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Molecular aptamers for real-time protein-protein interaction study.

Protein-protein interactions play critical roles in cellular functions, but current techniques for real-time study of these interactions are limited. We report the real-time monitoring of protein-protein interactions without labeling either of the two interacting proteins; this procedure poses minimum effects on the binding properties of the proteins. Our strategy uses a protein/aptamer complex to probe the interactions in a competitive assay where the binding of an aptamer to its target protein is altered by a second protein that interacts with the target protein. Two signal transduction strategies, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and fluorescence anisotropy, have been designed to study the interactions of human alpha-thrombin with different proteins by using two aptamers specific for two binding sites on alpha-thrombin. Our method has been shown to be simple and effective, does not require labeling of proteins, makes use of easily obtainable aptamers, provides detailed protein-protein interaction information and has excellent sensitivity for protein detection and protein-protein interaction studies. The FRET and the fluorescent anisotropy approaches complement each other in providing insight into the kinetics, mechanisms, binding sites and binding dynamics of the interacting proteins.

Base Sequence↗

Three distinct read-out modes for enzyme activity can operate in a semi-wet supramolecular hydrogel.

Assays of hydrolytic enzyme activity, such as of glycosidases and phosphatase, as well as several proteases, using a semi-wet supramolecular hydrogel array composed of a glycosylated amino acetate are described. It has been demonstrated that the microcavity formed by gel fibrils is suitable to immobilize native enzymes without denaturation under semi-wet conditions, and thus the nanofiber has been rationally used as a sensing domain to monitor enzymatic reactions. By using a fluorogenic substrate, reducing the size of the hydrogel can significantly improve the problem of suppressed diffusion within the gel matrix thus making the hydrogel a promising semi-wet matrix for evaluating enzyme activity. Confocal laser scanning microscopy observations have shown that an environmentally sensitive fluorescent probe accumulates in the hydrophobic domain of the gel fiber and emits fluorescence more strongly upon hydrolytic cleavage of the substrate peptides. Not only a simple environmentally sensitive probe but also a FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer)-type read-out mode can be devised to analyze the enzymatic hydrolysis-triggered redistribution of the probe between the nanospace and the nanofiber to accomplish a more clearly distinguished enzyme assay. Thus, it is clear that three distinct read-out modes, that is, 1) fluorogenic substrates, 2) substrates bearing an environmentally sensitive probe, or 3) a substrate exhibiting FRET, can operate under the semi-wet hydrogel conditions used in these investigations. In addition, owing to the unique properties of the present supramolecular hydrogel in semi-wet conditions, that is, its phase-segregation properties and dynamics, the supramolecular substrate/enzyme array has successfully been used for high-throughput screening of single and multiple enzymes based on their activity, lysate analysis, and quantitative evaluation of inhibitor potency and selectivity.

Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Single-molecule quantum-dot fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are promising for single-molecule biological imaging due to their outstanding brightness and photostability. As a proof of concept for single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) applications, we measured FRET between a single quantum dot and a single organic fluorophore Cy5. DNA Holliday junction dynamics measured with the quantum dot/Cy5 pair are identical to those obtained with the conventional Cy3/Cy5 pair, that is, conformational changes of individual molecules can be observed by using the quantum dot as the donor.

Biophysics↗

Intercalation of anthracyclines into living cell DNA analyzed by flow cytometry.

Anthracyclines (ANT) are used in the treatment of leukemia and other cancers. These drugs have been shown to intercalate between the strands of DNA. In the present study, we show that the amount of ANT intercalated into DNA can be determined by measuring the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between Hoechst 33342 (H33342) and ANT bound to DNA. The transfer efficiency was found to depend on the amount of disposable ANT but was independent of the amount of H33342 bound to DNA over a wide range of H33342 concentrations. The method was adapted for flow cytometric measurement of FRET in whole living cells and was used to evaluate the degree of intercalation of daunorubicin (DAU) and idarubicine (IDA) into DAU-sensitive and DAU-resistant leukemic cell lines. ANT intercalation into DNA was affected by factors which modify the intracytoplasmic concentration of ANT, and it was shown that the action of ANT and the resistance to ANT could not be attributed solely to the intercalative effect of the drugs. The method has advantages over previously described methods and represents a useful complementary tool in studies on the mode of action of ANT and the mechanisms of chemoresistance.

