Bioluminescence imaging of G protein-coupled receptor activation in living mice

Ultrasound-Activated Near-Infrared-II Afterglow Luminescence for Precise Cancer Imaging

Afterglow fluorescence imaging has been extensively assessed in ultrasensitive bioimaging. Since it eliminates the need for real-time excitation light and thereby circumvents the autofluorescence background of tissue, it holds tremendous potential in accurate biomedical imaging. However, current afterglow probes are rare and emit light only in the visible to near-infrared (NIR) range, which is inadequate for in vivo imaging. To resolve this issue, an ultrasound (US)-activated NIR-II afterglow luminescence probe (NPs-Ce4-SN) emitting afterglow luminescence with a peak at ∼1100 nm was developed. This peak is nearly 400 nm red-shifted compared with other reported afterglow probes. Of note, after US termination, NPs-Ce4-SN undergoes energy transformation to produce 1O2 and subsequently undergoes internal oxidation-reduction reaction to produce NIR-II afterglow, generating high signal-to-noise ratio and high-penetration depth imaging. In vitro and in vivo NIR-II afterglow imaging experiments revealed that NPs-Ce4-SN has good biocompatibility and deep tissue penetration depth, suggesting a diagnostic strategy for in vivo tumor imaging with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Zonation and ligand and dose dependence of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 signalling in blood and lymphatic vasculature

AIMS

Circulating levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), an HDL-associated ligand for the endothelial cell (EC) protective S1P receptor-1 (S1PR1), are reduced in disease states associated with endothelial dysfunction. Yet, as S1PR1 has high affinity for S1P and can be activated by ligand-independent mechanisms and EC autonomous S1P production, it is unclear if relative reductions in circulating S1P can cause endothelial dysfunction. It is also unclear how EC S1PR1 insufficiency, whether induced by deficiency in circulating ligand or by S1PR1-directed immunosuppressive therapy, affects different vascular subsets.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We here fine map the zonation of S1PR1 signalling in the murine blood and lymphatic vasculature, superimpose cell-type-specific and relative deficiencies in S1P production to define ligand source and dose dependence, and correlate receptor engagement to essential functions. In naïve blood vessels, despite broad expression, EC S1PR1 engagement was restricted to resistance-size arteries, lung capillaries, and a subset of high-endothelial venules (HEVs). Similar zonation was observed for albumin extravasation in EC S1PR1-deficient mice, and brain extravasation was reproduced with arterial EC-selective S1pr1 deletion. In lymphatic ECs, S1PR1 engagement was high in collecting vessels and lymph nodes and low in blind-ended capillaries that drain tissue fluids. While EC S1P production sustained S1PR1 signalling in lymphatics and HEV, haematopoietic cells provided ∼90% of plasma S1P and sustained signalling in resistance arteries and lung capillaries. S1PR1 signalling and endothelial function were both surprisingly sensitive to reductions in plasma S1P with apparent saturation around 50% of normal levels. S1PR1 engagement did not depend on sex or age but modestly increased in arteries in hypertension and diabetes. Sphingosine kinase (Sphk)-2 deficiency also increased S1PR1 engagement selectively in arteries, which could be attributed to Sphk1-dependent S1P release from perivascular macrophages.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights vessel subtype-specific S1PR1 functions and mechanisms of engagement and supports the relevance of S1P as circulating biomarker for endothelial function.

S1PR3 inhibition protects against LPS-induced ARDS by inhibiting NF-κB and improving mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

BACKGROUND

Inflammation and endothelial barrier dysfunction are the major pathophysiological changes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3), a G protein-coupled receptor, has been found to mediate inflammation and endothelial cell (EC) integrity. However, the function of S1PR3 in ARDS has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

We used a murine lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ARDS model and an LPS- stimulated ECs model to investigate the role of S1PR3 in anti-inflammatory effects and endothelial barrier protection during ARDS.

RESULTS

We found that S1PR3 expression was increased in the lung tissues of mice with LPS-induced ARDS. TY-52156, a selective S1PR3 inhibitor, effectively attenuated LPS-induced inflammation by suppressing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and restored the endothelial barrier by repairing adherens junctions and reducing vascular leakage. S1PR3 inhibition was achieved by an adeno-associated virus in vivo and a small interfering RNA in vitro. Both the in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of S1PR3 protected against ARDS by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and improving mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

S1PR3 inhibition protects against LPS-induced ARDS via suppression of pulmonary inflammation and promotion of the endothelial barrier by inhibiting NF-κB and improving mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, indicating that S1PR3 is a potential therapeutic target for ARDS.

