Team:Marburg:Project:Tumor

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CancerSURF
CancerSURF
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<html><a name="intro"><h2>Introduction</h2></a></html>
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DARPins (Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins) serve as highly potential next generation protein drugs. Theyare derived from natural ankyrin repeat proteins that are the most common protein-protein interaction motif and predominantly found in eukaryotic proteins (Al Khodor et al. 2010). Also the genomes of various pathogenic or symbiotic bacteria and eukaryotic viruses contain several genes encoding ankyrin repeat proteins. Typically, two to four library modules, each corresponding to oneankyrin repeat of 33 amino acids with seven variable positions, are encased by two caps (N- and C-)(Figure 1A). Next to the resulting high diversity, these repeating modules reach an extremely small size compared to conventional IgG antibodies, preventing a higher tissue penetration. They show an absence of effector functions and can also exert allosteric inhibition mechanisms.
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DARPins (Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins) serve as high potential next generation protein drugs. They are derived from natural ankyrin repeat proteins that contain
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ankyrin repeats, the most common protein-protein interaction motif which are predominantly found in eukaryotic proteins (Al-Khodor et al. 2010). Also, the genomes of  
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various pathogenic or symbiotic bacteria and eukaryotic viruses contain several genes encoding ankyrin repeat proteins. Typically, two to four library modules, each  
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corresponding to one ankyrin repeat of 33 amino acids with seven variable positions, are encased by two caps (N- and C-; Figure 1A). Additionally to the resulting high  
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diversity, these repetitive modules are extremely small compared to conventional IgG antibodies, thus preventing tissue penetration. They show no effector  
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function and can also exert allosteric inhibition mechanisms.  
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/8/8d/Mr_cancersurf_1.png" alt="" />
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/8/8d/Mr_cancersurf_1.png" alt="" />
<span class="caption">
<span class="caption">
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Figure 1: (A) Scheme of the DARPin library design.  
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<b>Figure 1: (A)</b> Scheme of the DARPin library design.  
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B) Tetrameric StrepDARPidin construct. Four DARPin  
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<b>(B)</b> Tetrameric <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>
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Ec1 molecules were fused via linker peptides to a  
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construct. Four DARPin Ec1 molecules were fused via linker peptides to a Streptavidin protein. At the N-terminus  
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streptavidin protein. At the N terminus the Ec1  
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the Ec1 DARPin is fused to a polyhistidine-Tag (His-Tag) and the C-terminus prevents the linkage to the Streptavidin monomer.
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DARPin is fused to a polyhistidine-Tag (His-Tag)  
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Adapted from Stumpp et al. 2008.
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and the C terminus prevents the linkage to the  
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streptavidin monomer. Adapted from: Stumpp, M. et al.
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DARPins: a new generation of protein therapeutics.
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Drug Discovery Today (2008).
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CancerSURF combines the scaffold of a tetrameric Streptavidin (Strep) to increase the specificity of DARPin Ec1 to detect a prominent tumor surface marker of many epithelium-derived cancer cells(like lung & colon cancer cells), called EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule)(Went et al. 2006).EpCAM is expressed by every epithelial cell on the basolateral side while being overexpressed on the surface by transformed tumor cells. We planned to fuse an EpCAM-binding DARPin Ec1(Stefan et al. 2011) with a tetrameric Streptavidin increasing the local concentration of the construct for targeting EpCAM-positive tumor cells. In the next step, we wanted to combine the high density of epitopes offered by the filament of the bacterial flagellum as a scaffold with the modular advantages of a Streptavidin-Strep-Tag-system.  
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CancerSURF combines the scaffold of a tetrameric Streptavidin to increase the specificity of a DARPin to detect a prominent tumor surface marker of many epithelial-derived  
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cancer cells (like lung and colon cancer cells), called EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule; Went et al. 2006). EpCAM is expressed by every  
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epithelial cell on the basolateral side in a specific ratio while being overexpressed on the surface irregularly by transformed tumor cells (Figure 2). We planned  
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to fuse an EpCAM-binding DARPin Ec1 (Stefan et al. 2011) with a tetrameric Streptavidin increasing the local concentration of the construct for targeting EpCAM-positive  
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tumor cells. In the next step, we wanted to combine the high density of epitopes offered by the filament of the bacterial flagellum as a scaffold with the modular  
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advantages of a Streptavidin-Strep-Tag-system.  
<html><center>
<html><center>
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<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 95%;">
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<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 75%;">
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/5/53/MR_epithelial_cells.png" alt="scheme" width="33%"  />
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/5/53/MR_epithelial_cells.png" alt="scheme" width="47%"  />
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/4/42/MR_transformed-cells.png" alt="scheme" width="33%"  />
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/4/42/MR_transformed-cells.png" alt="scheme" width="47%"  />
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/6/6d/MR_dead_tumor_cells.png" alt="scheme" width="33%" />
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<span class="caption" style="text-align:justify;width: 94%;">
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<span class="caption" style="text-align:justify;width: 90%;">
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<b>Figure 2: Transformation of epithelial-derived cancer cells overexpressing EpCAM.</b>
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Figure 2: Treatment of epithelial cancer cells with EpCAM.  
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<html><h2><a name="production">Production of a DARPin-Strep module for specific recognition of EpCAM in lung cancer cells</a></h2></html>
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<html><h2><a name="production">Production of a DARPin-Strep module for specific recognition of EpCAM-positive epithelial-derived cancer cells</a></h2></html>
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To address the goal of creating a CancerSURFer for efficient and rapid targeting of cancer cells, we first had to synthesize a Strep-DARPin fusion construct (StrepDARPidin). Template DNA for thetetrameric StrepDARPidin construct was commercially synthesized by IDT (Integrated DNA Technologies) and cloned into a pET-plasmide for overexpressionof the protein in ''E.coli'' BL21 (DE3).Streptavidin is not soluble when overexpressed and remains in inclusion bodies, so we had to apply a refolding protocol to (re)-gain StrepDARPidin in sufficient amounts (Howarth and Ting, 2008). After refolding the protein was purified in a two-step process: Ni-NTA-affinity purification and size-exclusion chromatography (Figure 3).The calculated protein mass of the monomeric StrepDARPidin is 31 kDa. The tetramer should have a size of 124 kDa and is visible above the highest marker line (116 kDa; Figure 3).
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To address the goal of creating a CancerSURF for efficient and rapid targeting of cancer cells, we first had to synthesize a Strep-DARPin fusion construct  
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(<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>).  
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Template DNA for the tetrameric <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html> construct was commercially  
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synthesized by IDT (Integrated DNA Technologies) and cloned into a pET-plasmide in order to
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overexpress the protein in ''E.coli'' BL21 (DE3). Since we discovered that <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
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is not soluble when overexpressed and remains in inclusion bodies, we had to apply  
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a refolding protocol to (re)-gain <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
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in sufficient amounts (Howarth and Ting, 2008). After refolding, the protein was purified in a two-step process:  
