scholarly journals FluoSTEPs: Fluorescent biosensors for monitoring compartmentalized signaling within endogenous microdomains

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (21) ◽  
pp. eabe4091
Author(s):  
Brian Tenner ◽  
Jason Z. Zhang ◽  
Yonghoon Kwon ◽  
Veronica Pessino ◽  
Siyu Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Fluorescent Biosensors ◽  
Signaling Events

Growing evidence suggests that many essential intracellular signaling events are compartmentalized within kinetically distinct microdomains in cells. Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors are powerful tools to dissect compartmentalized signaling, but current approaches to probe these microdomains typically rely on biosensor fusion and overexpression of critical regulatory elements. Here, we present a novel class of biosensors named FluoSTEPs (fluorescent sensors targeted to endogenous proteins) that combine self-complementing split green fluorescent protein, CRISPR-mediated knock-in, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer biosensor technology to probe compartmentalized signaling dynamics in situ. We designed FluoSTEPs for simultaneously highlighting endogenous microdomains and reporting domain-specific, real-time signaling events including kinase activities, guanosine triphosphatase activation, and second messenger dynamics in live cells. A FluoSTEP for 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) revealed distinct cAMP dynamics within clathrin microdomains in response to stimulation of G protein–coupled receptors, showcasing the utility of FluoSTEPs in probing spatiotemporal regulation within endogenous signaling architectures.

scholarly journals Identification of Key Receptor Residues Discriminating Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)- and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)-Specific Signaling

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
Clara Lazzaretti ◽  
Valentina Secco ◽  
Elia Paradiso ◽  
Samantha Sperduti ◽  
Claudia Rutz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Hek293 Cells ◽  
Amino Acid Residues

(1) The human luteinizing hormone (LH)/chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) receptor (LHCGR) discriminates its two hormone ligands and differs from the murine receptor (Lhr) in amino acid residues potentially involved in qualitative discerning of LH and hCG. The latter gonadotropin is absent in rodents. The aim of the study is to identify LHCGR residues involved in hCG/LH discrimination. (2) Eight LHCGR cDNAs were developed, carrying “murinizing” mutations on aminoacidic residues assumed to interact specifically with LH, hCG, or both. HEK293 cells expressing a mutant or the wild type receptor were treated with LH or hCG and the kinetics of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (pERK1/2) activation was analyzed by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). (3) Mutations falling within the receptor leucine reach repeat 9 and 10 (LRR9 and LRR10; K225S +T226I and R247T), of the large extracellular binding domain, are linked to loss of hormone-specific induced cAMP increase, as well as hCG-specific pERK1/2 activation, leading to a Lhr-like modulation of the LHCGR-mediated intracellular signaling pattern. These results support the hypothesis that LHCGR LRR domain is the interaction site of the hormone β-L2 loop, which differs between LH and hCG, and might be fundamental for inducing gonadotropin-specific signals. (4) Taken together, these data identify LHCGR key residues likely evolved in the human to discriminate LH/hCG specific binding.

scholarly journals cAMP Biosensors Based on Genetically Encoded Fluorescent/Luminescent Proteins

Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Namdoo Kim ◽  
Seunghan Shin ◽  
Se Won Bae
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Non Invasive

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays a key role in signal transduction pathways as a second messenger. Studies on the cAMP dynamics provided useful scientific insights for drug development and treatment of cAMP-related diseases such as some cancers and prefrontal cortex disorders. For example, modulation of cAMP-mediated intracellular signaling pathways by anti-tumor drugs could reduce tumor growth. However, most early stage tools used for measuring the cAMP level in living organisms require cell disruption, which is not appropriate for live cell imaging or animal imaging. Thus, in the last decades, tools were developed for real-time monitoring of cAMP distribution or signaling dynamics in a non-invasive manner. Genetically-encoded sensors based on fluorescent proteins and luciferases could be powerful tools to overcome these drawbacks. In this review, we discuss the recent genetically-encoded cAMP sensors advances, based on single fluorescent protein (FP), Föster resonance energy transfer (FRET), single luciferase, and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) for real-time non-invasive imaging.

scholarly journals Cardiac Hypertrophy Changes Compartmentation of cAMP in Non-Raft Membrane Microdomains

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 535
Author(s):  
Nikoleta Pavlaki ◽  
Kirstie A. De Jong ◽  
Birgit Geertz ◽  
Viacheslav O. Nikolaev ◽  
Alexander Froese
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Pressure Overload ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Differential Regulation ◽  
Membrane Microdomains ◽  
Transgenic Mouse Line

