Fluorescence lifetime imaging of fluorescent proteins as an effective quantitative tool for noninvasive study of intracellular processes

Fluorescence litime imaging(FLIM)is an effective noninvasive bioanalytical tol based onmeasuring fuorescent lifetime of fuorophores.A growing number of FLIM studies utilizes ge-netically engineered fluorescent proteins targeted to specific subcellular structures to probe localmolecular environment,which opens new directions in cell science.This paper highlights theunconventional applications of FLIM for studies of molecular processes in diverse organelles oflive cultured cells.

Fluorescent Proteins as a Visible Molecular Signal for Rapid Quantification of Bioprocesses： Potential and Challenges

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its variants /homolog proteins are generally called as GFP-like fluorescent proteins (FPs), which are widely used as visible molecular tools for monitoring a wide range of biological processes due to their capability of simple, accurate and real time quantification. The FPs-based molecular and visible quantification tools are giving more impact on bioprocess engineering, enabling the biomolecule-level dynamic information to be linked with the process-level events. In this review, different applications of FPs in biological engineering with emphasis on rapid molecular bioprocess quantification, such as quantification of the transcription efficiency, the protein production, the protein folding efficiency, the cell concentration, the intracellular microenvironments and so on, would be first introduced. The challenges of using FPs with respect to actual bioprocess applications for the precise quantification including the interaction of FPs and the fused partner proteins, the maturation of FPs, the inner filter effect and sensing technology were then discussed. Finally, the future development for the FPs used in molecular bioprocess quantification would be proposed.

DEVELOPMENT OF NEEDLE-BASED MICROENDOSCOPY FOR FLUORESCENCE MOLECULAR IMAGING OF BREAST TUMOR MODELS

Fluorescence molecular imaging enables the visualization of basic molecular processes such as gene expression,enzyme activity,and disease-specific molecular interactions in vivo using targeted contrast agents,and therefore,is being developed for early detection and in situ characterization of breast cancers.Recent advances in developing near-infrared fluorescent imaging contrast agents have enabled the specific labeling of human breast cancer cells in mouse model systems.In synergy with contrast agent development,this paper describes a needle-based fluorescence molecular imaging device that has the strong potential to be translated into clinical breast biopsy procedures.This microendoscopy probe is based on a gradient-index(GRIN)lens interfaced with a laser scanning microscope.Specifications of the imaging performance,including the field-of-view,transverse resolution,and focus tracking characteristics were calibrated.Orthotopic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts stably expressing the tdTomato red fluorescent protein(RFP)were used to detect the tumor cells in this tumor model as a proof of principle study.With further development,this technology,in conjunction with the development of clinically applicable,injectable fluorescent molecular imaging agents,promises to perform fluorescence molecular imaging of breast cancers in vivo for breast biopsy guidance.

Fluorescence Tracking of Exogenous DNA in Genetic Transformation of the Chinese Oak Silkmoth Antheraea Pernyi via Sperm-Mediated Gene Transfer

Exogenous DNA expressing green fluorescent protein( GFP) and labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate( FITC) was used to transform the Chinese oak silkmoth Antheraea pernyi( A. pernyi)via sperm-mediated gene transfer( SMGT). Sperms entry into the female reproductive system and eggs were observed using fluorescence microscopy. The ability of A. pernyi sperms to uptake exogenous DNA was confirmed,and transfer of the exogenous DNA was shown by GFP expression in the transgenic eggs. Our result suggested that SMGT could also be used to directly generate transgenic A. pernyi expressing functional genes of interest.

Fluorescence imaging analysis of the glioma microenvironment

Glioma is the most malignant brain cancer.The neurons,macrophages,T cells and other immune ellls constitute the glioma immunosuppressive microenvironment.The accurate spatial distri-bution of these cells in the glioma microenvironment and its relationship with glioma metastasis is unknown.We constructed a mouse gliomna cell line stably expressing the large Stokes shifted yellow fluorescent protein and applied it to the multicolor immunofluorescence imaging.The inaging data revealed that the neurons were sparsely distributed in the glioma core and the mumber of neurons decreased by 90%compared with normal brain site.The spatial distribution of monocyte-macrophages and microglia is heterogeneous.The monocyte macrophages and T cells were heavily recrnuited into the glioma core and metastasis.There was no significant difference in the distribution of microglia amnong glioma core,margin,and normal brain site.Our results provided new perspectives for targeting immune regulation cells and developing new immuno-therapy strategies for glioma.

