Reversible Control of Protein Localization in Living Cells Using a Photocaged-Photocleavable Chemical Dimerizer

A hydrophobic photouncaging reaction to profile the lipid droplet interactome in tissues

Most bioorthogonal photouncaging reactions preferentially occur in polar environments to accommodate biological applications in the aqueous cellular milieu. However, they are not precisely designed to chemically adapt to the diverse microenvironments of the cell. Herein, we report a hydrophobic photouncaging reaction with tailored photolytic kinetics toward solvent polarity. Structural modulations of the aminobenzoquinone-based photocage reveal the impact of cyclic ring size, steric substituent, and electronic substituent on the individual uncaging kinetics (kH2O and kdioxane) and polarity preference (kdioxane/kH2O). Rational incorporation of optimized moieties leads to up to 20.2-fold nonpolar kinetic selectivity (kdioxane/kH2O). Further photochemical spectroscopic characterizations and theoretical calculations together uncover the mechanism underlying the polarity-dependent uncaging kinetics. The uncaged ortho-quinone methide product bears covalent reactivity toward diverse nucleophiles of a protein revealed by tandem mass spectrometry. Finally, we demonstrate the application of such lipophilic photouncaging chemistry toward selective labeling and profiling of proteins in proximity to lipid droplets inside human fatty liver tissues. Together, this work studies the solvent polarity effects of a photouncaging reaction and chemically adapts it toward suborganelle-targeted protein proximity labeling and profiling.

Chemo-optogenetic Dimerization Dissects Complex Biological Processes

Light offers superior control in terms of high temporal precision, high spatial precision, and non-invasiveness for the regulation of cellular functions. In recent years, chemical biologists have adopted chemo-optogenetic dimerization approaches, such as photo-triggered chemical inducers of dimerization (pCIDs), as a general tool for spatiotemporal regulation of cellular functions. Traditional chemo-optogenetic dimerization triggers either a single ON or a single OFF of cellular activity. However, more sophisticated approaches are introduced in recent years. These include the ability to turn ON and OFF using different wavelengths of light, tools enabling multi-layer control of cellular activities, and nanobody-tethered photodimerizers. These advancements not only shed light on the study of ubiquitously existing multi-functional proteins but also create new opportunities for investigating complex cellular activity networks.

Quantitative control of subcellular protein localization with a photochromic dimerizer

Artificial control of intracellular protein dynamics with high precision provides deep insight into complicated biomolecular networks. Optogenetics and caged compound-based chemically induced dimerization (CID) systems are emerging as tools for spatiotemporally regulating intracellular protein dynamics. However, both technologies face several challenges for accurate control such as the duration of activation, deactivation rate and repetition cycles. Herein, we report a photochromic CID system that uses the photoisomerization of a ligand so that both association and dissociation are controlled by light, enabling quick, repetitive and quantitative regulation of the target protein localization upon illumination with violet and green light. We also demonstrate the usability of the photochromic CID system as a potential tool to finely manipulate intracellular protein dynamics during multicolor fluorescence imaging to study diverse cellular processes. We use this system to manipulate PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)-Parkin-mediated mitophagy, showing that PINK1 recruitment to the mitochondria can promote Parkin recruitment to proceed with mitophagy.

All-photonic kinase inhibitors: light-controlled release-and-report inhibition

Light-responsive molecular tools targeting kinases affords one the opportunity to study the underlying cellular function of selected kinases. In efforts to externally control lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) activity, the development of release-and-report LCK inhibitors is described, in which (i) the release of the active kinase inhibitor can be controlled externally with light; and (ii) fluorescence is employed to report both the release and binding of the active kinase inhibitor. This introduces an unprecedented all-photonic method for users to both control and monitor real-time inhibitory activity. A functional cellular assay demonstrated light-mediated LCK inhibition in natural killer cells. The use of coumarin-derived caging groups resulted in rapid cellular uptake and non-specific intracellular localisation, while a BODIPY-derived caging group predominately localised in the cellular membrane. This concept of release-and-report inhibitors has the potential to be extended to other biorelevant targets where both spatiotemporal control in a cellular setting and a reporting mechanism would be beneficial.

Photoactivatable Nanobody Conjugate Dimerizer Temporally Resolves Tiam1-Rac1 Signaling Axis

The precise spatiotemporal dynamics of protein activities play a crucial role in cell signaling pathways. To control cellular functions in a spatiotemporal manner, a powerful method called photoactivatable chemically induced dimerization (pCID) is used. In this study, photoactivatable nanobody conjugate inducers of dimerization (PANCIDs) is introduced, which combine pCID with nanobody technology. A PANCID consists of a nanobody module that directly binds to an antigenic target, a photocaged small molecule ligand, and a cyclic decaarginine (cR10 *) cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) for efficient nonendocytic intracellular delivery. Therefore, PANCID photodimerizers also benefit from nanobodies, such as their high affinities (in the nm or pm range), specificities, and ability to modulate endogenous proteins. Additionally it is demonstrated that the nanobody moiety can be easily replaced with alternative ones, expanding the potential applications. By using PANCIDs, the dynamics of the Tiam1-Rac1 signaling cascade is investigated and made an interesting finding. It is found that Rac1 and Tiam1 exhibit distinct behaviors in this axis, acting as time-resolved "molecular oscillators" that transit between different functions in the signaling cascade when activated either slowly or rapidly.

Chemogenetic Minitool for Dissecting the Roles of Protein Phase Separation

Biomolecular condensate is an emerging structural entity that regulates various cellular processes. Recent studies have discovered the phase-separation (PS) capability of several transcription factors (TFs) including YAP/TAZ upon biological stimuli, which provide new mechanisms of gene regulation. However, it remains mostly unanswered as to whether PS from a diffuse state to a phase-separated state promotes gene transcription. To address this question, we have designed a chemogenetic tool, dubbed SPARK-ON, which manipulates the PS of YAP and TAZ without a biological stimulus, forming condensates that are transcriptionally active, containing the DNA-binding partner TEAD, genomic DNA, transcriptional machinery, and nascent RNA. Most importantly, PS of TAZ increases the transcription of its target genes. Therefore, our data indicate that PS promotes gene transcription of TAZ. SPARK-ON is advantageous to current mutagenesis-based approaches that are often problematic when mutagenesis affects the transcriptional activity of a TF. Furthermore, protein abundance levels also affect gene transcription, but PS depends on protein abundance because PS occurs only when the protein level is above a saturation concentration. SPARK-ON decouples PS from protein abundance levels without introducing mutations and thus will find important applications in understanding the biological roles of PS for many TFs and other biomolecular condensates.

Arylazopyrazole-Based Photoswitchable Inhibitors Selective for Escherichia coli Dihydrofolate Reductase

Selective inhibitors of Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (eDHFR) are crucial chemical biology tools that have widespread clinical applications. We developed a set of eDHFR-selective photoswitchable inhibitors by derivatizing the structure of our previously reported methotrexate (MTX) azolog, azoMTX. Substitution of the skeletal p-phenylene group of azoMTX with bulky bis-alkylated arylazopyrazole moieties significantly increased its selectivity toward eDHFR over human DHFR. Owing to the physical properties of arylazopyrazoles, the new ligands exhibited nearly complete Z-to-E photoconversion and high thermostability of Z-isomers. In addition, real-time photoreversible control of eDHFR activity was achieved by alternatively switching the illumination light wavelengths.

Endogenous Enzyme-Operated Spherical Nucleic Acids for Cell-Selective Protein Capture and Localization Regulation

Precise regulation of protein activity and localization in cancer cells is crucial to dissect the function of the protein-involved cellular network in tumorigenesis, but there is a lack of suitable methodology. Here we report the design of enzyme-operated spherical nucleic acids (E-SNAs) for manipulation of the nucleocytoplasmic translocation of proteins with cancer-cell selectivity. The E-SNAs are constructed by programmable engineering of aptamer-based modules bearing enzyme-responsive units in predesigned sites and further combination with SNA nanotechnology. We demonstrate that E-SNAs are able to regulate cytoplasmic-to-nuclear shuttling of RelA protein efficiently and specifically in tumor cells, while they remain inactive in normal cells due to insufficient enzyme expression. We further confirmed the generality of this strategy by investigating the enzyme-modulated inhibition/activation of thrombin activity by varying the aptamer-based design.

