Journal: RNA Biology

Article Title: C-terminal tagging impairs AGO2 function

doi: 10.1080/15476286.2025.2534028

Figure Lengend Snippet: Creation and genomic characterisation of AGO2-HaloTag cell Lines(A) schematic of WT AGO2 and the C terminal AGO2-HaloTag fusion (including T2A site, puromycin resistant (PuroR) and Poly(A) sections) genotype to be generated by CRISPaint editing of A549 cells. Arrows indicate locations of forward and reverse primers designed to confirm editing. Blue = AGO2 WT last intron forward and reverse; Light Teal = HaloTag1 forward and reverse; Dark Teal = HaloTag2 forward and reverse.(B) agarose gel loaded with PCR products of A549 WT and two AGO2-HaloTag (AGO2-HaloTag C5 and AGO2-HaloTag C10) lines amplified with indicated combinations of AGO2 WT and HaloTag primers, as indicated in (A). Red arrows indicate gDNA containing HaloTag sequence which was purified and submitted for sequencing. Circled numbers 1–3 indicate gDNA containing C terminal non-HaloTagged AGO2 product which was purified and submitted for sequencing. (C) sequence (generated from TOPO-seq) alignments of WT and two AGO2-HaloTag clones at the AGO2-HaloTag junction. From several submitted TOPO clones, two variants of AGO2-HaloTag (one long and one short) were identified in AGO2-HaloTag cells. Asterisk (*) indicates STOP codon. (D) schematic to show known functionally important domains of AGO2, with a focus on C-terminal PIWI domain. CRISPaint mediated AGO2-HaloTag fusion generated a long and a short variant. (E) chromatograph of C terminal AGO2 sequence identified in WT, AGO2-HaloTag C5 and AGO2-HaloTag C10 cells (circled numbers 1–3 in (B)) showing the additional and premature STOP codon in both AGO2-HaloTag lines. (F) abundance of untagged AGO2 mRNA transcript in A549 WT, two UnTagged (UT C1 and UT C2) and two AGO2-HaloTag (AGO2-HaloTag C5 and AGO2-HaloTag C10) cells. AGO2 (non-HaloTagged) mRNA abundance normalized to B Actin mRNA abundance and made relative to levels in WT cells. Data represent mean ± SEM of experiments; n = 3 (* p ≤ 0.05; ** p ≤ 0.01; *** p ≤ 0.001). (G & H) Western blot of whole-cell lysates from A549 WT, two UnTagged (UT C1 and UT C2) and two AGO2-HaloTag (AGO2-HaloTag C5 and AGO2-HaloTag C10) cell lines probed with antibodies against AGO2, HaloTag, and beta Actin.

Article Snippet: Single-cell clones were screened for loss of AGO2 expression by immunoblotting using rabbit anti-AGO2 (Sino Biological 101,620-T36).

Techniques: Generated, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Amplification, Sequencing, Purification, Clone Assay, Variant Assay, Western Blot

Journal: RNA Biology

Article Title: C-terminal tagging impairs AGO2 function

doi: 10.1080/15476286.2025.2534028

Figure Lengend Snippet: Initial characterisation of AGO2-HaloTag cells Lines(A) doubling time of A549 WT, two UnTagged (UT C1 and UT C2) and two AGO2-HaloTag (AGO2-HaloTag C5 and AGO2-HaloTag C10) measured using IncucyteZoom over 108 hours. Data represent mean ± SEM; n = 3 (ns p > 0.05). (B) Representative Western blot of whole-cell lysates from indicated cell lines (harvested during log-phase) probed with antibodies against AGO1, AGO2, AGO3, AGO4, Vinculin. (C) Representative Western blot of whole-cell lysates from indicated cell lines (harvested during log-phase) probed with antibodies against DDX6, TNRC6A, LIMD1, and beta Actin. (D) densitometry of AGO1/2/3/4 (normalized to loading control (Vinculin)) in indicated cell lines. Data represents mean ± SEM; n = 3 (* p ≤ 0.05; ** p ≤ 0.01; *** p ≤ 0.001 according to one-way ANOVA test with Dunnett’s multiple comparisons). (E) densitometry analysis of drosha, exportin 5, Dicer, DGCR8, DDX6 andTNRC6A, (normalized to loading control (beta Actin or vinculin)) in indicated cell lines. Data represent mean ± SEM; n = 3 (* p ≤ 0.05; ** p ≤ 0.01; *** p ≤ 0.001).

