1
|
Dolberg TB, Gunnels TF, Ling T, Sarnese KA, Crispino JD, Leonard JN. Building Synthetic Biosensors Using Red Blood Cell Proteins. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1273-1289. [PMID: 38536408 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00754] [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: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
As the use of engineered cell therapies expands from pioneering efforts in cancer immunotherapy to other applications, an attractive but less explored approach is the use of engineered red blood cells (RBCs). Compared to other cells, RBCs have a very long circulation time and reside in the blood compartment, so they could be ideally suited for applications as sentinel cells that enable in situ sensing and diagnostics. However, we largely lack tools for converting RBCs into biosensors. A unique challenge is that RBCs remodel their membranes during maturation, shedding many membrane components, suggesting that an RBC-specific approach may be needed. Toward addressing this need, here we develop a biosensing architecture built on RBC membrane proteins that are retained through erythropoiesis. This biosensor employs a mechanism in which extracellular ligand binding is transduced into intracellular reconstitution of a split output protein (including either a fluorophore or an enzyme). By comparatively evaluating a range of biosensor architectures, linker types, scaffold choices, and output signals, we identify biosensor designs and design features that confer substantial ligand-induced signal in vitro. Finally, we demonstrate that erythroid precursor cells engineered with our RBC-protein biosensors function in vivo. This study establishes a foundation for developing RBC-based biosensors that could ultimately address unmet needs including noninvasive monitoring of physiological signals for a range of diagnostic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor B Dolberg
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Taylor F Gunnels
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Te Ling
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, United States
| | - Kelly A Sarnese
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - John D Crispino
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, United States
| | - Joshua N Leonard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Training Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Member, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Utrilla-Trigo S, Jiménez-Cabello L, Marín-López A, Illescas-Amo M, Andrés G, Calvo-Pinilla E, Lorenzo G, van Rijn PA, Ortego J, Nogales A. Engineering recombinant replication-competent bluetongue viruses expressing reporter genes for in vitro and non-invasive in vivo studies. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0249323. [PMID: 38353566 PMCID: PMC10923215 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02493-23] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bluetongue virus (BTV) is the causative agent of the important livestock disease bluetongue (BT), which is transmitted via Culicoides bites. BT causes severe economic losses associated with its considerable impact on health and trade of animals. By reverse genetics, we have designed and rescued reporter-expressing recombinant (r)BTV expressing NanoLuc luciferase (NLuc) or Venus fluorescent protein. To generate these viruses, we custom synthesized a modified viral segment 5 encoding NS1 protein with the reporter genes located downstream and linked by the Porcine teschovirus-1 (PTV-1) 2A autoproteolytic cleavage site. Therefore, fluorescent signal or luciferase activity is only detected after virus replication and expression of non-structural proteins. Fluorescence or luminescence signals were detected in cells infected with rBTV/Venus or rBTV/NLuc, respectively. Moreover, the marking of NS2 protein confirmed that reporter genes were only expressed in BTV-infected cells. Growth kinetics of rBTV/NLuc and rBTV/Venus in Vero cells showed replication rates similar to those of wild-type and rBTV. Infectivity studies of these recombinant viruses in IFNAR(-/-) mice showed a higher lethal dose for rBTV/NLuc and rBTV/Venus than for rBTV indicating that viruses expressing the reporter genes are attenuated in vivo. Interestingly, luciferase activity was detected in the plasma of viraemic mice infected with rBTV/NLuc. Furthermore, luciferase activity quantitatively correlated with RNAemia levels of infected mice throughout the infection. In addition, we have investigated the in vivo replication and dissemination of BTV in IFNAR (-/-) mice using BTV/NLuc and non-invasive in vivo imaging systems.IMPORTANCEThe use of replication-competent viruses that encode a traceable fluorescent or luciferase reporter protein has significantly contributed to the in vitro and in vivo study of viral infections and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this work, we have generated rBTV that express fluorescent or luminescence proteins to track BTV infection both in vitro and in vivo. Despite the availability of vaccines, BTV and other related orbivirus are still associated with a significant impact on animal health and have important economic consequences worldwide. Our studies may contribute to the advance in orbivirus research and pave the way for the rapid development of new treatments, including vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Utrilla-Trigo
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Jiménez-Cabello
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Marín-López
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Miguel Illescas-Amo
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Germán Andrés
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Calvo-Pinilla
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Lorenzo
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Piet A. van Rijn
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Javier Ortego
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aitor Nogales
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roennfeldt AE, Allen TP, Trowbridge BN, Beard MR, Whitelaw ML, Russell DL, Bersten DC, Peet DJ. NanoFIRE: A NanoLuciferase and Fluorescent Integrated Reporter Element for Robust and Sensitive Investigation of HIF and Other Signalling Pathways. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1545. [PMID: 37892227 PMCID: PMC10605489 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101545] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) transcription factors are imperative for cell adaption to low oxygen conditions and development; however, they also contribute to ischaemic disease and cancer. To identify novel genetic regulators which target the HIF pathway or small molecules for therapeutic use, cell-based reporter systems are commonly used. Here, we present a new, highly sensitive and versatile reporter system, NanoFIRE: a NanoLuciferase and Fluorescent Integrated Reporter Element. Under the control of a Hypoxic Response Element (HRE-NanoFIRE), this system is a robust sensor of HIF activity within cells and potently responds to both hypoxia and chemical inducers of the HIF pathway in a highly reproducible and sensitive manner, consistently achieving 20 to 150-fold induction across different cell types and a Z' score > 0.5. We demonstrate that the NanoFIRE system is adaptable via substitution of the response element controlling NanoLuciferase and show that it can report on the activity of the transcriptional regulator Factor Inhibiting HIF, and an unrelated transcription factor, the Progesterone Receptor. Furthermore, the lentivirus-mediated stable integration of NanoFIRE highlights the versatility of this system across a wide range of cell types, including primary cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that NanoFIRE is a robust reporter system for the investigation of HIF and other transcription factor-mediated signalling pathways in cells, with applications in high throughput screening for the identification of novel small molecule and genetic regulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison E. Roennfeldt
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (A.E.R.); (T.P.A.); (B.N.T.); (M.R.B.); (M.L.W.)
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia;
| | - Timothy P. Allen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (A.E.R.); (T.P.A.); (B.N.T.); (M.R.B.); (M.L.W.)
| | - Brooke N. Trowbridge
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (A.E.R.); (T.P.A.); (B.N.T.); (M.R.B.); (M.L.W.)
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Michael R. Beard
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (A.E.R.); (T.P.A.); (B.N.T.); (M.R.B.); (M.L.W.)
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Murray L. Whitelaw
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (A.E.R.); (T.P.A.); (B.N.T.); (M.R.B.); (M.L.W.)
- ASEAN Microbiome Nutrition Centre, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Darryl L. Russell
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia;
| | - David C. Bersten
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia;
| | - Daniel J. Peet
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (A.E.R.); (T.P.A.); (B.N.T.); (M.R.B.); (M.L.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yamamoto K, Tsujimura Y, Ato M. Catheter-associated Mycobacterium intracellulare biofilm infection in C3HeB/FeJ mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17148. [PMID: 37816786 PMCID: PMC10564925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44403-0] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-tuberculosis mycobacterial (NTM) diseases are steadily increasing in prevalence and mortality worldwide. Mycobacterium avium and M. intracellulare, the two major pathogens of NTM diseases, are resistant to antibiotics, and chlorine, necessitating their capacity to survive in natural environments (e.g. soil and rivers) and disinfected municipal water. They can also form biofilms on artificial surfaces to provide a protective barrier and habitat for bacilli, which can cause refractory systemic disseminated NTM disease. Therefore, preventing biofilm formation by these pathogens is crucial; however, not many in vivo experimental systems and studies on NTM biofilm infection are available. This study develops a mouse model of catheter-associated systemic disseminated disease caused by M. intracellulare that reproduces the pathophysiology of catheter-associated infections observed in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. In addition, the bioluminescence system enabled noninvasive visualization of the amount and distribution of bacilli in vivo and conveniently examine the efficacy of antimicrobials. Furthermore, the cellulose-based biofilms, which were extensively formed in the tissue surrounding the catheter insertion site, reduced drug therapy effectiveness. Overall, this study provides insights into the cause of the drug resistance of NTM and may guide the development of new therapies for NTM diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Yamamoto
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Tsujimura
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Ato
- Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mujawar A, Phadte P, Palkina KA, Markina NM, Mohammad A, Thakur BL, Sarkisyan KS, Balakireva AV, Ray P, Yamplosky I, De A. Triple Reporter Assay: A Non-Overlapping Luciferase Assay for the Measurement of Complex Macromolecular Regulation in Cancer Cells Using a New Mushroom Luciferase-Luciferin Pair. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:7313. [PMID: 37687774 PMCID: PMC10490530 DOI: 10.3390/s23177313] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
This study demonstrates the development of a humanized luciferase imaging reporter based on a recently discovered mushroom luciferase (Luz) from Neonothopanus nambi. In vitro and in vivo assessments showed that human-codon-optimized Luz (hLuz) has significantly higher activity than native Luz in various cancer cell types. The potential of hLuz in non-invasive bioluminescence imaging was demonstrated by human tumor xenografts subcutaneously and by the orthotopic lungs xenograft in immunocompromised mice. Luz enzyme or its unique 3OH-hispidin substrate was found to be non-cross-reacting with commonly used luciferase reporters such as Firefly (FLuc2), Renilla (RLuc), or nano-luciferase (NLuc). Based on this feature, a non-overlapping, multiplex luciferase assay using hLuz was envisioned to surpass the limitation of dual reporter assay. Multiplex reporter functionality was demonstrated by designing a new sensor construct to measure the NF-κB transcriptional activity using hLuz and utilized in conjunction with two available constructs, p53-NLuc and PIK3CA promoter-FLuc2. By expressing these constructs in the A2780 cell line, we unveiled a complex macromolecular regulation of high relevance in ovarian cancer. The assays performed elucidated the direct regulatory action of p53 or NF-κB on the PIK3CA promoter. However, only the multiplexed assessment revealed further complexities as stabilized p53 expression attenuates NF-κB transcriptional activity and thereby indirectly influences its regulation on the PIK3CA gene. Thus, this study suggests the importance of live cell multiplexed measurement of gene regulatory function using more than two luciferases to address more realistic situations in disease biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaiyas Mujawar
- Molecular Functional Imaging Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (A.M.); (A.M.)