Employing Live-Cell Imaging to Study Motor-Mediated Transport

Microtubule-based transport is a highly regulated process, requiring kinesin and/or dynein motors, a multitude of motor-associated regulatory proteins including activating adaptors and scaffolding proteins, and microtubule tracks that also provide regulatory cues. While in vitro studies are invaluable, fully replicating the physiological conditions under which motility occurs in cells is not yet possible. Here, we describe two methods that can be employed to study motor-based transport and motor regulation in a cellular context. Live-cell imaging of organelle transport in neurons leverages the uniform polarity of microtubules in axons to better understand the factors regulating microtubule-based motility. Peroxisome recruitment assays allow users to examine the net effect of motors and motor-regulatory proteins on organelle distribution. Together, these methods open the door to motility experiments that more fully interrogate the complex cellular environment.

Protein Condensate Formation via Controlled Multimerization of Intrinsically Disordered Sequences

Many proteins harboring low complexity or intrinsically disordered sequences (IDRs) are capable of undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation to form mesoscale condensates that function as biochemical niches with the ability to concentrate or sequester macromolecules and regulate cellular activity. Engineered disordered proteins have been used to generate programmable synthetic membraneless organelles in cells. Phase separation is governed by the strength of interactions among polypeptides with multivalency enhancing phase separation at lower concentrations. Previously, we and others demonstrated enzymatic control of IDR valency from multivalent precursors to dissolve condensed phases. Here, we develop noncovalent strategies to multimerize an individual IDR, the RGG domain of LAF-1, using protein interaction domains to regulate condensate formation in vitro and in living cells. First, we characterize modular dimerization of RGG domains at either terminus using cognate high-affinity coiled-coil pairs to form stable condensates in vitro. Second, we demonstrate temporal control over phase separation of RGG domains fused to FRB and FKBP in the presence of dimerizer. Further, using a photocaged dimerizer, we achieve optically induced condensation both in cell-sized emulsions and within live cells. Collectively, these modular tools allow multiple strategies to promote phase separation of a common core IDR for tunable control of condensate assembly.

Chemogenetics of cell surface receptors: beyond genetic and pharmacological approaches

Cell surface receptors transmit extracellular information into cells. Spatiotemporal regulation of receptor signaling is crucial for cellular functions, and dysregulation of signaling causes various diseases. Thus, it is highly desired to control receptor functions with high spatial and/or temporal resolution. Conventionally, genetic engineering or chemical ligands have been used to control receptor functions in cells. As the alternative, chemogenetics has been proposed, in which target proteins are genetically engineered to interact with a designed chemical partner with high selectivity. The engineered receptor dissects the function of one receptor member among a highly homologous receptor family in a cell-specific manner. Notably, some chemogenetic strategies have been used to reveal the receptor signaling of target cells in living animals. In this review, we summarize the developing chemogenetic methods of transmembrane receptors for cell-specific regulation of receptor signaling. We also discuss the prospects of chemogenetics for clinical applications.

Photocleavable Fluorescent Membrane Tension Probes: Fast Release with Spatiotemporal Control in Inner Leaflets of Plasma Membrane, Nuclear Envelope, and Secretory Pathway

Mechanosensitive flipper probes are attracting interest as fluorescent reporters of membrane order and tension in biological systems. We introduce PhotoFlippers, which contain a photocleavable linker and an ultralong tether between mechanophore and various targeting motifs. Upon irradiation, the original probe is released and labels the most ordered membrane that is accessible by intermembrane transfer. Spatiotemporal control from photocleavable flippers is essential to access open, dynamic or elusive membrane motifs without chemical or physical interference. For instance, fast release with light is shown to place the original small-molecule probes into the innermost leaflet of the nuclear envelope to image changes in membrane tension, at specific points in time of membrane trafficking along the secretory pathway, or in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane to explore membrane asymmetry. These results identify PhotoFlippers as useful chemistry tools to enable research in biology.

