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Jones EM, Marken JP, Silver PA. Synthetic microbiology in sustainability applications. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:345-359. [PMID: 38253793 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-01007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Microorganisms are a promising means to address many societal sustainability challenges owing to their ability to thrive in diverse environments and interface with the microscale chemical world via diverse metabolic capacities. Synthetic biology can engineer microorganisms by rewiring their regulatory networks or introducing new functionalities, enhancing their utility for target applications. In this Review, we provide a broad, high-level overview of various research efforts addressing sustainability challenges through synthetic biology, emphasizing foundational microbiological research questions that can accelerate the development of these efforts. We introduce an organizational framework that categorizes these efforts along three domains - factory, farm and field - that are defined by the extent to which the engineered microorganisms interface with the natural external environment. Different application areas within the same domain share many fundamental challenges, highlighting productive opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations between researchers working in historically disparate fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan M Jones
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John P Marken
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Resnick Sustainability Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Pamela A Silver
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Chai F, Fujii H, Le GNT, Lin C, Ota K, Lin KM, Pham LMT, Zou P, Drobizhev M, Nasu Y, Terai T, Bito H, Campbell RE. Development of an miRFP680-Based Fluorescent Calcium Ion Biosensor Using End-Optimized Transposons. ACS Sens 2024. [PMID: 38822813 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The development of new or improved single fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors (SFPBs), particularly those with excitation and emission at near-infrared wavelengths, is important for the continued advancement of biological imaging applications. In an effort to accelerate the development of new SFPBs, we report modified transposons for the transposase-based creation of libraries of FPs randomly inserted into analyte binding domains, or vice versa. These modified transposons feature ends that are optimized to minimize the length of the linkers that connect the FP to the analyte binding domain. We rationalized that shorter linkers between the domains should result in more effective allosteric coupling between the analyte binding-dependent conformational change in the binding domain and the fluorescence modulation of the chromophore of the FP domain. As a proof of concept, we employed end-modified Mu transposons for the discovery of SFPB prototypes based on the insertion of two circularly permuted red FPs (mApple and FusionRed) into binding proteins for l-lactate and spermidine. Using an analogous approach, we discovered calcium ion (Ca2+)-specific SFPBs by random insertion of calmodulin (CaM)-RS20 into miRFP680, a particularly bright near-infrared (NIR) FP based on a biliverdin (BV)-binding fluorescent protein. Starting from an miRFP680-based Ca2+ biosensor prototype, we performed extensive directed evolution, including under BV-deficient conditions, to create highly optimized biosensors designated the NIR-GECO3 series. We have extensively characterized the NIR-GECO3 series and explored their utility for biological Ca2+ imaging. The methods described in this work will serve to accelerate SFPB development and open avenues for further exploration and optimization of SFPBs across a spectrum of biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Chai
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hajime Fujii
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Giang N T Le
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Chang Lin
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Keisuke Ota
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Karl Matthew Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Lam M T Pham
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Peng Zou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Mikhail Drobizhev
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717, United States
| | - Yusuke Nasu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0075, Japan
| | - Takuya Terai
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Bito
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Robert E Campbell
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- CERVO Brain Research Center and Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Bioinformatics, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1 V 0A6, Canada
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3
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Kaczmarczyk A, van Vliet S, Jakob RP, Teixeira RD, Scheidat I, Reinders A, Klotz A, Maier T, Jenal U. A genetically encoded biosensor to monitor dynamic changes of c-di-GMP with high temporal resolution. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3920. [PMID: 38724508 PMCID: PMC11082216 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48295-0] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring changes of signaling molecules and metabolites with high temporal resolution is key to understanding dynamic biological systems. Here, we use directed evolution to develop a genetically encoded ratiometric biosensor for c-di-GMP, a ubiquitous bacterial second messenger regulating important biological processes like motility, surface attachment, virulence and persistence. The resulting biosensor, cdGreen2, faithfully tracks c-di-GMP in single cells and with high temporal resolution over extended imaging times, making it possible to resolve regulatory networks driving bimodal developmental programs in different bacterial model organisms. We further adopt cdGreen2 as a simple tool for in vitro studies, facilitating high-throughput screens for compounds interfering with c-di-GMP signaling and biofilm formation. The sensitivity and versatility of cdGreen2 could help reveal c-di-GMP dynamics in a broad range of microorganisms with high temporal resolution. Its design principles could also serve as a blueprint for the development of similar, orthogonal biosensors for other signaling molecules, metabolites and antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kaczmarczyk
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Simon van Vliet
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roman Peter Jakob
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Inga Scheidat
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Reinders
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Klotz
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Timm Maier
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Urs Jenal
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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4
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Kostyuk AI, Rapota DD, Morozova KI, Fedotova AA, Jappy D, Semyanov AV, Belousov VV, Brazhe NA, Bilan DS. Modern optical approaches in redox biology: Genetically encoded sensors and Raman spectroscopy. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 217:68-115. [PMID: 38508405 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The objective of the current review is to summarize the current state of optical methods in redox biology. It consists of two parts, the first is dedicated to genetically encoded fluorescent indicators and the second to Raman spectroscopy. In the first part, we provide a detailed classification of the currently available redox biosensors based on their target analytes. We thoroughly discuss the main architecture types of these proteins, the underlying engineering strategies for their development, the biochemical properties of existing tools and their advantages and disadvantages from a practical point of view. Particular attention is paid to fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy as a possible readout technique, since it is less prone to certain artifacts than traditional intensiometric measurements. In the second part, the characteristic Raman peaks of the most important redox intermediates are listed, and examples of how this knowledge can be implemented in biological studies are given. This part covers such fields as estimation of the redox states and concentrations of Fe-S clusters, cytochromes, other heme-containing proteins, oxidative derivatives of thiols, lipids, and nucleotides. Finally, we touch on the issue of multiparameter imaging, in which biosensors are combined with other visualization methods for simultaneous assessment of several cellular parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Kostyuk
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Diana D Rapota
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Kseniia I Morozova
- Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Anna A Fedotova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia; Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - David Jappy
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey V Semyanov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia; Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119435, Russia; College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, 314001, China
| | - Vsevolod V Belousov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia; Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 117997, Russia; Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, Skolkovo, Moscow, 143025, Russia
| | - Nadezda A Brazhe
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia; Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | - Dmitry S Bilan
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
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5
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Das D, Ainavarapu SRK. Protein engineering using circular permutation - structure, function, stability, and applications. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 38676939 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Protein engineering is important for creating novel variants from natural proteins, enabling a wide range of applications. Approaches such as rational design and directed evolution are routinely used to make new protein variants. Computational tools like de novo design can introduce new protein folds. Expanding the amino acid repertoire to include unnatural amino acids with non-canonical side chains in vitro by native chemical ligation and in vivo via codon expansion methods broadens sequence and structural possibilities. Circular permutation (CP) is an invaluable approach to redesigning a protein by rearranging the amino acid sequence, where the connectivity of the secondary structural elements is altered without changing the overall structure of the protein. Artificial CP proteins (CPs) are employed in various applications such as biocatalysis, sensing of small molecules by fluorescence, genome editing, ligand-binding protein switches, and optogenetic engineering. Many studies have shown that CP can lead to either reduced or enhanced stability or catalytic efficiency. The effects of CP on a protein's energy landscape cannot be predicted a priori. Thus, it is important to understand how CP can affect the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of a protein. In this review, we discuss the discovery and advancement of techniques to create protein CP, and existing reviews on CP. We delve into the plethora of biological applications for designed CP proteins. We subsequently discuss the experimental and computational reports on the effects of CP on the thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of proteins of various topologies. An understanding of the various aspects of CP will allow the reader to design robust CP proteins for their specific purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjana Das
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
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6
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Otanuly M, Kubitschke M, Masseck OA. A Bright Future? A Perspective on Class C GPCR Based Genetically Encoded Biosensors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:889-897. [PMID: 38380648 PMCID: PMC10921406 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00854] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the major challenges in molecular neuroscience today is to accurately monitor neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, peptides, and various other biomolecules in the brain with high temporal and spatial resolution. Only a comprehensive understanding of neuromodulator dynamics, their release probability, and spatial distribution will unravel their ultimate role in cognition and behavior. This Perspective offers an overview of potential design strategies for class C GPCR-based biosensors. It briefly highlights current applications of GPCR-based biosensors, with a primary focus on class C GPCRs and their unique structural characteristics compared with other GPCR subfamilies. The discussion offers insights into plausible future design approaches for biosensor development targeting members of this specific GPCR subfamily. It is important to note that, at this stage, we are contemplating possibilities rather than presenting a concrete guide, as the pipeline is still under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margulan Otanuly
- Synthetische Biologie, Universität Bremen, Bremen 28359, Germany
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7
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Kolesnik VV, Nurtdinov RF, Oloruntimehin ES, Karabelsky AV, Malogolovkin AS. Optimization strategies and advances in the research and development of AAV-based gene therapy to deliver large transgenes. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1607. [PMID: 38488469 PMCID: PMC10941601 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based therapies are recognized as one of the most potent next-generation treatments for inherited and genetic diseases. However, several biological and technological aspects of AAV vectors remain a critical issue for their widespread clinical application. Among them, the limited capacity of the AAV genome significantly hinders the development of AAV-based gene therapy. In this context, genetically modified transgenes compatible with AAV are opening up new opportunities for unlimited gene therapies for many genetic disorders. Recent advances in de novo protein design and remodelling are paving the way for new, more efficient and targeted gene therapeutics. Using computational and genetic tools, AAV expression cassette and transgenic DNA can be split, miniaturized, shuffled or created from scratch to mediate efficient gene transfer into targeted cells. In this review, we highlight recent advances in AAV-based gene therapy with a focus on its use in translational research. We summarize recent research and development in gene therapy, with an emphasis on large transgenes (>4.8 kb) and optimizing strategies applied by biomedical companies in the research pipeline. We critically discuss the prospects for AAV-based treatment and some emerging challenges. We anticipate that the continued development of novel computational tools will lead to rapid advances in basic gene therapy research and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria V. Kolesnik
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Ruslan F. Nurtdinov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Ezekiel Sola Oloruntimehin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
| | | | - Alexander S. Malogolovkin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
- Center for Translational MedicineSirius University of Science and TechnologySochiRussia
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8
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Davidsen K, Marvin JS, Aggarwal A, Brown TA, Sullivan LB. An engineered biosensor enables dynamic aspartate measurements in living cells. eLife 2024; 12:RP90024. [PMID: 38393319 PMCID: PMC10942590 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90024] [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: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Intracellular levels of the amino acid aspartate are responsive to changes in metabolism in mammalian cells and can correspondingly alter cell function, highlighting the need for robust tools to measure aspartate abundance. However, comprehensive understanding of aspartate metabolism has been limited by the throughput, cost, and static nature of the mass spectrometry (MS)-based measurements that are typically employed to measure aspartate levels. To address these issues, we have developed a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based sensor of aspartate (jAspSnFR3), where the fluorescence intensity corresponds to aspartate concentration. As a purified protein, the sensor has a 20-fold increase in fluorescence upon aspartate saturation, with dose-dependent fluorescence changes covering a physiologically relevant aspartate concentration range and no significant off target binding. Expressed in mammalian cell lines, sensor intensity correlated with aspartate levels measured by MS and could resolve temporal changes in intracellular aspartate from genetic, pharmacological, and nutritional manipulations. These data demonstrate the utility of jAspSnFR3 and highlight the opportunities it provides for temporally resolved and high-throughput applications of variables that affect aspartate levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Davidsen
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleUnited States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Jonathan S Marvin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Abhi Aggarwal
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Timothy A Brown
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research CampusAshburnUnited States
| | - Lucas B Sullivan
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleUnited States
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Sanchez C, Ramirez A, Hodgson L. Unravelling molecular dynamics in living cells: Fluorescent protein biosensors for cell biology. J Microsc 2024. [PMID: 38357769 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded, fluorescent protein (FP)-based Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors are microscopy imaging tools tailored for the precise monitoring and detection of molecular dynamics within subcellular microenvironments. They are characterised by their ability to provide an outstanding combination of spatial and temporal resolutions in live-cell microscopy. In this review, we begin by tracing back on the historical development of genetically encoded FP labelling for detection in live cells, which lead us to the development of early biosensors and finally to the engineering of single-chain FRET-based biosensors that have become the state-of-the-art today. Ultimately, this review delves into the fundamental principles of FRET and the design strategies underpinning FRET-based biosensors, discusses their diverse applications and addresses the distinct challenges associated with their implementation. We place particular emphasis on single-chain FRET biosensors for the Rho family of guanosine triphosphate hydrolases (GTPases), pointing to their historical role in driving our understanding of the molecular dynamics of this important class of signalling proteins and revealing the intricate relationships and regulatory mechanisms that comprise Rho GTPase biology in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colline Sanchez
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Ramirez
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Louis Hodgson
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Smith JJ, Valentino TR, Ablicki AH, Banerjee R, Colligan AR, Eckert DM, Desjardins GA, Diehl KL. A genetically-encoded fluorescent biosensor for visualization of acetyl-CoA in live cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.31.573774. [PMID: 38260544 PMCID: PMC10802309 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.31.573774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Acetyl-coenzyme A is a central metabolite that participates in many cellular pathways. Evidence suggests that acetyl-CoA production and consumption are highly compartmentalized in mammalian cells. Yet methods to measure acetyl-CoA in living cells are lacking. In this work, we engineer an acetyl-CoA biosensor from the bacterial protein PanZ and circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cpGFP). We biochemically characterize the sensor and demonstrate its selectivity for acetyl-CoA over other CoA species. We then deploy the biosensor in E. coli and HeLa cells to demonstrate its utility in living cells. In E. coli, we show that the biosensor enables detection of rapid changes in acetyl-CoA levels. In human cells, we show that the biosensor enables subcellular detection and reveals the compartmentalization of acetyl-CoA metabolism.
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McMillen A, Chew Y. Neural mechanisms of dopamine function in learning and memory in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neuronal Signal 2024; 8:NS20230057. [PMID: 38572143 PMCID: PMC10987485 DOI: 10.1042/ns20230057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Research into learning and memory over the past decades has revealed key neurotransmitters that regulate these processes, many of which are evolutionarily conserved across diverse species. The monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine is one example of this, with countless studies demonstrating its importance in regulating behavioural plasticity. However, dopaminergic neural networks in the mammalian brain consist of hundreds or thousands of neurons, and thus cannot be studied at the level of single neurons acting within defined neural circuits. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has an experimentally tractable nervous system with a completely characterized synaptic connectome. This makes it an advantageous system to undertake mechanistic studies into how dopamine encodes lasting yet flexible behavioural plasticity in the nervous system. In this review, we synthesize the research to date exploring the importance of dopaminergic signalling in learning, memory formation, and forgetting, focusing on research in C. elegans. We also explore the potential for dopamine-specific fluorescent biosensors in C. elegans to visualize dopaminergic neural circuits during learning and memory formation in real-time. We propose that the use of these sensors in C. elegans, in combination with optogenetic and other light-based approaches, will further illuminate the detailed spatiotemporal requirements for encoding behavioural plasticity in an accessible experimental system. Understanding the key molecules and circuit mechanisms that regulate learning and forgetting in more compact invertebrate nervous systems may reveal new druggable targets for enhancing memory storage and delaying memory loss in bigger brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna McMillen
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yee Lian Chew
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, South Australia, Australia
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12
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Khramova YV, Katrukha VA, Chebanenko VV, Kostyuk AI, Gorbunov NP, Panasenko OM, Sokolov AV, Bilan DS. Reactive Halogen Species: Role in Living Systems and Current Research Approaches. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:S90-S111. [PMID: 38621746 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924140062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Reactive halogen species (RHS) are highly reactive compounds that are normally required for regulation of immune response, inflammatory reactions, enzyme function, etc. At the same time, hyperproduction of highly reactive compounds leads to the development of various socially significant diseases - asthma, pulmonary hypertension, oncological and neurodegenerative diseases, retinopathy, and many others. The main sources of (pseudo)hypohalous acids are enzymes from the family of heme peroxidases - myeloperoxidase, lactoperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, and thyroid peroxidase. Main targets of these compounds are proteins and peptides, primarily methionine and cysteine residues. Due to the short lifetime, detection of RHS can be difficult. The most common approach is detection of myeloperoxidase, which is thought to reflect the amount of RHS produced, but these methods are indirect, and the results are often contradictory. The most promising approaches seem to be those that provide direct registration of highly reactive compounds themselves or products of their interaction with components of living cells, such as fluorescent dyes. However, even such methods have a number of limitations and can often be applied mainly for in vitro studies with cell culture. Detection of reactive halogen species in living organisms in real time is a particularly acute issue. The present review is devoted to RHS, their characteristics, chemical properties, peculiarities of interaction with components of living cells, and methods of their detection in living systems. Special attention is paid to the genetically encoded tools, which have been introduced recently and allow avoiding a number of difficulties when working with living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya V Khramova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Veronika A Katrukha
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Victoria V Chebanenko
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Alexander I Kostyuk
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | | | - Oleg M Panasenko
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Alexey V Sokolov
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint-Petersburg, 197022, Russia.
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Dmitry S Bilan
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997, Russia
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Davidsen K, Marvin JS, Aggarwal A, Brown TA, Sullivan LB. An engineered biosensor enables dynamic aspartate measurements in living cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546775. [PMID: 37425831 PMCID: PMC10327124 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular levels of the amino acid aspartate are responsive to changes in metabolism in mammalian cells and can correspondingly alter cell function, highlighting the need for robust tools to measure aspartate abundance. However, comprehensive understanding of aspartate metabolism has been limited by the throughput, cost, and static nature of the mass spectrometry based measurements that are typically employed to measure aspartate levels. To address these issues, we have developed a GFP-based sensor of aspartate (jAspSnFR3), where the fluorescence intensity corresponds to aspartate concentration. As a purified protein, the sensor has a 20-fold increase in fluorescence upon aspartate saturation, with dose dependent fluorescence changes covering a physiologically relevant aspartate concentration range and no significant off target binding. Expressed in mammalian cell lines, sensor intensity correlated with aspartate levels measured by mass spectrometry and could resolve temporal changes in intracellular aspartate from genetic, pharmacological, and nutritional manipulations. These data demonstrate the utility of jAspSnFR3 and highlight the opportunities it provides for temporally resolved and high throughput applications of variables that affect aspartate levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Davidsen
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular and cellular biology program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan S Marvin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Abhi Aggarwal
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Timothy A Brown
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Lucas B Sullivan
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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14
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Chen Y, Pang S, Li J, Lu Y, Gao C, Xiao Y, Chen M, Wang M, Ren X. Genetically encoded protein sensors for metal ion detection in biological systems: a review and bibliometric analysis. Analyst 2023; 148:5564-5581. [PMID: 37872814 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01412f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Metal ions are indispensable elements in living organisms and are associated with regulating various biological processes. An imbalance in metal ion content can lead to disorders in normal physiological functions of the human body and cause various diseases. Genetically encoded fluorescent protein sensors have the advantages of low biotoxicity, high specificity, and a long imaging time in vivo and have become a powerful tool to visualize or quantify the concentration level of biomolecules in vivo and in vitro, temporal and spatial distribution, and life activity process. This review analyzes the development status and current research hotspots in the field of genetically encoded fluorescent protein sensors by bibliometric analysis. Based on the results of bibliometric analysis, the research progress of genetically encoded fluorescent protein sensors for metal ion detection is reviewed, and the construction strategies, physicochemical properties, and applications of such sensors in biological imaging are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxueyuan Chen
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - ShuChao Pang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Jingya Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yun Lu
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Chenxia Gao
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yanyu Xiao
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Meiling Chen
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaoliang Ren
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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15
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Wang J, Xue N, Pan W, Tu R, Li S, Zhang Y, Mao Y, Liu Y, Cheng H, Guo Y, Yuan W, Ni X, Wang M. Repurposing conformational changes in ANL superfamily enzymes to rapidly generate biosensors for organic and amino acids. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6680. [PMID: 37865661 PMCID: PMC10590383 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42431-y] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Biosensors are powerful tools for detecting, real-time imaging, and quantifying molecules, but rapidly constructing diverse genetically encoded biosensors remains challenging. Here, we report a method to rapidly convert enzymes into genetically encoded circularly permuted fluorescent protein-based indicators to detect organic acids (GECFINDER). ANL superfamily enzymes undergo hinge-mediated ligand-coupling domain movement during catalysis. We introduce a circularly permuted fluorescent protein into enzymes hinges, converting ligand-induced conformational changes into significant fluorescence signal changes. We obtain 11 GECFINDERs for detecting phenylalanine, glutamic acid and other acids. GECFINDER-Phe3 and GECFINDER-Glu can efficiently and accurately quantify target molecules in biological samples in vitro. This method simplifies amino acid quantification without requiring complex equipment, potentially serving as point-of-care testing tools for clinical applications in low-resource environments. We also develop a GECFINDER-enabled droplet-based microfluidic high-throughput screening method for obtaining high-yield industrial strains. Our method provides a foundation for using enzymes as untapped blueprint resources for biosensor design, creation, and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Ning Xue
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjia Pan
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Ran Tu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- College of Environmental and Resources, Chongqing Technology and Business University, 400067, Chongqing, China
| | - Shixin Li
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Yufeng Mao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Haijiao Cheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanmei Guo
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaomeng Ni
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300308, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Biology for Low-Carbon Manufacturing, 300308, Tianjin, China.
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16
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Mo Y, Zhou H, Xu J, Chen X, Li L, Zhang S. Genetically encoded fluorescence lifetime biosensors: overview, advances, and opportunities. Analyst 2023; 148:4939-4953. [PMID: 37721109 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01201h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensors based on fluorescent proteins (FPs) are powerful tools for tracking analytes and cellular events with high spatial and temporal resolution in living cells and organisms. Compared with intensiometric readout and ratiometric readout, fluorescence lifetime readout provides absolute measurements, independent of the biosensor expression level and instruments. Thus, genetically encoded fluorescence lifetime biosensors play a vital role in facilitating accurate quantitative assessments within intricate biological systems. In this review, we first provide a concise description of the categorization and working mechanism of genetically encoded fluorescence lifetime biosensors. Subsequently, we elaborate on the combination of the fluorescence lifetime imaging technique and lifetime analysis methods with fluorescence lifetime biosensors, followed by their application in monitoring the dynamics of environment parameters, analytes and cellular events. Finally, we discuss worthwhile considerations for the design, optimization and development of fluorescence lifetime-based biosensors from three representative cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, No. 500, Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huangmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, No. 500, Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jinming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, No. 500, Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xihang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, No. 500, Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lei Li
- School of Science, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
| | - Sanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, No. 500, Dongchuan Rd, Shanghai 200241, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
- NYU-ECNU Institute of Physics at NYU Shanghai, No. 3663, North Zhongshan Rd, Shanghai 200062, China.
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17
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Brazhe A, Verisokin A, Verveyko D, Postnov D. Astrocytes: new evidence, new models, new roles. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:1303-1333. [PMID: 37975000 PMCID: PMC10643736 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have been in the limelight of active research for about 3 decades now. Over this period, ideas about their function and role in the nervous system have evolved from simple assistance in energy supply and homeostasis maintenance to a complex informational and metabolic hub that integrates data on local neuronal activity, sensory and arousal context, and orchestrates many crucial processes in the brain. Rapid progress in experimental techniques and data analysis produces a growing body of data, which can be used as a foundation for formulation of new hypotheses, building new refined mathematical models, and ultimately should lead to a new level of understanding of the contribution of astrocytes to the cognitive tasks performed by the brain. Here, we highlight recent progress in astrocyte research, which we believe expands our understanding of how low-level signaling at a cellular level builds up to processes at the level of the whole brain and animal behavior. We start our review with revisiting data on the role of noradrenaline-mediated astrocytic signaling in locomotion, arousal, sensory integration, memory, and sleep. We then briefly review astrocyte contribution to the regulation of cerebral blood flow regulation, which is followed by a discussion of biophysical mechanisms underlying astrocyte effects on different brain processes. The experimental section is closed by an overview of recent experimental techniques available for modulation and visualization of astrocyte dynamics. We then evaluate how the new data can be potentially incorporated into the new mathematical models or where and how it already has been done. Finally, we discuss an interesting prospect that astrocytes may be key players in important processes such as the switching between sleep and wakefulness and the removal of toxic metabolites from the brain milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Brazhe
- Department of Biophysics, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/24, Moscow, 119234 Russia
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklay Str., 16/10, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - Andrey Verisokin
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Kursk State University, Radishcheva st., 33, Kursk, 305000 Russia
