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Jensen GC, Janis MK, Nguyen HN, David OW, Zastrow ML. Fluorescent Protein-Based Sensors for Detecting Essential Metal Ions across the Tree of Life. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1622-1643. [PMID: 38587931 PMCID: PMC11073808 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent metal ion sensors are powerful tools for elucidating metal dynamics in living systems. Over the last 25 years since the first examples of genetically encoded fluorescent protein-based calcium indicators, this toolbox of probes has expanded to include other essential and non-essential metal ions. Collectively, these tools have illuminated fundamental aspects of metal homeostasis and trafficking that are crucial to fields ranging from neurobiology to human nutrition. Despite these advances, much of the application of metal ion sensors remains limited to mammalian cells and tissues and a limited number of essential metals. Applications beyond mammalian systems and in vivo applications in living organisms have primarily used genetically encoded calcium ion sensors. The aim of this Perspective is to provide, with the support of historical and recent literature, an updated and critical view of the design and use of fluorescent protein-based sensors for detecting essential metal ions in various organisms. We highlight the historical progress and achievements with calcium sensors and discuss more recent advances and opportunities for the detection of other essential metal ions. We also discuss outstanding challenges in the field and directions for future studies, including detecting a wider variety of metal ions, developing and implementing a broader spectral range of sensors for multiplexing experiments, and applying sensors to a wider range of single- and multi-species biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary C Jensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Makena K Janis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Hazel N Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Ogonna W David
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Melissa L Zastrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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Zhao Y, Wan J, Li Y. Genetically encoded sensors for in vivo detection of neurochemicals relevant to depression. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38468468 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Depressive disorders are a common and debilitating form of mental illness with significant impacts on individuals and society. Despite the high prevalence, the underlying causes and mechanisms of depressive disorders are still poorly understood. Neurochemical systems, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, have been implicated in the development and perpetuation of depressive symptoms. Current treatments for depression target these neuromodulator systems, but there is a need for a better understanding of their role in order to develop more effective treatments. Monitoring neurochemical dynamics during depressive symptoms is crucial for gaining a better a understanding of their involvement in depressive disorders. Genetically encoded sensors have emerged recently that offer high spatial-temporal resolution and the ability to monitor neurochemical dynamics in real time. This review explores the neurochemical systems involved in depression and discusses the applications and limitations of current monitoring tools for neurochemical dynamics. It also highlights the potential of genetically encoded sensors for better characterizing neurochemical dynamics in depression-related behaviors. Furthermore, potential improvements to current sensors are discussed in order to meet the requirements of depression research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxia Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
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Li B, Yu W, Verkhratsky A. Trace metals and astrocytes physiology and pathophysiology. Cell Calcium 2024; 118:102843. [PMID: 38199057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2024.102843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Several trace metals, including iron, copper, manganese and zinc are essential for normal function of the nervous system. Both deficiency and excessive accumulation of these metals trigger neuropathological developments. The central nervous system (CNS) is in possession of dedicated homeostatic system that removes, accumulates, stores and releases these metals to fulfil nervous tissue demand. This system is mainly associated with astrocytes that act as dynamic reservoirs for trace metals, these being a part of a global system of CNS ionostasis. Here we overview physiological and pathophysiological aspects of astrocyte-cantered trace metals regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Weiyang Yu
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, Ikerbasque, Bilbao 48011, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius LT-01102, Lithuania.
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Hirano K, Sueda S. A fluorescence-based binding assay for proteins using the cell surface as a sensing platform. ANAL SCI 2024; 40:563-571. [PMID: 38091253 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-023-00476-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis is very important for elucidating the functions of proteins because many proteins execute their functions in living cells by interacting with one another. In PPI analysis, methods using the sensor chips are widely employed to obtain quantitative data. However, these methods require that the target proteins be immobilized on the sensor chips, and the immobilization processes can affect the binding of the target proteins to their binding partners. In the present work, we propose a PPI analysis system in which the surface of the living cells is utilized as a sensing platform. In our approach, the target protein is displayed on the cell surface by expressing it as a fusion protein with a membrane protein, and the PPI analysis is then conducted by applying its binding partner labeled with a fluorescent dye to the cell surface. We have constructed a model of this binding analysis system using the interaction between biotin protein ligase (BPL) and biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP), where BCCP was displayed on the cell surface and BPL labeled with fluorescein was applied to the cell surface. Here, a red fluorescent protein, mApple, was attached to the C-terminus of the fusion protein of BCCP with a membrane protein. We evaluated the binding level of the labeled BPL by using the intensity ratios of fluorescence from fluorescein to that from mApple. We found that the binding level of the labeled BPL was stably evaluated at least across 60 min observation period and estimated the binding dissociation constant between BPL and BCCP by equilibrium analysis to be 0.33 ± 0.05 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Hirano
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 680-4 Kawazu, Iizuka, 820-8502, Japan
| | - Shinji Sueda
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 680-4 Kawazu, Iizuka, 820-8502, Japan.