Microscopy and spectroscopy approaches to study GPCR structure and function

The GPCR signalling cascade is a key pathway responsible for the signal transduction of a multitude of physical and chemical stimuli, including light, odorants, neurotransmitters and hormones. Understanding the structural and functional properties of the GPCR cascade requires direct observation of signalling processes in high spatial and temporal resolution, with minimal perturbation to endogenous systems. Optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques are uniquely suited to this purpose because they excel at multiple spatial and temporal scales and can be used in living objects. Here, we review recent developments in microscopy and spectroscopy technologies which enable new insights into GPCR signalling. We focus on advanced techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution, single-molecule methods, labelling strategies and approaches suitable for endogenous systems and large living objects. This review aims to assist researchers in choosing appropriate microscopy and spectroscopy approaches for a variety of applications in the study of cellular signalling.

Get me out of here: Sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling and T cell exit from tissues during an immune response

During an immune response, the duration of T cell residence in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues likely affects T cell activation, differentiation, and memory development. The factors that govern T cell transit through inflamed tissues remain incompletely understood, but one important determinant of T cell exit from tissues is sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling. In homeostasis, S1P levels are high in blood and lymph compared to lymphoid organs, and lymphocytes follow S1P gradients out of tissues into circulation using varying combinations of five G-protein coupled S1P receptors. During an immune response, both the shape of S1P gradients and the expression of S1P receptors are dynamically regulated. Here we review what is known, and key questions that remain unanswered, about how S1P signaling is regulated in inflammation and in turn how S1P shapes immune responses.

NIR-II Self-Luminous Molecular Probe for In Vivo Inflammation Tracking and Cancer PDT Effect Self-Evaluating

Optical imaging in the second near-infrared (NIR-II, 900-1700 nm) window has been extensively investigated for bioimaging. However, a strong autofluorescence background from real-time excitation light significantly reduces the images' quality of NIR-II fluorescence (FL) imaging. To resolve this issue, a NIR-II self-luminous small molecule (CLPD) based on bioluminescence (BL) resonance energy transfer (BRET) mechanism is first developed. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) can trigger NIR-II BL and reduce the NIR-II FL signals of the CLPD simultaneously, enabling ROS-correlated ratiometric BL/FL imaging. CLPD is used for high-contrast NIR-II BL imaging of osteoarthritis as well as guiding the treatment process by ratiometric BL/FL imaging. Moreover, CLPD is applied for NIR-II BL imaging of tumor triggered by the generated ROS during PDT. A correlation between the ratiometric NIR-II BL/FL signal and tumor size is constructed, providing a trustworthy tool for early assessment of PDT effect. Overall, this study presents a novel NIR-II self-luminous small molecular probe for in vivo imaging and provides a strategy for design a self-evaluation system of therapeutic effect.

DOCK4 Regulation of Rho GTPases Mediates Pulmonary Vascular Barrier Function

BACKGROUND

The vascular endothelium maintains tissue-fluid homeostasis by controlling the passage of large molecules and fluid between the blood and interstitial space. The interaction of catenins and the actin cytoskeleton with VE-cadherin (vascular endothelial cadherin) is the primary mechanism for stabilizing AJs (adherens junctions), thereby preventing lung vascular barrier disruption. Members of the Rho (Ras homology) family of GTPases and conventional GEFs (guanine exchange factors) of these GTPases have been demonstrated to play important roles in regulating endothelial permeability. Here, we evaluated the role of DOCK4 (dedicator of cytokinesis 4)-an unconventional Rho family GTPase GEF in vascular function.

METHODS

We generated mice deficient in DOCK4' used DOCK4 silencing and reconstitution approaches in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells' used assays to evaluate protein localization, endothelial cell permeability, and small GTPase activation.

RESULTS

Our data show that DOCK4-deficient mice are viable. However, these mice have hemorrhage selectively in the lung, incomplete smooth muscle cell coverage in pulmonary vessels, increased basal microvascular permeability, and impaired response to S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate)-induced reversal of thrombin-induced permeability. Consistent with this, DOCK4 rapidly translocates to the cell periphery and associates with the detergent-insoluble fraction following S1P treatment, and its absence prevents S1P-induced Rac-1 activation and enhancement of barrier function. Moreover, DOCK4-silenced pulmonary artery endothelial cells exhibit enhanced basal permeability in vitro that is associated with enhanced Rho GTPase activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that DOCK4 maintains AJs necessary for lung vascular barrier function by establishing the normal balance between RhoA (Ras homolog family member A) and Rac-1-mediated actin cytoskeleton remodeling, a previously unappreciated function for the atypical GEF family of molecules. Our studies also identify S1P as a potential upstream regulator of DOCK4 activity.

Critical Considerations in Bioluminescence Imaging of Transplanted Islets: Dynamic Signal Change in Early Posttransplant Phase and Signal Absorption by Tissues

OBJECTIVES

In pancreatic islet transplantation studies, bioluminescence imaging enables quantitative and noninvasive tracking of graft survival. Amid the recent heightened interest in extrahepatic sites for islet and stem cell-derived beta-like cell transplantations, proper understanding the nature of bioluminescence imaging in these sites is important.