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Ni-NTA-affinity purification and size-exclusion chromatography (Figure 3). The calculated protein mass of the monomeric  
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<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
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is 31 kDa. The tetramer should  
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have a size of 124 kDa and is visible above the highest marker line (116 kDa; Figure 3).
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/2/2b/Mr_cancersurf_2.png" alt="" />
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/2/2b/Mr_cancersurf_2.png" alt="" />
<span class="caption">
<span class="caption">
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Figure 3:
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<b>Figure 3:
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Purification of StrepDARPidin. Size-exclusion chromatogram and  
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Purification of <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>.</b> Size-exclusion chromatogram and  
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coomassie stained SDS-PAGE of purified StrepDARPidin. Upper SDS-PAGE:  
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coomassie stained SDS-PAGE of purified <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>. Upper SDS-PAGE:  
Fractions taken from Ni-NTA purification. M: marker, L: lysate, FT: flow through,  
Fractions taken from Ni-NTA purification. M: marker, L: lysate, FT: flow through,  
W: wash, E: elution. Lower SDS-PAGE: Samples of peak fractions taken from size-exclusion  
W: wash, E: elution. Lower SDS-PAGE: Samples of peak fractions taken from size-exclusion  
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fractions. Samples on the left side have been cooked prior to loading showing the monomeric  
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fractions. Samples on the right side have been cooked prior to loading showing the monomeric  
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StrepDARPidin.
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<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>.  
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Protein containing fractions were analyzed on a coomassie stained SDS-PAGE and refolding was verified by incubating the eluate for 10 min at 95 &deg;C (Figure 3). The peak
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fractions after size-exclusion were pooled and concentrated for further analysis.
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Protein containing fractions were analyzed on a coomassie stained SDS-PAGE and refolding was verified by incubating the eluate for 10 min at 95°C (Fig 3). The peak fractions after size-exclusion were pooled and concentrated for further analysis.
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In the next step, we designed an assay to test the functionality and binding specificity of the engineered
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<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
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In the next step StrepDARPidin binding specificity to EpCAM at lung and colon cancer cells was assayed to check functionality of the engineered StrepDARPidin. Colon cancer cells (Caco-2) and lung cancer cells (A549) which were known to highly express EpCAM (Maaser and Borlak, 2008) were treated with StrepDARPidin in serial dilutions.After washing they were incubated with anti-His-antibody-Alexa488 conjugate. Fibroblasts (3T3 wild typecells) were used as EpCAM-negative control. Fluorescence was quantified at 520 nm (Fig.4C)with a fluorometer.
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to EpCAM on lung and colon cancer cells. Colon  
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cancer cells (Caco-2) and lung cancer cells (A549) which are known to highly express EpCAM (Maaser and Borlak, 2008) were treated with  
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<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
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in serial dilutions.  
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After washing, they were incubated with anti-His-antibody-Alexa488 conjugate. Fibroblasts (3T3 wild type cells) were used as EpCAM-negative control. Fluorescence was  
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quantified at 520 nm (Figure 4C) with a fluorometer.  
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/5/54/Mr_cancersurf_3.png" alt="" />
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/5/54/Mr_cancersurf_3.png" alt="" />
<span class="caption">
<span class="caption">
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Figure 4: (A) Immunofluorescent staining of Caco-2 and 3T3 cells incubated with  
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<b>Figure 4: (A)</b> Immunofluorescent staining of Caco-2 and 3T3 cells incubated with  
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StrepDARPidin protein. Both cell lines were stained with Alexa555 (red) conjugated Phalloidin
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<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a> protein.  
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(F-Actin) and Alexa488 (green) conjugated anti-His antibody (StrepDARPidin) in presence of  
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Both cell lines were stained with phalloidin (red) conjugated with rhodamine (F-Actin) and Alexa488 (green) conjugated anti-His-antibody  
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25µM StrepDARPidin. The nucleus was stained with DAPI (blue). (B) Immunofluorescent staining
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(<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>) in presence of 25 &micro;M
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of A549 cells incubated with StrepDARPidin protein. Cells were stained with Alexa555 (red)  
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<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>. The nucleus was stained with DAPI (blue). Scale bar represents 5 µm. <b>(B)</b>
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conjugated Phalloidin (F-Actin) and Alexa488 (green) conjugated anti-His antibody (StrepDARPidin)  
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Immunofluorescent staining of A549 cells incubated with  
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in presence of 25µM StrepDARPidin. The nucleus was stained with DAPI (blue). (C) Binding  
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<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a> protein. Cells were stained with rhodamine (red) conjugated phalloidin
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specificity of StrepDARPidin to epithelial cancer cell lines. Flourenscence of Alexa488-coupled  
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(F-Actin) and Alexa488 (green) conjugated anti-His antibody (<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>)  
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anti-His-antibody in A549 and Caco-2 (epithelial) cells was normalized to 3T3 (interstitial)  
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in presence of 25 µM <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>. The nucleus was stained with DAPI (blue). The control
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cells. (D) Fluorescence intensities of Caco-2 and 3T3 cells in comparison.
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was stained in
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absence of <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>. Scale bar represents 5 µm. <b>(C)</b> Binding specificity of  
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<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a> to epithelial-derived  cancer cell lines. Fluorescence of Alexa488-coupled  
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anti-His-antibody in A549 and Caco-2 (epithelial) cells was normalized to 3T3 (interstitial) cells. <b>(D)</b> Fluorescence intensities of Caco-2 and 3T3 cells in comparison.
</span>
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The assay confirmed the optimal concentration of StrepDARPidin of 25 µM for the treatment of cancer cell lines (Figure 4C).  
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The assay confirmed the optimal concentration of <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
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to be  25 µM for the treatment of EpCAM-positive cancer cell lines (Figure 4C).  
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Next we wanted to investigate if StrepDARPidin can bind to epithelial cells. Therefore we used an immunofluorescence based approach.  
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Next we wanted to investigate if <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
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Caco-2 and A549 cells were grown on gelatin coated coverslips and incubated with 25 µM StrepDARPidin.  
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can bind to epithelial-derived cancer cells. Therefore we used an immunofluorescence based approach. Caco-2 and A549 cells were grown on  
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As a negative control fibroblast cell line 3T3 was used. After fixation with formaldehyde, cells were permeabilized with Triton-X-100. The membrane-associated F-Actin was stained with phalloidin-rhodamine and the nucleus was stained with DAPI (Fig 4A, B.
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gelatin coated coverslips and incubated with 25 µM <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>.  
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Anti-His-antibody-Alexa488 (green) conjugate was used for the staining of StrepDARPidin.  