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Bizup B, Brutsaert S, Cunningham CL, Thathiah A, Tzounopoulos T. Cochlear zinc signaling dysregulation is associated with noise-induced hearing loss, and zinc chelation enhances cochlear recovery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310561121. [PMID: 38354264 PMCID: PMC10895357 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310561121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to loud noise triggers sensory organ damage and degeneration that, in turn, leads to hearing loss. Despite the troublesome impact of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in individuals and societies, treatment strategies that protect and restore hearing are few and insufficient. As such, identification and mechanistic understanding of the signaling pathways involved in NIHL are required. Biological zinc is mostly bound to proteins, where it plays major structural or catalytic roles; however, there is also a pool of unbound, mobile (labile) zinc. Labile zinc is mostly found in vesicles in secretory tissues, where it is released and plays a critical signaling role. In the brain, labile zinc fine-tunes neurotransmission and sensory processing. However, injury-induced dysregulation of labile zinc signaling contributes to neurodegeneration. Here, we tested whether zinc dysregulation occurs and contributes to NIHL in mice. We found that ZnT3, the vesicular zinc transporter responsible for loading zinc into vesicles, is expressed in cochlear hair cells and the spiral limbus, with labile zinc also present in the same areas. Soon after noise trauma, ZnT3 and zinc levels are significantly increased, and their subcellular localization is vastly altered. Disruption of zinc signaling, either via ZnT3 deletion or pharmacological zinc chelation, mitigated NIHL, as evidenced by enhanced auditory brainstem responses, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and number of hair cell synapses. These data reveal that noise-induced zinc dysregulation is associated with cochlear dysfunction and recovery after NIHL, and point to zinc chelation as a potential treatment for mitigating NIHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Bizup
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Sofie Brutsaert
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Christopher L Cunningham
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Amantha Thathiah
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Thanos Tzounopoulos
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
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Jin H, Ju C, Duan C, Zhang N, Cao Y, Xia Q, Zhou J, Gao S, Wang Y, Huang H. Revealing the elevation of Zn 2+ in the brain of depressed mice by a ratiometric fluorescent probe with dual near-infrared emissions. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:1100-1103. [PMID: 38165284 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc05529a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
A mitochondria-targeted ratiometric fluorescent probe (Mito-Zn) was first designed and synthesized with dual emissions both located in the near-infrared region, for Zn2+ detection with high sensitivity and selectivity. By using the developed Mito-Zn, a high level of Zn2+ in the depressed mouse brain was discovered for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobin Jin
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
| | - Can Ju
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
| | - Chenxu Duan
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
| | - Ningwen Zhang
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
| | - Yongyong Cao
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
| | - Qineng Xia
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
| | - Jin Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Shumei Gao
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
| | - Yangang Wang
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
| | - Hong Huang
- College of Biological, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
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Zhang H, Tian X, Zhang J, Ai HW. Engineering and Characterization of 3-Aminotyrosine-Derived Red Fluorescent Variants of Circularly Permutated Green Fluorescent Protein. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:54. [PMID: 38275307 PMCID: PMC10813706 DOI: 10.3390/bios14010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Introducing 3-aminotyrosine (aY), a noncanonical amino acid (ncAA), into green fluorescent protein (GFP)-like chromophores shows promise for achieving red-shifted fluorescence. However, inconsistent results, including undesired green fluorescent species, hinder the effectiveness of this approach. In this study, we optimized expression conditions for an aY-derived cpGFP (aY-cpGFP). Key factors like rich culture media and oxygen restriction pre- and post-induction enabled high-yield, high-purity production of the red-shifted protein. We also engineered two variants of aY-cpGFP with enhanced brightness by mutating a few amino acid residues surrounding the chromophore. We further investigated the sensitivity of the aY-derived protein to metal ions, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Incorporating aY into cpGFP had minimal impact on metal ion reactivity but increased the response to RNS. Expanding on these findings, we examined aY-cpGFP expression in mammalian cells and found that reductants in the culture media significantly increased the red-emitting product. Our study indicates that optimizing expression conditions to promote a reduced cellular state proved effective in producing the desired red-emitting product in both E. coli and mammalian cells, while targeted mutagenesis-based protein engineering can further enhance brightness and increase method robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (H.Z.); (X.T.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (H.Z.); (X.T.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (H.Z.); (X.T.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Hui-wang Ai
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (H.Z.); (X.T.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- The UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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8
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Zheng Y, Li Y. Past, present, and future of tools for dopamine detection. Neuroscience 2023:S0306-4522(23)00295-6. [PMID: 37419404 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is a critical neuromodulator involved in various brain functions. To understand how DA regulates neural circuits and behaviors in the physiological and pathological conditions, it is essential to have tools that enable the direct detection of DA dynamics in vivo. Recently, genetically encoded DA sensors based on G protein-coupled receptors revolutionized this field, as it allows us to track in vivo DA dynamic with unprecedented spatial-temporal resolution, high molecular specificity, and sub-second kinetics. In this review, we first summarize traditional DA detection methods. Then we focus on the development of genetically encoded DA sensors and feature its significance to understanding dopaminergic neuromodulation across diverse behaviors and species. Finally, we present our perspectives about the future direction of the next-generation DA sensors and extend their potential applications. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive perspective on the past, present, and future of DA detection tools, with important implications for the study of DA functions in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Li
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, 100871 Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, 100871 Beijing, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, 100871 Beijing, China; National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China.
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