METHODS

Islets isolated from Firefly rats ubiquitously expressing luciferase reporter gene in Lewis rats were transplanted into subcutaneous or kidney capsule sites of wild-type Lewis rats or immunodeficient mice. Posttransplant changes of bioluminescence signal curves and absorption of bioluminescence signal in transplantation sites were examined.

RESULTS

The bioluminescence signal curve dynamically changed in the early posttransplantation phase; the signal was low within the first 5 days after transplantation. A substantial amount of bioluminescence signal was absorbed by tissues surrounding islet grafts, correlating to the depth of the transplanted site from the skin surface. Grafts in kidney capsules were harder to image than those in the subcutaneous site. Within the kidney capsule, locations that minimized depth from the skin surface improved the graft detectability.

CONCLUSIONS

Posttransplant phase and graft location/depth critically impact the bioluminescence images captured in islet transplantation studies. Understanding these parameters is critical for reducing experimental biases and proper interpretation of data.

Knock-In Mouse Models to Investigate the Functions of Opioid Receptors in vivo

Due to their low expression levels, complex multi-pass transmembrane structure, and the current lack of highly specific antibodies, the assessment of endogenous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remains challenging. While most of the research regarding their functions was performed in heterologous systems overexpressing the receptor, recent advances in genetic engineering methods have allowed the generation of several unique mouse models. These animals proved to be useful to investigate numerous aspects underlying the physiological functions of GPCRs, including their endogenous expression, distribution, interactome, and trafficking processes. Given their significant pharmacological importance and central roles in the nervous system, opioid peptide receptors (OPr) are often referred to as prototypical receptors for the study of GPCR regulatory mechanisms. Although only a few GPCR knock-in mouse lines have thus far been generated, OPr are strikingly well represented with over 20 different knock-in models, more than half of which were developed within the last 5 years. In this review, we describe the arsenal of OPr (mu-, delta-, and kappa-opioid), as well as the opioid-related nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor knock-in mouse models that have been generated over the past years. We further highlight the invaluable contribution of such models to our understanding of the in vivo mechanisms underlying the regulation of OPr, which could be conceivably transposed to any other GPCR, as well as the limitations, future perspectives, and possibilities enabled by such tools.

Lysophospholipid Mediators in Health and Disease

Lysophospholipids, exemplified by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), are produced by the metabolism and perturbation of biological membranes. Both molecules are established extracellular lipid mediators that signal via specific G protein-coupled receptors in vertebrates. This widespread signaling axis regulates the development, physiological functions, and pathological processes of all organ systems. Indeed, recent research into LPA and S1P has revealed their important roles in cellular stress signaling, inflammation, resolution, and host defense responses. In this review, we focus on how LPA regulates fibrosis, neuropathic pain, abnormal angiogenesis, endometriosis, and disorders of neuroectodermal development such as hydrocephalus and alopecia. In addition, we discuss how S1P controls collective behavior, apoptotic cell clearance, and immunosurveillance of cancers. Advances in lysophospholipid research have led to new therapeutics in autoimmune diseases, with many more in earlier stages of development for a wide variety of diseases, such as fibrotic disorders, vascular diseases, and cancer.

Activated molecular probes for enzyme recognition and detection

Exploring and understanding the interaction of changes in the activities of various enzymes, such as proteases, phosphatases, and oxidoreductases with tumor invasion, proliferation, and metastasis is of great significance for early cancer diagnosis. To detect the activity of tumor-related enzymes, various molecular probes have been developed with different imaging methods, including optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging (PAI), magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and so on. In this review, we first describe the biological functions of various enzymes and the selectively recognized chemical linkers or groups. Subsequently, we systematically summarize the design mechanism of imaging probes and different imaging methods. Finally, we explore the challenges and development prospects in the field of enzyme activity detection. This comprehensive review will provide more insight into the design and development of enzyme activated molecular probes.

Using Biosensors to Study Protein-Protein Interaction in the Hippo Pathway

The Hippo signaling network is dependent on protein–protein interactions (PPIs) as a mechanism of signal transduction to regulate organ size, cellular proliferation and differentiation, tumorigenesis, and other cellular processes. Current efforts aim to resolve the complex regulation of upstream Hippo components or focus on identifying targeted drugs for use in cancer therapy. Despite extensive characterization of the Hippo pathway interactome by affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS) and other methodologies, previous research methods have not been sufficient to achieve these aims. In this review, we describe several recent studies that make use of luciferase-based biosensors as a new approach to study the Hippo Pathway. These biosensors serve as powerful tools with which to study PPIs both in vitro using purified biosensor proteins, and in real time in live cells. Notably, luciferase biosensors have excellent sensitivity and have been used to screen for upstream kinase regulators of the Hippo pathway. Furthermore, the high sensitivity and stability of these biosensors enables their application in high throughput screening for Hippo-targeted chemotherapeutics. Finally, we describe the strengths and weaknesses of this method relative to AP-MS and discuss potential future directions for using biosensors to study Hippo signaling.