- Faculty of Life Science, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India; (P.P.); (B.L.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Pratham Phadte
- Faculty of Life Science, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India; (P.P.); (B.L.T.); (P.R.)
- Imaging Cell Signalling and Therapeutics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Ksenia A. Palkina
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry (IBCh), Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; (K.A.P.); (N.M.M.); (K.S.S.); (A.V.B.)
- Planta LLC, Bolshoi Boulevard, 42 Street 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Nadezhda M. Markina
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry (IBCh), Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; (K.A.P.); (N.M.M.); (K.S.S.); (A.V.B.)
- Planta LLC, Bolshoi Boulevard, 42 Street 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Ameena Mohammad
- Molecular Functional Imaging Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (A.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Bhushan L. Thakur
- Faculty of Life Science, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India; (P.P.); (B.L.T.); (P.R.)
- Imaging Cell Signalling and Therapeutics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Karen S. Sarkisyan
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry (IBCh), Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; (K.A.P.); (N.M.M.); (K.S.S.); (A.V.B.)
- Synthetic Biology Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Anastasia V. Balakireva
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry (IBCh), Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; (K.A.P.); (N.M.M.); (K.S.S.); (A.V.B.)
- Planta LLC, Bolshoi Boulevard, 42 Street 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Pritha Ray
- Faculty of Life Science, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India; (P.P.); (B.L.T.); (P.R.)
- Imaging Cell Signalling and Therapeutics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Ilia Yamplosky
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry (IBCh), Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia; (K.A.P.); (N.M.M.); (K.S.S.); (A.V.B.)
| | - Abhijit De
- Molecular Functional Imaging Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; (A.M.); (A.M.)
- Faculty of Life Science, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India; (P.P.); (B.L.T.); (P.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guo S, Xun M, Fan T, Li X, Yao H, Li X, Wu B, Yang H, Ma C, Wang H. Construction of coxsackievirus B5 viruses with luciferase reporters and their applications in vitro and in vivo. Virol Sin 2023; 38:549-558. [PMID: 37244518 PMCID: PMC10436053 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxsackievirus belongs to the Picornaviridae family and is one of the major pathogens that cause hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in infants and children with potential serious complications and even deaths. The pathogenesis of this virus is not fully elucidated and no vaccine or antiviral drug has been approved. In this study, a full-length infectious cDNA clone of coxsackievirus B5 virus was assembled and the recombinant virus displayed similar growth kinetics and ability to cause cytopathic effects as the parental virus. Luciferase reporter was then incorporated to generate both full-length and subgenomic replicon (SGR) reporter viruses. The full-length reporter virus is suitable for high-throughput antiviral screening, while the SGR is a useful tool to study viral-host interactions. More importantly, the full-length reporter virus has also been shown to infect the suckling mouse model and the reporter gene could be detected using an in vivo imaging system, thus providing a powerful tool to track viruses in vivo. In summary, we have generated coxsackievirus B5 reporter viruses and provided unique tools for studying virus-host interactions in vitro and in vivo as well as for high-throughput screenings (HTS) to identify novel antivirals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shangrui Guo
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Meng Xun
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Tingting Fan
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Haoyan Yao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiaozhen Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Hang Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Chaofeng Ma
- Department of Viral Diseases Laboratory, Xi'an Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Brennan CK, Yao Z, Ionkina AA, Rathbun CM, Sathishkumar B, Prescher JA. Multiplexed bioluminescence imaging with a substrate unmixing platform. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:1649-1660.e4. [PMID: 36283402 PMCID: PMC9675729 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.10.004] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescent tools can illuminate cellular features in whole organisms. Multi-component tracking remains challenging, though, owing to a lack of well-resolved probes and long imaging times. To address the need for more rapid, quantitative, and multiplexed bioluminescent readouts, we developed an analysis pipeline featuring sequential substrate administration and serial image acquisition. Light output from each luciferin is layered on top of the previous image, with minimal delay between substrate delivery. A MATLAB algorithm was written to analyze bioluminescent images generated from the rapid imaging protocol and deconvolute (i.e., unmix) signals from luciferase-luciferin pairs. Mixtures comprising three to five luciferase reporters were readily distinguished in under 50 min; this same experiment would require days using conventional workflows. We further showed that the algorithm can be used to accurately quantify luciferase levels in heterogeneous mixtures. Based on its speed and versatility, the multiplexed imaging platform will expand the scope of bioluminescence technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K Brennan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Zi Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Anastasia A Ionkina
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Colin M Rathbun
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Jennifer A Prescher
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chiem K, Park JG, Morales Vasquez D, Plemper RK, Torrelles JB, Kobie JJ, Walter MR, Ye C, Martinez-Sobrido L. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Infection Using a Double Reporter-Expressing Virus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0237922. [PMID: 35980204 PMCID: PMC9603146 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02379-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the highly contagious agent responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An essential requirement for understanding SARS-CoV-2 biology and the impact of antiviral therapeutics is a robust method to detect the presence of the virus in infected cells or animal models. Despite the development and successful generation of recombinant (r)SARS-CoV-2-expressing fluorescent or luciferase reporter genes, knowledge acquired from their use in in vitro assays and/or in live animals is limited to the properties of the fluorescent or luciferase reporter genes. Herein, for the first time, we engineered a replication-competent rSARS-CoV-2 that expresses both fluorescent (mCherry) and luciferase (Nluc) reporter genes (rSARS-CoV-2/mCherry-Nluc) to overcome limitations associated with the use of a single reporter gene. In cultured cells, rSARS-CoV-2/mCherry-Nluc displayed similar viral fitness as rSARS-CoV-2 expressing single reporter fluorescent and luciferase genes (rSARS-CoV-2/mCherry and rSARS-CoV-2/Nluc, respectively) or wild-type (WT) rSARS-CoV-2, while maintaining comparable expression levels of both reporter genes. In vivo, rSARS-CoV-2/mCherry-Nluc has similar pathogenicity in K18 human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) transgenic mice than rSARS-CoV-2 expressing individual reporter genes or WT rSARS-CoV-2. Importantly, rSARS-CoV-2/mCherry-Nluc facilitates the assessment of viral infection and transmission in golden Syrian hamsters using in vivo imaging systems (IVIS). Altogether, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using this novel bioreporter-expressing rSARS-CoV-2 for the study of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in vivo. IMPORTANCE Despite the availability of vaccines and antivirals, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to ravage health care institutions worldwide. Previously, we generated replication-competent recombinant (r)SARS-CoV-2 expressing fluorescent or luciferase reporter proteins to track viral infection in vitro and/or in vivo. However, these rSARS-CoV-2 are restricted to express only a single fluorescent or a luciferase reporter gene, limiting or preventing their use in specific in vitro assays and/or in vivo studies. To overcome this limitation, we have engineered a rSARS-CoV-2 expressing both fluorescent (mCherry) and luciferase (Nluc) genes and demonstrated its feasibility to study the biology of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and/or in vivo, including the identification and characterization of neutralizing antibodies and/or antivirals. Using rodent models, we visualized SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission through in vivo imaging systems (IVIS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Chiem
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jun-Gyu Park
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | | - Richard K. Plemper
- Center for Translational Antiviral Research, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - James J. Kobie
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mark R. Walter
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Chengjin Ye
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tracking of Extracellular Vesicles’ Biodistribution: New Methods and Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911312. [PMID: 36232613 PMCID: PMC9569979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized lipid bilayer vesicles that are released by almost all cell types. They range in diameter from 30 nm to several micrometres and have the ability to carry biologically active molecules such as proteins, lipids, RNA, and DNA. EVs are natural vectors and play an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. The amount and composition of EVs in human biological fluids serve as biomarkers and are used for diagnosing diseases and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. EVs are promising for use as therapeutic agents and as natural vectors for drug delivery. However, the successful use of EVs in clinical practice requires an understanding of their biodistribution in an organism. Numerous studies conducted so far on the biodistribution of EVs show that, after intravenous administration, EVs are mostly localized in organs rich in blood vessels and organs associated with the reticuloendothelial system, such as the liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys. In order to improve resolution, new dyes and labels are being developed and detection methods are being optimized. In this work, we review all available modern methods and approaches used to assess the biodistribution of EVs, as well as discuss their advantages and limitations.
Collapse
|
10
|
Xie JM, Leng Y, Dong K, Cui XY, Yang XK, Min CG, Liu CX, Ren AM. Effect of double bond on electronic and optical properties of coelenteramide: A time-dependent density functional theory investigation. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2022.113825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
11
|
Hason M, Jovicic J, Vonkova I, Bojic M, Simon-Vermot T, White RM, Bartunek P. Bioluminescent Zebrafish Transplantation Model for Drug Discovery. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:893655. [PMID: 35559262 PMCID: PMC9086674 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.893655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, zebrafish have accompanied the mouse as a robust animal model for cancer research. The possibility of screening small-molecule inhibitors in a large number of zebrafish embryos makes this model particularly valuable. However, the dynamic visualization of fluorescently labeled tumor cells needs to be complemented by a more sensitive, easy, and rapid mode for evaluating tumor growth in vivo to enable high-throughput screening of clinically relevant drugs. In this study we proposed and validated a pre-clinical screening model for drug discovery by utilizing bioluminescence as our readout for the determination of transplanted cancer cell growth and inhibition in zebrafish embryos. For this purpose, we used NanoLuc luciferase, which ensured rapid cancer cell growth quantification in vivo with high sensitivity and low background when compared to conventional fluorescence measurements. This allowed us large-scale evaluation of in vivo drug responses of 180 kinase inhibitors in zebrafish. Our bioluminescent screening platform could facilitate identification of new small-molecules for targeted cancer therapy as well as for drug repurposing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Hason
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jovana Jovicic
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ivana Vonkova
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Milan Bojic
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Theresa Simon-Vermot
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard M. White
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Petr Bartunek
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Petr Bartunek,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Engineering and exploiting synthetic allostery of NanoLuc luciferase. Nat Commun 2022; 13:789. [PMID: 35145068 PMCID: PMC8831504 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Allostery enables proteins to interconvert different biochemical signals and form complex metabolic and signaling networks. We hypothesize that circular permutation of proteins increases the probability of functional coupling of new N- and C- termini with the protein's active center through increased local structural disorder. To test this we construct a synthetically allosteric version of circular permutated NanoLuc luciferase that can be activated through ligand-induced intramolecular non-covalent cyclisation. This switch module is tolerant of the structure of binding domains and their ligands, and can be used to create biosensors of proteins and small molecules. The developed biosensors covers a range of emission wavelengths and displays sensitivity as low as 50pM and dynamic range as high as 16-fold and could quantify their cognate ligand in human fluids. We apply hydrogen exchange kinetic mass spectroscopy to analyze time resolved structural changes in the developed biosensors and observe ligand-mediated folding of newly created termini.