| | - Darya Verveyko
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Kursk State University, Radishcheva st., 33, Kursk, 305000 Russia
| | - Dmitry Postnov
- Department of Optics and Biophotonics, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya st., 83, Saratov, 410012 Russia
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18
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Roshid MHO, Moraskie M, O’Connor G, Dikici E, Zingg JM, Deo S, Bachas LG, Daunert S. A Portable, Encapsulated Microbial Whole-Cell Biosensing System for the Detection of Bioavailable Copper (II) in Soil. Microchem J 2023; 193:109088. [PMID: 37982106 PMCID: PMC10655828 DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2023.109088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
A portable, field deployable whole-cell biosensor was developed that can withstand the complex matrices of soil and requires minimal to no sample preparation to monitor bioavailable concentrations of the essential micronutrient copper (II). Conventional measurement of micronutrients is often complex, laboratory-based, and not suitable for monitoring their bioavailable concentration. To address this need, we developed a fluorescence based microbial whole-cell biosensing (MWCB) system encoding for a Cu2+-responsive protein capable of generating a signal upon binding to Cu2+. The sensing-reporting protein was designed by performing circular permutation on the green fluorescent protein (GFP) followed by insertion of a Cu2+ binding motif into the structure of GFP. The design included insertion of several binding motifs and creating plasmids that encoded the corresponding sensing proteins. The signal generated by the sensing-reporting protein is directly proportional to the concentration of Cu2+ in the sample. Evaluation of the resulting biosensing systems carrying these plasmids was performed prior to selection of the optimal fluorescence emitting Cu2+-binding protein. The resulting optimized biosensing system was encapsulated in polyacrylate-alginate beads and embedded in soil for detection of the analyte. Once exposed to the soil, the beads were interrogated to measure the fluorescence signal emitted by the sensing-reporting protein using a portable imaging device. The biosensor was optimized for detection of Cu2+ in terms of selectivity, sensitivity, matrix effects, detection limits, and reproducibility in both liquid and soil matrices. The limit of detection (LoD) of the optimized encapsulated biosensor was calculated as 0.27 mg/L and 1.26 mg/kg of Cu2+ for Cu2+ in solution and soil, respectively. Validation of the portable imaging tools as a potential biosensing device in the field was performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Harun Or Roshid
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute - BioNIUM, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Michael Moraskie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute - BioNIUM, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Gregory O’Connor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute - BioNIUM, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Emre Dikici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute - BioNIUM, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Jean-Marc Zingg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute - BioNIUM, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Sapna Deo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute - BioNIUM, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Leonidas G. Bachas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146
- The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute - BioNIUM, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Sylvia Daunert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
- The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute - BioNIUM, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136
- The Miami Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146
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19
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Dynes JL, Yeromin AV, Cahalan MD. Photoswitching alters fluorescence readout of jGCaMP8 Ca 2+ indicators tethered to Orai1 channels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2309328120. [PMID: 37729200 PMCID: PMC10523504 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309328120] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We used electrophysiology and Ca2+ channel tethering to evaluate the performance of jGCaMP8 genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs). Orai1 Ca2+ channel-jGCaMP8 fusions were transfected into HEK 293A cells and jGCaMP8 fluorescence responses recorded by simultaneous total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology. Noninactivating currents from the Orai1 Y80E mutant provided a steady flux of Ca2+ controlled on a millisecond time scale by step changes in membrane potential. Test pulses to -100 mV produced Orai1 Y80E-jGCaMP8f fluorescence traces that unexpectedly declined by ~50% over 100 ms before reaching a stable plateau. Testing of Orai1-jGCaMP8f using unroofed cells further demonstrated that rapid and partial fluorescence inactivation is a property of the indicator itself, rather than channel function. Photoinactivation spontaneously recovered over 5 min in the dark, and recovery was accelerated in the absence of Ca2+. Mutational analysis of residues near the tripeptide fluorophore of jGCaMP8f pointed to a mechanism: Q69M/C70V greatly increased (~90%) photoinactivation, reminiscent of fluorescent protein fluorophore cis-trans photoswitching. Indeed, 405-nm illumination of jGCaMP8f or 8m/8s/6f led to immediate photorecovery, and simultaneous illumination with 405 and 488-nm light blocked photoinactivation. Subsequent mutagenesis produced a variant, V203Y, that lacks photoinactivation but largely preserves the desirable properties of jGCaMP8f. Our results point to caution in interpreting rapidly changing Ca2+ signals using jGCaMP8 and earlier series GECIs, suggest strategies to avoid photoswitching, and serve as a starting point to produce more photostable, and thus more accurate, GECI derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L. Dynes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Andriy V. Yeromin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Michael D. Cahalan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
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20
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Christensen EK, Konomi-Pilkati A, Rombach J, Comaposada-Baro R, Wang H, Li Y, Sørensen AT. Detection of endogenous NPY release determined by novel GRAB sensor in cultured cortical neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1221147. [PMID: 37545877 PMCID: PMC10399118 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1221147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an abundantly expressed peptide in the nervous system. Its widespread distribution along with its receptors, both centrally and peripherally, indicates its broad functions in numerous biological processes. However, the low endogenous concentration and diffuse distribution of NPY make it challenging to study its actions and dynamics directly and comprehensively. Studies on the role of NPY have primarily been limited to exogenous application, transgene expression, or knock-out in biological systems, which are often combined with pharmacological probes to delineate the involvement of specific NPY receptors. Therefore, to better understand the function of NPY in time and space, direct visualization of the real-time dynamics of endogenous NPY is a valuable and desired tool. Using the first-generation and newly developed intensiometric green fluorescent G-protein-coupled NPY sensor (GRAB NPY1.0), we, for the first time, demonstrate and characterize the direct detection of endogenously released NPY in cultured cortical neurons. A dose-dependent fluorescent signal was observed upon exogenous NPY application in nearly all recorded neurons. Pharmacologically evoked neuronal activity induced a significant increase in fluorescent signal in 32% of neurons, reflecting the release of NPY, despite only 3% of all neurons containing NPY. The remaining pool of neurons expressing the sensor were either non-responsive or displayed a notable decline in the fluorescent signal. Such decline in fluorescent signal was not rescued in cortical cultures transduced with an NPY overexpression vector, where 88% of the neurons were NPY-positive. Overexpression of NPY did, however, result in sensor signals that were more readily distinguishable. This may suggest that biological factors, such as subtle changes in intracellular pH, could interfere with the fluorescent signal, and thereby underestimate the release of endogenous NPY when using this new sensor in its present configuration. However, the development of next-generation NPY GRAB sensor technology is expected soon, and will eventually enable much-wanted studies on endogenous NPY release dynamics in both cultured and intact biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kragelund Christensen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ainoa Konomi-Pilkati
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joscha Rombach
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raquel Comaposada-Baro
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Huan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Andreas Toft Sørensen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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21
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Bayer T, Hänel L, Husarcikova J, Kunzendorf A, Bornscheuer UT. In Vivo Detection of Low Molecular Weight Platform Chemicals and Environmental Contaminants by Genetically Encoded Biosensors. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:23227-23239. [PMID: 37426270 PMCID: PMC10324065 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded biosensor systems operating in living cells are versatile, cheap, and transferable tools for the detection and quantification of a broad range of small molecules. This review presents state-of-the-art biosensor designs and assemblies, featuring transcription factor-, riboswitch-, and enzyme-coupled devices, highly engineered fluorescent probes, and emerging two-component systems. Importantly, (bioinformatic-assisted) strategies to resolve contextual issues, which cause biosensors to miss performance criteria in vivo, are highlighted. The optimized biosensing circuits can be used to monitor chemicals of low molecular mass (<200 g mol-1) and physicochemical properties that challenge conventional chromatographical methods with high sensitivity. Examples herein include but are not limited to formaldehyde, formate, and pyruvate as immediate products from (synthetic) pathways for the fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2), industrially important derivatives like small- and medium-chain fatty acids and biofuels, as well as environmental toxins such as heavy metals or reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Lastly, this review showcases biosensors capable of assessing the biosynthesis of platform chemicals from renewable resources, the enzymatic degradation of plastic waste, or the bioadsorption of highly toxic chemicals from the environment. These applications offer new biosensor-based manufacturing, recycling, and remediation strategies to tackle current and future environmental and socioeconomic challenges including the wastage of fossil fuels, the emission of greenhouse gases like CO2, and the pollution imposed on ecosystems and human health.