Endothelial S1P1 Signaling Counteracts Infarct Expansion in Ischemic Stroke

RATIONALE

Cerebrovascular function is critical for brain health, and endogenous vascular protective pathways may provide therapeutic targets for neurological disorders. S1P (Sphingosine 1-phosphate) signaling coordinates vascular functions in other organs, and S1P1 (S1P receptor-1) modulators including fingolimod show promise for the treatment of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. However, S1P1 also coordinates lymphocyte trafficking, and lymphocytes are currently viewed as the principal therapeutic target for S1P1 modulation in stroke.

OBJECTIVE

To address roles and mechanisms of engagement of endothelial cell S1P1 in the naive and ischemic brain and its potential as a target for cerebrovascular therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using spatial modulation of S1P provision and signaling, we demonstrate a critical vascular protective role for endothelial S1P1 in the mouse brain. With an S1P1 signaling reporter, we reveal that abluminal polarization shields S1P1 from circulating endogenous and synthetic ligands after maturation of the blood-neural barrier, restricting homeostatic signaling to a subset of arteriolar endothelial cells. S1P1 signaling sustains hallmark endothelial functions in the naive brain and expands during ischemia by engagement of cell-autonomous S1P provision. Disrupting this pathway by endothelial cell-selective deficiency in S1P production, export, or the S1P1 receptor substantially exacerbates brain injury in permanent and transient models of ischemic stroke. By contrast, profound lymphopenia induced by loss of lymphocyte S1P1 provides modest protection only in the context of reperfusion. In the ischemic brain, endothelial cell S1P1 supports blood-brain barrier function, microvascular patency, and the rerouting of blood to hypoperfused brain tissue through collateral anastomoses. Boosting these functions by supplemental pharmacological engagement of the endothelial receptor pool with a blood-brain barrier penetrating S1P1-selective agonist can further reduce cortical infarct expansion in a therapeutically relevant time frame and independent of reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides genetic evidence to support a pivotal role for the endothelium in maintaining perfusion and microvascular patency in the ischemic penumbra that is coordinated by S1P signaling and can be harnessed for neuroprotection with blood-brain barrier-penetrating S1P1 agonists.

Validation of a monoclonal antibody directed against the human sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor type 1

The sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor type 1 (S1PR1) has several important functions, including stabilizing endothelial barrier and maintaining lymphocyte circulation. These functions are critically dependent on the regulation of S1PR1 cell surface expression. Currently available antibodies against human S1PR1 are not able to pick up cell surface expression on living cells by flow cytometry due to intracellular epitopes or unspecific binding. Here we describe the generation of a mouse monoclonal antibody specific for the N-terminal region of human S1PR1. It has an immunoglobulin M (IgM) kappa isotype and detects cell surface expression of recombinant human S1PR1 on overexpressing cells. Due to unspecific intracellular cell staining, it cannot be used for staining of dead cells and tissue slides or in microscopic analyses. It is also not suitable for Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation. However, the antibody can stain for endogenous S1PR1 on human endothelial cell lines and primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Incubation of these cells with various S1PR1 agonists revealed potent S1PR1 internalization, which was not the case with the specific antagonist W146. Surprisingly, human T and B cells isolated from blood and palatine tonsils did not show specific staining, demonstrating significantly lower endogenous S1PR1 surface expression on lymphocytes than on endothelial cells.

Illuminating the Path to Target GPCR Structures and Functions

G-Protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ubiquitous within eukaryotes, responsible for a wide array of physiological and pathological processes. Indeed, the fact that they are the most drugged target in the human genome is indicative of their importance. Despite the clear interest in GPCRs, most information regarding their activity has been so far obtained by analyzing the response from a "bulk medium". As such, this Perspective summarizes some of the common methods for this indirect observation. Nonetheless, by inspecting approaches applying super-resolution imaging, we argue that imaging is perfectly situated to obtain more detailed structural and spatial information, assisting in the development of new GPCR-targeted drugs and clinical strategies. The benefits of direct optical visualization of GPCRs are analyzed in the context of potential future directions in the field.

Post-translational modifications of S1PR1 and endothelial barrier regulation

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1), a G-protein coupled receptor that is expressed in endothelium and activated upon ligation by the bioactive lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), is an important vascular-barrier protective mechanism at the level of adherens junctions (AJ). Loss of endothelial barrier function is a central factor in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory conditions characterized by protein-rich lung edema formation, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). While several S1PR1 agonists are available, the challenge of arresting the progression of protein-rich edema formation remains to be met. In this review, we discuss the role of S1PRs, especially S1PR1, in regulating endothelial barrier function. We review recent findings showing that replenishment of the pool of cell-surface S1PR1 may be crucial to the effectiveness of S1P in repairing the endothelial barrier. In this context, we discuss the S1P generating machinery and mechanisms that regulate S1PR1 at the cell surface and their impact on endothelial barrier function.