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As a negative control fibroblast cell line 3T3 wild type was used. After fixation with formaldehyde, cells were permeabilized with Triton-X-100.  
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Phalloidin conjugated with rhodamine(red)was used for staining of the F-Actin cytoskeleton to follow cell morphology. In Caco-2 and A549 cells a co-localization of StrepDARPidin with membrane-associated F-Actin could be shown (Fig 4A, B).  
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The membrane-associated F-Actin was stained with phalloidin-rhodamine and the nucleus was stained with DAPI (Figure 4A, B). Anti-His-antibody-Alexa488 (green)  
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Some unspecific His-staining was detected in the nucleus of all cell lines both in presence and absence of StrepDARPidin. In presence of StrepDARPidin both epithelial cell lines yielded the highest fluorescence intensity at the cell membrane.  
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conjugate was used for the staining of <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>.  
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In Caco-2 cells the total fluorescence intensity ratio membrane/cytoplasm was 2.5x higher compared to 3T3 cells (Figure 4D).  
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Phalloidin conjugated with rhodamine (red) was used for staining of the F-Actin cytoskeleton to follow cell morphology. In Caco-2 and A549 cells a co-localization of  
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<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html> with membrane-associated F-Actin could be shown (Figure 4A, B). Some unspecific  
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His-staining was detected in the nucleus of all cell lines both in presence and absence of  
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<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>.  
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In presence of <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
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both epithelial-derived cancer cell lines showed the highest fluorescence intensity at the cell membrane. In Caco-2 cells the total fluorescence  
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intensity ratio membrane/cytoplasm was 2.5x higher compared to 3T3 cells (Figure 4D).  
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We could show that our tetrameric StrepDARPidin is capable of binding different EpCAM-positive cancer cell lineages, which already is a remarkable result.  
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We were able to show that our tetrameric <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
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Now we wanted to further increase the local concentration of StrepDARPidin molecules and also integrate the activation of the innate immune system for further enhancement of our CancerSURFer.  
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is capable of binding different EpCAM-positive cancer cell lineages, which already is a remarkable result. Additionally,
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Bacterial surface proteins, such as Flagellin activate TLR5 (toll-like receptor 5) on dendritic cells leading to a stimulation of T helper cells.  
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we wanted to increase the local concentration of <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
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Therefore, employing bacterial flagellar filaments not only drastically increases the amount of StrepDARPidins present on the cancer cell surface but also leads to a stimulation of inflammatory reactions (Leigh et al. 2014).
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molecules and also integrate the activation of the innate immune system for enhancing our CancerSURF. Bacterial surface proteins, such as Flagellin,
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activate TLR5 (toll-like receptor 5) on dendritic cells, leading to a stimulation of T helper cells. Therefore, employing bacterial flagellar filaments not only drastically  
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increases the amount of <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html> present on the cancer cell surface but also leads  
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to a stimulation of the inflammatory immune response (Leigh et al. 2014) which
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creates an anti-tumor environment (Tarahomjoo et al. 2013) .  
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<html>
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<div class="figure" style="width:90%;">
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<div class="figure" style="width:10%">
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<img src="" alt="" />
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/0/02/MR_DC_TLR5.png" alt="" />
<span class="caption">
<span class="caption">
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Figure 3:Figure: cellular response after TLR-5 activation by Flagellin.
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<b>Figure 5: Cellular response after TLR-5 activation by Flagellin.</b>
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<html><h2><a name="coupling">Coupling StrepDARPidin to engineered Flagellin-D2-Strep</a></h2></html>
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<html><h2><a name="coupling">Coupling StrepDARPidin to engineered Hag-D2-Strep</a></h2></html>
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As described previously enhancing the local concentration of DARPin-molecules is crucial to allow a rapid and efficient targeting of cancer cells.  
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As described previously, enhancing the local concentration of DARPin molecules is crucial to allow a rapid and efficient targeting of cancer cells. Therefore,  
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Therefore, ''B. subtilis'' Flagellin was engineered carrying an insertion in the D1-domain replacing the small native loop (see SURFing for detailed information) with the ''S. typhimurium'' D2-domain and a Strep-Tag.  
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B. subtilis Flagellin was engineered carrying an insertion in the D1-domain replacing the small native loop (see SilverSURF for detailed information) with the <i>S.  
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The Flagellin-D2-Strep was used for generation of modified "B. subtilis" strains as well as overexpression in ''E. coli'' BL21 (DE3)cells (Figure 6A).  
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typhimurium</i> D2-domain and a Strep-Tag. The Hag-D2-Strep <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">(BBa_K1329003)</a></html> was used for  
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As Flagellin tends to form polymers when overexpressed (this is a natural feature, it builds up the filament), it was co-purified with its cognate chaperone FliS forming a stable and stoichiometric complex on a size-exclusion column (Figure 6A).  
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the generation of modified <i>B. subtilis</i> strains as well as overexpression in <i>E. coli</i> BL21  
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Fractions of the main peak were pooled and concentrated to a final volume of 500 μl for further analysis.  
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(DE3) cells (Figure 6A). As Flagellin tends to form polymers when overexpressed (a natural feature necessary to build up the filament), it was co-purified with its  
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cognate chaperone FliS, forming a stable and stoichiometric complex on a size-exclusion column (Figure 6A). The fractions of the main peak were pooled and concentrated  
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to a final volume of 500 &micro;L for further analysis.  
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/0/07/Mr_cancersurf_4.png" alt="" />
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/0/07/Mr_cancersurf_4.png" alt="" />
<span class="caption">
<span class="caption">
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Figure 5: Purification of Flagellin-D2-Strep and binding assays with StrepDARPidin. (A) Size-exclusion  
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<b>Figure 6: Purification of <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep</a> and binding  
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chromatogram of Flagellin-D2-Strep in complex with its chaperone FliS. Upper SDS-PAGE: Ni-NTA purification.  
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assays with <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>. (A)</b> Size-exclusion  
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chromatogram of <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep</a>
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in complex with its chaperone FliS. Upper SDS-PAGE: Ni-NTA purification.  
M: marker, L: lysate, FT: flow through, W: wash, E: elution. Lower SDS-PAGE: Samples of peak fractions  
M: marker, L: lysate, FT: flow through, W: wash, E: elution. Lower SDS-PAGE: Samples of peak fractions  
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taken from size-exclusion fractions. (B)Streptavidin-and GST-interaction assay using purified Flagellin-D2-Strep  
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taken from size-exclusion fractions. <b>(B)</b> Streptavidin- and GST-interaction assay using purified  
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and Flagellin-Strep. (1) Strep-beads without protein. (2) Strep-beads with Flagellin-Strep immobilized. (3)  
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<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep/FliS</a>
