scholarly journals Live cell imaging of mechanotransduction

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Liu ◽  
Tae-Jin Kim ◽  
Yingxiao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Stimulation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Stem Cell Differentiation ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Signalling Transduction ◽  
Systematic Understanding

Mechanical forces play important roles in the regulation of cellular functions, including polarization, migration and stem cell differentiation. Tremendous advancement in our understanding of mechanotransduction has been achieved with the recent development of imaging technologies and molecular biosensors. In particular, genetically encoded biosensors based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology have been widely developed and applied in the field of mechanobiology. In this article, we will provide an overview of the recent progress of FRET application in mechanobiology, specifically mechanotransduction. We first introduce fluorescent proteins and FRET technology. We then discuss the mechanotranduction processes in different cells including stem cells, with a special emphasis on the important signalling molecules involved in mechanotransduction. Finally, we discuss methods that can allow the integration of simultaneous FRET imaging and mechanical stimulation to trigger signalling transduction. In summary, FRET technology has provided a powerful tool for the study of mechanotransduction to advance our systematic understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which cells respond to mechanical stimulation.

scholarly journals Quantitative FRET Microscopy Reveals a Crucial Role of Cytoskeleton in Promoting PI(4,5)P2 Confinement

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11727
Author(s):  
Maria J. Sarmento ◽  
Luís Borges-Araújo ◽  
Sandra N. Pinto ◽  
Nuno Bernardes ◽  
Joana C. Ricardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Hela Cells ◽  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Cytoskeleton Organization

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) is an essential plasma membrane component involved in several cellular functions, including membrane trafficking and cytoskeleton organization. This function multiplicity is partially achieved through a dynamic spatiotemporal organization of PI(4,5)P2 within the membrane. Here, we use a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach to quantitatively assess the extent of PI(4,5)P2 confinement within the plasma membrane. This methodology relies on the rigorous evaluation of the dependence of absolute FRET efficiencies between pleckstrin homology domains (PHPLCδ) fused with fluorescent proteins and their average fluorescence intensity at the membrane. PI(4,5)P2 is found to be significantly compartmentalized at the plasma membrane of HeLa cells, and these clusters are not cholesterol-dependent, suggesting that membrane rafts are not involved in the formation of these nanodomains. On the other hand, upon inhibition of actin polymerization, compartmentalization of PI(4,5)P2 is almost entirely eliminated, showing that the cytoskeleton network is the critical component responsible for the formation of nanoscale PI(4,5)P2 domains in HeLa cells.

scholarly journals Single-Molecule Studies on a FRET Biosensor: Lessons from a Comparison of Fluorescent Protein Equipped versus Dye-Labeled Species

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 3105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henning Höfig ◽  
Michele Cerminara ◽  
Ilona Ritter ◽  
Antonie Schöne ◽  
Martina Pohl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Change ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Strong Increase ◽  
Single Molecule Level ◽  
Labeling Scheme

Bacterial periplasmic binding proteins (PBPs) undergo a pronounced ligand-induced conformational change which can be employed to monitor ligand concentrations. The most common strategy to take advantage of this conformational change for a biosensor design is to use a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) signal. This can be achieved by attaching either two fluorescent proteins (FPs) or two organic fluorescent dyes of different colors to the PBPs in order to obtain an optical readout signal which is closely related to the ligand concentration. In this study we compare a FP-equipped and a dye-labeled version of the glucose/galactose binding protein MglB at the single-molecule level. The comparison demonstrates that changes in the FRET signal upon glucose binding are more pronounced for the FP-equipped sensor construct as compared to the dye-labeled analog. Moreover, the FP-equipped sensor showed a strong increase of the FRET signal under crowding conditions whereas the dye-labeled sensor was not influenced by crowding. The choice of a labeling scheme should therefore be made depending on the application of a FRET-based sensor.

scholarly journals Proteasomal conformation controls unfolding ability

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (25) ◽  
pp. e2101004118
Author(s):  
Julianna R. Cresti ◽  
Abramo J. Manfredonia ◽  
Christopher E. Bragança ◽  
Joseph A. Boscia ◽  
Christina M. Hurley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Conformational State ◽  
26S Proteasome ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Ubiquitinated Protein ◽  
Equilibrium Conditions ◽  
Substrate Processing