Acetoxymethyl-BODIPY dyes: a universal platform for the fluorescent labeling of nucleophiles

A general and robust methodology has been developed for the direct incorporation of a wide variety of C-, N-, P-, O-, S-, and halo-nucleophiles into functional BODIPY conjugates in a single reaction step.

Optical Control of Phosphoinositide Binding: Rapid Activation of Subcellular Protein Translocation and Cell Signaling

Cells utilize protein translocation to specific compartments for spatial and temporal regulation of protein activity, in particular in the context of signaling processes. Protein recognition and binding to various subcellular membranes is mediated by a network of phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) species bearing one or multiple phosphate moieties on the polar inositol head. Here, we report a new, highly efficient method for optical control of protein localization through the site-specific incorporation of a photocaged amino acid for steric and electrostatic disruption of inositol phosphate recognition and binding. We demonstrate general applicability of the approach by photocaging two unrelated proteins, sorting nexin 3 (SNX3) and the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of phospholipase C delta 1 (PLCδ1), with two distinct PIP binding domains and distinct subcellular localizations. We have established the applicability of this methodology through its application to Son of Sevenless 2 (SOS2), a signaling protein involved in the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) cascade. Upon fusing the photocaged plasma membrane-targeted construct PH-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), to the catalytic domain of SOS2, we demonstrated light-induced membrane localization of the construct resulting in fast and extensive activation of the ERK signaling pathway in NIH 3T3 cells. This approach can be readily extended to other proteins, with minimal protein engineering, and provides a method for acute optical control of protein translocation with rapid and complete activation.

Targeted protein oxidation using a chromophore-modified rapamycin analog

Chemically induced dimerization of FKBP and FRB using rapamycin and rapamycin analogs has been utilized in a variety of biological applications. Formation of the FKBP-rapamycin-FRB ternary complex is typically used to activate a biological process and this interaction has proven to be essentially irreversible. In many cases, it would be beneficial to also have temporal control over deactivating a biological process once it has been initiated. Thus, we developed the first reactive oxygen species-generating rapamycin analog toward this goal. The BODIPY-rapamycin analog BORap is capable of dimerizing FKBP and FRB to form a ternary complex, and upon irradiation with 530 nm light, generates singlet oxygen to oxidize and inactivate proteins of interest fused to FKBP/FRB.

Chemo-optogenetic Protein Translocation System Using a Photoactivatable Self-Localizing Ligand

Manipulating subcellular protein localization using light is a powerful approach for controlling signaling processes with high spatiotemporal precision. The most widely used strategy for this is based on light-induced protein heterodimerization. The use of small synthetic molecules that can control the localization of target proteins in response to light without the need for a second protein has several advantages. However, such methods have not been well established. Herein, we present a chemo-optogenetic approach for controlling protein localization using a photoactivatable self-localizing ligand (paSL). We developed a paSL that can recruit tag-fused proteins of interest from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane within seconds upon light illumination. This paSL-induced protein translocation (paSLIPT) is reversible and enables the spatiotemporal control of signaling processes in living cells, even in a local region. paSLIPT can also be used to implement simultaneous optical stimulation and multiplexed imaging of molecular processes in a single cell, offering an attractive and novel chemo-optogenetic platform for interrogating and engineering dynamic cellular functions.

Precise spatiotemporal control of voltage-gated sodium channels by photocaged saxitoxin

Here we report the pharmacologic blockade of voltage-gated sodium ion channels (Na_Vs) by a synthetic saxitoxin derivative affixed to a photocleavable protecting group. We demonstrate that a functionalized saxitoxin (STX-eac) enables exquisite spatiotemporal control of Na_Vs to interrupt action potentials in dissociated neurons and nerve fiber bundles. The photo-uncaged inhibitor (STX-ea) is a nanomolar potent, reversible binder of Na_Vs. We use STX-eac to reveal differential susceptibility of myelinated and unmyelinated axons in the corpus callosum to Na_V-dependent alterations in action potential propagation, with unmyelinated axons preferentially showing reduced action potential fidelity under conditions of partial Na_V block. These results validate STX-eac as a high precision tool for robust photocontrol of neuronal excitability and action potential generation.