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22
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Gaido OER, Pavlaki N, Granger JM, Mesubi OO, Liu B, Lin BL, Long A, Walker D, Mayourian J, Schole KL, Terrillion CE, Nkashama LJ, Hulsurkar MM, Dorn LE, Ferrero KM, Huganir RL, Müller FU, Wehrens XHT, Liu JO, Luczak ED, Bezzerides VJ, Anderson ME. An improved reporter identifies ruxolitinib as a potent and cardioprotective CaMKII inhibitor. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq7839. [PMID: 37343080 PMCID: PMC11022683 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq7839] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) hyperactivity causes cardiac arrhythmias, a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite proven benefits of CaMKII inhibition in numerous preclinical models of heart disease, translation of CaMKII antagonists into humans has been stymied by low potency, toxicity, and an enduring concern for adverse effects on cognition due to an established role of CaMKII in learning and memory. To address these challenges, we asked whether any clinically approved drugs, developed for other purposes, were potent CaMKII inhibitors. For this, we engineered an improved fluorescent reporter, CaMKAR (CaMKII activity reporter), which features superior sensitivity, kinetics, and tractability for high-throughput screening. Using this tool, we carried out a drug repurposing screen (4475 compounds in clinical use) in human cells expressing constitutively active CaMKII. This yielded five previously unrecognized CaMKII inhibitors with clinically relevant potency: ruxolitinib, baricitinib, silmitasertib, crenolanib, and abemaciclib. We found that ruxolitinib, an orally bioavailable and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medication, inhibited CaMKII in cultured cardiomyocytes and in mice. Ruxolitinib abolished arrhythmogenesis in mouse and patient-derived models of CaMKII-driven arrhythmias. A 10-min pretreatment in vivo was sufficient to prevent catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, a congenital source of pediatric cardiac arrest, and rescue atrial fibrillation, the most common clinical arrhythmia. At cardioprotective doses, ruxolitinib-treated mice did not show any adverse effects in established cognitive assays. Our results support further clinical investigation of ruxolitinib as a potential treatment for cardiac indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar E. Reyes Gaido
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nikoleta Pavlaki
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Granger
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Olurotimi O. Mesubi
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bian Liu
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Brian L. Lin
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alan Long
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - David Walker
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joshua Mayourian
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kate L. Schole
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chantelle E. Terrillion
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lubika J. Nkashama
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mohit M. Hulsurkar
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lauren E. Dorn
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kimberly M. Ferrero
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Richard L. Huganir
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Frank U. Müller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Xander H. T. Wehrens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Departments of Medicine, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jun O. Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Elizabeth D. Luczak
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Vassilios J. Bezzerides
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mark E. Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences and the Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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23
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Saldanha DJ, Cai A, Dorval Courchesne NM. The Evolving Role of Proteins in Wearable Sweat Biosensors. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:2020-2047. [PMID: 34491052 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sweat is an increasingly popular biological medium for fitness monitoring and clinical diagnostics. It contains an abundance of biological information and is available continuously and noninvasively. Sweat-sensing devices often employ proteins in various capacities to create skin-friendly matrices that accurately extract valuable and time-sensitive information from sweat. Proteins were first used in sensors as biorecognition elements in the form of enzymes and antibodies, which are now being tuned to operate at ranges relevant for sweat. In addition, a range of structural proteins, sometimes assembled in conjunction with polymers, can provide flexible and compatible matrices for skin sensors. Other proteins also naturally possess a range of functionalities─as adhesives, charge conductors, fluorescence emitters, and power generators─that can make them useful components in wearable devices. Here, we examine the four main components of wearable sweat sensors─the biorecognition element, the transducer, the scaffold, and the adhesive─and the roles that proteins have played so far, or promise to play in the future, in each component. On a case-by-case basis, we analyze the performance characteristics of existing protein-based devices, their applicable ranges of detection, their transduction mechanism and their mechanical properties. Thereby, we review and compare proteins that can readily be used in sweat sensors and others that will require further efforts to overcome design, stability or scalability challenges. Incorporating proteins in one or multiple components of sweat sensors could lead to the development and deployment of tunable, greener, and safer biosourced devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Jane Saldanha
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 0C5
| | - Anqi Cai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 0C5
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24
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Das D, Yadav P, Mitra S, Ainavarapu SRK. Metal-binding and circular permutation-dependent thermodynamic and kinetic stability of azurin. Proteins 2023; 91:634-648. [PMID: 36511110 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26454] [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: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Native topology is known to determine the folding kinetics and the energy landscape of proteins. Furthermore, the circular permutation (CP) of proteins alters the order of the secondary structure connectivity while retaining the three-dimensional structure, making it an elegant and powerful approach to altering native topology. Previous studies elucidated the influence of CP in proteins with different folds such as Greek key β-barrel, β-sandwich, β-α-β, and all α-Greek key. CP mainly affects the protein stability and unfolding kinetics, while folding kinetics remains mostly unaltered. However, the effect of CP on metalloproteins is yet to be elaborately studied. The active site of metalloproteins poses an additional complexity in studying protein folding. Here, we investigate a CP variant (cpN42) of azurin-in both metal-free and metal-bound (holo) forms. As observed earlier in other proteins, apo-forms of wild-type (WT) and cpN42 fold with similar rates. In contrast, zinc-binding accelerates the folding of WT but decelerates the folding of cpN42. On zinc-binding, the spontaneous folding rate of WT increases by >250 times that of cpN42, which is unprecedented and the highest for any CP to date. On the other hand, zinc-binding reduces the spontaneous unfolding rate of cpN42 by ~100 times, making the WT and CP azurins unfold at similar rates. Our study demonstrates metal binding as a novel way to modulate the unfolding and folding rates of CPs compared to their WT counterparts. We hope our study increases the understanding of the effect of CP on the folding mechanism and energy landscape of metalloproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjana Das
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Priya Yadav
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Soumyajit Mitra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Sri Rama Koti Ainavarapu
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
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25
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Chen L, Chen M, Luo M, Li Y, Liao B, Hu M, Yu Q. Ratiometric NAD + Sensors Reveal Subcellular NAD + Modulators. ACS Sens 2023; 8:1518-1528. [PMID: 36931900 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c02565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Mapping NAD+ dynamics in live cells and human is essential for translating NAD+ interventions into effective therapies. Yet, genetically encoded NAD+ sensors with better specificity and pH resistance are still needed for the cost-effective monitoring of NAD+ in both subcellular compartments and clinical samples. Here, we introduce multicolor, resonance energy transfer-based NAD+ sensors covering nano- to millimolar concentration ranges for clinical NAD+ measurement and subcellular NAD+ visualization. The sensors captured the blood NAD+ increase induced by NMN supplementation and revealed the distinct subcellular effects of NAD+ precursors and modulators. The sensors then enabled high-throughput screenings for mitochondrial and nuclear NAD+ modulators and identified α-GPC, a cognition-related metabolite that induces NAD+ redistribution from mitochondria to the nucleus relative to the total adenine nucleotides, which was further confirmed by NAD+ FRET microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuqing Chen
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory for the Intelligent Microbial Manufacturing of Medicines, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Meiting Chen
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Mupeng Luo
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yong Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bagen Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Min Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Qiuliyang Yu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory for the Intelligent Microbial Manufacturing of Medicines, Shenzhen 518055, China
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26
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Intracellular Conformation of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Causative TDP-43. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065513. [PMID: 36982587 PMCID: PMC10056606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Transactive response element DNA/RNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) is the causative protein of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); several ALS-associated mutants of TDP-43 have been identified. TDP-43 has several domains: an N-terminal domain, two RNA/DNA-recognition motifs, and a C-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Its structures have been partially determined, but the whole structure remains elusive. In this study, we investigate the possible end-to-end distance between the N- and C-termini of TDP-43, its alterations due to ALS-associated mutations in the IDR, and its apparent molecular shape in live cells using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Furthermore, the interaction between ALS-associated TDP-43 and heteronuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) is slightly stronger than that of wild-type TDP-43. Our findings provide insights into the structure of wild-type and ALS-associated mutants of TDP-43 in a cell.
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27
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Lee J, Campillo B, Hamidian S, Liu Z, Shorey M, St-Pierre F. Automating the High-Throughput Screening of Protein-Based Optical Indicators and Actuators. Biochemistry 2023; 62:169-177. [PMID: 36315460 PMCID: PMC9852035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00357] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 25 years, protein engineers have developed an impressive collection of optical tools to interface with biological systems: indicators to eavesdrop on cellular activity and actuators to poke and prod native processes. To reach the performance level required for their downstream applications, protein-based tools are usually sculpted by iterative rounds of mutagenesis. In each round, libraries of variants are made and evaluated, and the most promising hits are then retrieved, sequenced, and further characterized. Early efforts to engineer protein-based optical tools were largely manual, suffering from low throughput, human error, and tedium. Here, we describe approaches to automating the screening of libraries generated as colonies on agar, multiwell plates, and pooled populations of single-cell variants. We also briefly discuss emerging approaches for screening, including cell-free systems and machine learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihwan Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Beatriz Campillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shaminta Hamidian
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhuohe Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Matthew Shorey
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - François St-Pierre
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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28
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Seeing Neurodegeneration in a New Light Using Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors and iPSCs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021766. [PMID: 36675282 PMCID: PMC9861453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases present a progressive loss of neuronal structure and function, leading to cell death and irrecoverable brain atrophy. Most have disease-modifying therapies, in part because the mechanisms of neurodegeneration are yet to be defined, preventing the development of targeted therapies. To overcome this, there is a need for tools that enable a quantitative assessment of how cellular mechanisms and diverse environmental conditions contribute to disease. One such tool is genetically encodable fluorescent biosensors (GEFBs), engineered constructs encoding proteins with novel functions capable of sensing spatiotemporal changes in specific pathways, enzyme functions, or metabolite levels. GEFB technology therefore presents a plethora of unique sensing capabilities that, when coupled with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), present a powerful tool for exploring disease mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutics. In this review, we discuss different GEFBs relevant to neurodegenerative disease and how they can be used with iPSCs to illuminate unresolved questions about causes and risks for neurodegenerative disease.
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29
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In vivo protein-based biosensors: seeing metabolism in real time. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:19-26. [PMID: 35918219 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Biological homeostasis is a dynamic and elastic equilibrium of countless interlinked biochemical reactions. A key goal of life sciences is to understand these dynamics; bioengineers seek to reconfigure such networks. Both goals require the ability to monitor the concentration of individual intracellular metabolites with sufficient spatiotemporal resolution. To achieve this, a range of protein or protein/DNA signalling circuits with optical readouts have been constructed. Protein biosensors can provide quantitative information at subsecond temporal and suborganelle spatial resolution. However, their construction is fraught with difficulties related to integrating the affinity- and selectivity-endowing components with the signal reporters. We argue that development of efficient approaches for construction of chemically induced dimerisation systems and reporter domains with large dynamic ranges will solve these problems.