Benzimidazoles↗

Preparation and characterization of calibration beads for sorting cells expressing a beta-lactamase gene reporter.

BACKGROUND: Modern drug discovery has been based on high-throughput screening using whole-cell assays. A prominent role has been assigned to the reporter gene technology based on a beta-lactamase and the fluorogenic substrate CCF2. Successful application of this technology requires fluorescence-activated cell sorting. We describe the preparation and characterization of calibration beads for sorting cells expressing the beta-lactamase gene using the CCF2 substrate. METHODS: To model Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the coumarin donor and the fluorescein acceptor of the CCF2 reporting dye, we used activated polystyrene beads with primary amino groups. Donor and acceptor fluorophores were attached to the beads at different ratios via succinimidyl esters. The beads were characterized with a fluorescence plate reader and a flow cytometer. RESULTS: We prepared polystyrene beads with five different ratios of donor and acceptor fluorophores and beads that carried a donor or a receptor fluorophore alone. Fluorescence measurements demonstrated that the prepared beads well represent the FRET of CCF2 substrate. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that the prepared beads can be successfully used for the setup of fluorescence-activated cell sorting to sort cells with CCF2 reporter substrate and the beta-lactamase reporter gene.

Animals↗

Fibrinogen receptor antagonists induce conformational changes of the human platelet glycoprotein IIb.

BACKGROUND: Controversial results have been reported concerning the ability of fibrinogen receptor antagonists (fibans) to induce conformational changes in the fibrinogen receptor after binding to it as the initial step of fibrinogen binding and platelet activation. METHODS: Platelets in citrated whole blood were stained with several pairs of anti-glycoprotein (anti-GP) IIb-directed monoclonal antibodies conjugated to phycoerythrin (PE) or indirectly labeled with Cy5. Pairs of monoclonal antibodies that induced a high-fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency served as tools to detect activation-dependent changes of GP IIb after addition of adenosine diphosphate and several fibans. RESULTS: Using the combination of the clones 5B12-PE and P2-biotin/SA-Cy5, a concentration-dependent alteration of the GP IIb conformation was observed after addition of tirofiban, eptifibatide, and lotrafiban. Magnitude and kinetics differed among the investigated substances. CONCLUSION: The newly developed FRET assay allows the direct investigation of conformational changes of GP IIb after addition of platelet agonists or receptor ligands, as shown for three fibans.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Physical association of CD5 and the T cell receptor/CD3 antigen complex on the surface of human T lymphocytes.

The physical association of CD5 and the T cell antigen receptor (TcR)/CD3 complex on the surface of intact human lymphocytes was investigated using co-capping experiments and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analyses. Antibody-induced capping of CD5 or CD3 and double indirect immunofluorescence labeling revealed a specific co-localization of a significant fraction of CD3 and CD5 molecules on the T cell surface. By means of FRET measurements we studied further the physical proximity of CD5 and the TcR/CD3 complex at the surface of normal lymphocytes. Significant fluorescence energy transfer was measured between CD5 and CD3 molecules indicating that the associated molecules were within 10 nm of one another. No energy transfer was observed between the integrin alpha 4 beta 7 and CD3 or CD5. The close physical proximity measured between CD5 and CD3 correlates with our co-capping data and taken together the results show that the association of CD5 and the TcR/CD3 complex first detected by immunoprecipitation occurs on the surface of human T cells under physiologically relevant conditions.

Antigens, CD↗

CD55/decay accelerating factor is part of the lipopolysaccharide-induced receptor complex.

Recently, we described an 80-kDa lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding membrane protein to be identical to CD55 [decay accelerating factor (DAF)]. Here, we demonstrate that CD55 is able to contribute to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling. Transfection of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with human CD55 resulted in a translocation of NF-kappa B after stimulation with LPS as well as with free lipid A. In addition, interaction of lipid A and CD55 was shown by co-immuno-precipitation of these molecules from CHO-CD55 cells after incubation with lipid A and anti-lipid A monoclonal antibody, as well as by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis in human monocytes. The comparison of LPS-induced signaling pathways in CHO-CD55 and CHO-CD14 cells revealed that p38, JNK and ERK MAP kinases are activated upon LPS stimulation in both cell lines, and that the activation by LPS can be blocked at the level of Toll-like receptor 4. Finally, through FRET analysis we could demonstrate LPS-induced clustering of CD55 and CD11/CD18 in human monocytes. Our results imply a new functional role of CD55 as a member of a multimeric LPS receptor complex.