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Strep-beads with Flagellin-D2-Strep. (4) GST-beads with Flagellin-Strep. (5) GST-beads with Flagellin-D2-Strep.  
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and Hag-Strep/FliS. (1) Strep-beads without protein (contaminant protein at 30 kDa). (2) Strep-beads with Hag-Strep/FliS immobilized. (3)  
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(C) Interaction of StrepDARPidin and Flagellin-D2-Strep visualized by competition assays. Soluble fractions:  
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Strep-beads with <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep/FliS</a>.  
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(1) Flagellin-Strep. (2) Flagellin-D2-Strep. (3) Flagellin-Strep and StrepDARPidin. (4) Flagellin-D2-Strep and  
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(4) GST-beads with Hag-Strep/FliS. (5) GST-beads with <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep/FliS</a>.  
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StrepDARPidin. (5) StrepDARPidin. Insoluble fractions: (6) Flagellin-Strep and StrepDARPidin (1:5). (7)  
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<b>(C)</b> Interaction of <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a> and  
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Flagellin-D2-Strep and StrepDARPidin (1:5).(8) Flagellin-Strep and StrepDARPidin (1:1). (9) Flagellin-D2-Strep  
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<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep/FliS</a>
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and StrepDARPidin (1:1).
+
visualized by competition assays. Soluble fractions:  
 +
(1) Hag-Strep/FliS. (2) <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep/FliS</a>.  
 +
(3) Hag-Strep/FliS and <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>. (4)  
 +
<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep/FliS</a> and  
 +
<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>. (5)  
 +
<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a>. Insoluble fractions: (6) Hag-Strep/FliS and  
 +
<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a> (1:5 dilution). (7)  
 +
<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep/FliS</a> and  
 +
<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a> (1:5 dilution).(8) Hag-Strep/FliS and  
 +
<a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a> (1:1 dilution).  
 +
(9) <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep/FliS</a>
 +
and <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a> (1:1 dilution).
</span>
</span>
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</html>
-
To investigate whether the purified Flagellin-D2-Strep is able to interact with Streptavidinin vitro prior to labeling intact filaments from ''B. subtilis'' flagella, we used Streptavidin-pulldown assays to confirm the functionality.  
+
To investigate whether the purified <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep</a></html>
-
We therefore immobilized purified Flagellin-D2-Strep and Flagellin-Strep on Streptavidin- and GST-beads (Figure 6B). Both engineered variants of Flagellin bound to Streptavidin-beads but not GST and confirmed that the Strep-Tag is accessible and functional (Figure 5B, lanes 2 and 3).  
+
is able to interact with Streptavidin ''in vitro'' prior to  
 +
labeling intact filaments from <i>B. subtilis</i> flagella, we used Streptavidin-pulldown assays to confirm their functionality. For this we immobilized purified  
 +
<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep</a></html> and Hag-Strep on Streptavidin- and GST-beads (Figure 6B). Both engineered  
 +
variants of Flagellin were able to bind to Streptavidin-beads but not GST and thus confirmed that the Strep-Tag is accessible and functional (Figure 5B, lanes 2 and 3).  
-
We further wanted to know if our functional StrepDARPidin is capable of binding to the engineered Flagellin variants. This was the last and crucial step that had to be verified before docking of StrepDARPidin to the flagellar filaments could be performed. Purified proteins were mixed in different ratios and precipitation was observed. Samples from the supernatant (soluble fraction) and the pellet (insoluble fraction) were loaded on a SDS-PAGE showing that the pellet contained a huge amount of StrepDARPidin and the Flagellin variants (Figure 5C). We assume that the strong interaction of Streptavidin with the Strep-Tag leads to an aggregation of Flagellin-Strep variants followed by precipitation (Figure 5C, lanes 6-9).  
+
Furthermore, we wanted to know if our functional  
 +
<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html> is capable of binding to the engineered Flagellin variants.  
 +
This was the last and crucial step that had to be verified before the docking of  
 +
<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html> to the flagellar filaments could be performed.  
 +
Purified proteins were mixed in different ratios and precipitation was observed. Samples from the supernatant (soluble fraction) and the  
 +
pellet (insoluble fraction) were loaded on a SDS-PAGE showing that the pellet contained a huge amount of  
 +
<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html> and the Flagellin variants (Figure 5C).  
 +
We assumed that the strong interaction of Streptavidin with the Strep-Tag leads to an aggregation of Hag-Strep variants followed by  
 +
precipitation (Figure 5C, lanes 6-9).  
-
The D2-Strep variant of Flagellin was also used for replacement of the native Flagellin in ''B. subtilis'' as described before (see SURFing for detailed information) to generate a strain exposing the Strep-Tag on the surface of the flagellar filament.  
+
The D2-Strep variant of Flagellin was also used for replacing the native Flagellin in <i>B. subtilis</i> as described before (see  
-
In vitro assays confirmed that the Flagellin-D2-Strep was stable and functional but we had no information about the incorporation of the engineered Flagellin variant into the flagellar filament in vivo.  
+
<html><a href="https://2014.igem.org/Team:Marburg:Project:Silver" target="_blank">SilverSURF</a></html> for detailed information) in order to generate a  
-
Therefore, we inoculated swimming plates (containing 0.3 % agar) and swarming plates (containing 0.7 % agar) with ''B. subtilis'' wild type and D2-Strep cells.  
+
strain exposing the Strep-Tag on the surface of the flagellar filament. ''In vitro'' assays confirmed that the  
-
The mutant strain showed only slightly slower spreading on both plates, indicating that both single cellular and multi cellular movement is not affected much (Figure 6E, F).  
+
<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep</a></html> was stable and functional but we had no information about the incorporation  
-
Additionally we employed negative staining transmission electron microscopy and could show that D2-Strep cells are as much flagellated as the wild type (Figure 6A, B).  
+
of the engineered Flagellin variant into the flagellar filament ''in vivo''. Therefore, we inoculated swimming plates (containing 0.3 % agar) and swarming plates  
-
Finally, we can state that our engineered Flagellin variant D2-Strep is fully functional and incorporated into intact flagellar filaments.  
+
(containing 0.7 % agar) with <i>B. subtilis</i> wild type and D2-Strep cells. The mutant strain showed only slightly slower spreading on both plates, indicating that both  
-
The last step, immobilizing StrepDARPidin on purified filaments, is currently finalized in the laboratory.  
+
single cellular and multi cellular movement is not strongly affected (Figure 6E, F). Additionally, we used negative staining transmission electron microscopy and were able
 +
to show that D2-Strep cells are as much flagellated as the wild type (Figure 6A, B). Finally, we can state that our engineered Flagellin variant D2-Strep is fully functional  
 +
and incorporated into intact flagellar filaments.  
 +
The last step, immobilizing <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
 +
on purified filaments, is currently finalized in the laboratory.  
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/e/e0/Mr_cancersurf_5.png" alt="" />
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/e/e0/Mr_cancersurf_5.png" alt="" />
<span class="caption">
<span class="caption">
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Figure 6: Electron micrographs of uranyl-acetate stained ''B. subtilis'' cells. (A) Whole cell of wild type strain  
+
<b>Figure 7: Electron micrographs of uranyl-acetate stained <i>B. subtilis</i> cells. (A)</b> Whole cell of wild type strain  
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3610 (B) Whole cell of Flagellin-D2-Strep strain. Scale bar represents 1 μm. (C) Magnification of flagellar  
+
3610 <b>(B)</b> Whole cell of <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329003" target="_blank">Hag-D2-Strep</a> strain. Scale bar represents 1 μm.  
-
filaments from 3610 wild type strain. Scale bar represents 100 nm (D) Magnification of flagellar filaments  
+
<b>(C)</b> Magnification of flagellar filaments from 3610 wild type strain. Scale bar represents 100 nm <b>(D)</b> Magnification of flagellar filaments  
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from Flagellin-D2-Strepstrain. Scale bar represents 300 nm. (E) Swarming assay of both ''B. subtilis'' strains.  
+
from Hag-D2-Strepstrain. Scale bar represents 300 nm. <b>(E)</b> Swarming assay of both <i>B. subtilis</i> strains.  
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(F)Swimming assay of both ''B. subtilis'' strains.
+
<b>(F)</b> Swimming assay of both <i>B. subtilis</i> strains.
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The CancerSURFer is a novel, modular and efficient method to target different cancer cell lineages and opens the gate for new applications in cancer treatment.  
+
<html><h2><a name="perspectives">Future perspectives in therapy and diagnostics </a></h2></html>
 +
 