QM/MM Study of the Second Harmonic Generation and Two-photon Absorption Properties of a Fluorescent Proteins-Dreiklang

A new reversibly switchable fluorescent protein（RSFP）, namely Dreiklang, exhibits prominent feature that the wavelengths for switching and fluorescence are decoupled due to its great different structures between bright and dark states. This feature might also induce some nonlinear optic（NLO） properties changing as switching between two states, which might promote new method of biological science. We employ the QM/MM method to simulate the structures of different states, and study their second harmonic generation（SHG） and two-photon absorption（TPA） properties. And we found different states of Dreiklang have different SHG and TPA responses. The SHG and TPA properties of Dreiklang are correlated to particularly geometrical structures of different states, especially the centrosymmetric or nocentrosymmetric π-stacking structures which are formed by chromophore and beside residue Tyr203, so the SHG and TPA responses could be changed as the light induces switching among different states of Dreiklang. This work would prospectively guide the application of Dreiklang on the NLO technology, and help the development of new RSFP with special NLO function.

Comparison of three fluorescence labeling and tracking methods of endothelial progenitor cells in laser-injured retina

AIM： To compare three kinds of fluorescent probes for in vitro labeling and in vivo tracking of endothelial progenitor cells（EPCs） in a mouse model of laser-induced retinal injury.METHODS： EPCs were isolated from human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells and labeled with three different fluorescent probes： 5-（and-6）-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester（CFSE）, 1,1′-dilinoleyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindo-carbocyanine perchlorate linked acetylated low-density lipoprotein（Di I-Ac LDL）, and green fluorescent protein（GFP）. The fluorescent intensity of EPCs was examined by confocal microscopy. Survival rate of labeled EPCs was calculated with trypan blue staining, and their adhesive capability was assessed. A mouse model of retinal injury was induced by laser, and EPCs were injected into the vitreous cavity. Frozen section and fluorescein angiography on flat-mounted retinal samples was employed to track the labeled EPCs in vivo.RESULTS： EPCs labeled with CFSE and Di I-Ac LDL exhibited an intense green and red fluorescence at the beginning; the fluorescence intensity decreased gradually to 20.23% and 49.99% respectively, after 28 d. On the contrary, the florescent intensity of GFP-labeled EPCs increased in a time-dependent manner. All labeled EPCs showed normal morphology and no significant change in survival and adhesive capability. In the mouse model, transplantation of EPCs showed a protective effect against retinal injury. EPCs labeled with CFSE and Di I-Ac LDL were successfully tracked in mice during the development of retinal injury and repair; however, GFP-labeled EPCs were not detected in the laser-injured mouse retina.CONCLUSION： The three fluorescent markers used in this study have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. CFSE and Di I-Ac LDL are suitable for short-term EPClabeling, while GFP should be used for long-term labeling. The choice of fluorescent markers should be guided by the purpose of the study.

Visualizing Wallerian degeneration in the corticospinal tract after sensorimotor cortex ischemia in mice

Stroke can cause Wallerian degeneration in regions outside of the brain,particularly in the corticospinal tract.To investigate the fate of major glial cells and axons within affected areas of the corticospinal tract following stroke,we induced photochemical infarction of the sensorimotor cortex leading to Wallerian degeneration along the full extent of the corticospinal tract.We first used a routine,sensitive marker of axonal injury,amyloid precursor protein,to examine Wallerian degeneration of the corticospinal tract.An antibody to amyloid precursor protein mapped exclusively to proximal axonal segments within the ischemic cortex,with no positive signal in distal parts of the corticospinal tract,at all time points.To improve visualization of Wallerian degeneration,we next utilized an orthograde virus that expresses green fluorescent protein to label the corticospinal tract and then quantitatively evaluated green fluorescent protein-expressing axons.Using this approach,we found that axonal degeneration began on day 3 post-stroke and was almost complete by 7 days after stroke.In addition,microglia mobilized and activated early,from day 7 after stroke,but did not maintain a phagocytic state over time.Meanwhile,astrocytes showed relatively delayed mobilization and a moderate response to Wallerian degeneration.Moreover,no anterograde degeneration of spinal anterior horn cells was observed in response to Wallerian degeneration of the corticospinal tract.In conclusion,our data provide evidence for dynamic,pathogenic spatiotemporal changes in major cellular components of the corticospinal tract during Wallerian degeneration.

