Caged Cumate Enables Proximity-Dependent Control Over Gene Expression.

ABSTRACT: Cell-cell interactions underlie diverse physiological processes yet remain challenging to examine with conventional imaging tools. Here we report a novel strategy to illuminate cell proximity using transcriptional activators. We repurposed cumate, a small molecule inducer of gene expression, by caging its key carboxylate group with a nitrile. Nitrilase-expressing activator cells released the cage, liberating cumate for consumption by reporter cells. Reporter cells comprising a cumate-responsive switch expressed a target gene when in close proximity to the activator cells. Overall, this strategy provides a versatile platform to image and potentially manipulate cellular interactions over time.

SUBMITTER: Love AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9870035 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature