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Peng A, Yin G, Zuo W, Zhang L, Du G, Chen J, Wang Y, Kang Z. Regulatory RNAs in Bacillus subtilis: A review on regulatory mechanism and applications in synthetic biology. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:223-233. [PMID: 38385150 PMCID: PMC10877136 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria exhibit a rich repertoire of RNA molecules that intricately regulate gene expression at multiple hierarchical levels, including small RNAs (sRNAs), riboswitches, and antisense RNAs. Notably, the majority of these regulatory RNAs lack or have limited protein-coding capacity but play pivotal roles in orchestrating gene expression by modulating transcription, post-transcription or translation processes. Leveraging and redesigning these regulatory RNA elements have emerged as pivotal strategies in the domains of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. While previous investigations predominantly focused on delineating the roles of regulatory RNA in Gram-negative bacterial models such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, this review aims to summarize the mechanisms and functionalities of endogenous regulatory RNAs inherent to typical Gram-positive bacteria, notably Bacillus subtilis. Furthermore, we explore the engineering and practical applications of these regulatory RNA elements in the arena of synthetic biology, employing B. subtilis as a foundational chassis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Peng
- The Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Guobin Yin
- The Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wenjie Zuo
- The Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- The Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- The Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jian Chen
- The Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Yang Wang
- The Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Zhen Kang
- The Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
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2
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Manea I, Casian M, Hosu-Stancioiu O, de-Los-Santos-Álvarez N, Lobo-Castañón MJ, Cristea C. A review on magnetic beads-based SELEX technologies: Applications from small to large target molecules. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1297:342325. [PMID: 38438246 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
This review summarizes the stepwise strategy and key points for magnetic beads (MBs)-based aptamer selection which is suitable for isolating aptamers against small and large molecules via systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Particularities, if any, are discussed according to the target size. Examples targeting small molecules (<1000 Da) such as xenobiotics, toxins, pesticides, herbicides, illegal additives, hormones, and large targets such as proteins (biomarkers, pathogens) are discussed and presented in tabular formats. Of special interest are the latest advances in more efficient alternatives, which are based on novel instrumentation, materials or microelectronics, such as fluorescence MBs-SELEX or microfluidic chip system-assisted MBs-SELEX. Limitations and perspectives of MBs-SELEX are also reviewed. Taken together, this review aims to provide practical insights into MBs-SELEX technologies and their ability to screen multiple potential aptamers against targets from small to large molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Manea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4 Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Magdolna Casian
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4 Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Departamento de Química Física y Analítica, Universidad de Oviedo, Av. Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Oana Hosu-Stancioiu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4 Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Noemí de-Los-Santos-Álvarez
- Departamento de Química Física y Analítica, Universidad de Oviedo, Av. Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. de Roma s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - María Jesús Lobo-Castañón
- Departamento de Química Física y Analítica, Universidad de Oviedo, Av. Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Av. de Roma s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Cecilia Cristea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4 Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Buson F, Gao Y, Wang B. Genetic Parts and Enabling Tools for Biocircuit Design. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:697-713. [PMID: 38427821 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to engineer biological systems for customized tasks through the bottom-up assembly of fundamental building blocks, which requires high-quality libraries of reliable, modular, and standardized genetic parts. To establish sets of parts that work well together, synthetic biologists created standardized part libraries in which every component is analyzed in the same metrics and context. Here we present a state-of-the-art review of the currently available part libraries for designing biocircuits and their gene expression regulation paradigms at transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels in Escherichia coli. We discuss the necessary facets to integrate these parts into complex devices and systems along with the current efforts to catalogue and standardize measurement data. To better display the range of available parts and to facilitate part selection in synthetic biology workflows, we established biopartsDB, a curated database of well-characterized and useful genetic part and device libraries with detailed quantitative data validated by the published literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Buson
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K
| | - Yuanli Gao
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, U.K
| | - Baojun Wang
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering & ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Kramat J, Kraus L, Gunawan VJ, Smyej E, Froehlich P, Weber TE, Spiehl D, Koeppl H, Blaeser A, Suess B. Sensing Levofloxacin with an RNA Aptamer as a Bioreceptor. Biosensors (Basel) 2024; 14:56. [PMID: 38275309 PMCID: PMC10813692 DOI: 10.3390/bios14010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
To combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, environmental testing for antibiotic contamination is gaining an increasing role. This study aims to develop an easy-to-use assay for the detection of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic levofloxacin. Levofloxacin is used in human and veterinary medicine and has been detected in wastewater and river water. An RNA aptamer against levofloxacin was selected using RNA Capture-SELEX. The 73 nt long aptamer folds into three stems with a central three-way junction. It binds levofloxacin with a Kd of 6 µM and discriminates the closely related compound ciprofloxacin. Furthermore, the selection process was analyzed using a next-generation sequencing approach to better understand the sequence evolution throughout the selection. The aptamer was used as a bioreceptor for the development of a lateral flow assay. The biosensor exploited the innate characteristic of RNA Capture-SELEX to select aptamers that displace a complementary DNA oligonucleotide upon ligand binding. The lateral flow assay achieved a limit of visual detection of 100 µM. While the sensitivity of this assay constrains its immediate use in environmental testing, the present study can serve as a template for the selection of RNA aptamer-based biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Kramat
- Synthetic RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Leon Kraus
- Synthetic RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Vincent J. Gunawan
- Synthetic RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Elias Smyej
- Synthetic RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Philipp Froehlich
- Self-Organizing Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64283 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Tim E. Weber
- Institute for BioMedical Printing Technologies, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dieter Spiehl
- Institute for BioMedical Printing Technologies, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Heinz Koeppl
- Self-Organizing Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64283 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas Blaeser
- Institute for BioMedical Printing Technologies, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Beatrix Suess
- Synthetic RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
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5
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Vockenhuber MP, Hoetzel J, Maurer LM, Fröhlich P, Weiler S, Muller YA, Koeppl H, Suess B. A Novel RNA Aptamer as Synthetic Inducer of DasR Controlled Transcription. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:319-327. [PMID: 38127784 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Progress in the synthetic biology field is driven by the development of new tools for synthetic circuit engineering. Traditionally, the focus has relied on protein-based designs. In recent years, the use of RNA-based tools has tremendously increased, due to their versatile functionality and applicability. A promising class of molecules is RNA aptamers, small, single-stranded RNA molecules that bind to a target molecule with high affinity and specificity. When targeting bacterial repressors, RNA aptamers allow one to add a new layer to an established protein-based regulation. In the present study, we selected an RNA aptamer binding the bacterial repressor DasR, preventing its binding to its operator sequence and activating DasR-controlled transcription in vivo. This was made possible only by the combination of an in vitro selection and subsequent in vivo screening. Next-generation sequencing of the selection process proved the importance of the in vivo screening for the discovery of aptamers functioning in the cell. Mutational and biochemical studies led to the identification of the minimal necessary binding motif. Taken together, the resulting combination of bacterial repressor and RNA aptamer enlarges the synthetic biology toolbox by adding a new level of regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael-Paul Vockenhuber
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse 14, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Janis Hoetzel
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lisa-Marie Maurer
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Philipp Fröhlich
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sigrid Weiler
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnik, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yves A Muller
