Light-induced protein degradation in human-derived cells.

Authors :: Sun W
Zhang W
Zhang C
Mao M
Zhao Y
Chen X
Yang Y
Source :: Biochemical and biophysical research communications [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] 2017 May 27; Vol. 487 (2), pp. 241-246. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Apr 12.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: Controlling protein degradation can be a valuable tool for posttranslational regulation of protein abundance to study complex biological systems. In the present study, we designed a light-switchable degron consisting of a light oxygen voltage (LOV) domain of Avena sativa phototropin 1 (AsLOV2) and a C-terminal degron. Our results showed that the light-switchable degron could be used for rapid and specific induction of protein degradation in HEK293 cells by light in a proteasome-dependent manner. Further studies showed that the light-switchable degron could also be utilized to mediate the degradation of secreted Gaussia princeps luciferase (GLuc), demonstrating the adaptability of the light-switchable degron in different types of protein. We suggest that the light-switchable degron offers a robust tool to control protein levels and may serves as a new and significant method for gene- and cell-based therapies.<br /> (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)