Collapse
|
13
|
Coppola A, Zorzetto G, Piacentino F, Bettoni V, Pastore I, Marra P, Perani L, Esposito A, De Cobelli F, Carcano G, Fontana F, Fiorina P, Venturini M. Imaging in experimental models of diabetes. Acta Diabetol 2022; 59:147-161. [PMID: 34779949 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-021-01826-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Translational medicine, experimental medicine and experimental animal models, in particular mice and rats, represent a multidisciplinary field that has made it possible to achieve, in the last decades, important scientific progress. In this review, we have summarized the most frequently used imaging animal models, such as ultrasound (US), micro-CT, MRI and the optical imaging methods, and their main implications in diagnostic and therapeutic fields, with a particular focus on diabetes mellitus, a multifactorial disease extremely widespread among the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Coppola
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, ASST Settelaghi, Varese, Italy.
| | | | - Filippo Piacentino
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, ASST Settelaghi, Varese, Italy
- Insubria University, Varese, Italy
| | - Valeria Bettoni
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, ASST Settelaghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Ida Pastore
- Division of Endocrinology, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Marra
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Milano-Bicocca University, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Laura Perani
- Experimental Imaging Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Experimental Imaging Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Radiology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco De Cobelli
- Radiology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Carcano
- Insubria University, Varese, Italy
- General, Emergency, and Transplant Surgery Unit, ASST Settelaghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, ASST Settelaghi, Varese, Italy
- Insubria University, Varese, Italy
| | - Paolo Fiorina
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Nephrology Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Endocrinology Division, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Venturini
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, ASST Settelaghi, Varese, Italy
- Insubria University, Varese, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Groß VE, Gershkovich MM, Schöneberg T, Kaiser A, Prömel S. NanoBRET in C. elegans illuminates functional receptor interactions in real time. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:8. [PMID: 35100990 PMCID: PMC8805316 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-022-00405-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Protein-protein interactions form the basis of every organism and thus, investigating their dynamics, intracellular protein localization, trafficking and interactions of distinct proteins such as receptors and their ligand-binding are of general interest. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) is a powerful tool to investigate these aspects in vitro. Since in vitro approaches mostly neglect the more complex in vivo situation, we established BRET as an in vivo tool for studying protein interactions in the nematode C. elegans. Results We generated worms expressing NanoBRET sensors and elucidated the interaction of two ligand-G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pairs, the neuropeptide receptor NPR-11 and the Adhesion GPCR LAT-1. Furthermore, we adapted the enhanced bystander BRET technology to measure subcellular protein localization. Using this approach, we traced ligand-induced internalization of NPR-11 in vivo. Conclusions Our results indicate that in vivo NanoBRET is a tool to investigate specific protein interactions and localization in a physiological setting in real time in the living organism C. elegans. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-022-00405-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Elisabeth Groß
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Torsten Schöneberg
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anette Kaiser
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Simone Prömel
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. .,Institute of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Perez GI, Broadbent D, Zarea AA, Dolgikh B, Bernard MP, Withrow A, McGill A, Toomajian V, Thampy LK, Harkema J, Walker JR, Kirkland TA, Bachmann MH, Schmidt J, Kanada M. In Vitro and In Vivo Analysis of Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Metastasis Using a Bright, Red-Shifted Bioluminescent Reporter Protein. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2022; 3:2100055. [PMID: 36619349 PMCID: PMC9744575 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202100055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells produce heterogeneous extracellular vesicles (EVs) as mediators of intercellular communication. This study focuses on a novel method to image EV subtypes and their biodistribution in vivo. A red-shifted bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) EV reporter is developed, called PalmReNL, which allows for highly sensitive EV tracking in vitro and in vivo. PalmReNL enables the authors to study the common surface molecules across EV subtypes that determine EV organotropism and their functional differences in cancer progression. Regardless of injection routes, whether retro-orbital or intraperitoneal, PalmReNL positive EVs, isolated from murine mammary carcinoma cells, localized to the lungs. The early appearance of metastatic foci in the lungs of mammary tumor-bearing mice following multiple intraperitoneal injections of the medium and large EV (m/lEV)-enriched fraction derived from mammary carcinoma cells is demonstrated. In addition, the results presented here show that tumor cell-derived m/lEVs act on distant tissues through upregulating LC3 expression within the lung.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria I. Perez
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA,College of Osteopathic MedicineMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - David Broadbent
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA,College of Osteopathic MedicineMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Ahmed A. Zarea
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA,Department of Biological SciencesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN47906USA
| | - Benedikt Dolgikh
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA,College of Natural ScienceMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Matthew P. Bernard
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA,Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Alicia Withrow
- Center for Advanced MicroscopyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Amelia McGill
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA
| | - Victoria Toomajian
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA,Department of Biomedical EngineeringMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Lukose K. Thampy
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA,College of Osteopathic MedicineMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Jack Harkema
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Joel R. Walker
- Promega Biosciences LLC227 Granada DrSan Luis ObispoCA93401USA
| | | | - Michael H. Bachmann
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA,Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Jens Schmidt
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA,Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of Human MedicineMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| | - Masamitsu Kanada
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ)Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan48824USA,Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMI48824USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chiem K, Lorenzo MM, Rangel-Moreno J, Garcia-Hernandez MDLL, Park JG, Nogales A, Blasco R, Martínez-Sobrido L. Bi-Reporter Vaccinia Virus for Tracking Viral Infections In Vitro and In Vivo. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0160121. [PMID: 34817228 PMCID: PMC8612144 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01601-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant viruses expressing reporter genes allow visualization and quantification of viral infections and can be used as valid surrogates to identify the presence of the virus in infected cells and animal models. However, one of the limitations of recombinant viruses expressing reporter genes is the use of either fluorescent or luciferase proteins that are used alternatively for different purposes. Vaccinia virus (VV) is widely used as a viral vector, including recombinant (r)VV singly expressing either fluorescent or luciferase reporter genes that are useful for specific purposes. In this report, we engineered two novel rVV stably expressing both fluorescent (Scarlet or GFP) and luciferase (Nluc) reporter genes from different loci in the viral genome. In vitro, these bi-reporter-expressing rVV have similar growth kinetics and plaque phenotype than those of the parental WR VV isolate. In vivo, rVV Nluc/Scarlet and rVV Nluc/GFP effectively infected mice and were easily detected using in vivo imaging systems (IVIS) and ex vivo in the lungs from infected mice. Importantly, we used these bi-reporter-expressing rVV to assess viral pathogenesis, infiltration of immune cells in the lungs, and to directly identify the different subsets of cells infected by VV in the absence of antibody staining. Collectively, these rVV expressing two reporter genes open the feasibility to study the biology of viral infections in vitro and in vivo, including host-pathogen interactions and dynamics or tropism of viral infections. IMPORTANCE Despite the eradication of variola virus (VARV), the causative agent of smallpox, poxviruses still represent an important threat to human health due to their possible use as bioterrorism agents and the emergence of zoonotic poxvirus diseases. Recombinant vaccinia viruses (rVV) expressing easily traceable fluorescent or luciferase reporter genes have significantly contributed to the progress of poxvirus research. However, rVV expressing one marker gene have several constraints for in vitro and in vivo studies, since both fluorescent and luciferase proteins impose certain limitations for specific applications. To overcome these limitations, we generated optimized rVV stably expressing both fluorescent (Scarlet or GFP) and luciferase (Nluc) reporter genes to easily track viral infection in vitro and in vivo. This new generation of double reporter-expressing rVV represent an excellent option to study viral infection dynamics in cultured cells and validated animal models of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Chiem
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Maria M. Lorenzo
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Centro Nacional Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Rangel-Moreno
- Division of Allergy/Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | - Jun-Gyu Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Aitor Nogales
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Animal Health Research Centre (CISA), Centro Nacional Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA, CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Blasco
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Centro Nacional Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Martínez-Sobrido
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Liu S, Su Y, Lin MZ, Ronald JA. Brightening up Biology: Advances in Luciferase Systems for in Vivo Imaging. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2707-2718. [PMID: 34780699 PMCID: PMC8689642 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Bioluminescence imaging
(BLI) using luciferase reporters is an
indispensable method for the noninvasive visualization of cell populations
and biochemical events in living animals. BLI is widely performed
with preclinical rodent models to understand disease processes and
evaluate potential cell- or gene-based therapies. However, in vivo BLI remains constrained by low photon production
and tissue attenuation, limiting the sensitivity of reporting from
small numbers of cells in deep locations and hindering its application
to larger animal models. This Review highlights recent advances in
the development of luciferase systems that improve the sensitivity
of in vivo BLI and discusses the expanding array
of biological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Liu
- Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A3K7, Canada
| | - Yichi Su
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Michael Z. Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - John A. Ronald
- Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A3K7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Guan M, Garabedian MV, Leutenegger M, Schuster BS, Good MC, Hammer DA. Incorporation and Assembly of a Light-Emitting Enzymatic Reaction into Model Protein Condensates. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3137-3151. [PMID: 34648259 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells partition enzymes and other cellular components into distinct subcellular compartments to generate specialized biochemical niches. A subclass of these compartments form in the absence of lipid membranes, via liquid-liquid phase separation of proteins to form biomolecular condensates or "membraneless organelles" such as nucleoli, stress granules, and P-bodies. Because of their propensity to form compartments from simple starting materials, membraneless organelles are an attractive target for engineering new functionalities in both living cells and protocells. In this work, we demonstrate incorporation of a novel enzymatic activity in protein coacervates with the light-generating enzyme, NanoLuc, to produce bioluminescence. Using condensates comprised of the disordered RGG domain of Caenorhabditis elegans LAF-1, we functionalized condensates with enzymatic activity in vitro and show that enzyme localization to coacervates enhances assembly and activity of split enzymes. To build condensates that function as light-emitting reactors, we designed a NanoLuc enzyme flanked by RGG domains. The resulting condensates concentrated NanoLuc by 10-fold over bulk solution and displayed significantly increased reaction rates. We further show that condensate viscosity impacts light emission due to diffusion-limited behavior. Because our model condensates have low viscosities, we predict NanoLuc diffusion-limited behavior in most other condensates and thus propose the condensate-Nanoluc system as a potential strategy for high-throughput screening of condensate targeting drugs. By splitting the NanoLuc enzyme into its constituent components, we demonstrate that NanoLuc activity can be reconstituted via co-condensation. In addition, we demonstrate control of the spatial localization of the enzyme within condensates by targettng NanoLuc to the surface of in vitro condensates. Collectively, this work demonstrates that membraneless organelles can be endowed with localized enzymatic activity and that this activity can be spatially and temporally controlled via biochemical reconstitution and design of protein surfactants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muyang Guan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Mikael V Garabedian
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Marcel Leutenegger
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Department of NanoBiophotonics, Am Faßberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin S Schuster
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Matthew C Good
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Daniel A Hammer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fang P, Zhang H, Sun H, Wang G, Xia S, Ren J, Zhang J, Tian L, Fang L, Xiao S. Construction, Characterization and Application of Recombinant Porcine Deltacoronavirus Expressing Nanoluciferase. Viruses 2021; 13:v13101991. [PMID: 34696421 PMCID: PMC8541611 DOI: 10.3390/v13101991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), an emerging enteropathogenic coronavirus, causes diarrhoea in suckling piglets and has the potential for cross-species transmission. No effective PDCoV vaccines or antiviral drugs are currently available. Here, we successfully generated an infectious clone of PDCoV strain CHN-HN-2014 using a combination of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based reverse genetics system with a one-step homologous recombination. The recued virus (rCHN-HN-2014) possesses similar growth characteristics to the parental virus in vitro. Based on the established infectious clone and CRISPR/Cas9 technology, a PDCoV reporter virus expressing nanoluciferase (Nluc) was constructed by replacing the NS6 gene. Using two drugs, lycorine and resveratrol, we found that the Nluc reporter virus exhibited high sensibility and easy quantification to rapid antiviral screening. We further used the Nluc reporter virus to test the susceptibility of different cell lines to PDCoV and found that cell lines derived from various host species, including human, swine, cattle and monkey enables PDCoV replication, broadening our understanding of the PDCoV cell tropism range. Taken together, our reporter viruses are available to high throughput screening for antiviral drugs and uncover the infectivity of PDCoV in various cells, which will accelerate our understanding of PDCoV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Puxian Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.F.); (H.Z.); (H.S.); (G.W.); (S.X.); (J.R.); (J.Z.); (L.T.); (L.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Huichang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.F.); (H.Z.); (H.S.); (G.W.); (S.X.); (J.R.); (J.Z.); (L.T.); (L.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - He Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.F.); (H.Z.); (H.S.); (G.W.); (S.X.); (J.R.); (J.Z.); (L.T.); (L.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.F.); (H.Z.); (H.S.); (G.W.); (S.X.); (J.R.); (J.Z.); (L.T.); (L.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Sijin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.F.); (H.Z.); (H.S.); (G.W.); (S.X.); (J.R.); (J.Z.); (L.T.); (L.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jie Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.F.); (H.Z.); (H.S.); (G.W.); (S.X.); (J.R.); (J.Z.); (L.T.); (L.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiansong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.F.); (H.Z.); (H.S.); (G.W.); (S.X.); (J.R.); (J.Z.); (L.T.); (L.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.F.); (H.Z.); (H.S.); (G.W.); (S.X.); (J.R.); (J.Z.); (L.T.); (L.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liurong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.F.); (H.Z.); (H.S.); (G.W.); (S.X.); (J.R.); (J.Z.); (L.T.); (L.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shaobo Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (P.F.); (H.Z.); (H.S.); (G.W.); (S.X.); (J.R.); (J.Z.); (L.T.); (L.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 1 Shi-zi-shan Street, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-27-8728-6884; Fax: +86-27-8728-2608
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li J, Wang X, Dong G, Yan C, Cui Y, Zhang Z, Du L, Li M. Novel furimazine derivatives for nanoluciferase bioluminescence with various C-6 and C-8 substituents. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:7930-7936. [PMID: 34549229 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01098k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nanoluciferase (NLuc) is the emerging commercially available luciferase considering its small size and superior bioluminescence performance. Nevertheless, this bioluminescence system has some limitations, including narrow emission wavelength and single substrate. Herein, a series of novel furimazine derivatives at the C-6 and C-8 positions of the imidazopyrazinone core have been designed and synthesized for extension of the bioluminescence substrates. It should be noted that two compounds, molecules A2 (2-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-6-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)-8-(phenylthio)imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazin-3(7H)-one) and A3 (2-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-6-(4-amino-3-fluorophenyl)-8-(phenylthio)imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazin-3(7H)-one), display reasonable bioluminescence properties for in vitro and in vivo biological evaluations. In particular, compound A3 can broaden the application of NLuc bioluminescence techniques, especially for in vivo bioluminescent imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xiaoxu Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Gaopan Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Chongzheng Yan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Cui
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Lupei Du
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Minyong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cho EJ, Dalby KN. Luminescence Energy Transfer-Based Screening and Target Engagement Approaches for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY 2021; 26:984-994. [PMID: 34330171 DOI: 10.1177/24725552211036056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Luminescence is characterized by the spontaneous emission of light resulting from either chemical or biological reactions. Because of their high sensitivity, reduced background interference, and applicability to numerous situations, luminescence-based assay strategies play an essential role in early-stage drug discovery. Newer developments in luminescence-based technologies have dramatically affected the ability of researchers to investigate molecular binding events. At the forefront of these developments are the nano bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (NanoBRET) and amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (Alpha) technologies. These technologies have opened up numerous possibilities for analyzing the molecular biophysical properties of complexes in environments such as cell lysates. Moreover, NanoBRET enables the validation and quantitation of the interactions between therapeutic targets and small molecules in live cells, representing an essential benchmark for preclinical drug discovery. Both techniques involve proximity-based luminescence energy transfer, in which excited-state energy is transferred from a donor to an acceptor, where the efficiency of transfer depends on proximity. Both approaches can be applied to high-throughput compound screening in biological samples, with the NanoBRET assay providing opportunities for live-cell screening. Representative applications of both technologies for assessing physical interactions and associated challenges are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jeong Cho
- Targeted Therapeutic Drug Discovery and Development Program, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kevin N Dalby
- Targeted Therapeutic Drug Discovery and Development Program, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Liu S, Nyström NN, Kelly JJ, Hamilton AM, Fu Y, Ronald JA. Molecular Imaging Reveals a High Degree of Cross-Seeding of Spontaneous Metastases in a Novel Mouse Model of Synchronous Bilateral Breast Cancer. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 24:104-114. [PMID: 34312806 PMCID: PMC8760205 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01630-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) patients present with cancer in both breasts at the time of diagnosis or within a short time interval. They show higher rates of metastasis and lower overall survival compared to women with unilateral breast cancer. Here we established the first preclinical SBBC model and used molecular imaging to visualize the patterns of metastasis from each primary tumor. Procedures We engineered human breast cancer cells to express either Akaluc or Antares2 for bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and tdTomato or zsGreen for ex vivo fluorescence microscopy. Both cell populations were implanted into contralateral mammary fat pads of mice (n=10), and dual-BLI was performed weekly for up to day 29 (n=3), 38 (n=4), or 42 (n=3). Primary tumors and lungs were fixed, and ex vivo fluorescence microscopy was used to analyze the cellular makeup of micrometastases. Results Signal from both Antares2 and Akaluc was first detected in the lungs on day 28 and was present in 9 of 10 mice at endpoint. Ex vivo fluorescence microscopy of the lungs revealed that for mice sacrificed on day 38, a significant percentage of micrometastases were composed of cancer cells from both primary tumors (mean 37%; range 27 to 45%), while two mice sacrificed on day 42 showed percentages of 51% and 70%. Conclusions A high degree of metastatic cross-seeding of cancer cells derived from bilateral tumors may contribute to faster metastatic growth and intratumoral heterogeneity. We posit that our work will help understand treatment resistance and optimal planning of SBBC treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11307-021-01630-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Liu
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Nivin N Nyström
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - John J Kelly
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda M Hamilton
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Yanghao Fu
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - John A Ronald
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rathbun CM, Ionkina AA, Yao Z, Jones KA, Porterfield WB, Prescher JA. Rapid Multicomponent Bioluminescence Imaging via Substrate Unmixing. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:682-690. [PMID: 33729750 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Studies of biological function demand probes that can report on processes in real time and in physiological environments. Bioluminescent tools are uniquely suited for this purpose, as they enable sensitive imaging in cells and tissues. Bioluminescent reporters can also be monitored continuously over time without detriment, as excitation light is not required. Rather, light emission derives from luciferase-luciferin reactions. Several engineered luciferases and luciferins have expanded the scope of bioluminescence imaging in recent years. Multicomponent tracking remains challenging, though, due to a lack of streamlined methods to visualize combinations of bioluminescent reporters. Conventional approaches image one luciferase at a time. Consequently, short-term changes in cell growth or gene expression cannot be easily captured. Here, we report a strategy for rapid, multiplexed imaging with a wide range of luciferases and luciferins. Sequential addition of orthogonal luciferins, followed by substrate unmixing, enabled facile detection of multiple luciferases in vitro and in vivo. Multicomponent imaging in mice was also achieved on the minutes-to-hours time scale.