- Lehrstuhl für Biotechnik, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Heinz Koeppl
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Beatrix Suess
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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6
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Wu Y, Zhu L, Zhang Y, Xu W. Multidimensional Applications and Challenges of Riboswitches in Biosensing and Biotherapy. Small 2024; 20:e2304852. [PMID: 37658499 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches have received significant attention over the last two decades for their multiple functionalities and great potential for applications in various fields. This article highlights and reviews the recent advances in biosensing and biotherapy. These fields involve a wide range of applications, such as food safety detection, environmental monitoring, metabolic engineering, live cell imaging, wearable biosensors, antibacterial drug targets, and gene therapy. The discovery, origin, and optimization of riboswitches are summarized to help readers better understand their multidimensional applications. Finally, this review discusses the multidimensional challenges and development of riboswitches in order to further expand their potential for novel applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Longjiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yangzi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
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7
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Zhu C, Feng Z, Qin H, Chen L, Yan M, Li L, Qu F. Recent progress of SELEX methods for screening nucleic acid aptamers. Talanta 2024; 266:124998. [PMID: 37527564 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are oligonucleotide sequences screened by an in vitro methodology called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Known as "chemical antibodies", aptamers can achieve specific recognition towards the targets through conformational changes with high affinity, and possess multiple attractive features including, but not limited to, easy and inexpensive to prepare by chemical synthesis, relatively stable and low batch-to-batch variability, easy modification and signal amplification, and low immunogenicity. Now, aptamers are attracting researchers' attentions from more than 25 disciplines, and have showed great potential for application and economic benefits in disease diagnosis, environmental detection, food security, drug delivery and discovery. Although some aptamers exist naturally as the ligand-binding elements of riboswitches, SELEX is a recognized method for aptamers screening. After thirty-two years of development, a series of SELEX methods have been investigated and developed, as well as have shown unique advantages to improve sequence performances or to explore screening mechanisms. This review would mainly focus on the novel or improved SELEX methods that are available in the past five years. Firstly, we present a clear overview of the aptamer's history, features, and SELEX development. Then, we highlight the specific examples to emphasize the recent progress of SELEX methods in terms of carrier materials, technical improvements, real sample-improved screening, post-SELEX and other methods, as well as their respects of screening strategies, implementation features, screening parameters. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges that have the potential to hinder the success of SELEX and aptamers in practical applications, and provide the suggestions and future directions for developing more convenient, efficient, and stable SELEX methods in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Ziru Feng
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Mengmeng Yan
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Linsen Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Feng Qu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
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Cui W, Lin Q, Wu Y, Wang X, Zhang Y, Lin X, Zhang L, Liu X, Han L, Zhou Z. Creation of Architecturally Minimal Transcriptionally Activating Riboswitches Responsive to Theophylline Reveals an Unconventional Design Strategy. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3716-3729. [PMID: 38052004 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches are noncoding RNA switches that are largely utilized in bacteria and play a significant role in synthetic biology. Nonetheless, their natural counterparts possess lengthy sequences and intricate structures, posing challenges for their modular integration into complex gene circuits. Consequently, it is imperative to develop simplified synthetic riboswitches that can be effortlessly incorporated into gene circuits. The conventional approach to generate synthetic riboswitches entails tedious library construction and extensive screening, which frequently yields suboptimal performance. To overcome this obstacle, alternative methods are urgently needed. In this study, we created a novel approach to designing a diverse set of transcription-activating riboswitches that exhibit high performance and broad compatibility. The strategy involved starting with a synthetic theophylline RNA aptamer and designing an expression platform that forms a transcriptional terminator in its inactive state but switches to an antiterminator when it is activated. Several sequences were designed, constructed, and subjected to virtual screening, resulting in the identification of two transcription-activating riboswitches. These riboswitches were then engineered to reduce the basal leakage and increase the activation level through extending the hairpin region using a screened random sequence. These architecturally minimal synthetic riboswitches were highly adapted to different constitutive promoters in a modular manner, generating a differentially responsive output to theophylline. As a proof-of-principle, the synthetic riboswitches were applied to rewire a synthetic quorum-sensing circuit (QSC). The reprogrammed QSC successfully modulated the temporal responsive profile against the activation. This strategy is expected to expand the variety of high-performance riboswitches that are responsive to different ligands, thereby further facilitating the design of complex genetic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Cui
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, MOE, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Qiao Lin
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yi Wu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Xinyu Lin
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Linpei Zhang
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, MOE, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Xu Liu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Laichuang Han
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, MOE, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhemin Zhou
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, MOE, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
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Rovira E, Moreno B, Razquin N, Blázquez L, Hernández-Alcoceba R, Fortes P, Pastor F. Engineering U1-Based Tetracycline-Inducible Riboswitches to Control Gene Expression in Mammals. ACS Nano 2023; 17:23331-23346. [PMID: 37971502 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic riboswitches are promising regulatory devices due to their small size, lack of immunogenicity, and ability to fine-tune gene expression in the absence of exogenous trans-acting factors. Based on a gene inhibitory system developed at our lab, termed U1snRNP interference (U1i), we developed tetracycline (TC)-inducible riboswitches that modulate mRNA polyadenylation through selective U1 snRNP recruitment. First, we engineered different TC-U1i riboswitches, which repress gene expression unless TC is added, leading to inductions of gene expression of 3-to-4-fold. Second, we developed a technique called Systematic Evolution of Riboswitches by Exponential Enrichment (SEREX), to isolate riboswitches with enhanced U1 snRNP binding capacity and activity, achieving inducibilities of up to 8-fold. Interestingly, by multiplexing riboswitches we increased inductions up to 37-fold. Finally, we demonstrated that U1i-based riboswitches are dose-dependent and reversible and can regulate the expression of reporter and endogenous genes in culture cells and mouse models, resulting in attractive systems for gene therapy applications. Our work probes SEREX as a much-needed technology for the in vitro identification of riboswitches capable of regulating gene expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Rovira
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Beatriz Moreno
- Department of Molecular Therapy, Aptamer Unit, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Nerea Razquin
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Lorea Blázquez
- Department of Neurosciences, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
- CIBERNED, ISCIII (CIBER, Carlos III Institute, Spanish Ministry of Sciences and Innovation), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ruben Hernández-Alcoceba
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona 31008, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain
- Spanish Network for Advanced Therapies (TERAV ISCIII), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Puri Fortes
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona 31008, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain
- Spanish Network for Advanced Therapies (TERAV ISCIII), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Department of Molecular Therapy, Aptamer Unit, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona 31008, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona 31008, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28029, Spain
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Kraus L, Duchardt-Ferner E, Bräuchle E, Fürbacher S, Kelvin D, Marx H, Boussebayle A, Maurer LM, Bofill-Bosch C, Wöhnert J, Suess B. Development of a novel tobramycin dependent riboswitch. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11375-11385. [PMID: 37791877 PMCID: PMC10639043 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We herein report the selection and characterization of a new riboswitch dependent on the aminoglycoside tobramycin. Its dynamic range rivals even the tetracycline dependent riboswitch to be the current best performing, synthetic riboswitch that controls translation initiation. The riboswitch was selected with RNA Capture-SELEX, a method that not only selects for binding but also for structural changes in aptamers on binding. This study demonstrates how this method can fundamentally reduce the labour required for the de novo identification of synthetic riboswitches. The initially selected riboswitch candidate harbours two distinct tobramycin binding sites with KDs of 1.1 nM and 2.4 μM, respectively, and can distinguish between tobramycin and the closely related compounds kanamycin A and B. Using detailed genetic and biochemical analyses and 1H NMR spectroscopy, the proposed secondary structure of the riboswitch was verified and the tobramycin binding sites were characterized. The two binding sites were found to be essentially non-overlapping, allowing for a separate investigation of their contribution to the activity of the riboswitch. We thereby found that only the high-affinity binding site was responsible for regulatory activity, which allowed us to engineer a riboswitch from only this site with a minimal sequence size of 33 nt and outstanding performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Kraus