Construction of Fusion Expression Vector of α-galactosidase-EGFP in Cucumber

[Objective] The research aimed to construct the fusion protein expression vector of α-galactosidase-EGFP （enhanced green fluorescent protein） in cucumber controlled by CaMV35S promoter.[Method] CaMV35S promoter sequence and the coding region of EGFP were amplified by polymerase chain reactions （PCR） with vector pCambia 1303 as the template.Using reverse transcript PCR technology,with total RNAs of cucumber as template,the coding region of acid α-galactosidase Ⅰ in cucumber was amplified.The above three fragments were inserted into the multiple cloning sites of expression vector pCambia 1381c.The fusion expression vector of α-galactosidase-EGFP located at the C-terminal of the target genes was constructed.[Result] After enzyme digestion and sequencing,the fusion expression of α-galactosidase-EGFP in cucumber was constructed successfully.[Conclusion] The research laid the experimental basis for further study on the subcellular localization of α-galactosidase in cucumber.

Colonization Pattern of Azospirillum brasilense Yu62 on Maize Roots

Plasmid pVK1001 which carried the gfp gene of GFPmut2, a mutant of GFP, was introduced into Azospirillum brasilense Yu62 by electroporation. Maize seedlings were inoculated with the GFP-labelled baeteria and grown gnotobiotically in flask with semi-solid agar medium. Observations were performed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and electron microscopy, respectively, at 8 d and 12 d after inoculation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that A. brasilense Yu62 could penetrate into the cortex tissue, colonizing in the intercellular spaces of the parenchyma cells of the cortex tissue. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the majority of the bacteria colonized on the root surface and only a minority of them resided in the root interior.

Construction and expression of GFP conjugated MIM-I-BAR

To achieve a visible inverse Bin-amphiphysin-Rvs （I-BAR）domain recombinant of missing in metastasis （MIM） protein,the green fluorescent protein （GFP）encoding gene was cloned at the terminal of MIM-I-BAR as a probe.The DNA was successfully constructed on a 6xHis-tagged prokaryotic expression plasmid.The non-GFP labeled MIM-I-BAR encoding plasmid was also constructed as a control. Being successfully transformed into BL21 （DE3 ）cells,the GFP-conjugated MIM-I-BAR （MIM-I-BAR-GFP ） exhibits strong visible fluorescence,and the expression product can be easily detected by visual inspection, a fluorescence microscope, Western blot or ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometer. Moreover, examination of expression efficiency under various culture conditions revealed that the MIM-I-BAR-GFP gene has a high protein yield at 10 ℃,but not at the culture temperature of 37 ℃.This property is much different from that of the non-fluorescent MIM-I-BAR gene. This optimal expression condition is also proved to be feasible for protein production in midi-scale. The fluorescent recombinant MIM-I-BAR-GFP protein can serve as a useful tool in scientific research, biomedical application and pharmaceutical development.

F-Actin Visualization in Generative and Sperm Cells of Living Pollen of Rice Using a GFP-Mouse Talin Fusion Protein

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the F-actin binding domain of mouse talin labels the actin cytoskeleton in the living generative and sperm cells of a third generation transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant, A005-G-T-1-2. Observations were made on pollen at four major developmental stages, viz. I. uni-nucleate microspore stage; II. early bi-cellular pollen stage; III. late bi-cellular pollen stage; and IV. tri-cellular pollen stage. At each of these developmental stages vegetative nucleus, generative nucleus/ cell, and sperm cells were seen undergoing continuous and coordinated motion and migration. These movements seemed to be influenced by associated microfilament networks existing in the pollen. Based on these observations we propose that it is the interaction between the microfilament networks (usually one existing in the central cytoplasm and another in the cortex) that controls the dynamic movement of the vegetative nucleus, generative nucleus/cell and sperm cells. Furthermore, we have also observed that there is an array of microfilaments (oriented mostly parallel to the long axis of the cell) existing in the generative and sperm cells. As far as we are aware, this is the first report showing the existence of microfilaments in living generative and sperm cells of rice pollen. The implication and significance of the existence of microfilaments in generative and sperm cells in rendering self-propelled motion of these cells in relation to their passage and movement in the pollen tube and embryo sac for fertilization were discussed.

Production of Transgenic Pig Clone Embryo Expressed the Red Fluorescent Protein by Using the Somatic Cell Nucleus Transplantation Technology

[Objective] The research aimed to lay the foundation for producing the transgenic clone pig.[Method] The pig fetus fibroblast with the red fluorescent protein（RFP）gene that was transfected by the retrovirus was as the donor of nucleus transplantation.By using the somatic cell cloning technology,the development situation in vitro of clone embryo with RFP was studied.[Result] The fusion rate of RFP transgenic cell was 83.87% which had no significant difference with 80.56% of non-transgenic cell（P0.05）.The blastula rate in vitro of RFP transgenic somatic cell reconstructed embryo was 8.67% which had no significant difference with 6.56% of non-transgenic cell（P0.05）.After the reconstructed embryo of RFP transgenic somatic cell was transplanted into fifteen receptors,there was no conception individual.[Conclusion] The transgenic cell with the red fluorescent protein as the donor could successfully clone the transgenic embryo and obtain the transgenic blastula.