Clip Chemistry: Diverse (Bio)(macro)molecular and Material Function through Breaking Covalent Bonds

In the two decades since the introduction of the "click chemistry" concept, the toolbox of "click reactions" has continually expanded, enabling chemists, materials scientists, and biologists to rapidly and selectively build complexity for their applications of interest. Similarly, selective and efficient covalent bond breaking reactions have provided and will continue to provide transformative advances. Here, we review key examples and applications of efficient, selective covalent bond cleavage reactions, which we refer to herein as "clip reactions." The strategic application of clip reactions offers opportunities to tailor the compositions and structures of complex (bio)(macro)molecular systems with exquisite control. Working in concert, click chemistry and clip chemistry offer scientists and engineers powerful methods to address next-generation challenges across the chemical sciences.

Tethering-based chemogenetic approaches for the modulation of protein function in live cells

Proteins are the workhorse molecules performing various tasks to sustain life. To investigate the roles of a protein under physiological conditions, the rapid modulation of the protein with high specificity in a living system would be ideal, but achieving this is often challenging. To address this challenge, researchers have developed chemogenetic strategies for the rapid and selective modulation of protein function in live cells. Here, the target protein is modified genetically to become sensitive to a designer molecule that otherwise has no effect on other cellular biomolecules. One powerful chemogenetic strategy is to introduce a tethering point into the target protein, allowing covalent or non-covalent attachment of the designer molecule. In this tutorial review, we focus on tethering-based chemogenetic approaches for modulating protein function in live cells. We first describe genetic, optogenetic and chemical means to study protein function. These means lay the basis for the chemogenetic concept, which is explained in detail. The next section gives an overview, including advantages and limitations, of tethering tactics that have been employed for modulating cellular protein function. The third section provides examples of the modulation of cell-surface proteins using tethering-based chemogenetics through non-covalent tethering and covalent tethering for irreversible modulation or functional switching. The fourth section presents intracellular examples. The last section summarizes key considerations in implementing tethering-based chemogenetics and shows perspectives highlighting future directions and other applications of this burgeoning research field.

Chemical tools for dissecting cell division

Components of the cell division machinery typically function at varying cell cycle stages and intracellular locations. To dissect cellular mechanisms during the rapid division process, small-molecule probes act as complementary approaches to genetic manipulations, with advantages of temporal and in some cases spatial control and applicability to multiple model systems. This Review focuses on recent advances in chemical probes and applications to address select questions in cell division. We discuss uses of both enzyme inhibitors and chemical inducers of dimerization, as well as emerging techniques to promote future investigations. Overall, these concepts may open new research directions for applying chemical probes to advance cell biology.

Optical Manipulation of Subcellular Protein Translocation Using a Photoactivatable Covalent Labeling System

The photoactivatable chemically induced dimerization (photo-CID) technique for tag-fused proteins is one of the most promising methods for regulating subcellular protein translocations and protein-protein interactions. However, light-induced covalent protein dimerization in living cells has yet to be established, despite its various advantages. Herein, we developed a photoactivatable covalent protein-labeling technology by applying a caged ligand to the BL-tag system, a covalent protein labeling system that uses mutant β-lactamase. We further developed CBHD, a caged protein dimerizer, using caged BL-tag and HaloTag ligands, and achieved light-induced protein translocation from the cytoplasm to subcellular regions. In addition, this covalent photo-CID system enabled quick protein translocation to a laser-illuminated microregion. These results indicate that the covalent photo-CID system will expand the scope of CID applications in the optical manipulation of cellular functions.

