of molecular systems neuroscience. Mol Brain 2022; 15:7. [PMID: 34983613 PMCID: PMC8728933 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00885-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systems neuroscience is focused on how ensemble properties in the brain, such as the activity of neuronal circuits, gives rise to internal brain states and behavior. Many of the studies in this field have traditionally involved electrophysiological recordings and computational approaches that attempt to decode how the brain transforms inputs into functional outputs. More recently, systems neuroscience has received an infusion of approaches and techniques that allow the manipulation (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics) and imaging (e.g., two-photon imaging, head mounted fluorescent microscopes) of neurons, neurocircuits, their inputs and outputs. Here, we will review novel approaches that allow the manipulation and imaging of specific molecular mechanisms in specific cells (not just neurons), cell ensembles and brain regions. These molecular approaches, with the specificity and temporal resolution appropriate for systems studies, promise to infuse the field with novel ideas, emphases and directions, and are motivating the emergence of a molecularly oriented systems neuroscience, a new discipline that studies how the spatial and temporal patterns of molecular systems modulate circuits and brain networks, and consequently shape the properties of brain states and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Shen
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alessandro Luchetti
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Giselle Fernandes
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Won Do Heo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Alcino J Silva
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, and Psychology, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, and Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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27
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Bourke AM, Kennedy MJ. Spatial and Temporal Control of Protein Secretion with Light. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2473:29-45. [PMID: 35819757 PMCID: PMC10907983 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2209-4_4] [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] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
How newly synthesized integral membrane proteins and secreted factors are sorted and trafficked to the appropriate location in different cell types remains an important problem in cell biology. One powerful approach for elucidating the trafficking route of a specific protein is to sequester it following synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum and trigger its release with an externally applied cue. Combined with fluorescent probes, this approach can be used to directly visualize each trafficking step as cargo molecules progress through the different organelles of the secretory network. Here, we discuss design strategies and practical implementation of an inducible protein secretion system we recently developed (zapalog mediated ER trap: zapERtrap) that allows one to use light to initiate secretory trafficking from targeted cells or subcellular domains. We provide detailed protocols for experiments using this approach to visualize protein trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane in fibroblast cell lines and primary cultured neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Bourke
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Matthew J Kennedy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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28
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Directed evolution approaches for optogenetic tool development. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2737-2748. [PMID: 34783342 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Photoswitchable proteins enable specific molecular events occurring in complex biological settings to be probed in a rapid and reversible fashion. Recent progress in the development of photoswitchable proteins as components of optogenetic tools has been greatly facilitated by directed evolution approaches in vitro, in bacteria, or in yeast. We review these developments and suggest future directions for this rapidly advancing field.
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29
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Liu B, Stone OJ, Pablo M, Herron JC, Nogueira AT, Dagliyan O, Grimm JB, Lavis LD, Elston TC, Hahn KM. Biosensors based on peptide exposure show single molecule conformations in live cells. Cell 2021; 184:5670-5685.e23. [PMID: 34637702 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We describe an approach to study the conformation of individual proteins during single particle tracking (SPT) in living cells. "Binder/tag" is based on incorporation of a 7-mer peptide (the tag) into a protein where its solvent exposure is controlled by protein conformation. Only upon exposure can the peptide specifically interact with a reporter protein (the binder). Thus, simple fluorescence localization reflects protein conformation. Through direct excitation of bright dyes, the trajectory and conformation of individual proteins can be followed. Simple protein engineering provides highly specific biosensors suitable for SPT and FRET. We describe tagSrc, tagFyn, tagSyk, tagFAK, and an orthogonal binder/tag pair. SPT showed slowly diffusing islands of activated Src within Src clusters and dynamics of activation in adhesions. Quantitative analysis and stochastic modeling revealed in vivo Src kinetics. The simplicity of binder/tag can provide access to diverse proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Orrin J Stone
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael Pablo
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Program in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - J Cody Herron
- Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ana T Nogueira
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Onur Dagliyan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jonathan B Grimm
- Janelia Research Campus, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Luke D Lavis
- Janelia Research Campus, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Timothy C Elston