Actin Visualization in Living Immature Pollen of Rice Using a GFP-Mouse Talin Fusion Protein

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the F_actin binding domain of mouse talin labels the actin cytoskeleton in the immature pollen of stable transformed rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants. Actin microfilaments could be visualized only in the late_developmental stage of the immature pollen. During this developmental stage, microfilaments, initially composed of very short fibrils, develop into a very complex and novel network that sometimes totally and sometimes partially encloses the vegetative nucleus and the spherical shaped generative cell in the central cytoplasm of the immature pollen. The behavior of the actin microfilamentous structure throughout the late_developmental stage of the immature pollen is extremely dynamic, and the likelihood of this structure in generating forces for vegetative nucleus and generative cell movement in the immature pollen has been discussed. No actin filaments were visualized in the spherical generative cells.

Construction of OsWRKY17 Specific Expression Vector in Rice

[Objective] To study the physiological biochemical characteristic of Os- WRKY17 in rice and identify the subcellular location of OsWRKY17. [Method] The primer of the OsWRKY17 gene was designed according to the full-length sequence of OsWRKY17 in Genbank and was cloned by RT-PCR. The cloned fragment was then recombined with the green fluorescent protein gene of plasmid vector pBinGFP. The recombinant plasmid pBinGFP-OsWRKY17 was transformed into Arabidopsis through Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101. [Result] Colony PCR and diges- tion identification proved that the plant expression vector pBinGFP-OsWRKY17 was successfully constructed by the fusion of OsWRKY17 and GFP, and the expression vector was successfully transformed into the genome of Arabidopsis, there by ob- taining a resistant plant. [Conclusion] The construction of OsWRKY17 expression vector established the foundation for study on the physiological the biochemical char- acteristics of QsWRKY17.

Microbubble-enhanced ultrasound exposure improves gene transfer in vascular endothelial cells

AIM： To explore the effects of ultrasound exposure combined with microbubble contrast agent （SonoVue） on the permeability of the cellular membrane and on the expression of plasrnid DNA encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein （pEGFP） transfer into human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs）. METHODS： HUVECs with fluorescein isothiocyanatedextran （FD500） and HUVECs with pEGFP were exposed to continuous wave （1.9 MHz, 80.0 mW/cm^2） for 5 min, with or without a SonoVue. The percentage of FD500 taken by the HUVECs and the transient expression rate of pEGFP in the HUVECs were examined by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytornetry, respectively. RESULTS： The percentage of FDS00-positive HUVECs in the group of ultrasound exposure combined with SonoVue was significantly higher than that of the group of ultrasound exposure alone （24.0%± 5.5% vs 66.6% ± 4.1%, P 〈 0.001）. Compared with the group of ultrasound exposure alone, the transfection expression rate of pEGFP in HUVECs was markedly increased with the addition of SonoVue （16.1% ± 1.9% vs 1.5% ± 0.2%, P 〈 0.001）. No statistical significant difference was observed in the HUVECs survival rates between the ultrasound group with and without the addition of SonoVue （94.1% ± 2.3% vs 91.1% ± 4.1% ）. CONCLUSION： The cell membrane permeability of HUVECs and the transfection efficiency of pEGFP into HUVECs exposed to ultrasound are significantly increased after addition of an ultrasound contrast agent without obvious damage to the survival of HUVECs. This non- invasive gene transfer method may be a useful tool for clinical gene therapy of hepatic tumors.