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30
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Ley-Ngardigal S, Bertolin G. Approaches to monitor ATP levels in living cells: where do we stand? FEBS J 2022; 289:7940-7969. [PMID: 34437768 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
ATP is the most universal and essential energy molecule in cells. This is due to its ability to store cellular energy in form of high-energy phosphate bonds, which are extremely stable and readily usable by the cell. This energy is key for a variety of biological functions such as cell growth and division, metabolism, and signaling, and for the turnover of biomolecules. Understanding how ATP is produced and hydrolyzed with a spatiotemporal resolution is necessary to understand its functions both in physiological and in pathological contexts. In this review, first we will describe the organization of the electron transport chain and ATP synthase, the main molecular motor for ATP production in mitochondria. Second, we will review the biochemical assays currently available to estimate ATP quantities in cells, and we will compare their readouts, strengths, and weaknesses. Finally, we will explore the palette of genetically encoded biosensors designed for microscopy-based approaches, and show how their spatiotemporal resolution opened up the possibility to follow ATP levels in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyta Ley-Ngardigal
- CNRS, Univ Rennes, IGDR (Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes), Rennes, France.,LVMH Research Perfumes and Cosmetics, Saint-Jean-de-Braye, France
| | - Giulia Bertolin
- CNRS, Univ Rennes, IGDR (Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes), Rennes, France
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31
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Aburto C, Galaz A, Bernier A, Sandoval PY, Holtheuer-Gallardo S, Ruminot I, Soto-Ojeda I, Hertenstein H, Schweizer JA, Schirmeier S, Pástor TP, Mardones GA, Barros LF, San Martín A. Single-Fluorophore Indicator to Explore Cellular and Sub-cellular Lactate Dynamics. ACS Sens 2022; 7:3278-3286. [PMID: 36306435 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Lactate is an energy substrate and an intercellular signal, which can be monitored in intact cells with the genetically encoded FRET indicator Laconic. However, the structural complexity, need for sophisticated equipment, and relatively small fluorescent change limit the use of FRET indicators for subcellular targeting and development of high-throughput screening methodologies. Using the bacterial periplasmic binding protein TTHA0766 from Thermus thermophilus, we have now developed a single-fluorophore indicator for lactate, CanlonicSF. This indicator exhibits a maximal fluorescence change of 200% and a KD of ∼300 μM. The fluorescence is not affected by other monocarboxylates. The lactate indicator was not significantly affected by Ca2+ at the physiological concentrations prevailing in the cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, and extracellular space, but was affected by Ca2+ in the low micromolar range. Targeting the indicator to the endoplasmic reticulum revealed for the first time sub-cellular lactate dynamics. Its improved lactate-induced fluorescence response permitted the development of a multiwell plate assay to screen for inhibitors of the monocarboxylate transporters MCTs, a pharmaceutical target for cancer and inflammation. The functionality of the indicator in living tissue was demonstrated in the brain of Drosophila melanogaster larvae. CanlonicSF is well suited to explore lactate dynamics with sub-cellular resolution in intact systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Aburto
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Postal Code 5110466 Valdivia, Chile.,Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, Postal Code 5110566 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alex Galaz
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Postal Code 5110466 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Angelo Bernier
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Postal Code 5110466 Valdivia, Chile.,Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, Postal Code 5110566 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Pamela Yohana Sandoval
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Postal Code 5110466 Valdivia, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Postal Code 5110773 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Sebastián Holtheuer-Gallardo
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Postal Code 5110466 Valdivia, Chile.,Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, Postal Code 5110566 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Iván Ruminot
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Postal Code 5110466 Valdivia, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Postal Code 5110773 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ignacio Soto-Ojeda
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Postal Code 5110466 Valdivia, Chile.,Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, Postal Code 5110566 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Helen Hertenstein
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Postal Code 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Stefanie Schirmeier
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Postal Code 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Tammy Paulina Pástor
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, Postal Code 5110566 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Antonio Mardones
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, Postal Code 5110566 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Luis Felipe Barros
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Postal Code 5110466 Valdivia, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Postal Code 5110773 Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alejandro San Martín
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Avenida Arturo Prat 514, Postal Code 5110466 Valdivia, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Postal Code 5110773 Valdivia, Chile
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32
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SeqCP: A sequence-based algorithm for searching circularly permuted proteins. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 21:185-201. [PMID: 36582435 PMCID: PMC9763678 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.024] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular permutation (CP) is a protein sequence rearrangement in which the amino- and carboxyl-termini of a protein can be created in different positions along the imaginary circularized sequence. Circularly permutated proteins usually exhibit conserved three-dimensional structures and functions. By comparing the structures of circular permutants (CPMs), protein research and bioengineering applications can be approached in ways that are difficult to achieve by traditional mutagenesis. Most current CP detection algorithms depend on structural information. Because there is a vast number of proteins with unknown structures, many CP pairs may remain unidentified. An efficient sequence-based CP detector will help identify more CP pairs and advance many protein studies. For instance, some hypothetical proteins may have CPMs with known functions and structures that are informative for functional annotation, but existing structure-based CP search methods cannot be applied when those hypothetical proteins lack structural information. Despite the considerable potential for applications, sequence-based CP search methods have not been well developed. We present a sequence-based method, SeqCP, which analyzes normal and duplicated sequence alignments to identify CPMs and determine candidate CP sites for proteins. SeqCP was trained by data obtained from the Circular Permutation Database and tested with nonredundant datasets from the Protein Data Bank. It shows high reliability in CP identification and achieves an AUC of 0.9. SeqCP has been implemented into a web server available at: http://pcnas.life.nthu.edu.tw/SeqCP/.
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Key Words
- AUC, area under the ROC curve
- CE, combinatorial extension
- CE-CP, CE with Circular Permutations
- CP, circular permutation
- CPDB, Circular Permutation Database
- CPMs, circular permutants
- CPSARST, Circular Permutation Search Aided by Ramachandran Sequential Transformation
- Circular permutants
- Circular permutation
- MCC, Matthews correlation coefficient
- Protein sequence analysis
- Protein structure modeling
- RMSD, root-mean-square distance
- ROC, receiver operating characteristic
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33
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Kim H, Baek IY, Seong J. Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors for GPCR research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1007893. [PMID: 36247000 PMCID: PMC9559200 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1007893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate a wide range of physiological and pathophysiological cellular processes, thus it is important to understand how GPCRs are activated and function in various cellular contexts. In particular, the activation process of GPCRs is dynamically regulated upon various extracellular stimuli, and emerging evidence suggests the subcellular functions of GPCRs at endosomes and other organelles. Therefore, precise monitoring of the GPCR activation process with high spatiotemporal resolution is required to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of GPCR functions. In this review, we will introduce genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors that can precisely monitor the real-time GPCR activation process in live cells. The process includes the binding of extracellular GPCR ligands, conformational change of GPCR, recruitment of G proteins or β-arrestin, GPCR internalization and trafficking, and the GPCR-related downstream signaling events. We will introduce fluorescent GPCR biosensors based on a variety of strategies such as fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET), bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), circular permuted fluorescent protein (cpFP), and nanobody. We will discuss the pros and cons of these GPCR biosensors as well as their applications in GPCR research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbin Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In-Yeop Baek
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jihye Seong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Jihye Seong,
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34
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Wu CC, Huang SJ, Fu TY, Lin FL, Wang XY, Tan KT. Small-Molecule Modulated Affinity-Tunable Semisynthetic Protein Switches. ACS Sens 2022; 7:2691-2700. [PMID: 36084142 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c01211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Engineered protein switches have been widely applied in cell-based protein sensors and point-of-care diagnosis for the rapid and simple analysis of a wide variety of proteins, metabolites, nucleic acids, and enzymatic activities. Currently, these protein switches are based on two main types of switching mechanisms to transduce the target binding event to a quantitative signal, through a change in the optical properties of fluorescent molecules and the activation of enzymatic activities. In this paper, we introduce a new affinity-tunable protein switch strategy in which the binding of a small-molecule target with the protein activates the streptavidin-biotin interaction to generate a readout signal. In the absence of a target, the biotinylated protein switch forms a closed conformation where the biotin is positioned in close proximity to the protein, imposing a large steric hindrance to prevent the effective binding with streptavidin. In the presence of the target molecule, this steric hindrance is removed, thereby exposing the biotin for streptavidin binding to produce strong fluorescent signals. With this modular sensing concept, various sulfonamide, methotrexate, and trimethoprim drugs can be selectively detected on the cell surface of native and genetically engineered cells using different fluorescent dyes and detection techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chi Wu
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shao-Jie Huang
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tsung-Yu Fu
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Fang-Ling Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Xin-You Wang
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Kui-Thong Tan
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Frontier Research Center on Fundamental and Applied Sciences of Matters, National Tsing Hua University, 101 Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan, Republic of China
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35
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Combining genetically encoded biosensors with droplet microfluidic system for enhanced glutaminase production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Jackson C, Anderson A, Alexandrov K. The present and the future of protein biosensor engineering. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 75:102424. [PMID: 35870398 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Protein biosensors play increasingly important roles in cell and neurobiology and have the potential to revolutionise the way clinical and industrial analytics are performed. The gradual transition from multicomponent biosensors to fully integrated single chain allosteric biosensors has brought the field closer to commercial applications. We evaluate various approaches for converting constitutively active protein reporter domains into analyte operated switches. We discuss the paucity of the natural receptors that undergo conformational changes sufficiently large to control the activity of allosteric reporter domains. This problem can be overcome by constructing artificial versions of such receptors. The design path to such receptors involves the construction of Chemically Induced Dimerisation systems (CIDs) that can be configured to operate single and two-component biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Alisha Anderson
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Kirill Alexandrov
- CSIRO-QUT Synthetic Biology Alliance, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia; Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
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Green fluorescent cAMP indicator of high speed and specificity suitable for neuronal live-cell imaging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122618119. [PMID: 35867738 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122618119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a canonical intracellular messenger playing diverse roles in cell functions. In neurons, cAMP promotes axonal growth during early development, and mediates sensory transduction and synaptic plasticity after maturation. The molecular cascades of cAMP are well documented, but its spatiotemporal profiles associated with neuronal functions remain hidden. Hence, we developed a genetically encoded cAMP indicator based on a bacterial cAMP-binding protein. This indicator "gCarvi" monitors [cAMP]i at 0.2 to 20 µM with a subsecond time resolution and a high specificity over cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). gCarvi can be converted to a ratiometric probe for [cAMP]i quantification and its expression can be specifically targeted to various subcellular compartments. Monomeric gCarvi also enables simultaneous multisignal monitoring in combination with other indicators. As a proof of concept, simultaneous cAMP/Ca2+ imaging in hippocampal neurons revealed a tight linkage of cAMP to Ca2+ signals. In cerebellar presynaptic boutons, forskolin induced nonuniform cAMP elevations among boutons, which positively correlated with subsequent increases in the size of the recycling pool of synaptic vesicles assayed using FM dye. Thus, the cAMP domain in presynaptic boutons is an important determinant of the synaptic strength.
