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Team:Freiburg/Content/Project/The light system
From 2014.igem.org
The Light System
Optogenetics in mammalian gene expression
Optogenetics describe the use of genetically encoded, light-sensing proteins to modulate cellular function or even organismal behavior with high spatio-temporal resolution. In the past few years a large number of versatile light-controlled tools and devices has been developed in all kind of species, reaching from bacteria (Levskaya et al., 2005) to mammalian cells (Muller and Weber, 2013). The introduction of microbial melanopsin into neurons (Nagel et al 2003) was the first optogenetic approach in mammalian cells and constitutes a milestone in neuronal research (Boyen et al, 2005). More recently, light-regulated tools have been successfully applied to control divers signaling processes and gene expression in mammalian cells (Pathak et al 2013; Müller et al, 2014?).
Light inducible gene expression systems follow the yeast two hybrid principle, using photoreceptors, which allow organisms to respond to environmental light conditions, of numerous different species and as building blocks. In synthetically designed systems transcriptional activation by light is mediated by recruitment of a transcriptional activation domain to the DNA site. Therefore, either photoreceptors and their light-depenent specific interaction partners are fused to a transactivation domain or to a DNA binding domain, respectively, or light-induced homo-dimerization of some photoreceptors is exploited to reconstitute a DNA binding domain. To date, spatio-temporal control over mammalian gene expression is provided by optogenetic gene switches, which are responsive to three distinct light spectra – blue, red and UV light (Weber review).
The AcCELLerator light systems
In order to assess an appropriate light system for our purpose, we considered benefits and disadvantages of all three light systems regarding different aspects, such as toxic side effects, handling and induction rate. UVB light inducible gene switches show high induction rates. However, UV light has a strong toxic effect on cells, and was therefore excluded. (weber müller review)In contrast, red light induction has minimal toxic effects and provides high tissue penetration..
Still, there are limitations in terms of handling, since cells have to be protected from ambient light and the requirement of addition of PCB (toggle switch paper).Blue light responsive expression systems do not depend on exogenous additon of a chromophore, but are likewise sensitive to unintentional activation by room light.Since drawbacks regarding the handling can be overcome by working under safe green light conditions, we considered both, blue and red light-inducible systems as suited for our application.
LOV2 based blue light responsive system
The blue light expression system used for the AcCELLarator capitalises on the second LOV (Light-Oxygen-Voltage) domain of the protein phototropin of Avena sativa (AsLOV2). LOV domains are small photosensory peptides with up to 125 residues and are used by a large variety of higher plants, microalgae, fungi and bacteria to sense environmental conditions. LOV domains, such as the AsLOV2 domain, have been successfully employed in numerous designs for optogenetic tools. AsLOV2 is N- and C-terminally flanked by α helices, reffered to as the Aα and Jα Helix, respectively.
In addition to the LOV2 domain, there are several other parts necessary for light induced expression of target genes. They can be separated into two main modules:
One includes the previously mentioned LOV2 domain that is fused to a Gal4-DNA binding domain (Gal4DBD). This part is constantly located at a specific DNA sequence, the Gal4-upstream activator sequence (Gal4UAS) nearby the promotor region of a target gene.
The second part consists of an Erbin PDZ domain (ePDZ) that is fused to a VP-16 domain. The VP-16 domain can act as a transcriptional activator which recruits DNA polymerase to the target gene.
The interaction between ePDZ and the Jα helix of LOV2 is the key process of the system: While in the dark, Jα chain is not exposed, therefore, the ePDZ-VP-16 domain can not be recruited and no gene expression is detectable. Upon illumination, the Jα chain of the LOV2-domain becomes accessible enabling the second part of the light system, epdZ fused toVP16, to bind to the Jα chain. VP-16 recruits DNA polymerase to the target gene thereby leading to a magnification of gene expression.
All in all, photoexcitation turns the system to the „ON“ state, leads to the recruitment and binding of ePDZ to the Jα helix and to induction of target gene expression. Under dark conditions the system turns back into the „OFF“ state where transcription is terminated. In our application, The AcCELLerator, the target gene that is selectively induced by photoexcitation is mCAT-1, a murine cationic amino acid transporter. To explore the possibilities by using this receptor, read on the next page more about mCAT-1, often also termed as “receptor”.