 +
The CancerSURF is a novel, modular and efficient method to target different cancer cell lineages and opens the gate for new applications in cancer treatment.  
The flagellar filament serves as a huge scaffold that can be loaded with different agents of ones own choice.  
The flagellar filament serves as a huge scaffold that can be loaded with different agents of ones own choice.  
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By fusing the tetrameric Streptavidin to small molecules such as DARPin, a wide range of different applications is imaginable. Combining e.g. StrepDARPidin and fluorescent proteins fused to Streptavidin, cancer cells could be marked during clinical surgeries.  
+
By fusing the tetrameric Streptavidin to small molecules such as DARPins, a wide range of different applications is imaginable. Combining e.g.  
-
Cytotoxic agents in combination with StrepDARPidin would directly lead to cancer cell lysis without a collateral damage to surrounding tissues making StrepDARPidin an imaginable antibody alternative for both future diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.
+
<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
 +
and fluorescent proteins fused to Streptavidin, cancer cells could be visualized during clinical surgeries.  
 +
Cytotoxic agents in combination with  
 +
<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html> could directly lead to cancer  
 +
cell lysis without causing collateral damage to the surrounding tissues making <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>
 +
an imaginable antibody alternative for both future diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.
<html>
<html>
<div class="figure" style="width:90%;">
<div class="figure" style="width:90%;">
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<img src="" alt="" />
+
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2014/6/6f/MR_tumor_Terminator.png" alt="" />
<span class="caption">
<span class="caption">
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Figure 7:Model for possible future applications in lung cancer treatment.
+
<b>Figure 8: Model for possible future applications in lung cancer treatment.</b>
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 +
 +
<html><a name="improve"><h2>Improve a brick</h2></a></html>
 +
 +
One of the strongest interactions established by biological molecules is the interaction
 +
between Streptavidin and biotin, a cofactor of carboxylases. The property of Streptavidin to
 +
tightly bind substrates in combination with engineered Strep-Tags (peptide-tag) has been
 +
utilized over the years for several approaches, e.g. biochemical and immunohistochemical
 +
methods for protein purification and immunofluorescent stainings.
 +
 +
In 2006, the iGEM team from Harvard used Streptavidin to stain the outer membrane of ''E. coli'' cells. By placing
 +
the <html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_J36848" target="_blank">Streptavidin</a></html>
 +
coding sequence downstream of a membrane targeting signal sequence and outer membrane protein
 +
under control of an IPTG inducible promoter, the heterologous production in ''E. coli'' was achieved
 +
to selectively stain the outer membrane by biotinylated fluorophores.
 +
 +
Our aim was to use the extremely tight interaction of Streptavidin and the engineered Strep-TagII,
 +
which binds to Streptavidin in the low pico molar range, in combination with
 +
DARPin to selectively target epithelial-derived cancer cells and amplify the interaction by
 +
our Strep-tagged flagellar filament scaffold. Therefore, we designed a codon-optimized
 +
Streptavidin/DARPin chimeric gene (<html><a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K1329000" target="_blank">StrepDARPidin</a></html>)
 +
for the heterologous production in ''E. coli''. This chimeric gene enables the efficient
 +
production of StrepDARPidin in ''E. coli'' and may also serve as a template for the codon optimized Streptavidin gene for future iGEM teams,
 +
thereby improving the existing
 +
Streptavidin biobrick gene in the registry. Additionally, we established a refolding protocol
 +
for the purification of StrepDARPidin and verified its functionality and selectivity by an
 +
immunofluorescent analysis of targeted cancer cells and Flagellin-strep binding assays,
 +
thereby improving the sole Streptavidin by adding the EpCAM binding property to the protein.
 +
 +
<html>
<br>
<br>
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<hr>
+
<hr></html>
Al-Khodor S, Price CT, Kalia A, Abu Kwaik Y (2010). Ankyrin-repeat containing proteins of microbes: a conserved structure with functional diversity.Trends Microbiol. 18, 132–139 10.1016
Al-Khodor S, Price CT, Kalia A, Abu Kwaik Y (2010). Ankyrin-repeat containing proteins of microbes: a conserved structure with functional diversity.Trends Microbiol. 18, 132–139 10.1016
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Howarth M, TingAY (2008).Imaging proteins in live mammalian cells with biotin ligase and monovalent streptavidin. Nature Protocols 3, 534 - 545 (2008).
+
Howarth M, TingAY (2008). Imaging proteins in live mammalian cells with biotin ligase and monovalent Streptavidin. Nature Protocols 3, 534 - 545  
Leigh ND, Guanglin Bian, Xilai Ding, Hong Liu, Semra Aygun-Sunar, Lyudmila G. Burdelya, Andrei V. Gudkov, Xuefang Cao (2014). A Flagellin-Derived Toll-Like Receptor 5 Agonist Stimulates Cytotoxic Lymphocyte-Mediated Tumor Immunity. PLoS ONE 9(1): e85587
Leigh ND, Guanglin Bian, Xilai Ding, Hong Liu, Semra Aygun-Sunar, Lyudmila G. Burdelya, Andrei V. Gudkov, Xuefang Cao (2014). A Flagellin-Derived Toll-Like Receptor 5 Agonist Stimulates Cytotoxic Lymphocyte-Mediated Tumor Immunity. PLoS ONE 9(1): e85587
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Maaser K, Borlak J (2008). A genome-wide expression analysis identifies a network of EpCAM-induced cell cycle regulators.British Journal of Cancer (2008) 99,1635 – 1643.
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Maaser K, Borlak J (2008). A genome-wide expression analysis identifies a network of EpCAM-induced cell cycle regulators.British Journal of Cancer 99,1635 – 1643
Stefan N, Martin-Killias P, Wyss-Stoeckle (2011). DARPins Recognizing the Tumor-Associated Antigen EpCAM Selected by Phage and Ribosome Display and Engineered for Multivalency.
Stefan N, Martin-Killias P, Wyss-Stoeckle (2011). DARPins Recognizing the Tumor-Associated Antigen EpCAM Selected by Phage and Ribosome Display and Engineered for Multivalency.
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Stumpp MT, Binz HK, Amstutz P. (2008). DARPins a new generation of protein therapeutics.Drug Discov. Today. Aug. 13(15-16):695-701.
Stumpp MT, Binz HK, Amstutz P. (2008). DARPins a new generation of protein therapeutics.Drug Discov. Today. Aug. 13(15-16):695-701.
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Went P, Vasei M, Bubendorf L (2006).Frequent high-level expression of the
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Tarahomjoo S (2013). Utilizing bacterial flagellins against infectious diseases and cancers.
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Immunotherapeutic targetEp-CAM in colon, stomach, prostate and lung cancers. British Journal of Cancer (2006) 94, 128 – 135
+
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 105:275–288
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Went P, Vasei M, Bubendorf L (2006). Frequent high-level expression of the Immunotherapeutic targetEp-CAM in colon, stomach, prostate and lung cancers. British Journal of Cancer 94, 128 – 135  