Animals↗

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer visualization of DNA aggregates formed during electrophoretic separations in ultradilute hydroxyethylcellulose.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy is used to observe structures of DNA aggregates formed during electrophoresis in ultradilute hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC). FRET gives evidence of aggregates with a tightly packed core and random entanglement of DNA in the outer portions. HEC concentrations also appear to play a role in aggregate formation. DNA aggregates take longer to assemble in higher HEC concentration solutions and assume a less compact form than those formed at lower HEC concentrations.

Cellulose↗

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis of proapoptotic CD95-EGF receptor interactions in Huh7 cells.

Hyperosmolarity- and CD95 ligand (CD95L)-induced interactions between CD95 (Fas/APO-1) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) involve EGFR-catalyzed CD95 tyrosine phosphorylation. Such interactions were studied by means of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and CD95 receptor mutagenesis in Huh7 hepatoma cells. In cells cotransfected with EGFR-cyan fluorescent protein and CD95-yellow fluorescent protein, FRET studies showed a rapid, hyperosmolarity-induced, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase-dependent CD95-EGFR association in the cytosol with subsequent microtubule-dependent translocation of the protein complex to the plasma membrane. Inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase activity by AG1478 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate had no effect on hyperosmotic CD95-EGFR association in the cytosol but prevented CD95 tyrosine phosphorylation, targeting of the protein complex to the plasma membrane, and formation of the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). The requirement of EGFR-mediated CD95 tyrosine phosphorylation for hyperosmotic and CD95L-induced CD95 membrane targeting and DISC formation was also shown in CD95 mutagenesis experiments. CD95 mutants with tyrosine-phenylalanine exchanges at positions 232 and 291 failed to translocate to the plasma membrane and to recruit Fas-associated death domain and caspase 8, although these mutants still associated with the EGFR in the cytosol in response to hyperosmolarity and CD95L. Cells transfected with these mutants were also resistant to CD95L-induced apoptosis. Single mutations of tyrosine 91, 232, and 291 failed to inhibit CD95 membrane targeting, DISC formation, or CD95L-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, we identify EGFR-CD95 interaction and phosphorylation of critical CD95 tyrosine residues as important early events in hyperosmotic and CD95L-induced CD95 activation and apoptosis induction.

Apoptosis↗

Integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein-1 (ICAP-1) interacts with the ROCK-I kinase at the plasma membrane.

The integrin cytoplasmic domain-associated protein-1 (ICAP-1) binds via its C-terminal PTB (phosphotyrosine-binding) domain to the cytoplasmic tails of beta1 but not other integrins. Using the yeast two-hybrid assay, we found that ICAP-1 binds the ROCK-I kinase, an effector of the RhoA GTPase. By coimmunoprecipitation we show that ICAP-1 and ROCK form complexes in cells and that ICAP-1 contains two binding sites for ROCK. In cells transfected with both ICAP-1 and ROCK, the proteins colocalized at the cell membrane predominantly in lamellipodia and membrane ruffles, but also in retraction fibers. ROCK was not found at these sites when ICAP-1 was not co-transfected, indicating that ICAP-1 translocated ROCK. In lamellipodia ICAP-1 and ROCK colocalized with endogenous beta1 integrins and this colocalization was also observed with the isolated ICAP-1 PTB domain. The plasma membrane localization of ROCK did not depend on beta1 integrin ligation or ROCK kinase activity, and in truncated ROCK proteins it required the presence of the ICAP-1-binding domain. To show that the interaction was direct, we measured fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) fused to ICAP-1 and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fused to ROCK. FRET was observed in lamellipodia in cells that were induced to spread. These results indicate that ICAP-1-mediated binding of ROCK to beta1 integrin serves to localize the ROCK-I kinase to both the leading edge and the trailing edge where ROCK affects cell migration.

Animals↗

Desensitization of GABA(B) receptor signaling by formation of protein complexes of GABA(B2) subunit with GRK4 or GRK5.