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Klaus M Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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30
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Geng L, Shen J, Wang W. Circularly permuted AsLOV2 as an optogenetic module for engineering photoswitchable peptides. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:8051-8054. [PMID: 34291777 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc02643g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We re-engineered a commonly-used light-sensing protein, AsLOV2, using a circular permutation strategy to allow photoswitchable control of the C-terminus of a peptide. We demonstrate that the circularly permuted AsLOV2 can be used on its own or together with the original AsLOV2 for enhanced caging. In summary, circularly permuted AsLOV2 could expand the engineering capabilities of optogenetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lequn Geng
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. and Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jiaqi Shen
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. and Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. and Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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31
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Dietler J, Schubert R, Krafft TGA, Meiler S, Kainrath S, Richter F, Schweimer K, Weyand M, Janovjak H, Möglich A. A Light-Oxygen-Voltage Receptor Integrates Light and Temperature. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167107. [PMID: 34146595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sensory photoreceptors enable organisms to adjust their physiology, behavior, and development in response to light, generally with spatiotemporal acuity and reversibility. These traits underlie the use of photoreceptors as genetically encoded actuators to alter by light the state and properties of heterologous organisms. Subsumed as optogenetics, pertinent approaches enable regulating diverse cellular processes, not least gene expression. Here, we controlled the widely used Tet repressor by coupling to light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) modules that either homodimerize or dissociate under blue light. Repression could thus be elevated or relieved, and consequently protein expression was modulated by light. Strikingly, the homodimeric RsLOV module from Rhodobacter sphaeroides not only dissociated under light but intrinsically reacted to temperature. The limited light responses of wild-type RsLOV at 37 °C were enhanced in two variants that exhibited closely similar photochemistry and structure. One variant improved the weak homodimerization affinity of 40 µM by two-fold and thus also bestowed light sensitivity on a receptor tyrosine kinase. Certain photoreceptors, exemplified by RsLOV, can evidently moonlight as temperature sensors which immediately bears on their application in optogenetics and biotechnology. Properly accounted for, the temperature sensitivity can be leveraged for the construction of signal-responsive cellular circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dietler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Roman Schubert
- Biophysical Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias G A Krafft
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Simone Meiler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kainrath
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Florian Richter
- Biophysical Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristian Schweimer
- Biopolymers, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; North-Bavarian NMR Center, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Michael Weyand
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Harald Janovjak
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; Biophysical Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; North-Bavarian NMR Center, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
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32
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Hartzell EJ, Terr J, Chen W. Engineering a Blue Light Inducible SpyTag System (BLISS). J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:8572-8577. [PMID: 34077186 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c03198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The SpyCatcher/SpyTag protein conjugation system has recently exploded in popularity due to its fast kinetics and high yield under biologically favorable conditions in both in vitro and intracellular settings. The utility of this system could be expanded by introducing the ability to spatially and temporally control the conjugation event. Taking inspiration from photoreceptor proteins in nature, we designed a method to integrate light dependency into the protein conjugation reaction. The light-oxygen-voltage domain 2 of Avena sativa (AsLOV2) undergoes a dramatic conformational change in its c-terminal Jα-helix in response to blue light. By inserting SpyTag into the different locations of the Jα-helix, we created a blue light inducible SpyTag system (BLISS). In this design, the SpyTag is blocked from reacting with the SpyCatcher in the dark, but upon irradiation with blue light, the Jα-helix of the AsLOV2 undocks to expose the SpyTag. We tested several insertion sites and characterized the kinetics. We found three variants with dynamic ranges over 15, which were active within different concentration ranges. These could be tuned using SpyCatcher variants with different reaction kinetics. Further, the reaction could be instantaneously quenched by removing light. We demonstrated the spatial aspect of this light control mechanism through photopatterning of two fluorescent proteins. This system offers opportunities for many other biofabrication and optogenetics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Hartzell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Justin Terr
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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33