The S1P-S1PR Axis in Neurological Disorders-Insights into Current and Future Therapeutic Perspectives

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), derived from membrane sphingolipids, is a pleiotropic bioactive lipid mediator capable of evoking complex immune phenomena. Studies have highlighted its importance regarding intracellular signaling cascades as well as membrane-bound S1P receptor (S1PR) engagement in various clinical conditions. In neurological disorders, the S1P–S1PR axis is acknowledged in neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, and cerebrovascular disorders. Modulators of S1P signaling have enabled an immense insight into fundamental pathological pathways, which were pivotal in identifying and improving the treatment of human diseases. However, its intricate molecular signaling pathways initiated upon receptor ligation are still poorly elucidated. In this review, the authors highlight the current evidence for S1P signaling in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders as well as stroke and present an array of drugs targeting the S1P signaling pathway, which are being tested in clinical trials. Further insights on how the S1P–S1PR axis orchestrates disease initiation, progression, and recovery may hold a remarkable potential regarding therapeutic options in these neurological disorders.

Roles of polyunsaturated fatty acids, from mediators to membranes

PUFAs, such as AA and DHA, are recognized as important biomolecules, but understanding their precise roles and modes of action remains challenging. PUFAs are precursors for a plethora of signaling lipids, for which knowledge about synthetic pathways and receptors has accumulated. However, due to their extreme diversity and the ambiguity concerning the identity of their cognate receptors, the roles of PUFA-derived signaling lipids require more investigation. In addition, PUFA functions cannot be explained just as lipid mediator precursors because they are also critical for the regulation of membrane biophysical properties. The presence of PUFAs in membrane lipids also affects the functions of transmembrane proteins and peripheral membrane proteins. Although the roles of PUFAs as membrane lipid building blocks were difficult to analyze, the discovery of lysophospholipid acyltransferases (LPLATs), which are critical for their incorporation, advanced our understanding. Recent studies unveiled how LPLATs affect PUFA levels in membrane lipids, and their genetic manipulation became an excellent strategy to study the roles of PUFA-containing lipids. In this review, we will provide an overview of metabolic pathways regulating PUFAs as lipid mediator precursors and membrane components and update recent progress about their functions. Some issues to be solved for future research will also be discussed.

Finding a Way Out: S1P Signaling and Immune Cell Migration

The signaling lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) plays critical roles in an immune response. Drugs targeting S1P signaling have been remarkably successful in treatment of multiple sclerosis, and they have shown promise in clinical trials for colitis and psoriasis. One mechanism of these drugs is to block lymphocyte exit from lymph nodes, where lymphocytes are initially activated, into circulation, from which lymphocytes can reach sites of inflammation. Indeed, S1P can be considered a circulation marker, signaling to immune cells to help them find blood and lymphatic vessels, and to endothelial cells to stabilize the vasculature. That said, S1P plays pleiotropic roles in the immune response, and it will be important to build an integrated view of how S1P shapes inflammation. S1P can function so effectively because its distribution is exquisitely tightly controlled. Here we review how S1P gradients regulate immune cell exit from tissues, with particular attention to key outstanding questions in the field.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate: Lipid signaling in pathology and therapy

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a metabolic product of cell membrane sphingolipids, is bound to extracellular chaperones, is enriched in circulatory fluids, and binds to G protein-coupled S1P receptors (S1PRs) to regulate embryonic development, postnatal organ function, and disease. S1PRs regulate essential processes such as adaptive immune cell trafficking, vascular development, and homeostasis. Moreover, S1PR signaling is a driver of multiple diseases. The past decade has witnessed an exponential growth in this field, in part because of multidisciplinary research focused on this lipid mediator and the application of S1PR-targeted drugs in clinical medicine. This has revealed fundamental principles of lysophospholipid mediator signaling that not only clarify the complex and wide ranging actions of S1P but also guide the development of therapeutics and translational directions in immunological, cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases.

IGF-1C domain-modified hydrogel enhanced the efficacy of stem cells in the treatment of AMI

Background

Due to the low survival rate of cell transplantation, stem cell has not been widely used in clinical treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, we immobilized the C domain peptide of insulin-like growth factor-1 on chitosan (CS-IGF-1C) to obtain bioactive hydrogel. The purpose was to investigate whether CS-IGF-1C hydrogel incorporated with human placenta–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hP-MSCs) can boost the survival of hP-MSCs and enhance their therapeutic effects.