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, TU Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Elke Duchardt-Ferner
- Institut für Molekulare Biowissenschaften und Zentrum für Biomolekulare Magnetische Resonanz (BMRZ), Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Eric Bräuchle
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Fürbacher
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Daniel Kelvin
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, TU Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Hans Marx
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adrien Boussebayle
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lisa-Marie Maurer
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, TU Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Institut für Molekulare Biowissenschaften und Zentrum für Biomolekulare Magnetische Resonanz (BMRZ), Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Cristina Bofill-Bosch
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jens Wöhnert
- Institut für Molekulare Biowissenschaften und Zentrum für Biomolekulare Magnetische Resonanz (BMRZ), Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Beatrix Suess
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, TU Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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11
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Kaiser C, Vogel M, Appel B, Weigand J, Müller S, Suess B, Wachtveitl J. Magnesium Ion-Driven Folding and Conformational Switching Kinetics of Tetracycline Binding Aptamer: Implications for in vivo Riboswitch Engineering. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168253. [PMID: 37640152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Engineering in vitro selected RNA aptamers into in vivo functional riboswitches represents a long-standing challenge in molecular biology. The highly specific aptamer domain of the riboswitch undergoes a conformational adjustment in response to ligand sensing, which in turn exerts the regulatory function. Besides essential factors like structural complexity and ligand binding kinetics, the active role of magnesium ions in stabilizing RNA tertiary structures and assisting in ligand binding can be a vital criterion. We present spectroscopic studies on the magnesium ion-driven folding of the Tetracycline binding aptamer. Using fluorescent labels, the aptamer pre-folding and subsequent ligand binding is monitored by magnesium titration experiments and time-resolved stopped-flow measurements. A minimum concentration of 0.5 mM magnesium is required to fold into a magnesium ion-stabilized binding-competent state with a preformed binding pocket. Tetracycline binding causes a pronounced conformational change that results in the establishment of the triple helix core motif, and that further propagates towards the closing stem. By a dynamic acquisition of magnesium ions, a kink motif is formed at the intersection of the triple helix and closing stem regions. This ultimately entails a stabilization of the closing stem which is discussed as a key element in the regulatory function of the Tetracycline aptamer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Kaiser
- Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, D-60438, Germany.
| | - Marc Vogel
- Department of Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 10, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Bettina Appel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Julia Weigand
- Department of Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 10, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35037, Germany. https://twitter.com/WachtveitlLab
| | - Sabine Müller
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Beatrix Suess
- Department of Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 10, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany; Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Josef Wachtveitl
- Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, D-60438, Germany.
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12
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Wang T, Simmel FC. Switchable Fluorescent Light-Up Aptamers Based on Riboswitch Architectures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202302858. [PMID: 37163453 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202302858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent light-up RNA aptamers (FLAPs) such as Spinach or Mango can bind small fluorogens and activate their fluorescence. Here, we adopt a switching mechanism otherwise found in riboswitches and use it to engineer switchable FLAPs that can be activated or repressed by trigger oligonucleotides or small metabolites. The fluorophore binding pocket of the FLAPs comprises guanine (G) quadruplexes, whose critical nucleotides can be sequestered by corresponding anti-FLAP sequences, leading to an inactive conformation and thus preventing association with the fluorophore. We modified the FLAPs with designed toehold hairpins that carry either an anti-FLAP or an anti-anti-FLAP sequence within the loop region. The addition of an input RNA molecule triggers a toehold-mediated strand invasion process that refolds the FLAP into an active or inactive configuration. Several of our designs display close-to-zero leak signals and correspondingly high ON/OFF fluorescence ratios. We also modified purine aptamers to sequester a partial anti-FLAP or an anti-anti-FLAP sequence to control the formation of the fluorogen-binding conformation, resulting in FLAPs whose fluorescence is activated or deactivated in the presence of guanine or adenine. We demonstrate that switching modules can be easily combined to generate FLAPs whose fluorescence depends on several inputs with different types of input logic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhe Wang
- Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems-E14, Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Science, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Friedrich C Simmel
- Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems-E14, Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Science, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748, Garching, Germany
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13
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Zhu J, Wang B, Zhang Y, Wei T, Gao T. Living electrochemical biosensing: Engineered electroactive bacteria for biosensor development and the emerging trends. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 237:115480. [PMID: 37379794 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrical interfaces made of living electroactive bacteria (EAB) provide a unique opportunity to bridge biotic and abiotic systems, enabling the reprogramming of electrochemical biosensing. To develop these biosensors, principles from synthetic biology and electrode materials are being combined to engineer EAB as dynamic and responsive transducers with emerging, programmable functionalities. This review discusses the bioengineering of EAB to design active sensing parts and electrically connective interfaces on electrodes, which can be applied to construct smart electrochemical biosensors. In detail, by revisiting the electron transfer mechanism of electroactive microorganisms, engineering strategies of EAB cells for biotargets recognition, sensing circuit construction, and electrical signal routing, engineered EAB have demonstrated impressive capabilities in designing active sensing elements and developing electrically conductive interfaces on electrodes. Thus, integration of engineered EAB into electrochemical biosensors presents a promising avenue for advancing bioelectronics research. These hybridized systems equipped with engineered EAB can promote the field of electrochemical biosensing, with applications in environmental monitoring, health monitoring, green manufacturing, and other analytical fields. Finally, this review considers the prospects and challenges of the development of EAB-based electrochemical biosensors, identifying potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Baoguo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Tianxiang Wei
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Tao Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
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14
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Bayer T, Hänel L, Husarcikova J, Kunzendorf A, Bornscheuer UT. In Vivo Detection of Low Molecular Weight Platform Chemicals and Environmental Contaminants by Genetically Encoded Biosensors. ACS Omega 2023; 8:23227-23239. [PMID: 37426270 PMCID: PMC10324065 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensor systems operating in living cells are versatile, cheap, and transferable tools for the detection and quantification of a broad range of small molecules. This review presents state-of-the-art biosensor designs and assemblies, featuring transcription factor-, riboswitch-, and enzyme-coupled devices, highly engineered fluorescent probes, and emerging two-component systems. Importantly, (bioinformatic-assisted) strategies to resolve contextual issues, which cause biosensors to miss performance criteria in vivo, are highlighted. The optimized biosensing circuits can be used to monitor chemicals of low molecular mass (<200 g mol-1) and physicochemical properties that challenge conventional chromatographical methods with high sensitivity. Examples herein include but are not limited to formaldehyde, formate, and pyruvate as immediate products from (synthetic) pathways for the fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2), industrially important derivatives like small- and medium-chain fatty acids and biofuels, as well as environmental toxins such as heavy metals or reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Lastly, this review showcases biosensors capable of assessing the biosynthesis of platform chemicals from renewable resources, the enzymatic degradation of plastic waste, or the bioadsorption of highly toxic chemicals from the environment. These applications offer new biosensor-based manufacturing, recycling, and remediation strategies to tackle current and future environmental and socioeconomic challenges including the wastage of fossil fuels, the emission of greenhouse gases like CO2, and the pollution imposed on ecosystems and human health.