Article Snippet: Single-cell clones were screened for loss of AGO2 expression by immunoblotting using rabbit anti-AGO2 (Sino Biological 101,620-T36).

Techniques: Western Blot, Control

Journal: RNA Biology

Article Title: C-terminal tagging impairs AGO2 function

doi: 10.1080/15476286.2025.2534028

Figure Lengend Snippet: Characterising AGO2 interactions, AGO2 localization and miR-451a levels in AGO2-HaloTag clones. (A) endogenous co-immunoprecipitation of AGO2 with Dicer and TNRC6A in WT, UnTagged C1 , UnTagged C2, AGO2-HaloTag C5 and AGO2-HaloTag C10 cells. Note the increased AGO2-Dicer and decreased AGO2-TNRC6A co-immunoprecipitation in AGO2 HALO cells compared to in WT and UnTagged cells. Histogram shows mean densitometry for TNRC6A IP normalized to AGO2 IP densitometry relative to WT A549 cells. Data represents mean of four independent repeats with * indicating p ≤ 0.05 according to one-way ANOVA test with Dunnett’s multiple comparisons. (B) immunoblots of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions from WT. UnTagged C1 , UnTagged C2, AGO2-HaloTag C5 and AGO2-HaloTag C10 cells. Whole cell lysate (WCL) from WT A549 was also blotted alongside. Beta tubulin and histone H3 were probed as loading controls for cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions, respectively. (C) MiR-451a abundance (normalized to U6 RNA and made relative to relevant WT) in indicated cell lines measured by RT-qPCR using the 2 –∆∆Ct method. Data represent mean ± SEM; n = 2 (* p ≤ 0.05 according to one-way ANOVA test with Dunnett’s multiple comparisons). (D) pri-miR-451 abundance (normalised to beta actin mRNA levels) in indicated cell lines measured by RT-qPCR using the standard curve method. Data represent mean ± SEM; n = 2 (ns = not significant according to one-way ANOVA test with Dunnett’s multiple comparisons).

Article Snippet: Single-cell clones were screened for loss of AGO2 expression by immunoblotting using rabbit anti-AGO2 (Sino Biological 101,620-T36).

Techniques: Clone Assay, Immunoprecipitation, Western Blot, Quantitative RT-PCR

Journal: RNA Biology

Article Title: C-terminal tagging impairs AGO2 function

doi: 10.1080/15476286.2025.2534028

Figure Lengend Snippet: Creation of AGO2 knockout A549, firefly luciferase assays and comparison of N - and C-terminally tagged AGO2. (A) Generation of AGO2 knockout A549 cells. Immunoblot of two AGO2 −/− clones alongside two control clones for AGO2 and beta actin as a loading control. (B) Relative firefly/Renilla luciferase activity in indicated cell lines transfected with reporter plasmids expressing firefly and Renilla luciferase and a siRNA against firefly luciferase (esi FFLuc ) or ‘non-targeting’ control (esi GFP ). The ratio between firefly and Renilla luciferase activity was measured 24 h after transfection. Data represent mean ± SEM; n = 3 (ns p > 0.05, **** p ≤ 0.0001 according to two-way ANOVA test with Sidak’s multiple comparisons). (C) Plasmid constructs for expression of untagged AGO2, EGFP-AGO2 and AGO2-EGFP. EGFP-VO is a control. (D) Relative firefly/Renilla luciferase activity in AGO2 −/− A549 transfected with reporter plasmids, AGO2 plasmids and an siRNA against firefly luciferase (esi FFLuc ) or ‘non-targeting’ control (scr). The ratio between firefly and Renilla luciferase activity was measured 24 h after transfection. Data represent mean ± SEM; n = 3 (ns p > 0.05; *** p ≤ 0.001, **** p ≤ 0.0001 according to one-way ANOVA test with Dunnett’s multiple comparisons). (E) Relative Renilla/firefly luciferase activity of a miR-100 targeted (T) reporter relative to a non-targeted (NT) reporter in AGO2 −/− A549 transfected with reporter plasmid, 15 nM miR-100 mimic and the indicated AGO2 constructs or EGFP-VO. Data represent mean ± SEM; n = 3 (ns p > 0.05; ** p ≤ 0.01 according to one-way ANOVA test with Dunnett’s multiple comparisons). (F) Immunoblots of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions from AGO2 −/− A549 transfected with EGFP-VO, AGO2 UT, EGFP-AGO2 or AGO2-EGFP. Beta tubulin and histone H3 were probed as loading controls for cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions, respectively. (G) Fluorescence microscopy images for AGO2 −/− A549 transfected with EGFP-VO, EGFP-AGO2 or AGO2-EGFP. Cell nuclei are stained with DAPI and merged images show DAPI and EGFP signal combined. Scale bars indicate 10 µm. (H) UnTagged C1 and AGO2-HaloTag C10 cells treated with 100 nM HaloTag-TMR ligand visualized using confocal microscopy.