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Izert MA, Klimecka MM, Górna MW. Applications of Bacterial Degrons and Degraders - Toward Targeted Protein Degradation in Bacteria. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:669762. [PMID: 34026843 PMCID: PMC8138137 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.669762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A repertoire of proteolysis-targeting signals known as degrons is a necessary component of protein homeostasis in every living cell. In bacteria, degrons can be used in place of chemical genetics approaches to interrogate and control protein function. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of synthetic applications of degrons in targeted proteolysis in bacteria. We describe recent advances ranging from large screens employing tunable degradation systems and orthogonal degrons, to sophisticated tools and sensors for imaging. Based on the success of proteolysis-targeting chimeras as an emerging paradigm in cancer drug discovery, we discuss perspectives on using bacterial degraders for studying protein function and as novel antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Wiktoria Górna
- Structural Biology Group, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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34
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Forlani G, Di Ventura B. A light way for nuclear cell biologists. J Biochem 2021; 169:273-286. [PMID: 33245128 PMCID: PMC8053400 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvaa139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleus is a very complex organelle present in eukaryotic cells. Having the crucial task to safeguard, organize and manage the genetic information, it must tightly control its molecular constituents, its shape and its internal architecture at any given time. Despite our vast knowledge of nuclear cell biology, much is yet to be unravelled. For instance, only recently we came to appreciate the existence of a dynamic nuclear cytoskeleton made of actin filaments that regulates processes such as gene expression, DNA repair and nuclear expansion. This suggests further exciting discoveries ahead of us. Modern cell biologists embrace a new methodology relying on precise perturbations of cellular processes that require a reversible, highly spatially confinable, rapid, inexpensive and tunEable external stimulus: light. In this review, we discuss how optogenetics, the state-of-the-art technology that uses genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins to steer biological processes, can be adopted to specifically investigate nuclear cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Forlani
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM)
- Centers for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS and CIBSS
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology II, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Di Ventura
- Centers for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS and CIBSS
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology II, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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35
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Bacterial cyclic diguanylate signaling networks sense temperature. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1986. [PMID: 33790266 PMCID: PMC8012707 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many bacteria use the second messenger cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) to control motility, biofilm production and virulence. Here, we identify a thermosensory diguanylate cyclase (TdcA) that modulates temperature-dependent motility, biofilm development and virulence in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. TdcA synthesizes c-di-GMP with catalytic rates that increase more than a hundred-fold over a ten-degree Celsius change. Analyses using protein chimeras indicate that heat-sensing is mediated by a thermosensitive Per-Arnt-SIM (PAS) domain. TdcA homologs are widespread in sequence databases, and a distantly related, heterologously expressed homolog from the Betaproteobacteria order Gallionellales also displayed thermosensitive diguanylate cyclase activity. We propose, therefore, that thermotransduction is a conserved function of c-di-GMP signaling networks, and that thermosensitive catalysis of a second messenger constitutes a mechanism for thermal sensing in bacteria.
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36
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Baumschlager A, Khammash M. Synthetic Biological Approaches for Optogenetics and Tools for Transcriptional Light-Control in Bacteria. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000256. [PMID: 34028214 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Light has become established as a tool not only to visualize and investigate but also to steer biological systems. This review starts by discussing the unique features that make light such an effective control input in biology. It then gives an overview of how light-control came to progress, starting with photoactivatable compounds and leading up to current genetic implementations using optogenetic approaches. The review then zooms in on optogenetics, focusing on photosensitive proteins, which form the basis for optogenetic engineering using synthetic biological approaches. As the regulation of transcription provides a highly versatile means for steering diverse biological functions, the focus of this review then shifts to transcriptional light regulators, which are presented in the biotechnologically highly relevant model organism Escherichia coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Baumschlager
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH-Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
| | - Mustafa Khammash
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH-Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
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37
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Photoreaction Mechanisms of Flavoprotein Photoreceptors and Their Applications. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1293:189-206. [PMID: 33398814 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Three classes of flavoprotein photoreceptors, cryptochromes (CRYs), light-oxygen-voltage (LOV)-domain proteins, and blue light using FAD (BLUF)-domain proteins, have been identified that control various physiological processes in multiple organisms. Accordingly, signaling activities of photoreceptors have been intensively studied and the related mechanisms have been exploited in numerous optogenetic tools. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of photoactivation mechanisms of the flavoprotein photoreceptors and review their applications.