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15
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Kim M, Jo H, Jung GY, Oh SS. Molecular Complementarity of Proteomimetic Materials for Target-Specific Recognition and Recognition-Mediated Complex Functions. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2208309. [PMID: 36525617 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
As biomolecules essential for sustaining life, proteins are generated from long chains of 20 different α-amino acids that are folded into unique 3D structures. In particular, many proteins have molecular recognition functions owing to their binding pockets, which have complementary shapes, charges, and polarities for specific targets, making these biopolymers unique and highly valuable for biomedical and biocatalytic applications. Based on the understanding of protein structures and microenvironments, molecular complementarity can be exhibited by synthesizable and modifiable materials. This has prompted researchers to explore the proteomimetic potentials of a diverse range of materials, including biologically available peptides and oligonucleotides, synthetic supramolecules, inorganic molecules, and related coordination networks. To fully resemble a protein, proteomimetic materials perform the molecular recognition to mediate complex molecular functions, such as allosteric regulation, signal transduction, enzymatic reactions, and stimuli-responsive motions; this can also expand the landscape of their potential bio-applications. This review focuses on the recognitive aspects of proteomimetic designs derived for individual materials and their conformations. Recent progress provides insights to help guide the development of advanced protein mimicry with material heterogeneity, design modularity, and tailored functionality. The perspectives and challenges of current proteomimetic designs and tools are also discussed in relation to future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsun Kim
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesung Jo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Gyoo Yeol Jung
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Seung Soo Oh
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
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16
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Allchin ER, Rosch JC, Stoneman AD, Kim H, Lippmann ES. Generalized Strategy for Engineering Mammalian Cell-Compatible RNA-Based Biosensors from Random Sequence Libraries. ACS Sens 2023; 8:2079-2086. [PMID: 37155734 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent RNA-based biosensors are useful tools for real-time detection of molecules in living cells. These biosensors typically consist of a chromophore-binding aptamer and a target-binding aptamer, whereby the chromophore-binding aptamer is destabilized until a target is captured, which causes a conformational change to permit chromophore binding and an increase in fluorescence. The target-binding region is typically fabricated using known riboswitch motifs, which are already known to have target specificity and undergo structural changes upon binding. However, known riboswitches only exist for a limited number of molecules, significantly constraining biosensor design. To overcome this challenge, we designed a framework for producing mammalian cell-compatible biosensors using aptamers selected from a large random library by Capture-SELEX. As a proof-of-concept, we generated and characterized a fluorescent RNA biosensor against L-dopa, the precursor of several neurotransmitters. Overall, we suggest that this approach will have utility for generating RNA biosensors that can reliably detect custom targets in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everett R Allchin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
| | - Jonah C Rosch
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
| | - Alexander D Stoneman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
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17
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Abstract
Biomolecular control enables leveraging cells as biomanufacturing factories. Despite recent advancements, we currently lack genetically encoded modules that can be deployed to dynamically fine-tune and optimize cellular performance. Here, we address this shortcoming by presenting the blueprint of a genetic feedback module to optimize a broadly defined performance metric by adjusting the production and decay rate of a (set of) regulator species. We demonstrate that the optimizer can be implemented by combining available synthetic biology parts and components, and that it can be readily integrated with existing pathways and genetically encoded biosensors to ensure its successful deployment in a variety of settings. We further illustrate that the optimizer successfully locates and tracks the optimum in diverse contexts when relying on mass action kinetics-based dynamics and parameter values typical in Escherichia coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Gyorgy
- Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Amor Menezes
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Murat Arcak
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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18
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Ortega AD. Real-Time Assessment of Intracellular Metabolites in Single Cells through RNA-Based Sensors. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050765. [PMID: 37238635 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantification of the concentration of particular cellular metabolites reports on the actual utilization of metabolic pathways in physiological and pathological conditions. Metabolite concentration also constitutes the readout for screening cell factories in metabolic engineering. However, there are no direct approaches that allow for real-time assessment of the levels of intracellular metabolites in single cells. In recent years, the modular architecture of natural bacterial RNA riboswitches has inspired the design of genetically encoded synthetic RNA devices that convert the intracellular concentration of a metabolite into a quantitative fluorescent signal. These so-called RNA-based sensors are composed of a metabolite-binding RNA aptamer as the sensor domain, connected through an actuator segment to a signal-generating reporter domain. However, at present, the variety of available RNA-based sensors for intracellular metabolites is still very limited. Here, we go through natural mechanisms for metabolite sensing and regulation in cells across all kingdoms, focusing on those mediated by riboswitches. We review the design principles underlying currently developed RNA-based sensors and discuss the challenges that hindered the development of novel sensors and recent strategies to address them. We finish by introducing the current and potential applicability of synthetic RNA-based sensors for intracellular metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Darío Ortega
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Abstract
SELEX has enabled the selection of aptamers, nucleic acids that can bind a defined ligand, in some cases with exceptionally high affinity and specificity. The SELEX protocol has been adapted many times to fit a variety of needs. This protocol describes such an adaptation, namely, RNA-Capture SELEX that we have used to successfully develop small molecule-binding RNA aptamers. Our proposed method specifically selects not only for excellent binding but also for conformational switching. In consequence, we found this SELEX method to be particularly suitable for identifying aptamers for further application in synthetic riboswitch engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Kraus
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Beatrix Suess
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
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20
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Dong X, Qi S, Khan IM, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Advances in riboswitch-based biosensor as food samples detection tool. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2023; 22:451-472. [PMID: 36511082 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Food safety has always been a hot issue of social concern, and biosensing has been widely used in the field of food safety detection. Compared with traditional aptamer-based biosensors, aptamer-based riboswitch biosensing represents higher precision and programmability. A riboswitch is an elegant example of controlling gene expression, where the target is coupled to the aptamer domain, resulting in a conformational change in the downstream expression domain and determining the signal output. Riboswitch-based biosensing can be extensively applied to the portable real-time detection of food samples. The numerous key features of riboswitch-based biosensing emphasize their sustainability, renewable, and testing, which promises to transform engineering applications in the field of food safety. This review covers recent developments in riboswitch-based biosensors. The brief history, definition, and modular design (regulatory mode, reporter, and expression platform) of riboswitch-based biosensors are explained for better insight into the design and construction. We summarize recent advances in various riboswitch-based biosensors involving theophylline, malachite green, tetracycline, neomycin, fluoride, thrombin, naringenin, ciprofloxacin, and paromomycin, aiming to provide general guidance for the design of riboswitch-based biosensors. Finally, the challenges and prospects are also summarized as a way forward stratagem and signs of progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoze Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Shuo Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Imran Mahmood Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuhan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Meat Processing of Sichuan, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhouping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Meat Processing of Sichuan, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Collaborative innovation center of food safety and quality control in Jiangsu Province, Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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21