We investigated the role of G protein coupled-receptor kinases (GRKs) in the desensitization of GABA(B) receptor-mediated signaling using Xenopus oocytes and baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. Baclofen elicited inward K(+) currents in oocytes coexpressing heterodimeric GABA(B) receptor, GABA(B1a) subunit (GB(1a)R) and GABA(B2) subunit (GB(2)R), together with G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K(+) channels (GIRKs), in a concentration-dependent manner. Repetitive application of baclofen to oocytes coexpressing GABA(B)R and GIRKs did not change peak K(+) currents in the first and second responses, but the latter responses were significantly attenuated by coexpression of either GRK4 or GRK5 with attenuation efficacy of GRK4 > GRK5. Coexpression of other GRKs including GRK2, GRK3, and GRK6 had no effect on GABA(B) receptor-mediated desensitization processes. In BHK cells coexpressing GRK4 fused to Venus (brighter variant of yellow fluorescent protein, GRK4-Venus) with GB(1a)R and GB(2)R, GRK4-Venus was expressed in the cytosol but was translocated to the plasma membranes by GABA(B)R activation. In BHK cells coexpressing GRK4 fused to Cerulean (brighter variant of cyan fluorescent protein, GRK4-Cerulean) with GB(1a)R and GB(2)R-Venus, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis demonstrated that GRK4-Cerulean formed a protein complex with GB(2)R-Venus. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis confirmed GB(2)R-GRK4 complex formation. GRK5 also formed a complex with GB(2)R on the plasma membranes as determined by FRET and Western blotting but not GRK2, GRK3, and GRK6. Our results indicate that GRK4 and GRK5 desensitize GABA(B) receptor-mediated responses by forming protein complexes with GB(2)R subunit of GABA(B)R at the plasma membranes.

Animals↗

Correlated fluorescence lifetime and spectral measurements in living cells.

Studies of proteins' interaction in cells by FRET can take benefit from two important photo-physical properties describing fluorescent proteins: fluorescence emission spectrum and fluorescence lifetime. These properties provide specific and complementary information about the tagged proteins and their environment. However, none of them taken individually can completely quantify the involved fluorophore characteristics due to their multiparametric dependency with molecular environment, experimental conditions, and interpretation complexity. A solution to get a better understanding of the biological process implied at the cellular level is to combine the spectral and temporal fluorescence data acquired simultaneously at every cell region under investigation. We present the SLiM-SPRC160, an original temporal/spectral acquisition system for simultaneous lifetime measurements in 16 spectral channels directly attached to the descanned port of a confocal microscope with two-photon excitation. It features improved light throughput, enabling low-level excitation and minimum invasivity in living cells studies. To guarantee a fairly good level of accuracy and reproducibility in the measurements of fluorescence lifetime and spectra on living cells, we propose a rigorous protocol for running experiments with this new equipment that preserves cell viability. The usefulness of SLiM approach for the precise determination of overlapping fluorophores is illustrated with the study of known solutions of rhodamine. Then, we describe reliable FRET experiments in imaging mode realized in living cells using this protocol. We also demonstrate the benefit of localized fluorescence spectrum-lifetime acquisitions for the dynamic study of fluorescent proteins. proteins.

Animals↗

An immunohistochemical method that distinguishes free from complexed SNAP-25.

Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF) attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes composed of target (t-) SNAREs syntaxin and SNAP-25 and vesicle SNARE synaptobrevin play an essential role in neurosecretion. It is hypothesized that a transient intermediate complex between the t-SNAREs is formed during the assembly of the ternary complex. The existence of the t-SNARE binary complexes in vivo, however, has not been demonstrated. By using an affinity absorption scheme with preformed syntaxin-SNAP-25 complexes, we isolated antibodies capable of distinguishing free SNAP-25 from those associated with syntaxin. By semiquantitative immunohistochemistry, we estimated that, in cultured cerebellar neurons, the majority of SNAP-25 existed as complexes. Compared with the cultured neurons, PC12 cells expressed significantly less syntaxin, and we found that SNAP-25 was primarily in free forms. In contrast, a PC12 line that stably expressed a recombinant syntaxin showed a marked increase in SNAP-25 complexes. By using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques, we observed FRET between cyan fluorescence protein-syntaxin and yellow fluorescence protein-SNAP-25 fusion proteins expressed in COS-7 and PC12 cells, suggesting a physiological interaction between syntaxin and SNAP-25. Our results demonstrate that, unlike what was previously hypothesized, syntaxin and SNAP-25 exist preferably as stable binary complexes in neurons. These findings offer novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the initiation and regulation of SNARE complex assembly.

Animals↗

Protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase: a homology model examined by site-directed mutagenesis.