3′,5′-Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger which plays critical roles in cardiac function and disease. In adult mouse ventricular myocytes (AMVMs), several distinct functionally relevant microdomains with tightly compartmentalized cAMP signaling have been described. At least two types of microdomains reside in AMVM plasma membrane which are associated with caveolin-rich raft and non-raft sarcolemma, each with distinct cAMP dynamics and their differential regulation by receptors and cAMP degrading enzymes phosphodiesterases (PDEs). However, it is still unclear how cardiac disease such as hypertrophy leading to heart failure affects cAMP signals specifically in the non-raft membrane microdomains. To answer this question, we generated a novel transgenic mouse line expressing a highly sensitive Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor E1-CAAX targeted to non-lipid raft membrane microdomains of AMVMs and subjected these mice to pressure overload induced cardiac hypertrophy. We could detect specific changes in PDE3-dependent compartmentation of β-adrenergic receptor induced cAMP in non-raft membrane microdomains which were clearly different from those occurring in caveolin-rich sarcolemma. This indicates differential regulation and distinct responses of these membrane microdomains to cardiac remodeling.

scholarly journals Fluorescent Protein-Based Autophagy Biosensors

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 3019
Author(s):  
Heejung Kim ◽  
Jihye Seong
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Spectral Profile ◽  
Spatiotemporal Resolution ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Complex Process

Autophagy is an essential cellular process of self-degradation for dysfunctional or unnecessary cytosolic constituents and organelles. Dysregulation of autophagy is thus involved in various diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate the complex process of autophagy, various biochemical, chemical assays, and imaging methods have been developed. Here we introduce various methods to study autophagy, in particular focusing on the review of designs, principles, and limitations of the fluorescent protein (FP)-based autophagy biosensors. Different physicochemical properties of FPs, such as pH-sensitivity, stability, brightness, spectral profile, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), are considered to design autophagy biosensors. These FP-based biosensors allow for sensitive detection and real-time monitoring of autophagy progression in live cells with high spatiotemporal resolution. We also discuss future directions utilizing an optobiochemical strategy to investigate the in-depth mechanisms of autophagy. These cutting-edge technologies will further help us to develop the treatment strategies of autophagy-related diseases.

scholarly journals Heart failure leads to altered β2-adrenoceptor/cyclic adenosine monophosphate dynamics in the sarcolemmal phospholemman/Na,K ATPase microdomain

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 546-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeynep Bastug-Özel ◽  
Peter T Wright ◽  
Axel E Kraft ◽  
Davor Pavlovic ◽  
Jacqueline Howie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Complex Forms ◽  
Cardiac Excitation

Abstract Aims Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates cardiac excitation–contraction coupling by acting in microdomains associated with sarcolemmal ion channels. However, local real time cAMP dynamics in such microdomains has not been visualized before. We sought to directly monitor cAMP in a microdomain formed around sodium–potassium ATPase (NKA) in healthy and failing cardiomyocytes and to better understand alterations of cAMP compartmentation in heart failure. Methods and results A novel Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor termed phospholemman (PLM)-Epac1 was developed by fusing a highly sensitive cAMP sensor Epac1-camps to the C-terminus of PLM. Live cell imaging in PLM-Epac1 and Epac1-camps expressing adult rat ventricular myocytes revealed extensive regulation of NKA/PLM microdomain-associated cAMP levels by β2-adrenoceptors (β2-ARs). Local cAMP pools stimulated by these receptors were tightly controlled by phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 3. In chronic heart failure following myocardial infarction, dramatic reduction of the microdomain-specific β2-AR/cAMP signals and β2-AR dependent PLM phosphorylation was accompanied by a pronounced loss of local PDE3 and an increase in PDE2 effects. Conclusions NKA/PLM complex forms a distinct cAMP microdomain which is directly regulated by β2-ARs and is under predominant control by PDE3. In heart failure, local changes in PDE repertoire result in blunted β2-AR signalling to cAMP in the vicinity of PLM.

scholarly journals Minireview: GPCR and G Proteins: Drug Efficacy and Activation in Live Cells