Latest revision as of 03:33, 18 October 2014

CancerSURF

Introduction

DARPins (Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins) serve as high potential next generation protein drugs. They are derived from natural ankyrin repeat proteins that contain ankyrin repeats, the most common protein-protein interaction motif which are predominantly found in eukaryotic proteins (Al-Khodor et al. 2010). Also, the genomes of various pathogenic or symbiotic bacteria and eukaryotic viruses contain several genes encoding ankyrin repeat proteins. Typically, two to four library modules, each corresponding to one ankyrin repeat of 33 amino acids with seven variable positions, are encased by two caps (N- and C-; Figure 1A). Additionally to the resulting high diversity, these repetitive modules are extremely small compared to conventional IgG antibodies, thus preventing tissue penetration. They show no effector function and can also exert allosteric inhibition mechanisms.

Figure 1: (A) Scheme of the DARPin library design. (B) Tetrameric StrepDARPidin construct. Four DARPin Ec1 molecules were fused via linker peptides to a Streptavidin protein. At the N-terminus the Ec1 DARPin is fused to a polyhistidine-Tag (His-Tag) and the C-terminus prevents the linkage to the Streptavidin monomer. Adapted from Stumpp et al. 2008.

CancerSURF combines the scaffold of a tetrameric Streptavidin to increase the specificity of a DARPin to detect a prominent tumor surface marker of many epithelial-derived cancer cells (like lung and colon cancer cells), called EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule; Went et al. 2006). EpCAM is expressed by every epithelial cell on the basolateral side in a specific ratio while being overexpressed on the surface irregularly by transformed tumor cells (Figure 2). We planned to fuse an EpCAM-binding DARPin Ec1 (Stefan et al. 2011) with a tetrameric Streptavidin increasing the local concentration of the construct for targeting EpCAM-positive tumor cells. In the next step, we wanted to combine the high density of epitopes offered by the filament of the bacterial flagellum as a scaffold with the modular advantages of a Streptavidin-Strep-Tag-system.

scheme scheme Figure 2: Transformation of epithelial-derived cancer cells overexpressing EpCAM.