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Ergun Ayva C, Fiorito MM, Guo Z, Edwardraja S, Kaczmarski JA, Gagoski D, Walden P, Johnston WA, Jackson CJ, Nebl T, Alexandrov K. Exploring Performance Parameters of Artificial Allosteric Protein Switches. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167678. [PMID: 35709893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Biological information processing networks rely on allosteric protein switches that dynamically interconvert biological signals. Construction of their artificial analogues is a central goal of synthetic biology and bioengineering. Receptor domain insertion is one of the leading methods for constructing chimeric protein switches. Here we present an in vitro expression-based platform for the analysis of chimeric protein libraries for which traditional cell survival or cytometric high throughput assays are not applicable. We utilise this platform to screen a focused library of chimeras between PQQ-glucose dehydrogenase and calmodulin. Using this approach, we identified 50 chimeras (approximately 23% of the library) that were activated by calmodulin-binding peptides. We analysed performance parameters of the active chimeras and demonstrated that their dynamic range and response times are anticorrelated, pointing to the existence of an inherent thermodynamic trade-off. We show that the structure of the ligand peptide affects both the response and activation kinetics of the biosensors suggesting that the structure of a ligand:receptor complex can influence the chimera's activation pathway. In order to understand the extent of structural changes in the reporter protein induced by the receptor domains, we have analysed one of the chimeric molecules by CD spectroscopy and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. We concluded that subtle ligand-induced changes in the receptor domain propagated into the GDH domain and affected residues important for substrate and cofactor binding. Finally, we used one of the identified chimeras to construct a two-component rapamycin biosensor and demonstrated that core switch optimisation translated into improved biosensor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cagla Ergun Ayva
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Australia; Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Maria M Fiorito
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Australia; Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Zhong Guo
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Australia; Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Selvakumar Edwardraja
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joe A Kaczmarski
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Dejan Gagoski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Patricia Walden
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Wayne A Johnston
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Colin J Jackson
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. https://twitter.com/Jackson_Lab
| | - Tom Nebl
- Biology Group, Biomedical Manufacturing Program, CSIRO, Bayview Ave/Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Kirill Alexandrov
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Australia; Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; CSIRO-QUT Synthetic Biology Alliance, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.
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White D, Yang Q. Genetically Encoded ATP Biosensors for Direct Monitoring of Cellular ATP Dynamics. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121920. [PMID: 35741049 PMCID: PMC9221525 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine 5'-triphosphate, or ATP, is the primary molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells. ATP is mainly produced via oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, and to a lesser extent, via glycolysis in the cytosol. In general, cytosolic glycolysis is the primary ATP producer in proliferative cells or cells subjected to hypoxia. On the other hand, mitochondria produce over 90% of cellular ATP in differentiated cells under normoxic conditions. Under pathological conditions, ATP demand rises to meet the needs of biosynthesis for cellular repair, signaling transduction for stress responses, and biochemical processes. These changes affect how mitochondria and cytosolic glycolysis function and communicate. Mitochondria undergo remodeling to adapt to the imbalanced demand and supply of ATP. Otherwise, a severe ATP deficit will impair cellular function and eventually cause cell death. It is suggested that ATP from different cellular compartments can dynamically communicate and coordinate to adapt to the needs in each cellular compartment. Thus, a better understanding of ATP dynamics is crucial to revealing the differences in cellular metabolic processes across various cell types and conditions. This requires innovative methodologies to record real-time spatiotemporal ATP changes in subcellular regions of living cells. Over the recent decades, numerous methods have been developed and utilized to accomplish this task. However, this is not an easy feat. This review evaluates innovative genetically encoded biosensors available for visualizing ATP in living cells, their potential use in the setting of human disease, and identifies where we could improve and expand our abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donnell White
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Graduate Studies, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Qinglin Yang
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Graduate Studies, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence:
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Allan C, Morris RJ, Meisrimler CN. Encoding, transmission, decoding, and specificity of calcium signals in plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:3372-3385. [PMID: 35298633 PMCID: PMC9162177 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Calcium acts as a signal and transmits information in all eukaryotes. Encoding machinery consisting of calcium channels, stores, buffers, and pumps can generate a variety of calcium transients in response to external stimuli, thus shaping the calcium signature. Mechanisms for the transmission of calcium signals have been described, and a large repertoire of calcium binding proteins exist that can decode calcium signatures into specific responses. Whilst straightforward as a concept, mysteries remain as to exactly how such information processing is biochemically implemented. Novel developments in imaging technology and genetically encoded sensors (such as calcium indicators), in particular for multi-signal detection, are delivering exciting new insights into intra- and intercellular calcium signaling. Here, we review recent advances in characterizing the encoding, transmission, and decoding mechanisms, with a focus on long-distance calcium signaling. We present technological advances and computational frameworks for studying the specificity of calcium signaling, highlight current gaps in our understanding and propose techniques and approaches for unravelling the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Allan
- University of Canterbury, School of Biological Science, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Richard J Morris
- Computational and Systems Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
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Fang J, Huang S, Liu F, He G, Li X, Huang X, Chen HJ, Xie X. Semi-Implantable Bioelectronics. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2022; 14:125. [PMID: 35633391 PMCID: PMC9148344 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-022-00818-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Developing techniques to effectively and real-time monitor and regulate the interior environment of biological objects is significantly important for many biomedical engineering and scientific applications, including drug delivery, electrophysiological recording and regulation of intracellular activities. Semi-implantable bioelectronics is currently a hot spot in biomedical engineering research area, because it not only meets the increasing technical demands for precise detection or regulation of biological activities, but also provides a desirable platform for externally incorporating complex functionalities and electronic integration. Although there is less definition and summary to distinguish it from the well-reviewed non-invasive bioelectronics and fully implantable bioelectronics, semi-implantable bioelectronics have emerged as highly unique technology to boost the development of biochips and smart wearable device. Here, we reviewed the recent progress in this field and raised the concept of "Semi-implantable bioelectronics", summarizing the principle and strategies of semi-implantable device for cell applications and in vivo applications, discussing the typical methodologies to access to intracellular environment or in vivo environment, biosafety aspects and typical applications. This review is meaningful for understanding in-depth the design principles, materials fabrication techniques, device integration processes, cell/tissue penetration methodologies, biosafety aspects, and applications strategies that are essential to the development of future minimally invasive bioelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaru Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanmao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Gen He
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinshuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Jiuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China.