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38
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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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39
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Hopkins E, Valois E, Stull A, Le K, Pitenis AA, Wilson MZ. An Optogenetic Platform to Dynamically Control the Stiffness of Collagen Hydrogels. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 7:408-414. [PMID: 33382239 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) comprises a meshwork of biomacromolecules whose composition, architecture, and macroscopic properties, such as mechanics, instruct cell fate decisions during development and disease progression. Current methods implemented in mechanotransduction studies either fail to capture real-time mechanical dynamics or utilize synthetic polymers that lack the fibrillar nature of their natural counterparts. Here we present an optogenetic-inspired tool to construct light-responsive ECM mimetic hydrogels comprised exclusively of natural ECM proteins. Optogenetic tools offer seconds temporal resolution and submicron spatial resolution, permitting researchers to probe cell signaling dynamics with unprecedented precision. Here we demonstrated our approach of using SNAP-tag and its thiol-targeted substrate, benzylguanine-maleimide, to covalently attach blue-light-responsive proteins to collagen hydrogels. The resulting material (OptoGel), in addition to encompassing the native biological activity of collagen, stiffens upon exposure to blue light and softens in the dark. Optogels have immediate use in dissecting the cellular response to acute mechanical inputs and may also have applications in next-generation biointerfacing prosthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hopkins
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Eric Valois
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States.,Center for BioEngineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States.,Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Alanna Stull
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Kristy Le
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Angela A Pitenis
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Maxwell Z Wilson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States.,Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States.,Center for BioEngineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
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40
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Figueroa D, Rojas V, Romero A, Larrondo LF, Salinas F. The rise and shine of yeast optogenetics. Yeast 2020; 38:131-146. [PMID: 33119964 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics refers to the control of biological processes with light. The activation of cellular phenomena by defined wavelengths has several advantages compared with traditional chemically inducible systems, such as spatiotemporal resolution, dose-response regulation, low cost, and moderate toxic effects. Optogenetics has been successfully implemented in yeast, a remarkable biological platform that is not only a model organism for cellular and molecular biology studies, but also a microorganism with diverse biotechnological applications. In this review, we summarize the main optogenetic systems implemented in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which allow orthogonal control (by light) of gene expression, protein subcellular localization, reconstitution of protein activity, and protein sequestration by oligomerization. Furthermore, we review the application of optogenetic systems in the control of metabolic pathways, heterologous protein production and flocculation. We then revise an example of a previously described yeast optogenetic switch, named FUN-LOV, which allows precise and strong activation of the target gene. Finally, we describe optogenetic systems that have not yet been implemented in yeast, which could therefore be used to expand the panel of available tools in this biological chassis. In conclusion, a wide repertoire of optogenetic systems can be used to address fundamental biological questions and broaden the biotechnological toolkit in yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Figueroa
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,ANID - Millennium Science Initiative - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBIO), Santiago, Chile
| | - Vicente Rojas
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBIO), Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andres Romero
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBIO), Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis F Larrondo
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBIO), Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Salinas
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,ANID - Millennium Science Initiative - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBIO), Santiago, Chile
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41
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Bozovic O, Jankovic B, Hamm P. Sensing the allosteric force. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5841. [PMID: 33203849 PMCID: PMC7673989 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19689-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Allosteric regulation is an innate control in most metabolic and signalling cascades that enables living organisms to adapt to the changing environment by tuning the affinity and regulating the activity of target proteins. For a microscopic understanding of this process, a protein system has been designed in such a way that allosteric communication between the binding and allosteric site can be observed in both directions. To that end, an azobenzene-derived photoswitch has been linked to the α3-helix of the PDZ3 domain, arguably the smallest allosteric protein with a clearly identifiable binding and allosteric site. Photo-induced trans-to-cis isomerisation of the photoswitch increases the binding affinity of a small peptide ligand to the protein up to 120-fold, depending on temperature. At the same time, ligand binding speeds up the thermal cis-to-trans back-isomerisation rate of the photoswitch. Based on the energetics of the four states of the system (cis vs trans and ligand-bound vs free), the concept of an allosteric force is introduced, which can be used to drive chemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Bozovic