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Kelvin D, Suess B. Tapping the potential of synthetic riboswitches: reviewing the versatility of the tetracycline aptamer. RNA Biol 2023; 20:457-468. [PMID: 37459466 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2234732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic riboswitches are a versatile class of regulatory elements that are becoming increasingly established in synthetic biology applications. They are characterized by their compact size and independence from auxiliary protein factors. While naturally occurring riboswitches were mostly discovered in bacteria, synthetic riboswitches have been designed for all domains of life. Published design strategies far exceed the number of riboswitches found in nature. A core element of any riboswitch is a binding domain, called an aptamer, which is characterized by high specificity and affinity for its ligand. Aptamers can be selected de novo, allowing the design of synthetic riboswitches against a broad spectrum of targets. The tetracycline aptamer has proven to be well suited for riboswitch engineering. Since its selection, it has been used in a variety of applications and is considered to be well established and characterized. Using the tetracycline aptamer as an example, we aim to discuss a large variety of design approaches for synthetic riboswitch engineering and their application. We aim to demonstrate the versatility of riboswitches in general and the high potential of synthetic RNA devices for creating new solutions in both the scientific and medical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kelvin
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Beatrix Suess
- Fachbereich Biologie, TU Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, TU Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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22
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Abstract
Nucleic acid strand displacement reactions involve the competition of two or more DNA or RNA strands of similar sequence for binding to a complementary strand, and facilitate the isothermal replacement of an incumbent strand by an invader. The process can be biased by augmenting the duplex comprising the incumbent with a single-stranded extension, which can act as a toehold for a complementary invader. The toehold gives the invader a thermodynamic advantage over the incumbent, and can be programmed as a unique label to activate a specific strand displacement process. Toehold-mediated strand displacement processes have been extensively utilized for the operation of DNA-based molecular machines and devices as well as for the design of DNA-based chemical reaction networks. More recently, principles developed initially in the context of DNA nanotechnology have been applied for the de novo design of gene regulatory switches that can operate inside living cells. The article specifically focuses on the design of RNA-based translational regulators termed toehold switches. Toehold switches utilize toehold-mediated strand invasion to either activate or repress translation of an mRNA in response to the binding of a trigger RNA molecule. The basic operation principles of toehold switches will be discussed as well as their applications in sensing and biocomputing. Finally, strategies for their optimization will be described as well as challenges for their operation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedrich C Simmel
- TU Munich, School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Garching, Germany
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23
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Yu W, Xu X, Jin K, Liu Y, Li J, Du G, Lv X, Liu L. Genetically encoded biosensors for microbial synthetic biology: From conceptual frameworks to practical applications. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 62:108077. [PMID: 36502964 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensors are the vital components of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, as they are regarded as powerful devices for the dynamic control of genotype metabolism and evolution/screening of desirable phenotypes. This review summarized the recent advances in the construction and applications of different genetically encoded biosensors, including fluorescent protein-based biosensors, nucleic acid-based biosensors, allosteric transcription factor-based biosensors and two-component system-based biosensors. First, the construction frameworks of these biosensors were outlined. Then, the recent progress of biosensor applications in creating versatile microbial cell factories for the bioproduction of high-value chemicals was summarized. Finally, the challenges and prospects for constructing robust and sophisticated biosensors were discussed. This review provided theoretical guidance for constructing genetically encoded biosensors to create desirable microbial cell factories for sustainable bioproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xianhao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Ke Jin
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jianghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xueqin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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Lam SY, Lau HL, Kwok CK. Capture-SELEX: Selection Strategy, Aptamer Identification, and Biosensing Application. Biosensors (Basel) 2022; 12:bios12121142. [PMID: 36551109 PMCID: PMC9776347 DOI: 10.3390/bios12121142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule contaminants, such as antibiotics, pesticides, and plasticizers, have emerged as one of the substances most detrimental to human health and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to develop low-cost, user-friendly, and portable biosensors capable of rapidly detecting these contaminants. Antibodies have traditionally been used as biorecognition elements. However, aptamers have recently been applied as biorecognition elements in aptamer-based biosensors, also known as aptasensors. The systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is an in vitro technique used to generate aptamers that bind their targets with high affinity and specificity. Over the past decade, a modified SELEX method known as Capture-SELEX has been widely used to generate DNA or RNA aptamers that bind small molecules. In this review, we summarize the recent strategies used for Capture-SELEX, describe the methods commonly used for detecting and characterizing small-molecule-aptamer interactions, and discuss the development of aptamer-based biosensors for various applications. We also discuss the challenges of the Capture-SELEX platform and biosensor development and the possibilities for their future application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin Yu Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Hill Lam Lau
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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Wu Y, Zhu L, Li S, Chu H, Wang X, Xu W. High content design of riboswitch biosensors: All-around rational module-by-module design. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 220:114887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Kohlberger M, Gadermaier G. SELEX: Critical factors and optimization strategies for successful aptamer selection. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2022; 69:1771-1792. [PMID: 34427974 PMCID: PMC9788027 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Within the last decade, the application range of aptamers in biochemistry and medicine has expanded rapidly. More than just a replacement for antibodies, these intrinsically structured RNA- or DNA-oligonucleotides show great potential for utilization in diagnostics, specific drug delivery, and treatment of certain medical conditions. However, what is analyzed less frequently is the process of aptamer identification known as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and the functional mechanisms that lie at its core. SELEX involves numerous singular processes, each of which contributes to the success or failure of aptamer generation. In this review, critical steps during aptamer selection are discussed in-depth, and specific problems are presented along with potential solutions. The discussed aspects include the size and molecule type of the selected target, the nature and stringency of the selection process, the amplification step with its possible PCR bias, the efficient regeneration of RNA or single-stranded DNA, and the different sequencing procedures and screening assays currently available. Finally, useful quality control steps and their role within SELEX are presented. By understanding the mechanisms through which aptamer selection is influenced, the design of more efficient SELEX procedures leading to a higher success rate in aptamer identification is enabled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kohlberger
- Department of BiosciencesParis Lodron University SalzburgSalzburgAustria,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Biosimilar CharacterizationParis Lodron University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
| | - Gabriele Gadermaier
- Department of BiosciencesParis Lodron University SalzburgSalzburgAustria,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Biosimilar CharacterizationParis Lodron University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
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Delaleau M, Eveno E, Simon I, Schwartz A, Boudvillain M. A scalable framework for the discovery of functional helicase substrates and helicase-driven regulatory switches. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209608119. [PMID: 36095194 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209608119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicases are ubiquitous motor enzymes that remodel nucleic acids (NA) and NA-protein complexes in key cellular processes. To explore the functional repertoire and specificity landscape of helicases, we devised a screening scheme-Helicase-SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment)-that enzymatically probes substrate and cofactor requirements at global scale. Using the transcription termination Rho helicase of Escherichia coli as a prototype for Helicase-SELEX, we generated a genome-wide map of Rho utilization (Rut) sites. The map reveals many features, including promoter- and intrinsic terminator-associated Rut sites, bidirectional Rut tandems, and cofactor-dependent Rut sites with inverted G > C skewed compositions. We also implemented an H-SELEX variant where we used a model ligand, serotonin, to evolve synthetic Rut sites operating in vitro and in vivo in a ligand-dependent manner. Altogether, our data illustrate the power and flexibility of Helicase-SELEX to seek constitutive or conditional helicase substrates in natural or synthetic NA libraries for fundamental or synthetic biology discovery.
