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Deichmann M, Hansson FG, Jensen ED. Yeast-based screening platforms to understand and improve human health. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00095-7. [PMID: 38677901 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Detailed molecular understanding of the human organism is essential to develop effective therapies. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used extensively for acquiring insights into important aspects of human health, such as studying genetics and cell-cell communication, elucidating protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and investigating human G protein-coupled receptor (hGPCR) signaling. We highlight recent advances and opportunities of yeast-based technologies for cost-efficient chemical library screening on hGPCRs, accelerated deciphering of PPI networks with mating-based screening and selection, and accurate cell-cell communication with human immune cells. Overall, yeast-based technologies constitute an important platform to support basic understanding and innovative applications towards improving human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Deichmann
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Frederik G Hansson
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Emil D Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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2
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McArthur N, Cruz-Teran C, Thatavarty A, Reeves GT, Rao BM. Experimental and Analytical Framework for "Mix-and-Read" Assays Based on Split Luciferase. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:24551-24560. [PMID: 35874239 PMCID: PMC9301641 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of immunodetection assays including the widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in applications such as point-of-care detection is often limited by the need for protein immobilization and multiple binding and washing steps. Here, we describe an experimental and analytical framework for the development of simple and modular "mix-and-read" enzymatic complementation assays based on split luciferase that enable sensitive detection and quantification of analytes in solution. In this assay, two engineered protein binders targeting nonoverlapping epitopes on the target analyte were each fused to nonactive fragments of luciferase to create biosensor probes. Binding proteins to two model targets, lysozyme and Sso6904, were isolated from a combinatorial library of Sso7d mutants using yeast surface display. In the presence of the analyte, probes were brought into close proximity, reconstituting enzymatic activity of luciferase and enabling detection of low picomolar concentrations of the analyte by chemiluminescence. Subsequently, we constructed an equilibrium binding model that relates binding affinities of the binding proteins for the target, assay parameters such as the concentrations of probes used, and assay performance (limit of detection and concentration range over which the target can be quantified). Overall, our experimental and analytical framework provides the foundation for the development of split luciferase assays for detection and quantification of various targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki McArthur
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Carlos Cruz-Teran
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Apoorva Thatavarty
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Gregory T. Reeves
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Interdisciplinary
Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Balaji M. Rao
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
- Golden
LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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Abstract
Biological signaling pathways are underpinned by protein switches that sense and respond to molecular inputs. Inspired by nature, engineered protein switches have been designed to directly transduce analyte binding into a quantitative signal in a simple, wash-free, homogeneous assay format. As such, they offer great potential to underpin point-of-need diagnostics that are needed across broad sectors to improve access, costs, and speed compared to laboratory assays. Despite this, protein switch assays are not yet in routine diagnostic use, and a number of barriers to uptake must be overcome to realize this potential. Here, we review the opportunities and challenges in engineering protein switches for rapid diagnostic tests. We evaluate how their design, comprising a recognition element, reporter, and switching mechanism, relates to performance and identify areas for improvement to guide further optimization. Recent modular switches that enable new analytes to be targeted without redesign are crucial to ensure robust and efficient development processes. The importance of translational steps toward practical implementation, including integration into a user-friendly device and thorough assay validation, is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Adamson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Lars J. C. Jeuken
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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Miller EA, Sung KJ, Kongsuphol P, Baniya S, Aw-Yong HQ, Tay V, Tan Y, Kabir FM, Pang-Yeo K, Kaspriskie IG, Sikes HD. Beyond Epitope Binning: Directed in Vitro Selection of Complementary Pairs of Binding Proteins. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2020; 22:49-60. [PMID: 31769955 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.9b00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many biotechnological applications require the simultaneous binding of affinity reagents to nonoverlapping target epitopes, the most prominent example being sandwich immunoassays. Typically, affinity pairs are identified via post facto functional analysis of clones that were not selected for complementarity. Here, we developed the Rapid Affinity Pair Identification via Directed Selection (RAPIDS) process, which enables the efficient identification of affinity reagents that function together as complementary pairs, from in vitro libraries of ∼109 variants. We used RAPIDS to develop highly specific affinity pairs against biomarkers of tuberculosis, Zika virus, and sepsis. Without additional trial-and-error screening, these affinity pairs exhibited utility in multiple assay formats. The RAPIDS process applies selective pressure to hundreds of thousands of potential affinity pairs to efficiently identify complementary pairs that bind to separate epitopes without binding to one another or nontargets, yielding diagnostic assays that are sensitive and specific by design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A. Miller