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Peter Hamm
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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42
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Benedetti L, Marvin JS, Falahati H, Guillén-Samander A, Looger LL, De Camilli P. Optimized Vivid-derived Magnets photodimerizers for subcellular optogenetics in mammalian cells. eLife 2020; 9:e63230. [PMID: 33174843 PMCID: PMC7735757 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Light-inducible dimerization protein modules enable precise temporal and spatial control of biological processes in non-invasive fashion. Among them, Magnets are small modules engineered from the Neurospora crassa photoreceptor Vivid by orthogonalizing the homodimerization interface into complementary heterodimers. Both Magnets components, which are well-tolerated as protein fusion partners, are photoreceptors requiring simultaneous photoactivation to interact, enabling high spatiotemporal confinement of dimerization with a single excitation wavelength. However, Magnets require concatemerization for efficient responses and cell preincubation at 28°C to be functional. Here we overcome these limitations by engineering an optimized Magnets pair requiring neither concatemerization nor low temperature preincubation. We validated these 'enhanced' Magnets (eMags) by using them to rapidly and reversibly recruit proteins to subcellular organelles, to induce organelle contacts, and to reconstitute OSBP-VAP ER-Golgi tethering implicated in phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate transport and metabolism. eMags represent a very effective tool to optogenetically manipulate physiological processes over whole cells or in small subcellular volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Benedetti
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Jonathan S Marvin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Hanieh Falahati
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Andres Guillén-Samander
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
| | - Loren L Looger
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Pietro De Camilli
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenUnited States
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43
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Mathony J, Niopek D. Enlightening Allostery: Designing Switchable Proteins by Photoreceptor Fusion. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2020; 5:e2000181. [PMID: 33107225 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics harnesses natural photoreceptors to non-invasively control selected processes in cells with previously unmet spatiotemporal precision. Linking the activity of a protein of choice to the conformational state of a photosensor domain through allosteric coupling represents a powerful method for engineering light-responsive proteins. It enables the design of compact and highly potent single-component optogenetic systems with fast on- and off-switching kinetics. However, designing protein-photoreceptor chimeras, in which structural changes of the photoreceptor are effectively propagated to the fused effector protein, is a challenging engineering problem and often relies on trial and error. Here, recent advances in the design and application of optogenetic allosteric switches are reviewed. First, an overview of existing optogenetic tools based on inducible allostery is provided and their utility for cell biology applications is highlighted. Focusing on light-oxygen-voltage domains, a widely applied class of small blue light sensors, the available strategies for engineering light-dependent allostery are presented and their individual advantages and limitations are highlighted. Finally, high-throughput screening technologies based on comprehensive insertion libraries, which could accelerate the creation of stimulus-responsive receptor-protein chimeras for use in optogenetics and beyond, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mathony
- Department of Biology and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 12, Darmstadt, 64287, Germany.,BZH graduate school, Heidelberg University, Im Neuheimer Feld 328, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Dominik Niopek
- Department of Biology and Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 12, Darmstadt, 64287, Germany
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44
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Hongdusit A, Liechty ET, Fox JM. Optogenetic interrogation and control of cell signaling. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 66:195-206. [PMID: 33053496 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Signaling networks control the flow of information through biological systems and coordinate the chemical processes that constitute cellular life. Optogenetic actuators - genetically encoded proteins that undergo light-induced changes in activity or conformation - are useful tools for probing signaling networks over time and space. They have permitted detailed dissections of cellular proliferation, differentiation, motility, and death, and enabled the assembly of synthetic systems with applications in areas as diverse as photography, chemical synthesis, and medicine. In this review, we provide a brief introduction to optogenetic systems and describe their application to molecular-level analyses of cell signaling. Our discussion highlights important research achievements and speculates on future opportunities to exploit optogenetic systems in the study and assembly of complex biochemical networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akarawin Hongdusit