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 590-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre Vilardaga ◽  
Moritz Bünemann ◽  
Timothy N. Feinstein ◽  
Nevin Lambert ◽  
Viacheslav O. Nikolaev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
G Protein ◽  
G Proteins ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Abstract Many biochemical pathways are driven by G protein-coupled receptors, cell surface proteins that convert the binding of extracellular chemical, sensory, and mechanical stimuli into cellular signals. Their interaction with various ligands triggers receptor activation that typically couples to and activates heterotrimeric G proteins, which in turn control the propagation of secondary messenger molecules (e.g. cAMP) involved in critically important physiological processes (e.g. heart beat). Successful transfer of information from ligand binding events to intracellular signaling cascades involves a dynamic interplay between ligands, receptors, and G proteins. The development of Förster resonance energy transfer and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer-based methods has now permitted the kinetic analysis of initial steps involved in G protein-coupled receptor-mediated signaling in live cells and in systems as diverse as neurotransmitter and hormone signaling. The direct measurement of ligand efficacy at the level of the receptor by Förster resonance energy transfer is also now possible and allows intrinsic efficacies of clinical drugs to be linked with the effect of receptor polymorphisms.

scholarly journals Kinesin-1 structural organization and conformational changes revealed by FRET stoichiometry in live cells

2007 ◽  
Vol 176 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawen Cai ◽  
Adam D. Hoppe ◽  
Joel A. Swanson ◽  
Kristen J. Verhey
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Change ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Structural Organization ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Protein Activity ◽  
Kinesin Light Chain ◽  
Initial Interaction

Kinesin motor proteins drive the transport of cellular cargoes along microtubule tracks. How motor protein activity is controlled in cells is unresolved, but it is likely coupled to changes in protein conformation and cargo association. By applying the quantitative method fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) stoichiometry to fluorescent protein (FP)–labeled kinesin heavy chain (KHC) and kinesin light chain (KLC) subunits in live cells, we studied the overall structural organization and conformation of Kinesin-1 in the active and inactive states. Inactive Kinesin-1 molecules are folded and autoinhibited such that the KHC tail blocks the initial interaction of the KHC motor with the microtubule. In addition, in the inactive state, the KHC motor domains are pushed apart by the KLC subunit. Thus, FRET stoichiometry reveals conformational changes of a protein complex in live cells. For Kinesin-1, activation requires a global conformational change that separates the KHC motor and tail domains and a local conformational change that moves the KHC motor domains closer together.

scholarly journals BacMam System for FRET-Based cAMP Sensor Expression in Studies of Melanocortin MC1 Receptor Activation

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 1096-1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Mazina ◽  
Reet Reinart-Okugbeni ◽  
Sergei Kopanchuk ◽  
Ago Rinken
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Second Messenger ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Endogenous Expression ◽  
Mammalian Cell Lines

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger of many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and a useful readout molecule to estimate the biological activity of various GPCR-specific agents. Here we report the development and use of a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor for cAMP (Epac2-camps) combined with a baculovirus-based BacMam transduction system. The constructed BacMam-Epac2-camps viral transduction system is a simple and robust tool for ligand screening at the second-messenger level in a variety of mammalian cell lines. The level of biosensor protein expression can easily be adjusted in a dose-dependent manner depending on the multiplicity of viral infection. For setting up the assay, we used a B16F10 murine melanoma cell line with endogenous expression of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). The receptor activation was characterized by a set of MC1R full and partial agonists. Bivalent ions Ca2+ as well as Mg2+ modulated ligand potencies, whereas the effect was ligand and ion specific. Results obtained for MC1R indicate that the BacMam-Epac2-camps system may also be applicable for studying the activation of other GPCRs and may be implemented in routine analysis as well as in high-throughput screening.

scholarly journals Highly multiplexed imaging of biosensors in live cells

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jr-Ming Yang ◽  
Wei-Yu Chi ◽  
Jessica Liang ◽  
Pablo Iglesias ◽  
Chuan-Hsiang Huang
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Spectral Space ◽  
Fluorescent Biosensors ◽  
Multiplexed Imaging ◽  
Mixed Populations

AbstractFluorescent biosensors allow for real-time monitoring of biochemical activities in cells, but their multiplexing capacity is severely limited by the availability of spectral space. We overcome this problem by developing a set of barcoding proteins that are spectrally separable from commonly used FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer)-based and single-fluorophore biosensors. Mixed populations of barcoded cells expressing different biosensors can be concurrently imaged and computationally unmixed to achieve highly multiplexed tracking of biochemical activities in live cells.

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