Collapse
|
24
|
Navarro-Marchal SA, Griñán-Lisón C, Entrena JM, Ruiz-Alcalá G, Tristán-Manzano M, Martin F, Pérez-Victoria I, Peula-García JM, Marchal JA. Anti-CD44-Conjugated Olive Oil Liquid Nanocapsules for Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:1374-1388. [PMID: 33724003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The latest trends in cancer research and nanomedicine focus on using nanocarriers to target cancer stem cells (CSCs). Specifically, lipid liquid nanocapsules are usually developed as nanocarriers for lipophilic drug delivery. Here, we developed olive oil liquid NCs (O2LNCs) functionalized by covalent coupling of an anti-CD44-fluorescein isothiocyanate antibody (αCD44). First, O2LNCs are formed by a core of olive oil surrounded by a shell containing phospholipids, a nonionic surfactant, and deoxycholic acid molecules. Then, O2LNCs were coated with an αCD44 antibody (αCD44-O2LNC). The optimization of an αCD44 coating procedure, a complete physicochemical characterization, as well as clear evidence of their efficacy in vitro and in vivo were demonstrated. Our results indicate the high targeted uptake of these αCD44-O2LNCs, and the increased antitumor efficacy (up to four times) of paclitaxel-loaded-αCD44-O2LNC compared to free paclitaxel in pancreatic CSCs (PCSCs). Also, αCD44-O2LNCs were able to selectively target PCSCs in an orthotopic xenotransplant in vivo model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saúl A Navarro-Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada 18100, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.,Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Griñán-Lisón
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada 18100, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - José-Manuel Entrena
- Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain.,Animal Behavior Research Unit, Scientific Instrumentation Center, University of Granada, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain
| | - Gloria Ruiz-Alcalá
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada 18100, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María Tristán-Manzano
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Martin
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Ignacio Pérez-Victoria
- Fundación MEDINA, Centro de Excelencia en Investigación de Medicamentos Innovadores en Andalucía, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Avda. del Conocimiento 34, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - José Manuel Peula-García
- Biocolloids and Fluids Physics Group, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain.,Department of Applied Physics II, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada 18100, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.,Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.,Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gaspar N, Walker JR, Zambito G, Marella-Panth K, Lowik C, Kirkland TA, Mezzanotte L. Evaluation of NanoLuc substrates for bioluminescence imaging of transferred cells in mice. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2021; 216:112128. [PMID: 33529963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
NanoLuc luciferase recently gained popularity due to its small size and superior bioluminescence performance. For in vivo imaging applications, NanoLuc has been limited by its substrate furimazine, which has low solubility and bioavailability. Herein, we compared the performances of recently reported NanoLuc luciferase substrates for in vivo imaging in mice. Two substrates with improved aqueous solubility, hydrofurimazine and fluorofurimazine, were evaluated along with three stabilized O-acetylated furimazine analogues, the hikarazines. All 5 analogues, when tested in vitro, displayed greater signal intensity and reaction duration, in comparison to the standard NanoLuc substrate, furimazine. The two best-performing analogues from the in vitro study were selected for further in vivo testing. The NanoLuc/fluorofurimazine pair demonstrated the highest bioluminescence intensity, post intravenous administration. It was found to be around 9-fold brighter compared to the NanoLuc/furimazine and 11-fold more intense than the NanoLuc/hikarazine-003 pair, with an average of 3-fold higher light emission when the substrate was injected intraperitoneally, in a subcutaneous model. Excitingly, despite the fact that NanoLuc/fluorofurimazine emits mostly blue light, we prove that cells trapped in mice lungs vasculature could be visualised via the NanoLuc/fluorofurimazine pair and compare the results to the AkaLuc/AkaLumine system. Therefore, among the tested analogues, fluorofurimazine enables higher substrate loading and improved optical imaging sensitivity in small animals, upgrading the use of NanoLuc derived bioluminescent systems for deep tissue imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Gaspar
- Erasmus Medical Center, Optical molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Erasmus Medical Center, Department of Molecular Genetics, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Percuros B.V., Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Joel R Walker
- Promega Biosciences L.L.C., San Luis Obispo, United States
| | - Giorgia Zambito
- Erasmus Medical Center, Optical molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Erasmus Medical Center, Department of Molecular Genetics, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Medres Medical Research GMBH, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kranthi Marella-Panth
- Erasmus Medical Center, Optical molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Erasmus Medical Center, Department of Molecular Genetics, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Clemens Lowik
- Erasmus Medical Center, Optical molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Erasmus Medical Center, Department of Molecular Genetics, Rotterdam, Netherlands; University Hospital of Lausanne, CHUV-UNIL, Department of Oncology, Ludwig Cancer Center Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Laura Mezzanotte
- Erasmus Medical Center, Optical molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Erasmus Medical Center, Department of Molecular Genetics, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Multi-Modal Multi-Spectral Intravital Microscopic Imaging of Signaling Dynamics in Real-Time during Tumor-ImmuneInteractions. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030499. [PMID: 33652682 PMCID: PMC7996937 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravital microscopic imaging (IVM) allows for the study of interactions between immune cells and tumor cells in a dynamic, physiologically relevant system in vivo. Current IVM strategies primarily use fluorescence imaging; however, with the advances in bioluminescence imaging and the development of new bioluminescent reporters with expanded emission spectra, the applications for bioluminescence are extending to single cell imaging. Herein, we describe a molecular imaging window chamber platform that uniquely combines both bioluminescent and fluorescent genetically encoded reporters, as well as exogenous reporters, providing a powerful multi-plex strategy to study molecular and cellular processes in real-time in intact living systems at single cell resolution all in one system. We demonstrate that our molecular imaging window chamber platform is capable of imaging signaling dynamics in real-time at cellular resolution during tumor progression. Importantly, we expand the utility of IVM by modifying an off-the-shelf commercial system with the addition of bioluminescence imaging achieved by the addition of a CCD camera and demonstrate high quality imaging within the reaches of any biology laboratory.
Collapse
|
27
|
Liu TW, Gammon ST, Fuentes D, Piwnica-Worms D. Multi-Modal Multi-Spectral Intravital Macroscopic Imaging of Signaling Dynamics in Real Time during Tumor-Immune Interactions. Cells 2021; 10:489. [PMID: 33668735 PMCID: PMC7996138 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A major obstacle in studying the interplay between cancer cells and the immune system has been the examination of proposed biological pathways and cell interactions in a dynamic, physiologically relevant system in vivo. Intravital imaging strategies are one of the few molecular imaging techniques that can follow biological processes at cellular resolution over long periods of time in the same individual. Bioluminescence imaging has become a standard preclinical in vivo optical imaging technique with ever-expanding versatility as a result of the development of new emission bioluminescent reporters, advances in genomic techniques, and technical improvements in bioluminescence imaging and processing methods. Herein, we describe an advance of technology with a molecular imaging window chamber platform that combines bioluminescent and fluorescent reporters with intravital macro-imaging techniques and bioluminescence spectral unmixing in real time applied to heterogeneous living systems in vivo for evaluating tumor signaling dynamics and immune cell enzyme activities concurrently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy W. Liu
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.W.L.); (S.T.G.)
| | - Seth T. Gammon
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.W.L.); (S.T.G.)
| | - David Fuentes
- Department of Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - David Piwnica-Worms
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.W.L.); (S.T.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Saito-Moriya R, Nakayama J, Kamiya G, Kitada N, Obata R, Maki SA, Aoyama H. How to Select Firefly Luciferin Analogues for In Vivo Imaging. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1848. [PMID: 33673331 PMCID: PMC7918177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence reactions are widely applied in optical in vivo imaging in the life science and medical fields. Such reactions produce light upon the oxidation of a luciferin (substrate) catalyzed by a luciferase (enzyme), and this bioluminescence enables the quantification of tumor cells and gene expression in animal models. Many researchers have developed single-color or multicolor bioluminescence systems based on artificial luciferin analogues and/or luciferase mutants, for application in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI). In the current review, we focus on the characteristics of firefly BLI technology and discuss the development of luciferin analogues for high-resolution in vivo BLI. In addition, we discuss the novel luciferin analogues TokeOni and seMpai, which show potential as high-sensitivity in vivo BLI reagents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Saito-Moriya
- School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Jun Nakayama
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Genta Kamiya
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Nobuo Kitada
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Rika Obata
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Shojiro A Maki
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- Center for Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aoyama
- School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Development of a miRNA-controlled dual-sensing system and its application for targeting miR-21 signaling in tumorigenesis. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:1989-2004. [PMID: 33311703 PMCID: PMC8080684 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-00537-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered to be strong prognostic markers and key therapeutic targets in human diseases, especially cancer. A sensitive monitoring platform for cancer-associated miRNA (oncomiR) action is needed for mechanistic studies, preclinical evaluation, and inhibitor screening. In this study, we developed and systemically applied a sensitive and efficient lentivirus-based system for monitoring oncomiR actions, essentially miR-21. The specificity and sensitivity of “miRDREL” against various oncomiRs were validated by checking for tight correlations between their expression and targeting efficacy. Experiments based on the transfection of synthetic mimics and antagomir-mediated depletion of oncomiRs further confirmed the specificity of the system. Systemic application of miRDRELs to natural oncomiR targets, knockdown of key microprocessors, and physiological triggering of oncomiRs also demonstrated that the system is an effective tool for monitoring cellular oncomiR action. Importantly, molecular modeling-based screening confirmed the action of the miR-21-targeting drug ivermectin and led to the identification of a new effective derivative, GW4064, for inhibiting oncogenic DDX23-miR-21 signaling. Furthermore, proteomic-kinase inhibitor screenings identified a novel oncogenic kinome-DDX23-miR-21 axis and thus expands our understanding of miR-21 targeting therapeutics in tumorigenesis. Taken together, these data indicate that miRDREL and its versatile application have great potential in basic, preclinical studies and drug development pipelines for miRNA-related diseases, especially cancer. A new method for monitoring microRNAs (miRNAs), very short RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, shows promise for developing and testing new cancer therapies. These miRNAs are strongly implicated in cancer, and are used for diagnosis and as therapeutic targets. However, currently available systems for monitoring them are inefficient and lack capacity for scaling up. Jong Heon Kim and co-workers at the National Cancer Center in Goyang, South Korea, have developed a new miRNA monitoring method that can be used in multiple disease models, including long-term experiments in small animals. They used the method to clarify how the cancer drug ivermectin acts, to identify a molecule similar to ivermectin but that may be more effective, and to identify novel molecules that interact with cancer-related miRNAs. This method shows promise for both clinical and basic research applications.