Article Snippet: Single-cell clones were screened for loss of AGO2 expression by immunoblotting using rabbit anti-AGO2 (Sino Biological 101,620-T36).

Techniques: Knock-Out, Luciferase, Comparison, Western Blot, Clone Assay, Control, Activity Assay, Transfection, Expressing, Plasmid Preparation, Construct, Fluorescence, Microscopy, Staining, Confocal Microscopy

Journal: RNA Biology

Article Title: C-terminal tagging impairs AGO2 function

doi: 10.1080/15476286.2025.2534028

Figure Lengend Snippet: Structural insights of the C-terminal of AGO2 for an explanation of impaired function upon HaloTag insertion. (A) Schematic composition of AGO2 showing 7 main domains and motifs. (B) C-terminal residue A859 contributes to miRNA binding (PDB code: 4OLB). Residues shown in stick format and residue type and sequence number annotated. Dashed lines show inter-atom distances 5.0 Å. (C) Surface representation of AGO2 (4OLB) with domains coloured as in (A). Bound miRNA shown in spheres with 5ʹ-3ʹ direction indicated. The approximate location of the buried C-terminal residue A859 is indicated. (D) Surface representation of AGO2 (4OLB) showing sites of tryptophan binding and the N-terminal most residue (A22) seen in the electron density. Residues 1–21 were not observed in the data. (E) pLDDT values for predictions of native AGO2 (solid black line) and C-terminal halo-tagged AGO2 and relative solvent accessible surface area (QASA, Å 2 ; red line) calculated using PDB entry 4OLB .

Article Snippet: Single-cell clones were screened for loss of AGO2 expression by immunoblotting using rabbit anti-AGO2 (Sino Biological 101,620-T36).

Techniques: Residue, Binding Assay, Sequencing, Solvent

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Engineered extracellular vesicles for concurrent Anti-PDL1 immunotherapy and chemotherapy

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.07.012

Figure Lengend Snippet: Characterization of constructed cells. (a) The expression level of PD-L1, PD-1, and B2M as measured by flow cytometry in wild-type MDA-MB-231 and double-KO MDA-MB-231 (Red: blank; Blue: Isotype antibody; Yellow: anti-PD-L1, anti-PD-1, or anti-B2M antibody). (b) Fluorescent image of PD-L1, PD-1, and B2M in wild-type and double-KO MDA-MB-231 cells (scale bar is 10 μm). (c) The expression level of PD-L1 and havPD-1 as measured by flow cytometry and fluorescence microcopy in double-KO/havPD-1 knock-in MDA-MB-231 cells (Red: blank; Blue: Isotype antibody; Yellow: anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1 antibody; scale bare is 10 μm). (d) B2M, PD-L1, and havPD-1 proteins were extracted and identified from wild-type and constructed MDA-MB-231 cells. (e) Fluorescent image of constructed double-KO/havPD-1 knock-in/CD81-GFP fusion MDA-MB-231 cells (scale bar is 10 μm) and the expression level of CD81-GFP as measured by flow cytometry (Red: blank; Blue: MDA-MB-231 cells w/o CD81-GFP fusion protein; Yellow: MDA-MB-231 cells expressing CD81-GFP fusion protein). (f) Fluorescent image of constructed MDA-MB-231-tdTomato cells (scale bar is 10 μm).