Light-guided intrabodies for on-demand in situ target recognition in human cells

Due to their high stability and specificity in living cells, fluorescently labeled nanobodies are perfect probes for visualizing intracellular targets at an endogenous level. However, intrabodies bind unrestrainedly and hence may interfere with the target protein function. Here, we report a strategy to prevent premature binding through the development of photo-conditional intrabodies. Using genetic code expansion, we introduce photocaged amino acids within the nanobody-binding interface, which, after photo-activation, show instantaneous binding of target proteins with high spatiotemporal precision inside living cells. Due to the highly stable binding, light-guided intrabodies offer a versatile platform for downstream imaging and regulation of target proteins.

Chemical Dimerization-Induced Protein Condensates on Telomeres

Chromatin-associated condensates are implicated in many nuclear processes, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This protocol describes a chemically-induced protein dimerization system to create condensates on telomeres. The chemical dimerizer consists of two linked ligands that can each bind to a protein: Halo ligand to Halo-enzyme and trimethoprim (TMP) to E. coli dihydrofolate reductase (eDHFR), respectively. Fusion of Halo enzyme to a telomere protein anchors dimerizers to telomeres through covalent Halo ligand-enzyme binding. Binding of TMP to eDHFR recruits eDHFR-fused phase separating proteins to telomeres and induces condensate formation. Because TMP-eDHFR interaction is non-covalent, condensation can be reversed by using excess free TMP to compete with the dimerizer for eDHFR binding. An example of inducing promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear body formation on telomeres and determining condensate growth, dissolution, localization and composition is shown. This method can be easily adapted to induce condensates at other genomic locations by fusing Halo to a protein that directly binds to the local chromatin or to dCas9 that is targeted to the genomic locus with a guide RNA. By offering the temporal resolution required for single cell live imaging while maintaining phase separation in a population of cells for biochemical assays, this method is suitable for probing both the formation and function of chromatin-associated condensates.

Luciferase Controlled Protein Interactions

Protein trafficking and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are central to regulatory processes in cells. Induced dimerization systems have been developed to control PPIs and regulate protein trafficking (localization) or interactions. Chemically induced dimerization (CID) has proven to be a robust approach to control protein interactions and localization. The most recent embodiment of this technology relies on CID conjugates that react with a self-labeling protein on one side and a photocaged ligand on the other side to provide spatiotemporal control of the interaction with the protein of interest. Advancing this technology further is limited by the light delivery problem and the phototoxicity of intense irradiation necessary to achieve photouncaging. Herein, we designed a novel chemically induced dimerization system that was triggered by bioluminescence, instead of external light. Protein dimerization showed fast kinetics and was validated by an induced change of localization of a target protein (to and from the nucleus or plasma membrane) upon trigger. The technology was used transiently to activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR pathway and measure the impact on lipid synthesis/metabolism, assessed by lipidomics.

An Evolutionary Strategy for Identification of Higher Order, Green Fluorescent Host-Guest Pairs Compatible with Living Systems

Engineered miniprotein host-small-molecule guest pairs could be utilized to design new processes within cells as well as investigate fundamental aspects of cell signaling mechanisms. However, the development of host-guest pairs capable of functioning in living systems has proven challenging. Moreover, few examples of host-guest pairs with stoichiometries other than 2:1 exist, significantly hindering the ability to study the influence of oligomerization state on signaling fidelity. Herein, we present an approach to identify host-guest systems for relatively small green fluorescent guests by incorporation into cyclic peptides. The optimal host-guest pair produced a 10-fold increase in green fluorescence signal upon binding. Biophysical characterization clearly demonstrated higher order supramolecular assembly, which could be visualized on the surface of living yeast cells using a turn-on fluorescence readout. This work further defines evolutionary design principles to afford host-guest pairs with stoichiometries other than 2:1 and enables the identification of spectrally orthogonal host-guest pairs.

