Deep-tissue high-sensitivity multimodal imaging and optogenetic manipulation enabled by biliverdin reductase knockout

Ludmila A. Kasatkina, Chenshuo Ma, Huaxin Sheng, Matthew Lowerison, Luca Menozzi, Mikhail Baloban, Yuqi Tang, Yirui Xu, Lucas Humayun, Tri Vu, Pengfei Song, Junjie Yao () and Vladislav V. Verkhusha ()
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Ludmila A. Kasatkina: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Chenshuo Ma: Duke University
Huaxin Sheng: Duke University
Matthew Lowerison: Duke University
Luca Menozzi: Duke University
Mikhail Baloban: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Yuqi Tang: Duke University
Yirui Xu: Duke University
Lucas Humayun: Duke University
Tri Vu: Duke University
Pengfei Song: Duke University
Junjie Yao: Duke University
Vladislav V. Verkhusha: Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: Abstract Performance of near-infrared probes and optogenetic tools derived from bacterial phytochromes is limited by availability of their biliverdin chromophore. To address this, we use a biliverdin reductase-A knock-out mouse model (Blvra−/−), which elevates endogenous biliverdin levels. We show that Blvra⁻/⁻ significantly enhances function of bacterial phytochrome-based systems. Light-controlled transcription using iLight optogenetic tool improves ~25-fold in Blvra−/− cells, compared to wild-type controls, and achieves ~100-fold activation in neurons. Light-induced insulin production in Blvra−/− mice reduces blood glucose by ~60% in diabetes model. To overcome depth limitations in imaging, we employ 3D photoacoustic, ultrasound, and two-photon fluorescence microscopy. This enables simultaneous photoacoustic imaging of DrBphP in neurons and super-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy of brain vasculature at depths of ~7 mm through intact scalp and skull. Two-photon microscopy achieves cellular resolution of miRFP720-expressing neurons at ~2.2 mm depth. Overall, Blvra−/− model represents powerful platform for improving efficacy of biliverdin-dependent tools for deep-tissue imaging and optogenetic manipulation.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61532-4

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