Article Snippet: Anti-PD-1 magnetic beads immunoprecipitation kit (SinoBiological, MB108583-T36) was used to harvest havPD-1 as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Techniques: Construct, Expressing, Flow Cytometry, Fluorescence, Knock-In

Journal: Bioactive Materials

Article Title: Engineered extracellular vesicles for concurrent Anti-PDL1 immunotherapy and chemotherapy

doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.07.012

Figure Lengend Snippet: Characterization of EVs. (a) Size distribution of havPD-1 EVs (left) and morphology characterization of havPD-1 EVs by electron microscopy (scale bar is 100 nm). (b) Western blot analysis of havPD-1 extracted from trypsin-treated havPD-1 EVs and free havPD-1. (c) TEM image of havPD-1 EVs stained with anti-PD-1 antibodies grafted gold nanoparticle (scale bar is 50 nm) and STEM image of surviving havPD-1 EVs stained with immunogold (red dots; scale bar is 100 nm). (d) Western blot analysis of CD47, CD55, CD59, CD9, TSG101, and GAPDH extracted from havPD-1 EVs (1) and havPD-1/GFP EVs (2). (e) Association and dissociation of havPD-1 or Atezolizumab to PD-L1 by SPR. (f) Size distribution of PD-L1 EVs (left) and morphology characterization of PD-L1 EVs by electron microscopy (scale bar is 100 nm). (g) Morphology of havPD-1 EVs, PD-L1 EVs, and their mixture (scale bar is 100 nm). (h) Size distribution of havPD-1/CD81-GFP EVs (left); morphology characterization of havPD-1/CD81-GFP EVs by electron microscopy (middle, scale bar is 100 nm); Fluorescence image of havPD-1/CD81-GFP EVs (right, scale bar is 1 μm). (i) Fluorescence images and quantified data of fluorescence intensity of each group (n = 15) showing PKH67-labeled PD-L1 EVs and havPD-1/GFP EVs taken up by MDA-MB-231-tdTomato cells in 30 min (scale bar is 10 μm).

Article Snippet: Anti-PD-1 magnetic beads immunoprecipitation kit (SinoBiological, MB108583-T36) was used to harvest havPD-1 as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Techniques: Electron Microscopy, Western Blot, Staining, Fluorescence, Labeling

Journal: Scientific Reports

Article Title: Identifying transcriptomic profiles of iron–quercetin complex treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers and diabetic patients

doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-60197-1

Figure Lengend Snippet: Box plots of the results of the flow cytometric analysis illustrating the proportions of cells expressing angiogenic and anti-inflammatory phenotypes, including CD3 + , CD4 + , CD8 + , CD11b + , CD14 + , CD31 + , CD34 + , CD45 + , CD105 + , CD192 + , CD206 + , and CD4 + /25 + . Statistical significance was assessed through ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. In the plots, the presence of (*) denotes statistically significant differences, signifying a significance level of p < 0.05.

Article Snippet: Each 100 µL sample of the cell suspension was incubated with the appropriate IgG isotype controls for each fluorescence channel or with specific antibodies, including FITC-labeled anti-CD34 (Elabscience), FITC-labeled anti-CD14 (Miltenyi), FITC-labeled anti-CD11b (eBioscience), PE/Cy5.5‐labeled anti-CD45 (eBioscience), FITC-labeled anti-CD31 (Life Technologies), PE-labeled anti-CD105 (eBioscience), PE/Cy5.5‐labeled anti‐CD3(clone: UCHT1, Merck Millipore), APC‐labeled anti‐CD206 (clone 15–2, Sigma-Aldrich), APC‐labeled anti‐CCR2 (CD192, Sino Biological), PE‐labeled anti‐CD8a (clone: RPA‐T8, Merck Millipore), PE‐labeled anti‐CD4 (clone: RPA‐T4, Merck Millipore), and Alexa Fluor‐488‐labeled anti‐CD25 (Clone: BC96, eBioscience).

Techniques: Expressing