Methods

hP-MSCs, which continuously expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP) and firefly luciferase (Fluc), were transplanted with CS-IGF-1C hydrogel into a mouse myocardial infarction model. Cell survival was detected by bioluminescence imaging (BLI), and cardiac function was measured by echocardiogram. Real-time PCR and histological analysis were used to explore the therapeutic mechanism of CS-IGF-1C hydrogel.

Results

CS-IGF-1C hydrogel could induce the proliferation of hP-MSCs and exert anti-apoptotic effects in vitro. The Calcine-AM/PI staining results showed that hP-MSCs seeded on CS-IGF-1C hydrogel could protect neonatal mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes (NMVCs) against oxidative stress. It was observed by BLI that CS-IGF-1C hydrogel injected into ischemic myocardium could improve the survival rate of hP-MSCs. Histology analysis indicated that co-transplantation of the CS-IGF-1C hydrogel and hP-MSCs could increase angiogenesis, reduce collagen deposition, ameliorate left ventricular expanded, and further promote the recovery of cardiac function. Besides, we found that the inflammatory response was inhibited and the expression of apoptosis-related genes was downregulated by CS-IGF-1C hydrogel.

Conclusions

CS-IGF-1C hydrogel provides a conducive microenvironment for cells and significantly boosts the survival of hP-MSCs in mouse myocardial infarction model, which suggest that it may be a potential candidate for prolonging the therapeutic effect of hP-MSCs during AMI.

Secrets and lyase: Control of sphingosine 1-phosphate distribution

The signaling lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) plays key roles in many physiological processes. In the immune system, S1P's best-described function is to draw cells out of tissues into circulation. Here, we will review models of S1P distribution in the thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, and nonlymphoid tissues. These models have been challenging to construct, because of the lack of tools to map lipid gradients. Nonetheless, evidence to date suggests that S1P distribution is exquisitely tightly controlled, and that concentrations of signaling-available S1P cannot be predicted by standard rules of thumb. The fine regulation of S1P gradients may explain how S1P can simultaneously direct multiple cell movements both between tissues and circulation and within tissues. It may also make it feasible to develop drugs that enable spatially specific modulation of S1P signaling.

Neuropeptides in modulation of Drosophila behavior: how to get a grip on their pleiotropic actions

Neuropeptides constitute a large and diverse class of signaling molecules that are produced by many types of neurons, neurosecretory cells, endocrines and other cells. Many neuropeptides display pleiotropic actions either as neuromodulators, co-transmitters or circulating hormones, while some play these roles concurrently. Here, we highlight pleiotropic functions of neuropeptides and different levels of neuropeptide signaling in the brain, from context-dependent orchestrating signaling by higher order neurons, to local executive modulation in specific circuits. Additionally, orchestrating neurons receive peptidergic signals from neurons conveying organismal internal state cues and relay these to executive circuits. We exemplify these levels of signaling with four neuropeptides, SIFamide, short neuropeptide F, allatostatin-A and leucokinin, each with a specific expression pattern and level of complexity in signaling.

Lysolipid receptor cross-talk regulates lymphatic endothelial junctions in lymph nodes

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) activate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to regulate biological processes. Using a genome-wide CRISPR/dCas9-based GPCR signaling screen, LPAR1 was identified as an inducer of S1PR1/β-arrestin coupling while suppressing Gαi signaling. S1pr1 and Lpar1-positive lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) of lymph nodes exhibit constitutive S1PR1/β-arrestin signaling, which was suppressed by LPAR1 antagonism. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic loss of function of Lpar1 reduced the frequency of punctate junctions at sinus-lining LECs. Ligand activation of transfected LPAR1 in endothelial cells remodeled junctions from continuous to punctate structures and increased transendothelial permeability. In addition, LPAR1 antagonism in mice increased lymph node retention of adoptively transferred lymphocytes. These data suggest that cross-talk between LPAR1 and S1PR1 promotes the porous junctional architecture of sinus-lining LECs, which enables efficient lymphocyte trafficking. Heterotypic inter-GPCR coupling may regulate complex cellular phenotypes in physiological milieu containing many GPCR ligands.

Chemiluminescence and Bioluminescence Imaging for Biosensing and Therapy: In Vitro and In Vivo Perspectives

Chemiluminescence (CL) and bioluminescence (BL) imaging technologies, which require no external light source so as to avoid the photobleaching, background interference and autoluminescence, have become powerful tools in biochemical analysis and biomedical science with the development of advanced imaging equipment. CL imaging technology has been widely applied to high-throughput detection of a variety of analytes because of its high sensitivity, high efficiency and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Using luciferase and fluorescent proteins as reporters, various BL imaging systems have been developed innovatively for real-time monitoring of diverse molecules in vivo based on the reaction between luciferin and the substrate. Meanwhile, the kinetics of protein interactions even in deep tissues has been studied by BL imaging. In this review, we summarize in vitro and in vivo applications of CL and BL imaging for biosensing and therapy. We first focus on in vitro CL imaging from the view of improving the sensitivity. Then, in vivo CL applications in cells and tissues based on different CL systems are demonstrated. Subsequently, the recent in vitro and in vivo applications of BL imaging are summarized. Finally, we provide the insight into the development trends and future perspectives of CL and BL imaging technologies.