Bioorthogonal Ligations and Cleavages in Chemical Biology

Bioorthogonal reactions including the bioorthogonal ligations and cleavages have become an active field of research in chemical biology, and they play important roles in chemical modification and functional regulation of biomolecules. This review summarizes the developments and applications of the representative bioorthogonal reactions including the Staudinger reactions, the metal-mediated bioorthogonal reactions, the strain-promoted cycloadditions, the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reactions, the light-triggered bioorthogonal reactions, and the reactions of chloroquinoxalines and ortho-dithiophenols.

Aptamer-based optical manipulation of protein subcellular localization in cells

Protein-dominant cellular processes cannot be fully decoded without precise manipulation of their activity and localization in living cells. Advances in optogenetics have allowed spatiotemporal control over cellular proteins with molecular specificity; however, these methods require recombinant expression of fusion proteins, possibly leading to conflicting results. Instead of modifying proteins of interest, in this work, we focus on design of a tunable recognition unit and develop an aptamer-based near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive nanoplatform for manipulating the subcellular localization of specific proteins in their native states. Our results demonstrate that this nanoplatform allows photocontrol over the cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling behavior of the target RelA protein (a member of the NF-κβ family), enabling regulation of RelA-related signaling pathways. With a modular design, this aptamer-based nanoplatform can be readily extended for the manipulation of different proteins (e.g., lysozyme and p53), holding great potential to develop a variety of label-free protein photoregulation strategies for studying complex biological events.

Optogenetic manipulation of protein localisation in cells involves the creation of fusions that can influence activity. Here the authors develop a near-infrared light-responsive aptamer-based system to regulate the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of NF-κB subunit RelA.

The liquid nucleome - phase transitions in the nucleus at a glance

Cells organize membrane-less internal compartments through a process called liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to create chemically distinct compartments, referred to as condensates, which emerge from interactions among biological macromolecules. These condensates include various cytoplasmic structures such as P-granules and stress granules. However, an even wider array of condensates subcompartmentalize the cell nucleus, forming liquid-like structures that range from nucleoli and Cajal bodies to nuclear speckles and gems. Phase separation provides a biophysical assembly mechanism underlying this non-covalent form of fluid compartmentalization and functionalization. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we term these phase-separated liquids that organize the nucleus the liquid nucleome; we discuss examples of biological phase transitions in the nucleus, how the cell utilizes biophysical aspects of phase separation to form and regulate condensates, and suggest interpretations for the role of phase separation in nuclear organization and function.

Reversible optogenetic control of protein function and localization

Protein-protein interactions are highly dynamic biological processes that regulate various cellular reactions. They exhibit high specificity and spatiotemporal control in order to efficiently utilize finite resources in a cellular compartment. Photoactivatable chemically inducible dimerization (pCID) has emerged as an attractive technique in the scientific community, leading to the development of systems that can be activated with various wavelengths of light in order to manipulate processes on biologically relevant scales with molecular specificity. These systems can be modified to control various protein functions with unprecedented precision and spatiotemporal resolution. In this chapter, we describe an optogenetic platform that provides reversible control over dimerization of genetically tagged proteins using orthogonal wavelengths of light. We demonstrate photoactivation and photo-reversal of protein localization and transport. Mitosis is manipulated by activating and silencing the spindle assembly checkpoint through recruitment and release of proteins from kinetochores.

Simulation methods for liquid-liquid phase separation of disordered proteins

Liquid-liquid phase separation of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and other biomolecules is a highly complex but robust process used by living systems. Drawing inspiration from biology, phase separating proteins have been successfully utilized for promising applications in fields of materials design and drug delivery. These protein-based materials are advantageous due to the ability to finely tune their stimulus-responsive phase behavior and material properties, and the ability to encode biologically active motifs directly into the sequence. The number of possible protein sequences is virtually endless, which makes sequence-based design a rather daunting task, but also attractive due to the amount of control coming from exploration of this variable space. The use of computational methods in this field of research have come to the aid in several aspects, including interpreting experimental results, identifying important structural features and molecular mechanisms capable of explaining the phase behavior, and ultimately providing predictive frameworks for rational design of protein sequences. Here we provide an overview of computational studies focused on phase separating biomolecules and the tools that are available to researchers interested in this topic.