Collapse
|
30
|
Dimond A, Van de Pette M, Fisher AG. Illuminating Epigenetics and Inheritance in the Immune System with Bioluminescence. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:994-1005. [PMID: 33036908 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable process of light emission by living organisms has fascinated mankind for thousands of years. A recent expansion in the repertoire of catalytic luciferase enzymes, coupled with the discovery of the genes and pathways that encode different luciferin substrates, means that bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is set to revolutionize longitudinal and dynamic studies of gene control within biomedicine, including the regulation of immune responses. In this review article, we summarize recent advances in bioluminescence-based imaging approaches that promise to enlighten our understanding of in vivo gene and epigenetic control within the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Dimond
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mathew Van de Pette
- Epigenetic Mechanisms of Toxicity, MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Amanda G Fisher
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Su Y, Walker JR, Park Y, Smith TP, Liu LX, Hall MP, Labanieh L, Hurst R, Wang DC, Encell LP, Kim N, Zhang F, Kay MA, Casey KM, Majzner RG, Cochran JR, Mackall CL, Kirkland TA, Lin MZ. Novel NanoLuc substrates enable bright two-population bioluminescence imaging in animals. Nat Methods 2020; 17:852-860. [PMID: 32661427 PMCID: PMC10907227 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-020-0889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sensitive detection of two biological events in vivo has long been a goal in bioluminescence imaging. Antares, a fusion of the luciferase NanoLuc to the orange fluorescent protein CyOFP, has emerged as a bright bioluminescent reporter with orthogonal substrate specificity to firefly luciferase (FLuc) and its derivatives such as AkaLuc. However, the brightness of Antares in mice is limited by the poor solubility and bioavailability of the NanoLuc substrate furimazine. Here, we report a new substrate, hydrofurimazine, whose enhanced aqueous solubility allows delivery of higher doses to mice. In the liver, Antares with hydrofurimazine exhibited similar brightness to AkaLuc with its substrate AkaLumine. Further chemical exploration generated a second substrate, fluorofurimazine, with even higher brightness in vivo. We used Antares with fluorofurimazine to track tumor size and AkaLuc with AkaLumine to visualize CAR-T cells within the same mice, demonstrating the ability to perform two-population imaging with these two luciferase systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yichi Su
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Yunhee Park
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Lan Xiang Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Louai Labanieh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - David C Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Namdoo Kim
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Kongju National University, Gongju, South Korea
| | - Feijie Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Kay
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kerriann M Casey
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robbie G Majzner
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Crystal L Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael Z Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Luciferase enzymes from bioluminescent organisms can be expressed in mice, enabling these rodents to glow when treated with a corresponding luciferin substrate. Light emission occurs where the expression of the genetically-encoded luciferase overlaps with the biodistribution of the administered small molecule luciferin. Here we discuss differences between firefly luciferin analogues for bioluminescence imaging, focusing on transgenic and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-transduced mice.
Collapse
|
33
|
Li Y, Cui ZJ. NanoLuc Bioluminescence-Driven Photodynamic Activation of Cholecystokinin 1 Receptor with Genetically-Encoded Protein Photosensitizer MiniSOG. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113763. [PMID: 32466589 PMCID: PMC7313028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to reversible activation by agonist, cholecystokinin 1 receptor (CCK1R) is permanently activated by singlet oxygen generated in photodynamic action, with sulphonated aluminium phthalocyanine or genetically encoded mini singlet oxygen generator (miniSOG) as photosensitizer. In these works, a halogen light source was used to power photodynamic action. For possible in vivo application of photodynamic CCK1R physiology, bearing a cumbersome light-delivery device connected to an external light source by experimental animals might interfere with their behavior. Therefore, in the present work, the possibility of bioluminescence-driven miniSOG photodynamic CCK1R activation was examined, as monitored by Fura-2 calcium imaging. In parallel experiments, it was found that, after plasma membrane (PM)-localized expression of miniSOGPM in AR4-2J cells, light irradiation with blue light-emitting diode (LED) (450 nm, 85 mW·cm-2, 1.5 min) induced persistent calcium oscillations that were blocked by CCK1R antagonist devazepide 2 nM. NanoLuc was expressed bicistronically with miniSOGPM via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence (pminiSOGPM-IRES-NanoLuc). The resultant miniSOGPM-IRES-NanoLuc-AR4-2J cells were found to generate strong bioluminescence upon addition of NanoLuc substrate coelenterazine. Strikingly, coelenterazine 5 microM was found to trigger long-lasting calcium oscillations (a hallmark for permanent CCK1R activation) in perifused miniSOGPM-IRES-NanoLuc-AR4-2J cells. These data indicate that NanoLuc bioluminescence can drive miniSOGPM photodynamic CCK1R activation, laying the foundation for its future in vivo applications.
Collapse
|
34
|
Sahihi M, Sanz García J, Navizet I. Bioluminescent Nanoluciferase–Furimamide Complex: A Theoretical Study on Different Protonation States. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:2539-2548. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b11597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sahihi
- MSME, Univ Gustave Eiffel, UPEC, CNRS, F-77454 Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - Juan Sanz García
- MSME, Univ Gustave Eiffel, UPEC, CNRS, F-77454 Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - Isabelle Navizet
- MSME, Univ Gustave Eiffel, UPEC, CNRS, F-77454 Marne-la-Vallée, France
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Sadovsky Y, Ouyang Y, Powell JS, Li H, Mouillet JF, Morelli AE, Sorkin A, Margolis L. Placental small extracellular vesicles: Current questions and investigative opportunities. Placenta 2020; 102:34-38. [PMID: 33218576 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of regulated trafficking of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has added a new dimension to our understanding of local and distant communication among cells and tissues. Notwithstanding the expanded landscape of EV subtypes, the majority of research in the field centers on small and large EVs that are commonly termed exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic cell-derived vesicles. In the context of pregnancy, EV-based communication has a special role in the crosstalk among the placenta, maternal and fetal compartments, with most studies focusing on trophoblastic EVs and their effect on other placental cell types, endothelial cells, and distant tissues. Many unanswered questions in the field of EV biology center on the mechanisms of vesicle biogenesis, loading of cargo molecules, EV release and trafficking, the interaction of EVs with target cells and the endocytic pathways underlying their uptake, and the intracellular processing of EVs inside target cells. These questions are directly relevant to EV-based placental-maternal-fetal communication and have unique implications in the context of interaction between two organisms. Despite rapid progress in the field, the number of speculative, unsubstantiated assumptions about placental EVs is concerning. Here we attempt to delineate existing knowledge in the field, focusing primarily on placental small EVs (exosomes). We define central questions that require investigative attention in order to advance the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoel Sadovsky
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Yingshi Ouyang
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Juliana S Powell
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Reproductive Department of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jean-Francois Mouillet
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adrian E Morelli
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sorkin
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leonid Margolis
- Section for Intercellular Interactions, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Jex AR, Svärd S, Hagen KD, Starcevich H, Emery-Corbin SJ, Balan B, Nosala C, Dawson SC. Recent advances in functional research in Giardia intestinalis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 107:97-137. [PMID: 32122532 PMCID: PMC7878119 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This review considers current advances in tools to investigate the functional biology of Giardia, it's coding and non-coding genes, features and cellular and molecular biology. We consider major gaps in current knowledge of the parasite and discuss the present state-of-the-art in its in vivo and in vitro cultivation. Advances in in silico tools, including for the modelling non-coding RNAs and genomic elements, as well as detailed exploration of coding genes through inferred homology to model organisms, have provided significant, primary level insight. Improved methods to model the three-dimensional structure of proteins offer new insights into their function, and binding interactions with ligands, other proteins or precursor drugs, and offer substantial opportunities to prioritise proteins for further study and experimentation. These approaches can be supplemented by the growing and highly accessible arsenal of systems-based methods now being applied to Giardia, led by genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic methods, but rapidly incorporating advanced tools for detection of real-time transcription, evaluation of chromatin states and direct measurement of macromolecular complexes. Methods to directly interrogate and perturb gene function have made major leaps in recent years, with CRISPr-interference now available. These approaches, coupled with protein over-expression, fluorescent labelling and in vitro and in vivo imaging, are set to revolutionize the field and herald an exciting time during which the field may finally realise Giardia's long proposed potential as a model parasite and eukaryote.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron R Jex
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Staffan Svärd
- Centre for Biomedicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kari D Hagen
- College of Biological Sciences, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Hannah Starcevich
- College of Biological Sciences, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Samantha J Emery-Corbin
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Balu Balan
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chris Nosala
- College of Biological Sciences, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Scott C Dawson
- College of Biological Sciences, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhao N, Liu JM, Liu S, Ji XM, Lv H, Hu YZ, Wang ZH, Lv SW, Li CY, Wang S. A novel universal nano-luciferase-involved reporter system for long-term probing food-borne probiotics and pathogenic bacteria in mice by in situ bioluminescence imaging. RSC Adv 2020; 10:13029-13036. [PMID: 35492135 PMCID: PMC9051406 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra01283a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Food-borne bacteria have received increasing attention due to their great impact on human health. Bioimaging makes it possible to monitor bacteria inside the living body in real time and in situ. Nano-luciferase (NLuc) as a new member of the luciferase family exhibits superior properties than the commonly used luciferases, including small size, high stability and improved luminescence. Herein, NLuc, CBRLuc and FLuc were well expressed in varied food-borne bacteria. Results showed that the signal intensity of E. coli-NLuc was about 41 times higher than E. coli-CBRLuc, L. plantarum-NLuc was nearly 227 times that of L. plantarum-FLuc in vitro. Moreover, NLuc was applied to trace L. plantarum and E. coli in vivo through the whole body and separated digestive tract imaging, as well as the feces bacterium counting and probing. The persistence of bioluminescent strains was predominantly localized in colon and cecum of mice after oral administration. The NLuc system showed its incomparable superiority, especially in the application of intestinal imaging and the universality for food-borne bacteria. We demonstrated that the NLuc system was a brilliant alternative for specific application of food-borne bacteria in vivo, aiming to collect more accurate and real-time information of food-borne bacteria from the living body for further investigation of their damage mechanism and nutrition effect. Schematic illustration of the preparation of bioluminescent bacteria and the experimental design of tracing of the foodborne bacteria in vivo.![]()
Collapse
|
38
|
Tunç E. Biyolüminesans ışıma ve biyolüminesans görüntüleme tekniklerinin moleküler biyoloji araştırmaları bakımından önemi. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.535811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
39
|