Production of a DARPin-Strep module for specific recognition of EpCAM-positive epithelial-derived cancer cells

To address the goal of creating a CancerSURF for efficient and rapid targeting of cancer cells, we first had to synthesize a Strep-DARPin fusion construct (StrepDARPidin). Template DNA for the tetrameric StrepDARPidin construct was commercially synthesized by IDT (Integrated DNA Technologies) and cloned into a pET-plasmide in order to overexpress the protein in E.coli BL21 (DE3). Since we discovered that StrepDARPidin is not soluble when overexpressed and remains in inclusion bodies, we had to apply a refolding protocol to (re)-gain StrepDARPidin in sufficient amounts (Howarth and Ting, 2008). After refolding, the protein was purified in a two-step process: Ni-NTA-affinity purification and size-exclusion chromatography (Figure 3). The calculated protein mass of the monomeric StrepDARPidin is 31 kDa. The tetramer should have a size of 124 kDa and is visible above the highest marker line (116 kDa; Figure 3).


Figure 3: Purification of StrepDARPidin. Size-exclusion chromatogram and coomassie stained SDS-PAGE of purified StrepDARPidin. Upper SDS-PAGE: Fractions taken from Ni-NTA purification. M: marker, L: lysate, FT: flow through, W: wash, E: elution. Lower SDS-PAGE: Samples of peak fractions taken from size-exclusion fractions. Samples on the right side have been cooked prior to loading showing the monomeric StrepDARPidin.

Protein containing fractions were analyzed on a coomassie stained SDS-PAGE and refolding was verified by incubating the eluate for 10 min at 95 °C (Figure 3). The peak fractions after size-exclusion were pooled and concentrated for further analysis.

In the next step, we designed an assay to test the functionality and binding specificity of the engineered StrepDARPidin to EpCAM on lung and colon cancer cells. Colon cancer cells (Caco-2) and lung cancer cells (A549) which are known to highly express EpCAM (Maaser and Borlak, 2008) were treated with StrepDARPidin in serial dilutions. After washing, they were incubated with anti-His-antibody-Alexa488 conjugate. Fibroblasts (3T3 wild type cells) were used as EpCAM-negative control. Fluorescence was quantified at 520 nm (Figure 4C) with a fluorometer.

Figure 4: (A) Immunofluorescent staining of Caco-2 and 3T3 cells incubated with StrepDARPidin protein. Both cell lines were stained with phalloidin (red) conjugated with rhodamine (F-Actin) and Alexa488 (green) conjugated anti-His-antibody (StrepDARPidin) in presence of 25 µM StrepDARPidin. The nucleus was stained with DAPI (blue). Scale bar represents 5 µm. (B) Immunofluorescent staining of A549 cells incubated with StrepDARPidin protein. Cells were stained with rhodamine (red) conjugated phalloidin (F-Actin) and Alexa488 (green) conjugated anti-His antibody (StrepDARPidin) in presence of 25 µM StrepDARPidin. The nucleus was stained with DAPI (blue). The control was stained in absence of StrepDARPidin. Scale bar represents 5 µm. (C) Binding specificity of StrepDARPidin to epithelial-derived cancer cell lines. Fluorescence of Alexa488-coupled anti-His-antibody in A549 and Caco-2 (epithelial) cells was normalized to 3T3 (interstitial) cells. (D) Fluorescence intensities of Caco-2 and 3T3 cells in comparison.

The assay confirmed the optimal concentration of StrepDARPidin to be 25 µM for the treatment of EpCAM-positive cancer cell lines (Figure 4C).

Next we wanted to investigate if StrepDARPidin can bind to epithelial-derived cancer cells. Therefore we used an immunofluorescence based approach. Caco-2 and A549 cells were grown on gelatin coated coverslips and incubated with 25 µM StrepDARPidin. As a negative control fibroblast cell line 3T3 wild type was used. After fixation with formaldehyde, cells were permeabilized with Triton-X-100. The membrane-associated F-Actin was stained with phalloidin-rhodamine and the nucleus was stained with DAPI (Figure 4A, B). Anti-His-antibody-Alexa488 (green) conjugate was used for the staining of StrepDARPidin. Phalloidin conjugated with rhodamine (red) was used for staining of the F-Actin cytoskeleton to follow cell morphology. In Caco-2 and A549 cells a co-localization of StrepDARPidin with membrane-associated F-Actin could be shown (Figure 4A, B). Some unspecific His-staining was detected in the nucleus of all cell lines both in presence and absence of StrepDARPidin. In presence of StrepDARPidin both epithelial-derived cancer cell lines showed the highest fluorescence intensity at the cell membrane. In Caco-2 cells the total fluorescence intensity ratio membrane/cytoplasm was 2.5x higher compared to 3T3 cells (Figure 4D).

We were able to show that our tetrameric StrepDARPidin is capable of binding different EpCAM-positive cancer cell lineages, which already is a remarkable result. Additionally, we wanted to increase the local concentration of StrepDARPidin molecules and also integrate the activation of the innate immune system for enhancing our CancerSURF. Bacterial surface proteins, such as Flagellin, activate TLR5 (toll-like receptor 5) on dendritic cells, leading to a stimulation of T helper cells. Therefore, employing bacterial flagellar filaments not only drastically increases the amount of StrepDARPidin present on the cancer cell surface but also leads to a stimulation of the inflammatory immune response (Leigh et al. 2014) which creates an anti-tumor environment (Tarahomjoo et al. 2013) .

Figure 5: Cellular response after TLR-5 activation by Flagellin.


Coupling StrepDARPidin to engineered Hag-D2-Strep

As described previously, enhancing the local concentration of DARPin molecules is crucial to allow a rapid and efficient targeting of cancer cells. Therefore, B. subtilis Flagellin was engineered carrying an insertion in the D1-domain replacing the small native loop (see SilverSURF for detailed information) with the S. typhimurium D2-domain and a Strep-Tag. The Hag-D2-Strep (BBa_K1329003) was used for the generation of modified B. subtilis strains as well as overexpression in E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells (Figure 6A). As Flagellin tends to form polymers when overexpressed (a natural feature necessary to build up the filament), it was co-purified with its cognate chaperone FliS, forming a stable and stoichiometric complex on a size-exclusion column (Figure 6A). The fractions of the main peak were pooled and concentrated to a final volume of 500 µL for further analysis.