The 26S proteasome is the macromolecular machine responsible for the bulk of protein degradation in eukaryotic cells. As it degrades a ubiquitinated protein, the proteasome transitions from a substrate-accepting conformation (s1) to a set of substrate-processing conformations (s3 like), each stabilized by different intramolecular contacts. Tools to study these conformational changes remain limited, and although several interactions have been proposed to be important for stabilizing the proteasome’s various conformations, it has been difficult to test these directly under equilibrium conditions. Here, we describe a conformationally sensitive Förster resonance energy transfer assay, in which fluorescent proteins are fused to Sem1 and Rpn6, which are nearer each other in substrate-processing conformations than in the substrate-accepting conformation. Using this assay, we find that two sets of interactions, one involving Rpn5 and another involving Rpn2, are both important for stabilizing substrate-processing conformations. Mutations that disrupt these interactions both destabilize substrate-processing conformations relative to the substrate-accepting conformation and diminish the proteasome’s ability to successfully unfold and degrade hard-to-unfold substrates, providing a link between the proteasome’s conformational state and its unfolding ability.

scholarly journals Development of FRET-based indicators for visualizing homophilic trans interaction of a clustered protocadherin

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Kanadome ◽  
Natsumi Hoshino ◽  
Takeharu Nagai ◽  
Tomoki Matsuda ◽  
Takeshi Yagi
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Direct Visualization ◽  
Binding Properties ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Self Recognition ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Donor And Acceptor ◽  
Clustered Protocadherins

AbstractClustered protocadherins (Pcdhs), which are cell adhesion molecules, play a fundamental role in self-recognition and non-self-discrimination by conferring diversity on the cell surface. Although systematic cell-based aggregation assays provide information regarding the binding properties of Pcdhs, direct visualization of Pcdh trans interactions across cells remains challenging. Here, we present Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based indicators for directly visualizing Pcdh trans interactions. We developed the indicators by individually inserting FRET donor and acceptor fluorescent proteins (FPs) into the ectodomain of Pcdh molecules. They enabled successful visualization of specific trans interactions of Pcdh and revealed that the Pcdh trans interaction is highly sensitive to changes in extracellular Ca2+ levels. We expect that FRET-based indicators for visualizing Pcdh trans interactions will provide a new approach for investigating the roles of Pcdh in self-recognition and non-self-discrimination processes.

scholarly journals Dynamic remodeling of scaffold interactions in dendritic spines controls synaptic excitability

2012 ◽  
Vol 198 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enora Moutin ◽  
Fabrice Raynaud ◽  
Jonathan Roger ◽  
Emilie Pellegrino ◽  
Vincent Homburger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Membrane Receptors ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Scaffolding Proteins ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Electrophysiological Recordings ◽  
Living Neurons ◽  
Activity Dependent

Scaffolding proteins interact with membrane receptors to control signaling pathways and cellular functions. However, the dynamics and specific roles of interactions between different components of scaffold complexes are poorly understood because of the dearth of methods available to monitor binding interactions. Using a unique combination of single-cell bioluminescence resonance energy transfer imaging in living neurons and electrophysiological recordings, in this paper, we depict the role of glutamate receptor scaffold complex remodeling in space and time to control synaptic transmission. Despite a broad colocalization of the proteins in neurons, we show that spine-confined assembly/disassembly of this scaffold complex, physiologically triggered by sustained activation of synaptic NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptors, induces physical association between ionotropic (NMDA) and metabotropic (mGlu5a) synaptic glutamate receptors. This physical interaction results in an mGlu5a receptor–mediated inhibition of NMDA currents, providing an activity-dependent negative feedback loop on NMDA receptor activity. Such protein scaffold remodeling represents a form of homeostatic control of synaptic excitability.

Abstract 311: Measurements of cAMP Dynamics in the SERCA2 Microdomain in Adult Mouse Cardiomyocytes using a Targeted FRET Biosensor

2013 ◽  
Vol 113 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia U Sprenger ◽  
Viacheslav O Nikolaev
Keyword(s):  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Heart Weight ◽  
Cell Fractionation ◽  
Adrenergic Stimulation ◽  
Cardiac Phenotype ◽  
Fractionation Analysis

PURPOSE: cAMP is a central regulator of cardiac function and disease. This global second messenger acts in a compartmentalized fashion, and changes in cAMP dynamics are linked to cardiac diseases. In this project, we visualized cAMP signals directly in such microdomains to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in cAMP compartmentation and its alterations in hypertrophy. Methods: We generated transgenic mice expressing a new Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based cAMP sensor Epac1-camps-PLN to measure cAMP dynamics in the microdomain around the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2 (SERCA2). This sensor is targeted to SERCA2 via phospholamban (PLN). Results: Colocalization and cell fractionation analysis confirmed proper localization of the sensor in transgenic mouse hearts. qPCR analysis revealed a two-fold overexpression of PLN. However, no adverse cardiac phenotype could be detected by histological analysis and heart weight to body weight ratios. Local cAMP dynamics were measured using freshly isolated adult ventricular myocytes and compared to cAMP signals in the bulk cytosol using cardiomyocytes from Epac1-camps mice. We detected the predominant role of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) 4 and 3 in the SERCA2 compartment under basal conditions. These PDEs were responsible for shaping the microdomain and its segregation from the cytosolic compartment. Interestingly, beta1-adrenergic stimulation led to a stronger increase of local cAMP in the SERCA2 compartment compared to the bulk cytosol. 8 weeks after transverse aortic constriction (TAC), PDE4 activity was downregulated in the SERCA2 microdomain compared to sham cardiomyocytes. Conclusion: We successfully generated transgenic mice expressing the targeted Epac1-camps-PLN biosensor to visualize cAMP dynamics in the SERCA2 compartment. We could show distinct cAMP dynamics around the SERCA2 compartment compared to the bulk cytosol and uncovered its alterations in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes

scholarly journals FRET Microscopy in Yeast

Biosensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Skruzny ◽  
Pohl ◽  
Abella
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Biophysical Processes ◽  
Microscopy Method ◽  
Fret Biosensors

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy is a powerful fluorescence microscopy method to study the nanoscale organization of multiprotein assemblies in vivo. Moreover, many biochemical and biophysical processes can be followed by employing sophisticated FRET biosensors directly in living cells. Here, we summarize existing FRET experiments and biosensors applied in yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, two important models of fundamental biomedical research and efficient platforms for analyses of bioactive molecules. We aim to provide a practical guide on suitable FRET techniques, fluorescent proteins, and experimental setups available for successful FRET experiments in yeasts.

scholarly journals Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Sensor for Poly-ADP-Ribose

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 5004
Author(s):  
Ekaterina O. Serebrovskaya ◽  
Nadezda M. Podvalnaya ◽  
Varvara V. Dudenkova ◽  
Anna S. Efremova ◽  
Nadya G. Gurskaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Fluorescent Sensor ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment ◽  
Damage Response

Poly-(ADP-ribosyl)-ation (PARylation) is a reversible post-translational modification of proteins and DNA that plays an important role in various cellular processes such as DNA damage response, replication, transcription, and cell death. Here we designed a fully genetically encoded fluorescent sensor for poly-(ADP-ribose) (PAR) based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The WWE domain, which recognizes iso-ADP-ribose internal PAR-specific structural unit, was used as a PAR-targeting module. The sensor consisted of cyan Turquoise2 and yellow Venus fluorescent proteins, each in fusion with the WWE domain of RNF146 E3 ubiquitin ligase protein. This bipartite sensor named sPARroW (sensor for PAR relying on WWE) enabled monitoring of PAR accumulation and depletion in live mammalian cells in response to different stimuli, namely hydrogen peroxide treatment, UV irradiation and hyperthermia.

scholarly journals Analysis of IFITM-IFITM Interactions by a Flow Cytometry-Based FRET Assay

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (16) ◽  
pp. 3859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Winkler ◽  
Florian Wrensch ◽  
Pascale Bosch ◽  
Maike Knoth ◽  
Michael Schindler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Viral Entry ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Yellow Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions

The interferon-induced transmembrane proteins 1–3 (IFITM1–3) inhibit host cell entry of several viruses. However, it is incompletely understood how IFITM1–3 exert antiviral activity. Two phenylalanine residues, F75 and F78, within the intramembrane domain 1 (IM1) were previously shown to be required for IFITM3/IFITM3 interactions and for inhibition of viral entry, suggesting that IFITM/IFITM interactions might be pivotal to antiviral activity. Here, we employed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay to analyze IFITM/IFITM interactions. For assay calibration, we equipped two cytosolic, non-interacting proteins, super yellow fluorescent protein (SYFP) and super cyan fluorescent protein (SCFP), with signals that target proteins to membrane rafts and also analyzed a SCFP-SYFP fusion protein. This strategy allowed us to discriminate background signals resulting from colocalization of proteins at membrane subdomains from signals elicited by protein–protein interactions. Coexpression of IFITM1–3 and IFITM5 fused to fluorescent proteins elicited strong FRET signals, and mutation of F75 and F78 in IFITM3 (mutant IFITM3-FF) abrogated antiviral activity, as expected, but did not alter cellular localization and FRET signals. Moreover, IFITM3-FF co-immunoprecipitated efficiently with wild type (wt) IFITM3, lending further support to the finding that lack of antiviral activity of IFITM3-FF was not due to altered membrane targeting or abrogated IFITM3-IFITM3 interactions. Collectively, we report an assay that allows quantifying IFITM/IFITM interactions. Moreover, we confirm residues F75 and F78 as critical for antiviral activity but also show that these residues are dispensable for IFITM3 membrane localization and IFITM3/IFITM3 interactions.

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