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ki-Joo Sung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Patthara Kongsuphol
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
| | - Subha Baniya
- Department of Biochemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
| | - Hui Qi Aw-Yong
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
| | - Vivian Tay
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
| | - Yuxuan Tan
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
| | - Farah M. Kabir
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Karl Pang-Yeo
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
| | - Isabel G. Kaspriskie
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Hadley D. Sikes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602
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Bacon K, Burroughs M, Blain A, Menegatti S, Rao BM. Screening Yeast Display Libraries against Magnetized Yeast Cell Targets Enables Efficient Isolation of Membrane Protein Binders. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2019; 21:817-832. [PMID: 31693340 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.9b00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
When isolating binders from yeast displayed combinatorial libraries, a soluble, recombinantly expressed form of the target protein is typically utilized. As an alternative, we describe the use of target proteins displayed as surface fusions on magnetized yeast cells. In our strategy, the target protein is coexpressed on the yeast surface with an iron oxide binding protein; incubation of these yeast cells with iron oxide nanoparticles results in their magnetization. Subsequently, binder cells that interact with the magnetized target cells can be isolated using a magnet. Using a known binder-target pair with modest binding affinity (KD ≈ 400 nM), we showed that a binder present at low frequency (1 in 105) could be enriched more than 100-fold, in a single round of screening, suggesting feasibility of screening combinatorial libraries. Subsequently, we screened yeast display libraries of Sso7d and nanobody variants against yeast displayed targets to isolate binders specific to the cytosolic domain of the mitochondrial membrane protein TOM22 (KD ≈ 272-1934 nM) and the extracellular domain of the c-Kit receptor (KD ≈ 93 to KD > 2000 nM). Additional studies showed that the TOM22 binders identified using this approach could be used for the enrichment of mitochondria from cell lysates, thereby confirming binding to the native mitochondrial protein. The ease of expressing a membrane protein or a domain thereof as a yeast cell surface fusion-in contrast to recombinant soluble expression-makes the use of yeast-displayed targets particularly attractive. Therefore, we expect the use of magnetized yeast cell targets will enable efficient isolation of binders to membrane proteins.
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Pedelacq JD, Cabantous S. Development and Applications of Superfolder and Split Fluorescent Protein Detection Systems in Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143479. [PMID: 31311175 PMCID: PMC6678664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular engineering of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) into a robust and stable variant named Superfolder GFP (sfGFP) has revolutionized the field of biosensor development and the use of fluorescent markers in diverse area of biology. sfGFP-based self-associating bipartite split-FP systems have been widely exploited to monitor soluble expression in vitro, localization, and trafficking of proteins in cellulo. A more recent class of split-FP variants, named « tripartite » split-FP, that rely on the self-assembly of three GFP fragments, is particularly well suited for the detection of protein–protein interactions. In this review, we describe the different steps and evolutions that have led to the diversification of superfolder and split-FP reporter systems, and we report an update of their applications in various areas of biology, from structural biology to cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Denis Pedelacq
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31077 Toulouse, France.
| | - Stéphanie Cabantous
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Inserm, Université Paul Sabatier-Toulouse III, CNRS, 31037 Toulouse, France.
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Tiruthani K, Mischler A, Ahmed S, Mahinthakumar J, Haugh JM, Rao BM. Design and evaluation of engineered protein biosensors for live-cell imaging of EGFR phosphorylation. Sci Signal 2019; 12:eaap7584. [PMID: 31164479 PMCID: PMC8757379 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aap7584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Live-cell fluorescence microscopy is broadly applied to study the dynamics of receptor-mediated cell signaling, but the availability of intracellular biosensors is limited. A biosensor based on the tandem SH2 domains from phospholipase C-γ1 (PLCγ1), tSH2-WT, has been used to measure phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Here, we found that tSH2-WT lacked specificity for phosphorylated EGFR, consistent with the known promiscuity of SH2 domains. Further, EGF-stimulated membrane recruitment of tSH2-WT differed qualitatively from the expected kinetics of EGFR phosphorylation. Analysis of a mathematical model suggested, and experiments confirmed, that the high avidity of tSH2-WT resulted in saturation of its target and interference with EGFR endocytosis. To overcome the apparent target specificity and saturation issues, we implemented two protein engineering strategies. In the first approach, we screened a combinatorial library generated by random mutagenesis of the C-terminal SH2 domain (cSH2) of PLCγ1 and isolated a mutant form (mSH2) with enhanced specificity for phosphorylated Tyr992 (pTyr992) of EGFR. A biosensor based on mSH2 closely reported the kinetics of EGFR phosphorylation but retained cross-reactivity similar to tSH2-WT. In the second approach, we isolated a pTyr992-binding protein (SPY992) from a combinatorial library generated by mutagenesis of the Sso7d protein scaffold. Compared to tSH2-WT and mSH2, SPY992 exhibited superior performance as a specific, moderate-affinity biosensor. We extended this approach to isolate a biosensor for EGFR pTyr1148 (SPY1148). This approach of integrating theoretical considerations with protein engineering strategies can be generalized to design and evaluate suitable biosensors for various phospho-specific targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Tiruthani
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Adam Mischler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Shoeb Ahmed