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Li T, Wang J, Zhu L, Li C, Chang Q, Xu W. Advanced screening and tailoring strategies of pesticide aptamer for constructing biosensor. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:10974-10994. [PMID: 35699641 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2086210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The rapid development of aptamers has helped address the challenges presented by the wide existed pesticides contaminations. Screening of aptamers with excellent performance is a prerequisite for successfully constructing biosensors, while further tailoring of aptamers with enhanced activity greatly improved the assay performance. Firstly, this paper reviewed the advanced screening strategies for pesticides aptamers, including immobilization screening that preserves the native structures of targets, non-immobilized screening based on nanomaterials, capillary electrophoresis-systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (CE-SELEX), virtual screening in silico, high-throughput selection, and rational secondary library generation methods, which contributed significantly to improve the success rate of screening, reduce the screening time, and ensure aptamer binding affinity. Secondly, the precise tailoring strategies for pesticides aptamers were modularly elaborated, containing deletion, splitting, elongation, and fusion, which provided various advantages like cost-efficiency, enhanced binding affinity, and new derived functional motifs. Thirdly, the developed aptamer-based biosensors (aptasensors) for pesticide detection were systematically reviewed according to the different signal output modes. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of pesticide detection are discussed comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshun Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University,, Beijing, China
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University,, Beijing, China
| | - Longjiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University,, Beijing, China
| | - Chenwei Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University,, Beijing, China
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoying Chang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University,, Beijing, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University,, Beijing, China
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Qin L, Liu X, Xu K, Li C. Mining and design of biosensors for engineering microbial cell factory. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 75:102694. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Hoetzel J, Suess B. Structural changes in aptamers are essential for synthetic riboswitch engineering. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167631. [PMID: 35595164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic riboswitches are powerful tools in synthetic biology in which sensing and execution are consolidated in a single RNA molecule. By using SELEX to select aptamers in vitro, synthetic riboswitches can in theory be engineered against any ligand of choice. Surprisingly, very few in vitro selected aptamers have been used for the engineering of synthetic riboswitches. In-depth studies of these aptamers suggest that the key characteristics of such regulatory active RNAs are their structural switching abilities and their binding dynamics. Conventional SELEX approaches seem to be inadequate to select for these characteristics, which may explain the lack of in vitro selected aptamers suited for engineering of synthetic riboswitches. In this review, we explore the functional principles of synthetic riboswitches, identify key characteristics of regulatory active in vitro selected aptamers and integrate these findings in context with available in vitro selection methods. Based on these insights, we propose to use a combination of capture-SELEX and subsequent functional screening for a more successful in vitro selection of aptamers that can be applied for the engineering of synthetic riboswitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Hoetzel
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 10, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany. https://www.twitter.com/J_Hoetzel
| | - Beatrix Suess
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 10, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany; Center for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany.
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Qian S, Chang D, He S, Li Y. Aptamers from random sequence space: Accomplishments, gaps and future considerations. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1196:339511. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abstract
The untranslated region (UTR) of prokaryotic mRNA contains riboswitches, which are gene regulating modules. Riboswitches can be used as biosensors to regulate the expression of a gene or an operon depending on the intracellular level of a target molecule and consequently modulate the cellular responses. In evolutionary engineering, riboswitch-based biosensors have been widely applied for high-throughput screening or selection of target phenotypes. Evolutionary approaches can overcome the limitations of rational approaches in metabolic engineering. Previous studies have reported synthetic riboswitches equipped with novel aptamers and marker genes based on a deep understanding of the operation mechanism of the riboswitch. Here, we introduce the development process of novel synthetic riboswitches for applications in metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minsun Kim
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Korea
| | - Sungho Jang
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
- Division of Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
- Research Center for Bio Materials & Process Development, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Gyoo Yeol Jung
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Korea.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Korea.
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Kramat J, Suess B. Efficient Method to Identify Synthetic Riboswitches Using RNA-Based Capture-SELEX Combined with In Vivo Screening. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2518:157-177. [PMID: 35666445 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2421-0_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic riboswitches are a promising tool for conditional gene expression. In vitro selected aptamers used as binding domains for the design of RNA-based switches have to exhibit excellent binding affinity as well as ligand binding-induced structural changes. Selection via Capture-SELEX favors the enrichment of aptamers which exhibit both characteristics. For the Capture-SELEX, an RNA pool is used that gets immobilized onto a capture oligonucleotide by hybridization. Addition of the ligand frees the aptamers by their binding to the ligand, resulting in the release from the capture oligonucleotide through structural changes. These sequences get reverse transcribed, PCR amplified, and used for the following selection rounds. In this publication, we present a detailed protocol for Capture-SELEX, followed by screening in yeast to identify aptamers suitable for the design of synthetic riboswitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Kramat
- Department of Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Beatrix Suess
- Department of Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
- Centre of Synthetic Biology, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
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Otto M, Liu D, Siewers V. Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a Heterologous Host for Natural Products. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2489:333-367. [PMID: 35524059 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2273-5_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cell factories can provide a sustainable supply of natural products with applications as pharmaceuticals, food-additives or biofuels. Besides being an important model organism for eukaryotic systems, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used as a chassis for the heterologous production of natural products. Its success as a cell factory can be attributed to the vast knowledge accumulated over decades of research, its overall ease of engineering and its robustness. Many methods and toolkits have been developed by the yeast metabolic engineering community with the aim of simplifying and accelerating the engineering process.In this chapter, a range of methodologies are highlighted, which can be used to develop novel natural product cell factories or to improve titer, rate and yields of an existing cell factory with the goal of developing an industrially relevant strain. The addressed topics are applicable for different stages of a cell factory engineering project and include the choice of a natural product platform strain, expression cassette design for heterologous or native genes, basic and advanced genetic engineering strategies, and library screening methods using biosensors. The many engineering methods available and the examples of yeast cell factories underline the importance and future potential of this host for industrial production of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Otto
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dany Liu
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Verena Siewers
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Duan N, Song M, Mi W, Wang Z, Wu S. Effectively Selecting Aptamers for Targeting Aromatic Biogenic Amines and Their Application in Aptasensing Establishment. J Agric Food Chem 2021; 69:14671-14679. [PMID: 34809428 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c05934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
It is necessary to detect the biogenic amine (BA) content in food due to their toxicological effects and their role as an index of freshness for protein-rich foods. Aptamer-based techniques have the potential to provide alternative methods for sensitive and efficient monitoring of BAs. Herein, we described the selection and characterization of DNA aptamers for tyramine (TYR) and β-phenethylamine (PHE) using a one-pot coupled with separate selection strategy. During the selection process, melting curve analysis was developed to monitor the enrichment of the aptamer species, and a saturation of the selection was found at the 14th round. Based on the fluorescence assay, aptamers TYR-2 and PHE-2 showed high affinity to TYR and PHE with the dissociation constant values of 64.28 ± 10.4 and 71.64 ± 11.47 nM, respectively. The circular dichromatic and molecular docking technologies were employed for the preliminary binding mechanism analysis. The obtained aptamers TYR-2 and PHE-2 were used in a fluorescence method for the TYR and PHE determination with limits of detection of 0.34 and 0.39 ng/mL, respectively. In addition, the developed aptasensor was further applied to the TYR and PHE detection in pork and beer samples, and the recovery rate was between 95.6 and 104.2%. It was demonstrated that the selected aptamers had enormous potential as a molecular probe for the identification and determination of BAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuo Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mingqian Song
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Weiyu Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhouping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Shijia Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Abstract
Two-component systems (TCSs) are a ubiquitous family of signal transduction pathways that enable bacteria to sense and respond to diverse physical, chemical, and biological stimuli outside and inside the cell. Synthetic biologists have begun to repurpose TCSs for applications in optogenetics, materials science, gut microbiome engineering, and soil nutrient biosensing, among others. New engineering methods including genetic refactoring, DNA-binding domain swapping, detection threshold tuning, and phosphorylation cross-talk insulation are being used to increase the reliability of TCS sensor performance and tailor TCS signaling properties to the requirements of specific applications. There is now potential to combine these methods with large-scale gene synthesis and laboratory screening to discover the inputs sensed by many uncharacterized TCSs and develop a large new family of genetically-encoded sensors that respond to an unrivaled breadth of stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Lazar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Tabor
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- PhD Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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Cai X, Wang Q, Fang Y, Yao D, Zhan Y, An B, Yan B, Cai J. Attenuator LRR - a regulatory tool for modulating gene expression in Gram-positive bacteria. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:2538-2551. [PMID: 33720523 PMCID: PMC8601186 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development of synthetic biology in recent years, particular attention has been paid to RNA devices, especially riboswitches, because of their significant and diverse regulatory roles in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Due to the limited performance and context-dependence of riboswitches, only a few of them (such as theophylline, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin riboswitches) have been utilized as regulatory tools in biotechnology. In the present study, we demonstrated that a ribosome-dependent ribo-regulator, LRR, discovered in our previous work, exhibits an attractive regulatory performance. Specifically, it offers a 60-fold change in expression in the presence of retapamulin and a low level of leaky expression of about 1-2% without antibiotics. Moreover, LRR can be combined with different promoters and performs well in Bacillus thuringiensis, B. cereus, B. amyloliquefaciens, and B. subtilis. Additionally, LRR also functions in the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. Furthermore, we demonstrate its ability to control melanin metabolism in B. thuringiensis BMB171. Our results show that LRR can be applied to regulate gene expression, construct genetic circuits and tune metabolic pathways, and has great potential for many applications in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Cai