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42
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Swanson JL, Chin PS, Romero JM, Srivastava S, Ortiz-Guzman J, Hunt PJ, Arenkiel BR. Advancements in the Quest to Map, Monitor, and Manipulate Neural Circuitry. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:886302. [PMID: 35719420 PMCID: PMC9204427 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.886302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits and the cells that comprise them represent the functional units of the brain. Circuits relay and process sensory information, maintain homeostasis, drive behaviors, and facilitate cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Creating a functionally-precise map of the mammalian brain requires anatomically tracing neural circuits, monitoring their activity patterns, and manipulating their activity to infer function. Advancements in cell-type-specific genetic tools allow interrogation of neural circuits with increased precision. This review provides a broad overview of recombination-based and activity-driven genetic targeting approaches, contemporary viral tracing strategies, electrophysiological recording methods, newly developed calcium, and voltage indicators, and neurotransmitter/neuropeptide biosensors currently being used to investigate circuit architecture and function. Finally, it discusses methods for acute or chronic manipulation of neural activity, including genetically-targeted cellular ablation, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and over-expression of ion channels. With this ever-evolving genetic toolbox, scientists are continuing to probe neural circuits with increasing resolution, elucidating the structure and function of the incredibly complex mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Swanson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Pey-Shyuan Chin
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Juan M. Romero
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Snigdha Srivastava
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Joshua Ortiz-Guzman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Patrick J. Hunt
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Benjamin R. Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Gansemer ER, Rutkowski DT. Pathways Linking Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Production to Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein Oxidation and Stress. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:858142. [PMID: 35601828 PMCID: PMC9114485 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.858142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen is highly oxidizing compared to other subcellular compartments, and maintaining the appropriate levels of oxidizing and reducing equivalents is essential to ER function. Both protein oxidation itself and other essential ER processes, such as the degradation of misfolded proteins and the sequestration of cellular calcium, are tuned to the ER redox state. Simultaneously, nutrients are oxidized in the cytosol and mitochondria to power ATP generation, reductive biosynthesis, and defense against reactive oxygen species. These parallel needs for protein oxidation in the ER and nutrient oxidation in the cytosol and mitochondria raise the possibility that the two processes compete for electron acceptors, even though they occur in separate cellular compartments. A key molecule central to both processes is NADPH, which is produced by reduction of NADP+ during nutrient catabolism and which in turn drives the reduction of components such as glutathione and thioredoxin that influence the redox potential in the ER lumen. For this reason, NADPH might serve as a mediator linking metabolic activity to ER homeostasis and stress, and represent a novel form of mitochondria-to-ER communication. In this review, we discuss oxidative protein folding in the ER, NADPH generation by the major pathways that mediate it, and ER-localized systems that can link the two processes to connect ER function to metabolic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica R. Gansemer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - D. Thomas Rutkowski
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Wu Z, Lin D, Li Y. Pushing the frontiers: tools for monitoring neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:257-274. [PMID: 35361961 PMCID: PMC11163306 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00577-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators have a wide range of key roles throughout the nervous system. However, their dynamics in both health and disease have been challenging to assess, owing to the lack of in vivo tools to track them with high spatiotemporal resolution. Thus, developing a platform that enables minimally invasive, large-scale and long-term monitoring of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators with high sensitivity, high molecular specificity and high spatiotemporal resolution has been essential. Here, we review the methods available for monitoring the dynamics of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Following a brief summary of non-genetically encoded methods, we focus on recent developments in genetically encoded fluorescent indicators, highlighting how these novel indicators have facilitated advances in our understanding of the functional roles of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the nervous system. These studies present a promising outlook for the future development and use of tools to monitor neurotransmitters and neuromodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaofa Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Dayu Lin
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China.
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.
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45
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Kang C, Shrestha KL, Kwon S, Park S, Kim J, Kwon Y. Intein-Mediated Protein Engineering for Cell-Based Biosensors. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12050283. [PMID: 35624584 PMCID: PMC9138240 DOI: 10.3390/bios12050283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based sensors provide a flexible platform for screening biologically active targets and for monitoring their interactions in live cells. Their applicability extends across a vast array of biological research and clinical applications. Particularly, cell-based sensors are becoming a potent tool in drug discovery and cell-signaling studies by allowing function-based screening of targets in biologically relevant environments and enabling the in vivo visualization of cellular signals in real-time with an outstanding spatiotemporal resolution. In this review, we aim to provide a clear view of current cell-based sensor technologies, their limitations, and how the recent improvements were using intein-mediated protein engineering. We first discuss the characteristics of cell-based sensors and present several representative examples with a focus on their design strategies, which differentiate cell-based sensors from in vitro analytical biosensors. We then describe the application of intein-mediated protein engineering technology for cell-based sensor fabrication. Finally, we explain the characteristics of intein-mediated reactions and present examples of how the intein-mediated reactions are used to improve existing methods and develop new approaches in sensor cell fabrication to address the limitations of current technologies.
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46
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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.
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47
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Development of a Real-Time Pectic Oligosaccharide-Detecting Biosensor Using the Rapid and Flexible Computational Identification of Non-Disruptive Conjugation Sites (CINC) Biosensor Design Platform. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22030948. [PMID: 35161692 PMCID: PMC8839585 DOI: 10.3390/s22030948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescently labeled, solute-binding proteins that change their fluorescent output in response to ligand binding are frequently used as biosensors for a wide range of applications. We have previously developed a "Computational Identification of Non-disruptive Conjugation sites" (CINC) approach, an in silico pipeline utilizing molecular dynamics simulations for the rapid design and construction of novel protein-fluorophore conjugate-type biosensors. Here, we report an improved in silico scoring algorithm for use in CINC and its use in the construction of an oligogalacturonide-detecting biosensor set. Using both 4,5-unsaturated and saturated oligogalacturonides, we demonstrate that signal transmission from the ligand-binding pocket of the starting protein scaffold to the CINC-selected reporter positions is effective for multiple different ligands. The utility of an oligogalacturonide-detecting biosensor is shown in Carbohydrate Active Enzyme (CAZyme) activity assays, where the biosensor is used to follow product release upon polygalacturonic acid (PGA) depolymerization in real time. The oligogalacturonide-detecting biosensor set represents a novel enabling tool integral to our rapidly expanding platform for biosensor-based carbohydrate detection, and moving forward, the CINC pipeline will continue to enable the rational design of biomolecular tools to detect additional chemically distinct oligosaccharides and other solutes.
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48
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Chandris P, Giannouli CC, Panayotou G. Imaging Approaches for the Study of Metabolism in Real Time Using Genetically Encoded Reporters. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:725114. [PMID: 35118062 PMCID: PMC8804523 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.725114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism comprises of two axes in order to serve homeostasis: anabolism and catabolism. Both axes are interbranched with the so-called bioenergetics aspect of metabolism. There is a plethora of analytical biochemical methods to monitor metabolites and reactions in lysates, yet there is a rising need to monitor, quantify and elucidate in real time the spatiotemporal orchestration of complex biochemical reactions in living systems and furthermore to analyze the metabolic effect of chemical compounds that are destined for the clinic. The ongoing technological burst in the field of imaging creates opportunities to establish new tools that will allow investigators to monitor dynamics of biochemical reactions and kinetics of metabolites at a resolution that ranges from subcellular organelle to whole system for some key metabolites. This article provides a mini review of available toolkits to achieve this goal but also presents a perspective on the open space that can be exploited to develop novel methodologies that will merge classic biochemistry of metabolism with advanced imaging. In other words, a perspective of "watching metabolism in real time."
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Chandris
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
| | | | - George Panayotou
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
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Bourque K, Hawey C, Jiang A, Mazarura GR, Hébert TE. Biosensor-based profiling to track cellular signalling in patient-derived models of dilated cardiomyopathy. Cell Signal 2022; 91:110239. [PMID: 34990783 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM) represent a diverse group of cardiovascular diseases impacting the structure and function of the myocardium. To better treat these diseases, we need to understand the impact of such cardiomyopathies on critical signalling pathways that drive disease progression downstream of receptors we often target therapeutically. Our understanding of cellular signalling events has progressed substantially in the last few years, in large part due to the design, validation and use of biosensor-based approaches to studying such events in cells, tissues and in some cases, living animals. Another transformative development has been the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to generate disease-relevant models from individual patients. We highlight the importance of going beyond monocellular cultures to incorporate the influence of paracrine signalling mediators. Finally, we discuss the recent coalition of these approaches in the context of DCM. We discuss recent work in generating patient-derived models of cardiomyopathies and the utility of using signalling biosensors to track disease progression and test potential therapeutic strategies that can be later used to inform treatment options in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla Bourque
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Cara Hawey
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Alyson Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Grace R Mazarura
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada.
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McMullen E, Hertenstein H, Müller S, Schirmeier S. Genetically Encoded Sensors to Study Metabolism in Drosophila. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2540:401-414. [PMID: 35980591 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2541-5_21] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The rather recent development of genetically encoded metabolite sensors has changed the way we can study metabolism in living cells, ex vivo tissues, and in vivo immensely. In recent years, these sensors have also been adapted for use in Drosophila tissues. Here, we describe a standard protocol to image such sensors in ex vivo Drosophila larval brains using the glucose sensor FLII12Pglu-700μδ6. The protocol, however, can be adapted for the use of other sensors, tissues, and can even be used in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen McMullen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Helen Hertenstein
- Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Müller
- Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schirmeier
- Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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