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Park J, Yamashita E, Yu J, Lee SJ, Hyun S. De Novo Designed Cell-Penetrating Peptide Self-Assembly Featuring Distinctive Tertiary Structure. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:32991-32999. [PMID: 39100342 PMCID: PMC11292830 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c04004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Recent attention has focused on the de novo design of proteins, paralleling advancements in biopharmaceuticals. Achieving protein designs with both structure and function poses a significant challenge, particularly considering the importance of quaternary structures, such as oligomers, in protein function. The cell penetration properties of peptides are of particular interest as they involve the penetration of large molecules into cells. We previously suggested a link between the oligomerization propensity of amphipathic peptides and their cell penetration abilities, yet concrete evidence at cellular-relevant concentrations was lacking due to oligomers' instability. In this study, we sought to characterize oligomerization states using various techniques, including X-ray crystallography, acceptor photobleaching Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), native mass spectrometry (MS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while exploring the function related to oligomer status. X-ray crystallography revealed the atomic structures of oligomers formed by LK-3, a bis-disulfide bridged dimer with amino acid sequence LKKLCLKLKKLCKLAG, and its derivatives, highlighting the formation of hexamers, specifically the trimer of dimers, which exhibited a stable hydrophobic core. FRET experiments showed that LK-3 oligomer formation was associated with cell penetration. Native MS confirmed higher-order oligomers of LK-3, while an intriguing finding was the enhanced cell-penetrating capability of a 1:1 mixture of l/d-peptide dimers compared to pure enantiomers. DSC analysis supported the notion that this enantiomeric mixture promotes the formation of functional oligomers, crucial for cell penetration. In conclusion, our study provides direct evidence that amphipathic peptide LK-3 forms oligomers at low nanomolar concentrations, underscoring their significance in cell penetration behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehui Park
- College
of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Korea
| | - Eiki Yamashita
- Institute
for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada-koa, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Jaehoon Yu
- Department
of Chemistry & Education, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- CAMP
Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Soo Jae Lee
- College
of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Korea
| | - Soonsil Hyun
- College
of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Korea
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2
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Gekle M, Eckenstaler R, Braun H, Olgac A, Robaa D, Mildenberger S, Dubourg V, Schreier B, Sippl W, Benndorf R. Direct GPCR-EGFR interaction enables synergistic membrane-to-nucleus information transfer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:272. [PMID: 38900158 PMCID: PMC11335197 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
We addressed the heteromerization of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) on the basis of angiotensin-II-receptor-subtype-1(AT1R)-EGFR interaction as proof-of-concept and show its functional relevance during synergistic nuclear information transfer, beyond ligand-dependent EGFR transactivation. Following in silico modelling, we generated EGFR-interaction deficient AT1R-mutants and compared them to AT1R-wildtype. Receptor interaction was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP), Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Changes in cell morphology, ERK1/2-phosphorylation (ppERK1/2), serum response factor (SRF)-activation and cFOS protein expression were determined by digital high content microscopy at the single cell level. FRET, FLIM and CoIP confirmed the physical interaction of AT1R-wildtype with EGFR that was strongly reduced for the AT1R-mutants. Responsiveness of cells transfected with AT1R-WT or -mutants to angiotensin II or EGF was similar regarding changes in cell circularity, ppERK1/2 (direct and by ligand-dependent EGFR-transactivation), cFOS-expression and SRF-activity. By contrast, the EGFR-AT1R-synergism regarding these parameters was completely absent for in the interaction-deficient AT1R mutants. The results show that AT1R-EGFR heteromerisation enables AT1R-EGFR-synergism on downstream gene expression regulation, modulating the intensity and the temporal pattern of nuclear AT1R/EGFR-information transfer. Furthermore, remote EGFR transactivation, via ligand release or cytosolic tyrosine kinases, is not sufficient for the complete synergistic control of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Robert Eckenstaler
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Heike Braun
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Abdurrahman Olgac
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medical Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Dina Robaa
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medical Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Medical Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Ralf Benndorf
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany
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3
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Aeindartehran L, Sadri Z, Rahimi F, Alinejad T. Fluorescence in depth: integration of spectroscopy and imaging with Raman, IR, and CD for advanced research. Methods Appl Fluoresc 2024; 12:032002. [PMID: 38697201 DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/ad46e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescence spectroscopy serves as a vital technique for studying the interaction between light and fluorescent molecules. It encompasses a range of methods, each presenting unique advantages and applications. This technique finds utility in various chemical studies. This review discusses Fluorescence spectroscopy, its branches such as Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy (TRFS) and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), and their integration with other spectroscopic methods, including Raman, Infrared (IR), and Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopies. By delving into these methods, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities and significance of fluorescence spectroscopy in scientific research, highlighting its diverse applications and the enhanced understanding it brings when combined with other spectroscopic methods. This review looks at each technique's unique features and applications. It discusses the prospects of their combined use in advancing scientific understanding and applications across various domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Aeindartehran