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
| | - Jessica Mahinthakumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Jason M Haugh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Balaji M Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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Ligand-induced conformational switch in an artificial bidomain protein scaffold. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1178. [PMID: 30718544 PMCID: PMC6362204 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37256-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial proteins binding any predefined “target” protein can now be efficiently generated using combinatorial libraries based on robust protein scaffolds. αRep is such a family of artificial proteins, based on an α-solenoid protein repeat scaffold. The low aggregation propensity of the specific “binders” generated from this library opens new protein engineering opportunities such as the creation of biosensors within multidomain constructions. Here, we have explored the properties of two new types of artificial bidomain proteins based on αRep structures. Their structural and functional properties are characterized in detail using biophysical methods. The results clearly show that both bidomain proteins adopt a closed bivalve shell-like conformation, in the ligand free form. However, the presence of ligands induces a conformational transition, and the proteins adopt an open form in which each domain can bind its cognate protein partner. The open/closed equilibria alter the affinities of each domain and induce new cooperative effects. The binding-induced relative domain motion was monitored by FRET. Crystal structures of the chimeric proteins indicate that the conformation of each constituting domain is conserved but that their mutual interactions explain the emergent properties of these artificial bidomain proteins. The ligand-induced structural transition observed in these bidomain proteins should be transferable to other αRep proteins with different specificity and could provide the basis of a new generic biosensor design.
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Cruz-Teran CA, Bacon K, McArthur N, Rao BM. An Engineered Sso7d Variant Enables Efficient Magnetization of Yeast Cells. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2018; 20:579-584. [PMID: 30188690 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.8b00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Magnetization using cheap and minimally toxic materials, such as iron oxide nanoparticles can enable easy separation of cells from culture medium and is relevant to several industrial applications. Here, we show that cell surface expression of a mutant protein that binds iron oxide can enable efficient magnetization of yeast cells. We screened a combinatorial library of mutants derived from the Sso7d protein scaffold to isolate proteins that exhibit preferential binding to iron oxide. One of the isolated mutants, SsoFe2, was chosen for further characterization. Yeast cells expressing SsoFe2 as fusions to a cell wall protein-but not other Sso7d mutants with similar overall protein charge or amino acid composition-preferentially bind iron oxide when present in a solution with high protein concentration and in the presence of 1000-fold excess of competitor yeast cells. Moreover, coexpression of cell surface SsoFe2 enables efficient magnetic capture and separation of yeast cells expressing an enzyme (glucose oxidase) on the cell surface from yeast culture medium, and solutions with high protein concentration or containing other metal oxides. Therefore, SsoFe2-enabled magnetization can enable a range of industrial and biotechnology applications, where easy separation of cells or organelles from complex media is desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. Cruz-Teran
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Box 7905, Engineering Building I, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Bacon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Box 7905, Engineering Building I, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Nikki McArthur
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Box 7905, Engineering Building I, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Balaji M. Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Box 7905, Engineering Building I, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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Cruz-Teran CA, Tiruthani K, Mischler A, Rao BM. Inefficient Ribosomal Skipping Enables Simultaneous Secretion and Display of Proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ACS Synth Biol 2017; 6:2096-2107. [PMID: 28805373 PMCID: PMC5905331 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The need for recombinant expression of soluble protein slows the validation of engineered proteins isolated from combinatorial libraries and limits the number of protein variants evaluated. To overcome this bottleneck, we describe a system for simultaneous cell surface display and soluble secretion of proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on inefficient ribosomal skipping. Ribosomal skipping mediated by "self-cleaving" 2A peptides produces two proteins from a single open reading frame. Incorporation of the F2A peptide sequence-with ∼50% efficiency of ribosomal skipping-between the protein of interest and the yeast cell wall protein Aga2 results in simultaneous expression of both the solubly secreted protein and the protein-Aga2 fusion that is tethered to the yeast cell surface. We show that binding proteins derived from the Sso7d scaffold and the homodimeric enzyme glucose oxidase can be simultaneously secreted solubly and expressed as yeast cell surface fusions using the F2A-based system. Furthermore, a combinatorial library of Sso7d mutants can be screened to isolate binders with higher affinity for a model target (lysozyme), and the pool of higher affinity binders can be characterized in soluble form. Significantly, we show that both N- and C-terminal fusions to Aga2 can be simultaneously secreted solubly and displayed on the cell surface; this is particularly advantageous because protein functionality can be affected by the specific position of Aga2 in the protein fusion. We expect that the F2A-based yeast surface display and secretion system will be a useful tool for protein engineering and enable efficient characterization of individual clones isolated from combinatorial libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adam Mischler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Balaji M. Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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