Optogenetic Control of Non‐Apoptotic Cell Death

• Main Authors: Lian He, Zixian Huang, Kai Huang, Rui Chen, Nhung T. Nguyen, Rui Wang, Xiaoli Cai, Zhiquan Huang, Stefan Siwko, Joel R. Walker, Gang Han, Yubin Zhou, Ji Jing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2021-07-01
• Series: Advanced Science
• Subjects: bioluminescence; necroptosis; optogenetics; pyroptosis; upconversion nanoparticles
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202100424

Abstract Herein, a set of optogenetic tools (designated LiPOP) that enable photoswitchable necroptosis and pyroptosis in live cells with varying kinetics, is introduced. The LiPOP tools allow reconstruction of the key molecular steps involved in these two non‐apoptotic cell death pathways by harnessing the power of light. Further, the use of LiPOPs coupled with upconversion nanoparticles or bioluminescence is demonstrated to achieve wireless optogenetic or chemo‐optogenetic killing of cancer cells in multiple mouse tumor models. LiPOPs can trigger necroptotic and pyroptotic cell death in cultured prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells and in living animals, and set the stage for studying the role of non‐apoptotic cell death pathways during microbial infection and anti‐tumor immunity.