An homology model of protochlorophyllide reductase (POR) from Synechocystis sp. was constructed on a template from the tyrosine-dependent oxidoreductase family. The model showed characteristics appropriate to a globular, soluble protein and was used to generate a structure of the ternary complex of POR, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and protochlorophyllide. The POR ternary model was validated by mutagenesis experiments involving predicted coenzyme-binding residues and by chemical modification experiments. A core tryptophan residue was shown to be responsible for much of the protein's fluorescence. Both quenching of this residue by coenzyme and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the protein to the coenzyme allowed the binding constant of NADPH to be determined. Replacement of this residue by Tyr gave an active mutant with approximately halved fluorescence and a negligible FRET signal, consistent with the role of this residue in energy transfer to the NADPH at the active site and with the model. The mechanism of the enzyme is discussed in the context of the model and semiempirical molecular orbital calculations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Synthesis of N epsilon-(7-diethylaminocoumarin-3-carboxyl)- and N epsilon-(7-methoxycoumarin-3-carboxyl)-L-Fmoc lysine as tools for protease cleavage detection by fluorescence.

Two coumarin-labelled lysines were conveniently prepared as a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair for peptide cleavage detection. 7-Methoxy and 7-diethylamino coumarin-3-carboxylic acids were synthesized according to a modification of known procedures. Labelling at lysine was achieved in solution via the active N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of the carboxylic acid coumarin derivatives to give the target compounds in good yield. Subsequently, these modified amino acids were used in solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), and their potential utility in an extracellular matrix metalloprotease (MMP-1) activity measurement via FRET and/or quenching studies was demonstrated.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Characterization of endonucleolytic activity of HIV-1 integrase using a fluorogenic substrate.

Retroviruses require viral DNA to be synthesized by reverse transcription in the cytoplasm followed by integration of the resulting viral DNA into the host chromosome in the nucleus. Reverse transcription and integration, essential steps in the life cycle of retroviruses, are possible targets in the development of antiviral reagents. One attractive target is the integrase protein, a product of the retroviral pol gene which is solely responsible for the retroviral integration process through cutting and joining reactions. When screening for massive numbers of antiviral agents, a rapid and precise assay is ideal. We report the application of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with fluorescein and eosin as the energy transfer pair to characterize HIV-IN-mediated DNA cleavage reactions. Past concerns with applications of FRET to DNA were due to interactions of the fluorophore with the DNA, resulting in quenched fluorescence. However, in this study these concerns have been resolved with the use of a nucleotide analog with a 12-carbon linker arm, 5-amino (12)-2'-deoxyuridine beta-cyanoethyl phosphoramidite. Steady-state fluorescence studies show that cleavage of the fluorogenic substrate by integrase results in enhancement of quenched donor fluorescence intensity. The fluorescence assay was confirmed by autoradiographic analysis of the cleavage reaction with radiolabeled fluorogenic substrate. This fluorescence assay will facilitate both detailed kinetic studies and the rapid screening of novel integrase inhibitors.

Base Sequence↗

Fluorescence energy transfer immunoassay based on a long-lifetime luminescent metal-ligand complex.

We describe an immunoassay based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The antigen was human serum albumin (HSA), which was labeled with a ruthenium-ligand complex, [Ru(bpy)2(phen-ITC)]2+. The antibody (IgG) to HSA was labeled with a nonfluorescent absorber, Reactive Blue 4. Association of the Ru-labeled HSA with the antibody was detected by three spectral parameters, a decreased quantum yield of Ru-HSA, a decrease in its fluorescence lifetime, and an increase in its fluorescence anisotropy. The steady-state anisotropy of Ru-HSA increased approximately eightfold upon binding to the antibody. These spectral effects were observed both in the direct association of the Ru-HSA with Reactive Blue 4-labeled antibody, and in a competitive assay format wherein unlabeled HSA competed with Ru-HSA for the binding sites on the antibody. Some nonspecific interactions of HSA may have occurred with Reactive Blue 4-labeled AHA, a difficulty which can be avoided with a different acceptor. The use of FRET provides a reliable means to alter the spectral properties upon antigen-antibody binding. The advantages of a ruthenium-ligand fluorophore include its long-wavelength absorption and emission, long fluorescence lifetime, and high photo-stability. Long wavelengths minimize problems of autofluorescence from biological samples, and long life-times allow off-gating of the prompt autofluorescence.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