Maier J, Elmenofi S, Taschauer A, Anton M, Sami H, Ogris M. Luminescent and fluorescent triple reporter plasmid constructs for Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch pathway. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226570. [PMID: 31860685 PMCID: PMC6924688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tracking the activity of signalling pathways is a fundamental method for basic science, as well as in cancer- and pharmaceutical research. The developmental pathways Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch are frequently deregulated in cancers and represent a valuable target for the discovery of novel anticancer compounds. Here we present reporter systems for tracking activity of these pathways by using specific promoter elements driving the expression of either sensitive luciferases or fluorescent proteins. A high level of sensitivity was obtained using the luciferase reporter genes for firefly (FLuc), secreted Gaussia (GLuc) and synthetic NanoLuc (NLuc). As fluorescent reporter proteins, mTurqouise2, tdTomato and iRFP720 were chosen. Specificity of pathway activity was validated by co-transfection with pathway activating genes, showing significant response to induction. In addition, multi-gene plasmids were cloned, allowing the detection of all three pathways by one vector. By using the multi-gene vector 3P-Luc (wnt-NLuc, hedgehog-FLuc, Notch-GLuc), we could unambiguously demonstrate the crosstalk between pathways, while excluding cross reactivity of luciferase substrates. First studies with synthetic compounds confirmed the applicability of the system for future drug screening approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Maier
- Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Salma Elmenofi
- Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Taschauer
- Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Anton
- Institutes of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Haider Sami
- Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail: (MO); (HS)
| | - Manfred Ogris
- Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail: (MO); (HS)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chompre G, Martinez-Orengo N, Cruz M, Porter JT, Noel RJ. TGFβRI antagonist inhibits HIV-1 Nef-induced CC chemokine family ligand 2 (CCL2) in the brain and prevents spatial learning impairment. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:262. [PMID: 31829243 PMCID: PMC6905066 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1664-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) progression is related to continued inflammation despite undetectable viral loads and may be caused by early viral proteins expressed by latently infected cells. Astrocytes represent an HIV reservoir in the brain where the early viral neurotoxin negative factor (Nef) is produced. We previously demonstrated that astrocytic expression of Nef in the hippocampus of rats causes inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and memory impairment. Since these processes are affected by TGFβ signaling pathways, and TGFβ-1 is found at higher levels in the central nervous system of HIV-1+ individuals and is released by astrocytes, we hypothesized a role for TGFβ-1 in our model of Nef neurotoxicity. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we compared cytokine gene expression by cultured astrocytes expressing Nef or green fluorescent protein. To determine the role of Nef and a TGFβRI inhibitor on memory and learning, we infused astrocytes expressing Nef into the hippocampus of rats and then treated them daily with an oral dose of SD208 (10 mg/kg) or placebo for 7 days. During this time, locomotor activity was recorded in an open field and spatial learning tested in the novel location recognition paradigm. Postmortem tissue analyses of inflammatory and signaling molecules were conducted using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. RESULTS TGFβ-1 was induced in cultures expressing Nef at 24 h followed by CCL2 induction which was prevented by blocking TGFβRI with SD208 (competitive inhibitor). Interestingly, Nef seems to change the TGFβRI localization as suggested by the distribution of the immunoreactivity. Nef caused a deficit in spatial learning that was recovered upon co-administration of SD208. Brain tissue from Nef-treated rats given SD208 showed reduced CCL2, phospho-SMAD2, cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163), and GFAP immunoreactivity compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with our previous findings, rats treated with Nef showed deficits in spatial learning and memory in the novel location recognition task. In contrast, rats treated with Nef + SD208 showed better spatial learning suggesting that Nef disrupts memory formation in a TGFβ-1-dependent manner. The TGFβRI inhibitor further reduced the induction of inflammation by Nef which was concomitant with decreased TGFβ signaling. Our findings suggest that TGFβ-1 signaling is an intriguing target to reduce neuroHIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gladys Chompre
- Biology Department, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Neysha Martinez-Orengo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Medical School, Ponce Research Institute, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR, 00731, USA
| | - Myrella Cruz
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Medical School, Ponce Research Institute, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR, 00731, USA
| | - James T Porter
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Medical School, Ponce Research Institute, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR, 00731, USA
| | - Richard J Noel
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Medical School, Ponce Research Institute, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR, 00731, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ventura JD, Beloor J, Allen E, Zhang T, Haugh KA, Uchil PD, Ochsenbauer C, Kieffer C, Kumar P, Hope TJ, Mothes W. Longitudinal bioluminescent imaging of HIV-1 infection during antiretroviral therapy and treatment interruption in humanized mice. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008161. [PMID: 31805155 PMCID: PMC6917343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive bioluminescent imaging (NIBLI) of HIV-1 infection dynamics allows for real-time monitoring of viral spread and the localization of infected cell populations in living animals. In this report, we describe full-length replication-competent GFP and Nanoluciferase (Nluc) expressing HIV-1 reporter viruses from two clinical transmitted / founder (T/F) strains: TRJO.c and Q23.BG505. By infecting humanized mice with these HIV-1 T/F reporter viruses, we were able to directly monitor longitudinal viral spread at whole-animal resolution via NIBLI at a sensitivity of as few as 30-50 infected cells. Bioluminescent signal strongly correlated with HIV-1 infection and responded proportionally to virus suppression in vivo in animals treated daily with a combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimen. Longitudinal NIBLI following cART withdrawal visualized tissue-sites that harbored virus during infection recrudescence. Notably, we observed rebounding infection in the same lymphoid tissues where infection was first observed prior to ART treatment. Our work demonstrates the utility of our system for studying in vivo viral infection dynamics and identifying infected tissue regions for subsequent analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John D. Ventura
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Jagadish Beloor
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Edward Allen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Tongyu Zhang
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Kelsey A. Haugh
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Pradeep D. Uchil
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Christina Ochsenbauer
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Collin Kieffer
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Priti Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Thomas J. Hope
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Walther Mothes
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Huang Y, Beringhs AO, Chen Q, Song D, Chen W, Lu X, Fan TH, Nieh MP, Lei Y. Genetically Engineered Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles with Expressed Nanoluciferase Reporter for in Vivo Bioluminescence Kinetic Modeling through Noninvasive Imaging. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:5608-5615. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yikun Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - André O’Reilly Beringhs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Donghui Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Xiuling Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Tai-Hsi Fan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Mu-Ping Nieh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Stowe CL, Burley TA, Allan H, Vinci M, Kramer-Marek G, Ciobota DM, Parkinson GN, Southworth TL, Agliardi G, Hotblack A, Lythgoe MF, Branchini BR, Kalber TL, Anderson JC, Pule MA. Near-infrared dual bioluminescence imaging in mouse models of cancer using infraluciferin. eLife 2019; 8:e45801. [PMID: 31610848 PMCID: PMC6828332 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is ubiquitous in scientific research for the sensitive tracking of biological processes in small animal models. However, due to the attenuation of visible light by tissue, and the limited set of near-infrared bioluminescent enzymes, BLI is largely restricted to monitoring single processes in vivo. Here we show, that by combining stabilised colour mutants of firefly luciferase (FLuc) with the luciferin (LH2) analogue infraluciferin (iLH2), near-infrared dual BLI can be achieved in vivo. The X-ray crystal structure of FLuc with a high-energy intermediate analogue, 5'-O-[N-(dehydroinfraluciferyl)sulfamoyl] adenosine (iDLSA) provides insight into the FLuc-iLH2 reaction leading to near-infrared light emission. The spectral characterisation and unmixing validation studies reported here established that iLH2 is superior to LH2 for the spectral unmixing of bioluminescent signals in vivo; which led to this novel near-infrared dual BLI system being applied to monitor both tumour burden and CAR T cell therapy within a systemically induced mouse tumour model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Stowe
- Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Helen Allan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Maria Vinci
- The Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Giulia Agliardi
- Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Mark F Lythgoe
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Tammy L Kalber
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical ImagingUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - James C Anderson
- Department of ChemistryUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Martin A Pule
- Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Choi SG, Olivet J, Cassonnet P, Vidalain PO, Luck K, Lambourne L, Spirohn K, Lemmens I, Dos Santos M, Demeret C, Jones L, Rangarajan S, Bian W, Coutant EP, Janin YL, van der Werf S, Trepte P, Wanker EE, De Las Rivas J, Tavernier J, Twizere JC, Hao T, Hill DE, Vidal M, Calderwood MA, Jacob Y. Maximizing binary interactome mapping with a minimal number of assays. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3907. [PMID: 31467278 PMCID: PMC6715725 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Complementary assays are required to comprehensively map complex biological entities such as genomes, proteomes and interactome networks. However, how various assays can be optimally combined to approach completeness while maintaining high precision often remains unclear. Here, we propose a framework for binary protein-protein interaction (PPI) mapping based on optimally combining assays and/or assay versions to maximize detection of true positive interactions, while avoiding detection of random protein pairs. We have engineered a novel NanoLuc two-hybrid (N2H) system that integrates 12 different versions, differing by protein expression systems and tagging configurations. The resulting union of N2H versions recovers as many PPIs as 10 distinct assays combined. Thus, to further improve PPI mapping, developing alternative versions of existing assays might be as productive as designing completely new assays. Our findings should be applicable to systematic mapping of other biological landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soon Gang Choi
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Julien Olivet
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Laboratory of Viral Interactomes, Unit of Molecular Biology of Diseases, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génomique Appliquée (GIGA Institute), University of Liège, 7 Place du 20 Août, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Patricia Cassonnet
- Département de Virologie, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN (GMVR), Institut Pasteur, UMR3569, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Olivier Vidalain
- Équipe Chimie, Biologie, Modélisation et Immunologie pour la Thérapie (CBMIT), Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologiques (LCBPT), Centre Interdisciplinaire Chimie Biologie-Paris (CICB-Paris), UMR8601, CNRS, Université Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Katja Luck
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Luke Lambourne
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kerstin Spirohn
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Irma Lemmens
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), 3 Albert Baertsoenkaai, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cytokine Receptor Laboratory (CRL), Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 3 Albert Baertsoenkaai, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mélanie Dos Santos
- Département de Virologie, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN (GMVR), Institut Pasteur, UMR3569, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Demeret