Survival of transplanted neurotrophin-3 expressing human neural stem cells and motor function in a rat model of spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND： Many methods have been attempted to repair nerves following spinal cord injury, including peripheral nerve transplantation, Schwann cell transplantation, olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation, and embryonic neural tissue transplantation. However, there is a need for improved outcomes. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the repair feasibility for rat spinal cord injury using human neural stem cells （hNSCs） genetically modified by lentivirus to express neurotrophin-3. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： In vitro cell biological experiment and in vivo randomized, controlled genetic engineering experiment were performed at the Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA and First People＇s Hospital of Yibin, China from March 2006 to December 2007. MATERIALS： A total of 64 adult, female, Wistar rats were used for the in vivo study. Of them, 48 rats were used to establish models of spinal cord hemisection, and were subsequently equally and randomly assigned to model, genetically modified hNSC, and normal hNSC groups. The remaining 16 rats served as normal controls. METHODS： hNSCs were in vitro genetically modified by lentivirus to secrete both green fluorescence protein and neurotrophin-3. Neurotrophin-3 expression was measured by Western blot. Genetically modified hNSC or normal hNSC suspension （5 × 10^5） was injected into the rat spinal cord following T10 spinal cord hemisection. A total of 5μL Dulbecco＇s-modified Eagle＇s medium was infused into the rat spinal cord in the model grop. Transgene expression and survival of transplanted hNSCs were determined by immunohistochemistry. Motor function was evaluated using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan （BBB） scale. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The following parameters were measured： expression of neurotrophin-3 produced by genetically modified hNSCs, transgene expression and survival of hNSCs in rats, motor function in rats. RESULTS： hNSCs were successfully genetically modified by lentivirus to stably express neurotrophin-3. The transplanted hNSCs primarily gathered at, or around, the injection site two weeks following transplantation, and gradually migrated towards the surrounding tissue. Transplanted hNSCs were observed 7.0-8.0 mm away from the injection site. In addition, hNSCs were observed 10 weeks after transplantation. At week 4, BBB locomotor scores were significantly greater in the genetically modified hNSC and normal hNSC groups, compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05）, and scores were significantly greater in the genetically modified hNSC group compared with the normal hNSC group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： hNSCs were genetically modified with lentivirus to stably secrete neurotrophin-3. hNSCs improved motor function recovery in rats following spinal cord injury.

OsPIN1a Gene Participates in Regulating Negative Phototropism of Rice Roots

The complete open reading frame of OsPINla was amplified through reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） based on the sequence deposited in GenBank to explore the relationship between the auxin efflux protein OsPINla and the negative phototropism of rice roots. Sequencing results showed that the GC content of OsPINla was 65.49%. The fusion expression vector pCAMBIA-1301-OsP/N1a：：GFP containing the OsPINla gene and a coding green fluorescent protein （gfp） gene was constructed. The fusion vector was transferred into onion epidermal cells by Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation. The transient expression of OsPINla-GFP was mainly located in the nucleus and cell membrane. Moreover, the transgenic plants were obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. Molecular detection performed by using PCR and β-glucuronidase staining showed that the target construct was integrated into the genome of rice. The negative phototropic curvatures of the transgenic rice roots were higher than those of the wild type. Similarly, the expression levels of OsPINla in the transgenic plants were considerably higher than those in the wild-type plants. These results suggest that OsPINla is crucial in the negative phototropic curvature of rice roots.

Soluble Expression and Rapid Quantification of GFP-hepA Fusion Protein in Recombinant Escherichia coli

To establish a rapid quantification method for heparinase I during its production in recombinant Escherichia coli, a translational fusion vector was constructed by fusing the N terminus of heparinase I to the C terminus of a green fluorescent protein mutant （GFPmutl）. As a result, not only was the functional recombinant expression of heparinase I in E. coli accomplished, but also a linear correlation was obtained between the GFP fluorescence intensity and heparinase I activity, allowing enzyme activity to be quantified rapidly during the fermentation.

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of herbicide resistance in creeping bentgrass and colonial bentgrass

Embryogenic calli were induced from the seeds of creeping bentgrass ( Agrostis palustris Huds.) cv. Regent and colonial bentgrass ( Agrostis Tenuis Sibth. Fl. Oxen.) cv. Tiger. The embryogenic calli were precultured on fresh medium for 4-7 days and then co cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens , LBA4404, which contains plasmid vector pSBGM harboring bar coding region, synthetic green fluorescent protein (sGFP) coding region and matrix attachment region (MAR). After 3 days of co cultivation, the calli were washed thoroughly and transferred to MS medium containing 2 mg/L of 2, 4 D, 12-15 mg/L phosphinothricin (PPT) and 250 mg/L of cefotaxime. After 2-3 months of selection, the actively growing calli of 'Regent' and 'Tiger' were transferred to MS medium with 12-15 mg/L PPT and 250 mg/L cefotaxime for regeneration. The putative transformants were maintained on MS medium with 3 mg/L PPT for long period but control died within 1 month. After establishing in greenhouse, the transformants also showed strong resistance to 0.4% of herbicide Basta but control plants died within 2 weeks. Under confocal microscope, both young leaves and roots showed significant GFP expression. PCR analysis revealed the presence of a DNA fragment of GFP gene at the expected size (380 bp) in the transformants and its absence in a randomly selected control plant.