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Evan T Liechty
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jerome M Fox
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
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45
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Resonance energy transfer sensitises and monitors in situ switching of LOV2-based optogenetic actuators. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5107. [PMID: 33037199 PMCID: PMC7547724 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18816-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered light-dependent switches provide uniquely powerful opportunities to investigate and control cell regulatory mechanisms. Existing tools offer high spatiotemporal resolution, reversibility and repeatability. Cellular optogenetics applications remain limited with diffusible targets as the response of the actuator is difficult to independently validate. Blue light levels commonly needed for actuation can be cytotoxic, precluding long-term experiments. We describe a simple approach overcoming these obstacles. Resonance energy transfer can be used to constitutively or dynamically modulate actuation sensitivity. This simultaneously offers on-line monitoring of light-dependent switching and precise quantification of activation-relaxation properties in intact living cells. Applying this approach to different LOV2-based switches reveals that flanking sequences can lead to relaxation times up to 11-fold faster than anticipated. In situ–measured parameter values guide the design of target-inhibiting actuation trains with minimal blue-light exposure, and context-based optimisation can increase sensitivity and experimental throughput a further 10-fold without loss of temporal precision. Cellular optogenetics applications are limited by difficulties in quantification and blue light toxicity. Here the authors design LOV2-based switches that use resonance energy transfer to overcome these concerns.
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46
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Garcia-Marcos M, Parag-Sharma K, Marivin A, Maziarz M, Luebbers A, Nguyen LT. Optogenetic activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins by LOV2GIVe, a rationally engineered modular protein. eLife 2020; 9:60155. [PMID: 32936073 PMCID: PMC7515630 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotrimeric G-proteins are signal transducers involved in mediating the action of many natural extracellular stimuli and many therapeutic agents. Non-invasive approaches to manipulate the activity of G-proteins with high precision are crucial to understand their regulation in space and time. Here, we developed LOV2GIVe, an engineered modular protein that allows the activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins with blue light. This optogenetic construct relies on a versatile design that differs from tools previously developed for similar purposes, that is metazoan opsins, which are light-activated G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Instead, LOV2GIVe consists of the fusion of a G-protein activating peptide derived from a non-GPCR regulator of G-proteins to a small plant protein domain, such that light uncages the G-protein activating module. Targeting LOV2GIVe to cell membranes allowed for light-dependent activation of Gi proteins in different experimental systems. In summary, LOV2GIVe expands the armamentarium and versatility of tools available to manipulate heterotrimeric G-protein activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel Garcia-Marcos
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - Kshitij Parag-Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - Arthur Marivin
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - Marcin Maziarz
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - Alex Luebbers
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - Lien T Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
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47
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Lu X, Shen Y, Campbell RE. Engineering Photosensory Modules of Non-Opsin-Based Optogenetic Actuators. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6522. [PMID: 32906617 PMCID: PMC7555876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic (photo-responsive) actuators engineered from photoreceptors are widely used in various applications to study cell biology and tissue physiology. In the toolkit of optogenetic actuators, the key building blocks are genetically encodable light-sensitive proteins. Currently, most optogenetic photosensory modules are engineered from naturally-occurring photoreceptor proteins from bacteria, fungi, and plants. There is a growing demand for novel photosensory domains with improved optical properties and light-induced responses to satisfy the needs of a wider variety of studies in biological sciences. In this review, we focus on progress towards engineering of non-opsin-based photosensory domains, and their representative applications in cell biology and physiology. We summarize current knowledge of engineering of light-sensitive proteins including light-oxygen-voltage-sensing domain (LOV), cryptochrome (CRY2), phytochrome (PhyB and BphP), and fluorescent protein (FP)-based photosensitive domains (Dronpa and PhoCl).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocen Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Robert E. Campbell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada; (X.L.); (Y.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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48