G-protein coupled receptors and ligands that organize humoral immune responses

B-cell responses are dynamic processes that depend on multiple types of interactions. Rare antigen-specific B cells must encounter antigen and specialized systems are needed-unique to each lymphoid tissue type-to ensure this happens efficiently. Lymphoid tissue barrier cells act to ensure that pathogens, while being permitted entry for B-cell recognition, are blocked from replication or dissemination. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells often need to be primed by dendritic cells before supporting B-cell responses. For most responses, antigen-specific helper T cells and B cells need to interact, first to initiate clonal expansion and the plasmablast response, and later to support the germinal center (GC) response. Newly formed plasma cells need to travel to supportive niches. GC B cells must become confined to the follicle center, organize into dark and light zones, and interact with Tfh cells. Memory B cells need to be positioned for rapid responses following reinfection. Each of these events requires the actions of multiple G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their ligands, including chemokines and lipid mediators. This review will focus on the guidance cue code underlying B-cell immunity, with an emphasis on findings from our laboratory and on newer advances in related areas. We will discuss our recent identification of geranylgeranyl-glutathione as a ligand for P2RY8. Our goal is to provide the reader with a focused knowledge about the GPCRs guiding B-cell responses and how they might be therapeutic targets, while also providing examples of how multiple types of GPCRs can cooperate or act iteratively to control cell behavior.

An orange calcium-modulated bioluminescent indicator for non-invasive activity imaging

Fluorescent indicators are widely used to visualize calcium dynamics downstream of membrane depolarization or G protein-coupled receptor activation, but are poorly suited for non-invasive imaging in mammals. Here, we report a bright calcium-modulated bioluminescent indicator named Orange CaMBI. Orange CaMBI reports calcium dynamics in single cells and, in the context of a transgenic mouse, reveals calcium oscillations in whole organs in an entirely noninvasive manner.

Measurement of the Spatial Distribution of S1P in Small Quantities of Tissues: Development and Application of a Highly Sensitive LC-MS/MS Method Combined with Laser Microdissection

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) acts as an extracellular signaling molecule with diverse biological functions. Tissues appear to have an S1P gradient, which is functionally relevant in the biological significance of S1P, although its existence has not been measured directly. Here, we report a highly sensitive method to determine the distribution of S1P, using a column-switching LC-MS/MS system combined with laser microdissection (LMD). Column switching using narrow core Capcell Pak C18 analytical and trap columns with 0.3 mm inner diameter improved the performance of the LC-MS/MS system. The calibration curve of S1P showed good linearity (r>0.999) over the range of 0.05–10 nM (1–200 fmol/injection). The accuracy of the method was confirmed by measuring S1P-spiked laser microdissected mice tissue sections. To evaluate our S1P analytical method, we quantified S1P extracted from micro-dissected mouse brain and spleen. These results show that this method can measure low S1P concentrations and determine S1P distribution in tissue microenvironments.

RP001 hydrochloride improves neurological outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) results in neurological damage, acute cardiac damage and has a high mortality rate. Immunoresponse in the acute phase after SAH plays a key role in mediating vasospasm, edema, inflammation and neuronal damage. The S1P/S1PR pathway impacts multiple cellular functions, exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, promotes remyelination, and improves outcome in several central nervous system (CNS) diseases. RP001 hydrochloride is a novel S1PR agonist, which sequesters lymphocytes within their secondary tissues and prevents infiltration of immune cells into the CNS thereby reducing immune response. In this study, we investigated whether RP001 attenuates neuronal injury after SAH by reducing inflammation. S1PRs, specifically S1PR_{1, 3} not only exerts anti-inflammatory effects, but also decreases heart rate and induces atrioventricular conduction abnormalities. Therefore, we also tested whether RP001 treatment of SAH regulates cardiac functional outcome. Male adult C57BL/6 mice were subjected to SAH, and neurological function tests, echocardiography, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. SAH induces neurological deficits and acute cardiac dysfunction compared to sham control mice. Treatment of SAH with a low-dose of RP001 induces better neurological outcome and cardiac function compared to a high-dose of RP001. Low-dose-RP001 treatment significantly decreases apoptosis, white matter damage, blood brain barrier permeability, microglial/astrocyte activation, macrophage chemokine protein-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and NADPH oxidase-2 expression in the brain compared to SAH control mice. Our findings indicate that low-dose of RP001 alleviates neurological damage after SAH, in part by decreasing neuroinflammation.

