Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
1.
Post-translational control of protein function with light using a LOV-intein fusion protein.
Abstract:
Methods for the post-translational control of protein function with light hold much value as tools in cell biology. To this end, we report a fusion protein that consists of DnaE split-inteins, flanking the light sensitive LOV2 domain of Avena sativa. The resulting chimera combines the activities of these two unrelated proteins to enable controlled formation of a functional protein via upregulation of intein splicing with blue light in bacterial and human cells.
2.
Signalling to the nucleus under the control of light and small molecules.
Abstract:
One major regulatory mechanism in cell signalling is the spatio-temporal control of the localization of signalling molecules. We synthetically designed an entire cell signalling pathway, which allows controlling the transport of signalling molecules from the plasma membrane to the nucleus, by using light and small molecules.
3.
A red light-controlled synthetic gene expression switch for plant systems.
Abstract:
On command control of gene expression in time and space is required for the comprehensive analysis of key plant cellular processes. Even though some chemical inducible systems showing satisfactory induction features have been developed, they are inherently limited in terms of spatiotemporal resolution and may be associated with toxic effects. We describe here the first synthetic light-inducible system for the targeted control of gene expression in plants. For this purpose, we applied an interdisciplinary synthetic biology approach comprising mammalian and plant cell systems to customize and optimize a split transcription factor based on the plant photoreceptor phytochrome B and one of its interacting factors (PIF6). Implementation of the system in transient assays in tobacco protoplasts resulted in strong (95-fold) induction in red light (660 nm) and could be instantaneously returned to the OFF state by subsequent illumination with far-red light (740 nm). Capitalizing on this toggle switch-like characteristic, we demonstrate that the system can be kept in the OFF state in the presence of 740 nm-supplemented white light, opening up perspectives for future application of the system in whole plants. Finally we demonstrate the system's applicability in basic research, by the light-controlled tuning of auxin signalling networks in N. tabacum protoplasts, as well as its biotechnological potential for the chemical-inducer free production of therapeutic proteins in the moss P. patens.
4.
Optogenetic tools for mammalian systems.
Abstract:
Light is fundamental to life on earth. Therefore, nature has evolved a multitude of photoreceptors that sense light across all kingdoms. This natural resource provides synthetic biology with a vast pool of light-sensing components with distinct spectral properties that can be harnessed to engineer novel optogenetic tools. These devices enable control over gene expression, cell morphology and signaling pathways with superior spatiotemporal resolution and are maturing towards elaborate applications in basic research, in the production of biopharmaceuticals and in biomedicine. This article provides a summary of the recent advances in optogenetics that use light for the precise control of biological functions in mammalian cells.
5.
Reversible photoswitching of protein function.
Abstract:
Using light to tune the activity of proteins represents a very attractive avenue for creating various temporal interferences in living systems. In this mini-review, we highlight a few recent developments in this broad and exciting field. Among the various methods, we have discussed in more detail the advantages and future challenges in using light switchable drugs to regulate the signaling proteins in the immune system.