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Xu D, Kleineberg C, Vidaković-Koch T, Wegner SV. Multistimuli Sensing Adhesion Unit for the Self-Positioning of Minimal Synthetic Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2002440. [PMID: 32776424 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cells have the ability to sense different environmental signals and position themselves accordingly in order to support their survival. Introducing analogous capabilities to the bottom-up assembled minimal synthetic cells is an important step for their autonomy. Here, a minimal synthetic cell which combines a multistimuli sensitive adhesion unit with an energy conversion module is reported, such that it can adhere to places that have the right environmental parameters for ATP production. The multistimuli sensitive adhesion unit senses light, pH, oxidative stress, and the presence of metal ions and can regulate the adhesion of synthetic cells to substrates in response to these stimuli following a chemically coded logic. The adhesion unit is composed of the light and redox responsive protein interaction of iLID and Nano and the pH sensitive and metal ion mediated binding of protein His-tags to Ni2+ -NTA complexes. Integration of the adhesion unit with a light to ATP conversion module into one synthetic cell allows it to adhere to places under blue light illumination, non-oxidative conditions, at neutral pH and in the presence of metal ions, which are the right conditions to synthesize ATP. Thus, the multistimuli responsive adhesion unit allows synthetic cells to self-position and execute their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Xu
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Christin Kleineberg
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstraße 1, Magdeburg, 39106, Germany
| | - Tanja Vidaković-Koch
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstraße 1, Magdeburg, 39106, Germany
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, Mainz, 55128, Germany
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, Münster, 48149, Germany
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49
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Gil AA, Carrasco-López C, Zhu L, Zhao EM, Ravindran PT, Wilson MZ, Goglia AG, Avalos JL, Toettcher JE. Optogenetic control of protein binding using light-switchable nanobodies. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4044. [PMID: 32792536 PMCID: PMC7426870 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17836-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of optogenetic tools have been developed to reversibly control binding between two engineered protein domains. In contrast, relatively few tools confer light-switchable binding to a generic target protein of interest. Such a capability would offer substantial advantages, enabling photoswitchable binding to endogenous target proteins in cells or light-based protein purification in vitro. Here, we report the development of opto-nanobodies (OptoNBs), a versatile class of chimeric photoswitchable proteins whose binding to proteins of interest can be enhanced or inhibited upon blue light illumination. We find that OptoNBs are suitable for a range of applications including reversibly binding to endogenous intracellular targets, modulating signaling pathway activity, and controlling binding to purified protein targets in vitro. This work represents a step towards programmable photoswitchable regulation of a wide variety of target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka A Gil
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - César Carrasco-López
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Liyuan Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Evan M Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | | | - Maxwell Z Wilson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Alexander G Goglia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - José L Avalos
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| | - Jared E Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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50
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Harris JM, Wang AYD, Boulanger-Weill J, Santoriello C, Foianini S, Lichtman JW, Zon LI, Arlotta P. Long-Range Optogenetic Control of Axon Guidance Overcomes Developmental Boundaries and Defects. Dev Cell 2020; 53:577-588.e7. [PMID: 32516597 PMCID: PMC7375170 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Axons connect neurons together, establishing the wiring architecture of neuronal networks. Axonal connectivity is largely built during embryonic development through highly constrained processes of axon guidance, which have been extensively studied. However, the inability to control axon guidance, and thus neuronal network architecture, has limited investigation of how axonal connections influence subsequent development and function of neuronal networks. Here, we use zebrafish motor neurons expressing a photoactivatable Rac1 to co-opt endogenous growth cone guidance machinery to precisely and non-invasively direct axon growth using light. Axons can be guided over large distances, within complex environments of living organisms, overriding competing endogenous signals and redirecting axons across potent repulsive barriers to construct novel circuitry. Notably, genetic axon guidance defects can be rescued, restoring functional connectivity. These data demonstrate that intrinsic growth cone guidance machinery can be co-opted to non-invasively build new connectivity, allowing investigation of neural network dynamics in intact living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Harris
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Andy Yu-Der Wang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Current Address: Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan Boulanger-Weill
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Cristina Santoriello
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephan Foianini
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Jeff W. Lichtman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Leonard I. Zon
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Paola Arlotta
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Lead contact. Correspondence:
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