- Department of Chemistry, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275, United States of America
| | - Zahra Sadri
- Department of Biological Science, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75205, United States of America
| | - Fateme Rahimi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Babol, Iran
| | - Tahereh Alinejad
- The Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou 325015, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Cell Growth Factor, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, People's Republic of China
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4
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Royer CA, Tyers M, Tollis S. Absolute quantification of protein number and dynamics in single cells. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 82:102673. [PMID: 37595512 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative characterization of protein abundance and interactions in live cells is necessary to understand and predict cellular behavior. The accurate determination of copy number for individual proteins and heterologous complexes in individual cells is critical because small changes in protein dosage, often less than two-fold, can have strong phenotypic consequences. Here, we review the merits and pitfalls of different quantitative fluorescence imaging methods for single-cell determination of protein abundance, localization, interactions, and dynamics. In particular, we discuss how scanning number and brightness (sN&B) and its variation, Raster scanning image correlation spectroscopy (RICS), exploit stochastic noise in small measurement volumes to quantify protein abundance, stoichiometry, and dynamics with high accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Royer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY 12180, USA.
| | - Mike Tyers
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sylvain Tollis
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70210 Finland
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5
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Strachotová D, Holoubek A, Wolfová K, Brodská B, Heřman P. Cytoplasmic localization of Mdm2 in cells expressing mutated NPM is mediated by p53. FEBS J 2023; 290:4281-4299. [PMID: 37119456 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16810] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Specific C-terminal nucleophosmin (NPM) mutations are related to the acute myeloid leukaemia and cause mistargeting of mutated NPM (NPMmut) to the cytoplasm. Consequently, multiple NPM-interacting partners, e.g., the tumour suppressor p53, become also mislocalized. We found that ubiquitin ligase Mdm2 mislocalizes to the cytoplasm in the presence of NPMmut as well. Since p53 interacts with Mdm2, we searched for the NPMmut-p53-Mdm2 complex and interactions of its constituents in live cells and cell lysates using fluorescently tagged proteins, fluorescence lifetime imaging and immunoprecipitation. We proved existence of the ternary complex, which likely adopts a chain-like configuration. Interaction between Mdm2 and NPMmut was not detected, even under conditions of upregulated Mdm2 and p53 induced by Actinomycin D. We assume that p53 serves in the complex as a bridging link between Mdm2 and NPMmut. This conclusion was supported by disruption of the Mdm2-p53 interaction by Nutlin-3A, which resulted in relocalization of Mdm2 to the nucleus, while both NPMmut and p53 remained in the cytoplasm. Importantly, silencing of p53 also prevented mislocalization of Mdm2 in the presence of NPMmut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dita Strachotová
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Institute of Physics, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Holoubek
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Wolfová
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Brodská
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Heřman
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Institute of Physics, Charles University, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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6
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Ahmad M, Movileanu L. Multiplexed imaging for probing RAS-RAF interactions in living cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2023; 1865:184173. [PMID: 37211322 PMCID: PMC10330472 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2023.184173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
GTP-bound RAS interacts with its protein effectors in response to extracellular stimuli, leading to chemical inputs for downstream pathways. Significant progress has been made in measuring these reversible protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in various cell-free environments. Yet, acquiring high sensitivity in heterogeneous solutions remains challenging. Here, using an intermolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensing approach, we develop a method to visualize and localize HRAS-CRAF interactions in living cells. We demonstrate that the EGFR activation and the HRAS-CRAF complex formation can be concurrently probed in a single cell. This biosensing strategy discriminates EGF-stimulated HRAS-CRAF interactions at the cell and organelle membranes. In addition, we provide quantitative FRET measurements for assessing these transient PPIs in a cell-free environment. Finally, we prove the utility of this approach by showing that an EGFR-binding compound is a potent inhibitor of HRAS-CRAF interactions. The outcomes of this work form a fundamental basis for further explorations of the spatiotemporal dynamics of various signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmad
- Department of Physics, Syracuse University, 201 Physics Building, Syracuse, New York 13244-1130, USA
| | - Liviu Movileanu
- Department of Physics, Syracuse University, 201 Physics Building, Syracuse, New York 13244-1130, USA; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, 329 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; The BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
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7
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Yang C, Xu H, Yang D, Xie Y, Xiong M, Fan Y, Liu X, Zhang Y, Xiao Y, Chen Y, Zhou Y, Song L, Wang C, Peng A, Petersen RB, Chen H, Huang K, Zheng L. A renal YY1-KIM1-DR5 axis regulates the progression of acute kidney injury. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4261. [PMID: 37460623 PMCID: PMC10352345 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40036-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) exhibits high morbidity and mortality. Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM1) is dramatically upregulated in renal tubules upon injury, and acts as a biomarker for various renal diseases. However, the exact role and underlying mechanism of KIM1 in the progression of AKI remain elusive. Herein, we report that renal tubular specific knockout of Kim1 attenuates cisplatin- or ischemia/reperfusion-induced AKI in male mice. Mechanistically, transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1), which is downregulated upon AKI, binds to the promoter of KIM1 and represses its expression. Injury-induced KIM1 binds to the ECD domain of death receptor 5 (DR5), which activates DR5 and the following caspase cascade by promoting its multimerization, thus induces renal cell apoptosis and exacerbates AKI. Blocking the KIM1-DR5 interaction with rationally designed peptides exhibit reno-protective effects against AKI. Here, we reveal a YY1-KIM1-DR5 axis in the progression of AKI, which warrants future exploration as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Huidie Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dong Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yunhao Xie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Mingrui Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - XiKai Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yushuo Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yihao Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Liangliang Song
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Anlin Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Hospital of Wuhan, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Robert B Petersen
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Kun Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Tongji-RongCheng Biomedical Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Ling Zheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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8
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Wen Q, Malik N, Addadi Y, Weißenfels M, Singh V, Shimon LJW, Lahav M, van der Boom ME. Energy Transport in Dichroic Metallo-organic Crystals: Selective Inclusion of Spatially Resolved Arrays of Donor and Acceptor Dyes in Different Nanochannels. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202214041. [PMID: 36385565 PMCID: PMC10107947 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the precise positioning and alignment of arrays of two different guest molecules in a crystalline host matrix has been engineered and resulted in new optically active materials. Sub-nm differences in the diameters of two types of 1D channels are sufficient for size-selective inclusion of dyes. Energy transport occurs between the arrays of different dyes that are included in parallel-positioned nanochannels by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The color of individual micro-sized crystals are dependent on their relative position under polarized light. This angular-dependent behavior is a result of the geometrically constrained orientation of the dyes by the crystallographic packing of the host matrix and is concentration dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wen
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Naveen Malik
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Yoseph Addadi
- Department of Life Science Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Maren Weißenfels
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Vivek Singh
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Linda J W Shimon
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Michal Lahav
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Milko E van der Boom
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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9
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Abstract
This unit describes the basic principles of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Beginning with a brief summary of the history of FRET applications, the theory of FRET is introduced in detail using figures to explain all the important parameters of the FRET process. After listing various approaches for measuring FRET efficiency, several pieces of advice are given on choosing the appropriate instrumentation. The unit concludes with a discussion of the limitations of FRET measurements followed by a few examples of the latest FRET applications, including new developments such as spectral flow cytometric FRET, single-molecule FRET, and combinations of FRET with super-resolution or lifetime imaging microscopy and with molecular dynamics simulations. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Szabó
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELKH-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - János Szöllősi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELKH-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Peter Nagy
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELKH-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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10