- Department of MicrobiologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of MicrobiologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of MicrobiologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Die Yao
- Department of MicrobiologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Yunda Zhan
- Department of MicrobiologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Baoju An
- Department of MicrobiologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Bing Yan
- Department of MicrobiologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of MicrobiologyCollege of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and TechnologyMinistry of EducationTianjin300071China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional GenomicsTianjin300071China
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Xu Y, Jiang X, Zhou Y, Ma M, Wang M, Ying B. Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment Technologies and Aptamer-Based Applications: Recent Progress and Challenges in Precision Medicine of Infectious Diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:704077. [PMID: 34447741 PMCID: PMC8383106 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.704077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are considered as a pressing challenge to global public health. Accurate and rapid diagnostics tools for early recognition of the pathogen, as well as individualized precision therapy are essential for controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Aptamers, which were screened by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), can bind to targets with high affinity and specificity so that have exciting potential in both diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest development of SELEX technology and focus on the applications of aptamer-based technologies in infectious diseases, such as targeted drug-delivery, treatments and biosensors for diagnosing. The challenges and the future development in this field of clinical application will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,The First People's Hospital of Shuangliu District, Chengdu/West China (Airport)Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Minjin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Binwu Ying
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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39
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Abstract
Directed evolution aims to expedite the natural evolution process of biological molecules and systems in a test tube through iterative rounds of gene diversifications and library screening/selection. It has become one of the most powerful and widespread tools for engineering improved or novel functions in proteins, metabolic pathways, and even whole genomes. This review describes the commonly used gene diversification strategies, screening/selection methods, and recently developed continuous evolution strategies for directed evolution. Moreover, we highlight some representative applications of directed evolution in engineering nucleic acids, proteins, pathways, genetic circuits, viruses, and whole cells. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives in directed evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Pu Xue
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Mingfeng Cao
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Tianhao Yu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Stephan T Lane
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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40
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Liu Y, Yuan H, Ding D, Dong H, Wang Q, Zhang D. Establishment of a Biosensor-based High-Throughput Screening Platform for Tryptophan Overproduction. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:1373-1383. [PMID: 34081459 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
With the flexibility to fold into complex structures, RNA is well-suited to act as a cellular sensor to recognize environmental fluctuations and respond to changes by regulating the corresponding genes. In this study, we established a high-throughput screening platform to screen tryptophan high-producing strains from a large repertoire of candidate strains. This platform consists of a tryptophan-specific aptamer-based biosensor and fluorescence-activated droplet sorting technology. One mutant strain, with a 165.9% increase in Trp titer compared with the parental strain, was successfully screened from a random mutagenesis library. Sequencing results revealed that a total of 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were discovered in the genome of the mutant strain, among which CRP(T29K) was proven to significantly increase Trp production through improving the strain's tolerance of the harsh environment during the stationary phase of the fermentation process. Our results indicate that this strategy has great potential for improving the production of other amino acids in Escherichia coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfei Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Huiling Yuan
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Dongqin Ding
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Huina Dong
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Qinhong Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin 300308, China
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41
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Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX), a folate antagonist drug, has been widely used for treating various cancers. Since high-dose MTX treatment can cause unwanted serious side effects, tracking the blood concentration of MTX is essential for safe medication. However, available methods are often complex, time-consuming, and expensive. In this study, a highly selective DNA aptamer was selected for recognizing MTX based on a capture-systematic evolution of ligands by an exponential enrichment (C-SELEX) approach. Taking advantage of our selected MTX aptamer, we further unveil a novel structure-switching fluorescent sensor for the specific and rapid monitoring of MTX with good analytical performances (i.e., a linear detection range of 0.1-2 μM with a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.03 μM in buffer and a linear detection range of 0.5-10 μM with an LOD of 0.18 μM in 50% serum). Compared with conventional methods, this assay has great potential for detecting the blood concentration of MTX in clinical use. By coupling with other sensory techniques, our presented aptamer will potentially inspire the development of various sensors toward the monitoring of MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqing He
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Junyan Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Guoyue Shi
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, China
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42
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Tickner ZJ, Farzan M. Riboswitches for Controlled Expression of Therapeutic Transgenes Delivered by Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060554. [PMID: 34200913 PMCID: PMC8230432 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vectors developed from adeno-associated virus (AAV) are powerful tools for in vivo transgene delivery in both humans and animal models, and several AAV-delivered gene therapies are currently approved for clinical use. However, AAV-mediated gene therapy still faces several challenges, including limited vector packaging capacity and the need for a safe, effective method for controlling transgene expression during and after delivery. Riboswitches, RNA elements which control gene expression in response to ligand binding, are attractive candidates for regulating expression of AAV-delivered transgene therapeutics because of their small genomic footprints and non-immunogenicity compared to protein-based expression control systems. In addition, the ligand-sensing aptamer domains of many riboswitches can be exchanged in a modular fashion to allow regulation by a variety of small molecules, proteins, and oligonucleotides. Riboswitches have been used to regulate AAV-delivered transgene therapeutics in animal models, and recently developed screening and selection methods allow rapid isolation of riboswitches with novel ligands and improved performance in mammalian cells. This review discusses the advantages of riboswitches in the context of AAV-delivered gene therapy, the subsets of riboswitch mechanisms which have been shown to function in human cells and animal models, recent progress in riboswitch isolation and optimization, and several examples of AAV-delivered therapeutic systems which might be improved by riboswitch regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J. Tickner
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, the Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Michael Farzan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, the Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA;
- Emmune, Inc., Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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43
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Kaiser C, Schneider J, Groher F, Suess B, Wachtveitl J. What defines a synthetic riboswitch? - Conformational dynamics of ciprofloxacin aptamers with similar binding affinities but varying regulatory potentials. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:3661-3671. [PMID: 33772594 PMCID: PMC8053125 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the many in vitro-selected aptamers derived from SELEX protocols, only a small fraction has the potential to be applied for synthetic riboswitch engineering. Here, we present a comparative study of the binding properties of three different aptamers that bind to ciprofloxacin with similar KD values, yet only two of them can be applied as riboswitches. We used the inherent ligand fluorescence that is quenched upon binding as the reporter signal in fluorescence titration and in time-resolved stopped-flow experiments. Thus, we were able to demonstrate differences in the binding kinetics of regulating and non-regulating aptamers. All aptamers studied underwent a two-step binding mechanism that suggests an initial association step followed by a reorganization of the aptamer to accommodate the ligand. We show that increasing regulatory potential is correlated with a decreasing back-reaction rate of the second binding step, thus resulting in a virtually irreversible last binding step of regulating aptamers. We suggest that a highly favoured structural adaption of the RNA to the ligand during the final binding step is essential for turning an aptamer into a riboswitch. In addition, our results provide an explanation for the fact that so few aptamers with regulating capacity have been found to date. Based on our data, we propose an adjustment of the selection protocol for efficient riboswitch detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Kaiser
- Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 8, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jeannine Schneider
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 10, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Florian Groher
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 10, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Beatrix Suess
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 10, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany.,Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Josef Wachtveitl
- Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 8, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Zhang J, Salaita K. Smart Nucleic Acids as Future Therapeutics. Trends Biotechnol 2021:S0167-7799(21)00079-2. [PMID: 33980422 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics (NATs) hold promise in treating undruggable diseases and are recognized as the third major category of therapeutics in addition to small molecules and antibodies. Despite the milestones that NATs have made in clinical translation over the past decade, one important challenge pertains to increasing the specificity of this class of drugs. Activating NATs exclusively in disease-causing cells is highly desirable because it will safely broaden the application of NATs to a wider range of clinical indications. Smart NATs are triggered through a photo-uncaging reaction or a specific molecular input such as a transcript, protein, or small molecule, thus complementing the current strategy of targeting cells and tissues with receptor-specific ligands to enhance specificity. This review summarizes the programmable modalities that have been incorporated into NATs to build in responsive behaviors. We discuss the various inputs, transduction mechanisms, and output response functions that have been demonstrated to date.