Effects of sucrose ester structures on liposome-mediated gene delivery

Sucrose esters (SEs) have great potential applications in gene delivery because of their low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and biodegradability. By using tripeptide-based lipid (CDO) as a model lipid and SEs as helper lipids, a series of liposomes were prepared. The SEs with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values of 1, 6, 11, or 16 and the fatty acids of laurate, stearate, or oleate were used in the liposomes. We investigated the effect of HLB values of SEs and fatty acid types on gene transfection efficiency and toxicity of liposomes. The results showed that transfection efficiencies of the liposomes containing SEs with HLB value of 6 were superior to other liposomes in HeLa, MCF-7, NCI-H460, and A549 tumor cells. For the same HLB value, liposomes of laurate SEs were preferable to transfect cells compared to SEs of stearate and oleate. The liposomes with SEs showed higher cellular uptake than liposome without SEs (LipoCDO). LipoL12-6/Luc-siRNA treatment on tumor-bearing mice exhibited about 60% in vivo gene silencing of luciferase, and LipoL12-6 could mediate IGF-1R siRNA to greatly inhibit tumor growth. Moreover, liposomes with SEs revealed remarkably low toxicity in vitro and in vivo. The illustration of SE structures on gene delivery will promote the use of SEs for clinical trials of liposomes.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

This article is the first to study the effects of various chain lengths and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of sucrose esters (SEs) on gene transfection efficiency and safety of liposomes for gene delivery. The in vitro delivery of pDNA and siRNA by lipoplexes against HeLa, MCF-7, NCI-H460, and A549 tumor cells showed that the lipoplexes could lead to better transfection and lower cytotoxicity after the addition of SEs. SEs with shorter chain and a median HLB value could provide the liposomes with much higher gene transfection efficiency than others. The in vivo delivery of siRNA to tumor-bearing mice further confirmed that liposome containing laurate SE (LipoL12-6) could be a potential therapeutic vector, as it delivered siRNA to silence nearly 60% of the luciferase in tumors and also greatly inhibited the tumor growth. Therefore, the addition of SEs to liposomes proved to be relatively safe in vitro and in vivo. These preliminary results demonstrated that SEs show great potential for constructing controlled-release systems for gene delivery. The readers will get insights into a series of gene vectors and deepen their understanding about gene delivery.

Syntheses and in vitro evaluation of new S1PR1 compounds and initial evaluation of a lead F-18 radiotracer in rodents

Thirteen new sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) ligands were designed and synthesized by replacing azetidine-3-carboxylic acid moiety of compound 4 with new polar groups. The in vitro binding potency of these new analogs toward S1PR1 was determined. Out of 13 new compounds, four compounds 9a, 10c, 12b, and 16b displayed high S1PR1 binding potency with IC50 values of 13.2 ± 3.2, 14.7 ± 1.7, 9.7 ± 1.6, and 6.3 ± 1.3 nM, respectively; further binding studies of these four ligands toward S1PR2-5 suggested they are highly selective for S1PR1 over other S1PRs. The radiosynthesis of the lead radiotracer [18F]12b was achieved with good radiochemical yield (∼14.1%), high radiochemical purity (>98%), and good specific activity (∼54.1 GBq/μmol, decay corrected to the end of synthesis, EOS). Ex vivo autoradiography and initial biodistribution studies in rodents were performed, suggesting that [18F]12b was able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with high brain uptake (0.71% ID/g at 60 min post-injection) and no defluorination was observed. In vitro autoradiography study in brain slices of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation mice indicated that SEW2871, a specific S1PR1 ligand was able to reduce the uptake of [18F]12b, suggesting [18F]12b has S1PR1 specific binding. These initial results suggested that [18F]12b has potential to be an F-18 labeled radiotracer for imaging S1PR1 in the brain of the animal in vivo.

Beyond Fluorescent Proteins: Hybrid and Bioluminescent Indicators for Imaging Neural Activities

Optical biosensors have been invaluable tools in neuroscience research, as they provide the ability to directly visualize neural activity in real time, with high specificity, and with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution. Notably, a majority of these sensors are based on fluorescent protein scaffolds, which offer the ability to target specific cell types or even subcellular compartments. However, fluorescent proteins are intrinsically bulky tags, often insensitive to the environment, and always require excitation light illumination. To address these limitations, there has been a proliferation of alternative sensor scaffolds developed in recent years, including hybrid sensors that combine the advantages of synthetic fluorophores and genetically encoded protein tags, as well as bioluminescent probes. While still in their early stage of development as compared with fluorescent protein-based sensors, these novel probes have offered complementary solutions to interrogate various aspects of neuronal communication, including transmitter release, changes in membrane potential, and the production of second messengers. In this Review, we discuss these important new developments with a particular focus on design strategies.