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Hauke M, Eckenstaler R, Ripperger A, Ender A, Braun H, Benndorf RA. Active RhoA Exerts an Inhibitory Effect on the Homeostasis and Angiogenic Capacity of Human Endothelial Cells. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e025119. [PMID: 35699166 PMCID: PMC9238636 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.025119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The small GTPase RhoA (Ras homolog gene family, member A) regulates a variety of cellular processes, including cell motility, proliferation, survival, and permeability. In addition, there are reports indicating that RhoA‐ROCK (rho associated coiled‐coil containing protein kinase) activation is essential for VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)‐mediated angiogenesis, whereas other work suggests VEGF‐antagonistic effects of the RhoA‐ROCK axis. Methods and Results To elucidate this issue, we examined human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human coronary artery endothelial cells after stable overexpression (lentiviral transduction) of constitutively active (G14V/Q63L), dominant‐negative (T19N), or wild‐type RhoA using a series of in vitro angiogenesis assays (proliferation, migration, tube formation, angiogenic sprouting, endothelial cell viability) and a human umbilical vein endothelial cells xenograft assay in immune‐incompetent NOD scid gamma mice in vivo. Here, we report that expression of active and wild‐type RhoA but not dominant‐negative RhoA significantly inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and angiogenic sprouting in vitro. Moreover, active RhoA increased endothelial cell death in vitro and decreased human umbilical vein endothelial cell‐related angiogenesis in vivo. Inhibition of RhoA by C3 transferase antagonized the inhibitory effects of RhoA and strongly enhanced VEGF‐induced angiogenic sprouting in control‐treated cells. In contrast, inhibition of RhoA effectors ROCK1/2 and LIMK1/2 (LIM domain kinase 1/2) did not significantly affect RhoA‐related effects, but increased angiogenic sprouting and migration of control‐treated cells. In agreement with these data, VEGF did not activate RhoA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells as measured by a Förster resonance energy transfer–based biosensor. Furthermore, global transcriptome and subsequent bioinformatic gene ontology enrichment analyses revealed that constitutively active RhoA induced a differentially expressed gene pattern that was enriched for gene ontology biological process terms associated with mitotic nuclear division, cell proliferation, cell motility, and cell adhesion, which included a significant decrease in VEGFR‐2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) and NOS3 (nitric oxide synthase 3) expression. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that increased RhoA activity has the potential to trigger endothelial dysfunction and antiangiogenic effects independently of its well‐characterized downstream effectors ROCK and LIMK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hauke
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and PharmacotherapyInstitute of PharmacyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Robert Eckenstaler
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and PharmacotherapyInstitute of PharmacyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Anne Ripperger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and PharmacotherapyInstitute of PharmacyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Anna Ender
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and PharmacotherapyInstitute of PharmacyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Heike Braun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and PharmacotherapyInstitute of PharmacyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Ralf A. Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and PharmacotherapyInstitute of PharmacyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
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11
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Eckenstaler R, Ripperger A, Hauke M, Braun H, Ergün S, Schwedhelm E, Benndorf RA. Thromboxane A 2 receptor activation via G α13-RhoA/C-ROCK-LIMK2-dependent signal transduction inhibits angiogenic sprouting of human endothelial cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 201:115069. [PMID: 35525325 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We could previously show that thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) activation inhibits the angiogenic capacity of human endothelial cells, but the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate TP signal transduction pathways relevant to angiogenic sprouting of human endothelial cells. To clarify this matter, we used RNAi-mediated gene silencing as well as pharmacological inhibition of potential TP downstream targets in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and VEGF-induced angiogenic sprouting of HUVEC spheroids in vitro as a functional read-out. In this experimental set-up, the TP agonist U-46619 completely blocked VEGF-induced angiogenic sprouting of HUVEC spheroids. Moreover, in live-cell analyses TP activation induced endothelial cell contraction, sprout retraction as well as endothelial cell tension and focal adhesion dysregulation of HUVEC. These effects were reversed by pharmacological TP inhibition or TP knockdown. Moreover, we identified a TP-Gα13-RhoA/C-ROCK-LIMK2-dependent signal transduction pathway to be relevant for U-46619-induced inhibition of VEGF-mediated HUVEC sprouting. In line with these results, U-46619-mediated TP activation potently induced RhoA and RhoC activity in live HUVEC as measured by FRET biosensors. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition of ROCK and LIMK2 also normalized U-46619-induced endothelial cell tension and focal adhesion dysregulation of HUVEC. In summary, our work reveals mechanisms by which the TP may disturb angiogenic endothelial function in disease states associated with sustained endothelial TP activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Eckenstaler
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Ripperger
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Hauke
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Heike Braun
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Edzard Schwedhelm
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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