Figure 6: Purification of Hag-D2-Strep and binding assays with StrepDARPidin. (A) Size-exclusion chromatogram of Hag-D2-Strep in complex with its chaperone FliS. Upper SDS-PAGE: Ni-NTA purification. M: marker, L: lysate, FT: flow through, W: wash, E: elution. Lower SDS-PAGE: Samples of peak fractions taken from size-exclusion fractions. (B) Streptavidin- and GST-interaction assay using purified Hag-D2-Strep/FliS and Hag-Strep/FliS. (1) Strep-beads without protein (contaminant protein at 30 kDa). (2) Strep-beads with Hag-Strep/FliS immobilized. (3) Strep-beads with Hag-D2-Strep/FliS. (4) GST-beads with Hag-Strep/FliS. (5) GST-beads with Hag-D2-Strep/FliS. (C) Interaction of StrepDARPidin and Hag-D2-Strep/FliS visualized by competition assays. Soluble fractions: (1) Hag-Strep/FliS. (2) Hag-D2-Strep/FliS. (3) Hag-Strep/FliS and StrepDARPidin. (4) Hag-D2-Strep/FliS and StrepDARPidin. (5) StrepDARPidin. Insoluble fractions: (6) Hag-Strep/FliS and StrepDARPidin (1:5 dilution). (7) Hag-D2-Strep/FliS and StrepDARPidin (1:5 dilution).(8) Hag-Strep/FliS and StrepDARPidin (1:1 dilution). (9) Hag-D2-Strep/FliS and StrepDARPidin (1:1 dilution).

To investigate whether the purified Hag-D2-Strep is able to interact with Streptavidin in vitro prior to labeling intact filaments from B. subtilis flagella, we used Streptavidin-pulldown assays to confirm their functionality. For this we immobilized purified Hag-D2-Strep and Hag-Strep on Streptavidin- and GST-beads (Figure 6B). Both engineered variants of Flagellin were able to bind to Streptavidin-beads but not GST and thus confirmed that the Strep-Tag is accessible and functional (Figure 5B, lanes 2 and 3).

Furthermore, we wanted to know if our functional StrepDARPidin is capable of binding to the engineered Flagellin variants. This was the last and crucial step that had to be verified before the docking of StrepDARPidin to the flagellar filaments could be performed. Purified proteins were mixed in different ratios and precipitation was observed. Samples from the supernatant (soluble fraction) and the pellet (insoluble fraction) were loaded on a SDS-PAGE showing that the pellet contained a huge amount of StrepDARPidin and the Flagellin variants (Figure 5C). We assumed that the strong interaction of Streptavidin with the Strep-Tag leads to an aggregation of Hag-Strep variants followed by precipitation (Figure 5C, lanes 6-9).

The D2-Strep variant of Flagellin was also used for replacing the native Flagellin in B. subtilis as described before (see SilverSURF for detailed information) in order to generate a strain exposing the Strep-Tag on the surface of the flagellar filament. In vitro assays confirmed that the Hag-D2-Strep was stable and functional but we had no information about the incorporation of the engineered Flagellin variant into the flagellar filament in vivo. Therefore, we inoculated swimming plates (containing 0.3 % agar) and swarming plates (containing 0.7 % agar) with B. subtilis wild type and D2-Strep cells. The mutant strain showed only slightly slower spreading on both plates, indicating that both single cellular and multi cellular movement is not strongly affected (Figure 6E, F). Additionally, we used negative staining transmission electron microscopy and were able to show that D2-Strep cells are as much flagellated as the wild type (Figure 6A, B). Finally, we can state that our engineered Flagellin variant D2-Strep is fully functional and incorporated into intact flagellar filaments. The last step, immobilizing StrepDARPidin on purified filaments, is currently finalized in the laboratory.


Figure 7: Electron micrographs of uranyl-acetate stained B. subtilis cells. (A) Whole cell of wild type strain 3610 (B) Whole cell of Hag-D2-Strep strain. Scale bar represents 1 μm. (C) Magnification of flagellar filaments from 3610 wild type strain. Scale bar represents 100 nm (D) Magnification of flagellar filaments from Hag-D2-Strepstrain. Scale bar represents 300 nm. (E) Swarming assay of both B. subtilis strains. (F) Swimming assay of both B. subtilis strains.

Future perspectives in therapy and diagnostics

The CancerSURF is a novel, modular and efficient method to target different cancer cell lineages and opens the gate for new applications in cancer treatment. The flagellar filament serves as a huge scaffold that can be loaded with different agents of ones own choice. By fusing the tetrameric Streptavidin to small molecules such as DARPins, a wide range of different applications is imaginable. Combining e.g. StrepDARPidin and fluorescent proteins fused to Streptavidin, cancer cells could be visualized during clinical surgeries. Cytotoxic agents in combination with StrepDARPidin could directly lead to cancer cell lysis without causing collateral damage to the surrounding tissues making StrepDARPidin an imaginable antibody alternative for both future diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.

Figure 8: Model for possible future applications in lung cancer treatment.

Improve a brick

One of the strongest interactions established by biological molecules is the interaction between Streptavidin and biotin, a cofactor of carboxylases. The property of Streptavidin to tightly bind substrates in combination with engineered Strep-Tags (peptide-tag) has been utilized over the years for several approaches, e.g. biochemical and immunohistochemical methods for protein purification and immunofluorescent stainings.

In 2006, the iGEM team from Harvard used Streptavidin to stain the outer membrane of E. coli cells. By placing the Streptavidin coding sequence downstream of a membrane targeting signal sequence and outer membrane protein under control of an IPTG inducible promoter, the heterologous production in E. coli was achieved to selectively stain the outer membrane by biotinylated fluorophores.

Our aim was to use the extremely tight interaction of Streptavidin and the engineered Strep-TagII, which binds to Streptavidin in the low pico molar range, in combination with DARPin to selectively target epithelial-derived cancer cells and amplify the interaction by our Strep-tagged flagellar filament scaffold. Therefore, we designed a codon-optimized Streptavidin/DARPin chimeric gene (StrepDARPidin) for the heterologous production in E. coli. This chimeric gene enables the efficient production of StrepDARPidin in E. coli and may also serve as a template for the codon optimized Streptavidin gene for future iGEM teams, thereby improving the existing Streptavidin biobrick gene in the registry. Additionally, we established a refolding protocol for the purification of StrepDARPidin and verified its functionality and selectivity by an immunofluorescent analysis of targeted cancer cells and Flagellin-strep binding assays, thereby improving the sole Streptavidin by adding the EpCAM binding property to the protein.




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