- Département de Virologie, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN (GMVR), Institut Pasteur, UMR3569, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Louis Jones
- Centre de Bioinformatique, Biostatistique et Biologie Intégrative (C3BI), Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Sudharshan Rangarajan
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Wenting Bian
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Eloi P Coutant
- Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Unité de Chimie et Biocatalyse, Institut Pasteur, UMR3523, CNRS, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Yves L Janin
- Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Unité de Chimie et Biocatalyse, Institut Pasteur, UMR3523, CNRS, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie van der Werf
- Département de Virologie, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN (GMVR), Institut Pasteur, UMR3569, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Philipp Trepte
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 10 Robert-Rössle-Str., 13125, Berlin, Germany.,Brain Development and Disease, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), 3 Dr. Bohr-Gasse, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erich E Wanker
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 10 Robert-Rössle-Str., 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Javier De Las Rivas
- Cancer Research Center (CiC-IBMCC, CSIC/USAL), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Salamanca (USAL), Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jan Tavernier
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), 3 Albert Baertsoenkaai, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cytokine Receptor Laboratory (CRL), Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 3 Albert Baertsoenkaai, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jean-Claude Twizere
- Laboratory of Viral Interactomes, Unit of Molecular Biology of Diseases, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génomique Appliquée (GIGA Institute), University of Liège, 7 Place du 20 Août, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Tong Hao
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David E Hill
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Marc Vidal
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Michael A Calderwood
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School (HMS), 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Yves Jacob
- Center for Cancer Systems Biology (CCSB), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Département de Virologie, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus à ARN (GMVR), Institut Pasteur, UMR3569, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Cashikar AG, Hanson PI. A cell-based assay for CD63-containing extracellular vesicles. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220007. [PMID: 31339911 PMCID: PMC6655660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are thought to be important in cell-cell communication and have elicited extraordinary interest as potential biomarkers of disease. However, quantitative methods to enable elucidation of mechanisms underlying release are few. Here, we describe a cell-based assay for monitoring EV release using the EV-enriched tetraspanin CD63 fused to the small, ATP-independent reporter enzyme, Nanoluciferase. Release of CD63-containing EVs from stably expressing cell lines was monitored by comparing luciferase activity in culture media to that remaining in cells. HEK293, U2OS, U87 and SKMel28 cells released 0.3%-0.6% of total cellular CD63 in the form of EVs over 5 hrs, varying by cell line. To identify cellular machinery important for secretion of CD63-containing EVs, we performed a screen of biologically active chemicals in HEK293 cells. While a majority of compounds did not significantly affect EV release, treating cells with the plecomacrolides bafilomycin or concanamycin, known to inhibit the V-ATPase, dramatically increased EV release. Interestingly, alkalization of the endosomal lumen using weak bases had no effect, suggesting a pH-independent enhancement of EV release by V-ATPase inhibitors. The ability to quantify EVs in small samples will enable future detailed studies of release kinetics as well as further chemical and genetic screening to define pathways involved in EV secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil G. Cashikar
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Phyllis I. Hanson
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Red-shifted bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer: Improved tools and materials for analytical in vivo approaches. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
47
|
In Vivo Live Imaging of Oncolytic Mammalian Orthoreovirus Expressing NanoLuc Luciferase in Tumor Xenograft Mice. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00401-19. [PMID: 31068423 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00401-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild-type mammalian reoviruses (MRVs) have been evaluated as oncolytic agents against various cancers; however, genetic modification methods for improving MRV agents have not been exploited fully. In the present study, using MRV strain T1L, we generated a reporter MRV that expresses a NanoLuc luciferase (NLuc) gene and used it for noninvasive imaging of MRV infection in tumor xenograft mice. NLuc and a P2A self-cleaving peptide gene cassette were placed upstream of the L1 gene open reading frame to enable bicistronic expression of NLuc and the L1 gene product. BALB/c nude mice intranasally infected with MRV expressing NLuc (rsT1L-NLuc) displayed bioluminescent signals in the chest area at 4 days postinfection (dpi), which is consistent with natural MRV infection in the lung. Furthermore, to monitor tumor-selective infection by MRV, nude mice bearing human cancer xenografts were infected intravenously with rsT1L-NLuc. Bioluminescent signals were detected in tumors as early as 3 dpi and persisted for 2 months. The results demonstrate the utility of an autonomous replicating reporter MRV for noninvasive live imaging of replicating oncolytic MRV agents.IMPORTANCE Engineering of recombinant MRV for improved oncolytic activity has not yet been achieved due to difficulty in generating autonomous replicating MRV harboring transgenes. Here, we constructed a reporter MRV that can be used to monitor cancer-selective infection by oncolytic MRV in a mouse model. Among the numerous oncolytic viruses, MRV has an advantage in that the wild-type virus shows marked oncolytic activity in patients without any notable adverse effects. The reporter MRV developed herein will open avenues to the development of recombinant MRV vectors armed with anticancer transgenes.
Collapse
|
48
|
A Novel Fluorescent and Bioluminescent Bireporter Influenza A Virus To Evaluate Viral Infections. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00032-19. [PMID: 30867298 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00032-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying influenza A virus (IAV) requires the use of secondary approaches to detect the presence of virus in infected cells. To overcome this problem, we and others have generated recombinant IAV expressing fluorescent or luciferase reporter genes. These foreign reporter genes can be used as valid surrogates to track the presence of virus. However, the limited capacity for incorporating foreign sequences in the viral genome forced researchers to select a fluorescent or a luciferase reporter gene, depending on the type of study. To circumvent this limitation, we engineered a novel recombinant replication-competent bireporter IAV (BIRFLU) expressing both fluorescent and luciferase reporter genes. In cultured cells, BIRFLU displayed growth kinetics comparable to those of wild-type (WT) virus and was used to screen neutralizing antibodies or compounds with antiviral activity. The expression of two reporter genes allows monitoring of viral inhibition by fluorescence or bioluminescence, overcoming the limitations associated with the use of one reporter gene as a readout. In vivo, BIRFLU effectively infected mice, and both reporter genes were detected using in vivo imaging systems (IVIS). The ability to generate recombinant IAV harboring multiple foreign genes opens unique possibilities for studying virus-host interactions and for using IAV in high-throughput screenings (HTS) to identify novel antivirals that can be incorporated into the therapeutic armamentarium to control IAV infections. Moreover, the ability to genetically manipulate the viral genome to express two foreign genes offers the possibility of developing novel influenza vaccines and the feasibility for using recombinant IAV as vaccine vectors to treat other pathogen infections.IMPORTANCE Influenza A virus (IAV) causes a human respiratory disease that is associated with significant health and economic consequences. In recent years, the use of replication-competent IAV expressing an easily traceable fluorescent or luciferase reporter protein has significantly contributed to progress in influenza research. However, researchers have been forced to select a fluorescent or a luciferase reporter gene due to the restricted capacity of the influenza viral genome for including foreign sequences. To overcome this limitation, we generated, for the first time, a recombinant replication-competent bireporter IAV (BIRFLU) that stably expresses two reporter genes (one fluorescent and one luciferase) to track IAV infections in vitro and in vivo The combination of cutting-edge techniques from molecular biology, animal research, and imaging technologies brings researchers the unique opportunity to use this new generation of reporter-expressing IAV to study viral infection dynamics in both cultured cells and animal models of viral infection.
Collapse
|
49
|
Kim CK, Cho KF, Kim MW, Ting AY. Luciferase-LOV BRET enables versatile and specific transcriptional readout of cellular protein-protein interactions. eLife 2019; 8:43826. [PMID: 30942168 PMCID: PMC6447360 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Technologies that convert transient protein-protein interactions (PPIs) into stable expression of a reporter gene are useful for genetic selections, high-throughput screening, and multiplexing with omics technologies. We previously reported SPARK (Kim et al., 2017), a transcription factor that is activated by the coincidence of blue light and a PPI. Here, we report an improved, second-generation SPARK2 that incorporates a luciferase moiety to control the light-sensitive LOV domain. SPARK2 can be temporally gated by either external light or addition of a small-molecule luciferin, which causes luciferase to open LOV via proximity-dependent BRET. Furthermore, the nested 'AND' gate design of SPARK2-in which both protease recruitment to the membrane-anchored transcription factor and LOV domain opening are regulated by the PPI of interest-yields a lower-background system and improved PPI specificity. We apply SPARK2 to high-throughput screening for GPCR agonists and for the detection of trans-cellular contacts, all with versatile transcriptional readout.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina K Kim
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Kelvin F Cho
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Min Woo Kim
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Alice Y Ting
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, United States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Dale NC, Johnstone EKM, White CW, Pfleger KDG. NanoBRET: The Bright Future of Proximity-Based Assays. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:56. [PMID: 30972335 PMCID: PMC6443706 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) is a biophysical technique used to monitor proximity within live cells. BRET exploits the naturally occurring phenomenon of dipole-dipole energy transfer from a donor enzyme (luciferase) to an acceptor fluorophore following enzyme-mediated oxidation of a substrate. This results in production of a quantifiable signal that denotes proximity between proteins and/or molecules tagged with complementary luciferase and fluorophore partners. BRET assays have been used to observe an array of biological functions including ligand binding, intracellular signaling, receptor-receptor proximity, and receptor trafficking, however, BRET assays can theoretically be used to monitor the proximity of any protein or molecule for which appropriate fusion constructs and/or fluorophore conjugates can be produced. Over the years, new luciferases and approaches have been developed that have increased the potential applications for BRET assays. In particular, the development of the small, bright and stable Nanoluciferase (NanoLuc; Nluc) and its use in NanoBRET has vastly broadened the potential applications of BRET assays. These advances have exciting potential to produce new experimental methods to monitor protein-protein interactions (PPIs), protein-ligand interactions, and/or molecular proximity. In addition to NanoBRET, Nluc has also been exploited to produce NanoBiT technology, which further broadens the scope of BRET to monitor biological function when NanoBiT is combined with an acceptor. BRET has proved to be a powerful tool for monitoring proximity and interaction, and these recent advances further strengthen its utility for a range of applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha C Dale
- Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics TechnologiesAustralia
| | - Elizabeth K M Johnstone
- Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics TechnologiesAustralia
| | - Carl W White
- Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics TechnologiesAustralia
| | - Kevin D G Pfleger
- Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics TechnologiesAustralia.,Dimerix Limited, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|