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Thavarajah W, Hertz LM, Bushhouse DZ, Archuleta CM, Lucks JB. RNA Engineering for Public Health: Innovations in RNA-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2021; 12:263-286. [PMID: 33900805 PMCID: PMC9714562 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101420-014055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA is essential for cellular function: From sensing intra- and extracellular signals to controlling gene expression, RNA mediates a diverse and expansive list of molecular processes. A long-standing goal of synthetic biology has been to develop RNA engineering principles that can be used to harness and reprogram these RNA-mediated processes to engineer biological systems to solve pressing global challenges. Recent advances in the field of RNA engineering are bringing this to fruition, enabling the creation of RNA-based tools to combat some of the most urgent public health crises. Specifically, new diagnostics using engineered RNAs are able to detect both pathogens and chemicals while generating an easily detectable fluorescent signal as an indicator. New classes of vaccines and therapeutics are also using engineered RNAs to target a wide range of genetic and pathogenic diseases. Here, we discuss the recent breakthroughs in RNA engineering enabling these innovations and examine how advances in RNA design promise to accelerate the impact of engineered RNA systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Thavarajah
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Laura M Hertz
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - David Z Bushhouse
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Chloé M Archuleta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Julius B Lucks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
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46
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Ortega AD, Takhaveev V, Vedelaar SR, Long Y, Mestre-Farràs N, Incarnato D, Ersoy F, Olsen LF, Mayer G, Heinemann M. A synthetic RNA-based biosensor for fructose-1,6-bisphosphate that reports glycolytic flux. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:1554-1568.e8. [PMID: 33915105 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA-based sensors for intracellular metabolites are a promising solution to the emerging issue of metabolic heterogeneity. However, their development, i.e., the conversion of an aptamer into an in vivo-functional intracellular metabolite sensor, still harbors challenges. Here, we accomplished this for the glycolytic flux-signaling metabolite, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP). Starting from in vitro selection of an aptamer, we constructed device libraries with a hammerhead ribozyme as actuator. Using high-throughput screening in yeast with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), next-generation sequencing, and genetic-environmental perturbations to modulate the intracellular FBP levels, we identified a sensor that generates ratiometric fluorescent readout. An abrogated response in sensor mutants and occurrence of two sensor conformations-revealed by RNA structural probing-indicated in vivo riboswitching activity. Microscopy showed that the sensor can differentiate cells with different glycolytic fluxes within yeast populations, opening research avenues into metabolic heterogeneity. We demonstrate the possibility to generate RNA-based sensors for intracellular metabolites for which no natural metabolite-binding RNA element exits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Darío Ortega
- Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Vakil Takhaveev
- Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Silke Roelie Vedelaar
- Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yi Long
- LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, DK5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Neus Mestre-Farràs
- Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Danny Incarnato
- Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Lars Folke Olsen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, DK5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Günter Mayer
- LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; Center of Aptamer Research & Development, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Heinemann
- Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
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47
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48
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Ge H, Marchisio MA. Aptamers, Riboswitches, and Ribozymes in S. cerevisiae Synthetic Biology. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:248. [PMID: 33802772 DOI: 10.3390/life11030248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Among noncoding RNA sequences, riboswitches and ribozymes have attracted the attention of the synthetic biology community as circuit components for translation regulation. When fused to aptamer sequences, ribozymes and riboswitches are enabled to interact with chemicals. Therefore, protein synthesis can be controlled at the mRNA level without the need for transcription factors. Potentially, the use of chemical-responsive ribozymes/riboswitches would drastically simplify the design of genetic circuits. In this review, we describe synthetic RNA structures that have been used so far in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We present their interaction mode with different chemicals (e.g., theophylline and antibiotics) or proteins (such as the RNase III) and their recent employment into clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats–CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas) systems. Particular attention is paid, throughout the whole paper, to their usage and performance into synthetic gene circuits.
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49
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Abstract
The emerging aptamer, developed through the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) process, has revolutionized and facilitated the discoveries in basic research. Among all SELEX technology, Capture-SELEX is a variant of the in vitro selection process, which is suitable for isolating aptamers against small molecules. Capture-SELEX library was developed to enable the immobilization of the oligonucleotides instead of the target molecules during the aptamer selection process. The review provides an update on the recent-advances in this new screening method with particular emphasis on key points of capture protocol and its applications. The limitations and the prospects of the Capture-SELEX are also discussed. We hope that present review will inspire more researchers to understand the selection problems from the perspective of Capture-SELEX. Moreover, it will open new pave to improve the efficiency and success of screening to meet the growing demand for aptasensor discovery in small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Imran Mahmood Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control of Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhouping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China; Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control of Jiangsu Province, China.
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50
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Brayshaw LL, Martinez-Fleites C, Athanasopoulos T, Southgate T, Jespers L, Herring C. The role of small molecules in cell and gene therapy. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:330-352. [PMID: 34046619 PMCID: PMC8130622 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00221f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell and gene therapies have achieved impressive results in the treatment of rare genetic diseases using gene corrected stem cells and haematological cancers using chimeric antigen receptor T cells. However, these two fields face significant challenges such as demonstrating long-term efficacy and safety, and achieving cost-effective, scalable manufacturing processes. The use of small molecules is a key approach to overcome these barriers and can benefit cell and gene therapies at multiple stages of their lifecycle. For example, small molecules can be used to optimise viral vector production during manufacturing or used in the clinic to enhance the resistance of T cell therapies to the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. Here, we review current uses of small molecules in cell and gene therapy and highlight opportunities for medicinal chemists to further consolidate the success of cell and gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis L Brayshaw
- Cell & Gene Therapy Discovery Research, Medicinal Science & Technology, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage SG1 2NY UK
| | - Carlos Martinez-Fleites
- Protein Degradation Group, Medicinal Science & Technology, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage SG1 2NY UK
| | - Takis Athanasopoulos
- Cell & Gene Therapy Discovery Research, Medicinal Science & Technology, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage SG1 2NY UK
| | - Thomas Southgate
- Cell & Gene Therapy Discovery Research, Medicinal Science & Technology, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage SG1 2NY UK
| | - Laurent Jespers
- Cell & Gene Therapy Discovery Research, Medicinal Science & Technology, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage SG1 2NY UK
| | - Christopher Herring
- Cell & Gene Therapy Discovery Research, Medicinal Science & Technology, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage SG1 2NY UK
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