1
|
Mechanical Properties of Dragline Silk Fiber Using a Bottom-Up Approach. JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jcs6030095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
We propose a molecular-based three-dimensional (3D) continuum model of dragline silk of Araneus diadematus, which takes into account the plasticity of the β-sheet crystals, the rate-dependent behavior of the amorphous matrix, and the viscous interface friction between them. For the proposed model, we computed the tensile properties, the effects of velocity on the mechanical properties, and hysteresis values, which are in good agreement with available experimental data. The silk fiber model’s yield point, breaking strength, post-yield stiffness, and toughness increased with increasing pulling velocity, while extensibility and the diameter of the silk fiber decreased. Our bottom-up approach has shed light on silk fiber mechanics, which can be used as an essential tool to design artificial composite materials.
Collapse
|
2
|
Whittall DR, Baker KV, Breitling R, Takano E. Host Systems for the Production of Recombinant Spider Silk. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:560-573. [PMID: 33051051 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Spider silk is renowned for its impressive mechanical properties. It is one of the strongest known biomaterials, possessing mechanical properties that outmatch both steel and Kevlar. However, the farming of spiders for their silk is unfeasible. Consequently, production of recombinant spider silk proteins (spidroins) in more amenable hosts is an exciting field of research. For large-scale production to be viable, a heterologous silk production system that is both highly efficient and cost effective is essential. Genes encoding recombinant spidroin have been expressed in bacterial, yeast, insect, and mammalian cells, in addition to many other platforms. This review discusses the recent advances in exploiting an increasingly diverse range of host platforms in the heterologous production of recombinant spidroins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic R Whittall
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Katherine V Baker
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Rainer Breitling
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Eriko Takano
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Manchester Synthetic Biology Research Centre SYNBIOCHEM, Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li H, Chen S, Piao S, An T, Wang C. Production of artificial synthetic spidroin gene 4S-transgenic cloned sheep embryos using somatic cell nuclear transfer. Anim Biotechnol 2020; 32:616-626. [DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2020.1737098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P. R. China
- College of Life Science, Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P. R. China
| | - Shengnan Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P. R. China
| | - Shanhua Piao
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P. R. China
| | - Tiezhu An
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P. R. China
- College of Life Science, Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P. R. China
| | - Chunsheng Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P. R. China
- College of Life Science, Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zheng K, Ling S. De Novo Design of Recombinant Spider Silk Proteins for Material Applications. Biotechnol J 2018; 14:e1700753. [PMID: 29781251 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Spider silks are well known for their superior mechanical properties that are stronger and tougher than steel despite being assembled at close to ambient conditions and using water as the solvent. However, it is a significant challenge to utilize spider silks for practical applications due to their limited sources. Fortunately, genetic engineering techniques offer a promising approach to produce useable amounts of spider silk variants. Starting from these recombinant spider silk proteins, a series of experiments and simulations strategies are developed to improve the recombinant spider silk proteins (RSSP) material design and fabrication with the aim of biomimicking the structure-property-function relationships of spider silks. Accordingly, in this review, the authors first introduce the structure-property-function relationship of spider silks. Then, the recent progress in the genetic synthesis of RSSPs is discussed and their related multiscale self-assembly behaviors is summarized. Finally, the authors outline works utilizing multiscale modeling to assist RSSP material design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zheng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thamm C, Scheibel T. Recombinant Production, Characterization, and Fiber Spinning of an Engineered Short Major Ampullate Spidroin (MaSp1s). Biomacromolecules 2017; 18:1365-1372. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Bayerisches Polymerinstitut (BPI), Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chaw RC, Correa-Garhwal SM, Clarke TH, Ayoub NA, Hayashi CY. Proteomic Evidence for Components of Spider Silk Synthesis from Black Widow Silk Glands and Fibers. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:4223-31. [PMID: 26302244 PMCID: PMC5075943 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Spider
silk research has largely focused on spidroins, proteins
that are the primary components of spider silk fibers. Although a
number of spidroins have been characterized, other types of proteins
associated with silk synthesis are virtually unknown. Previous analyses
of tissue-specific RNA-seq libraries identified 647 predicted genes
that were differentially expressed in silk glands of the Western black
widow, Latrodectus hesperus. Only ∼5%
of these silk-gland specific transcripts (SSTs) encode spidroins;
although the remaining predicted genes presumably encode other proteins
associated with silk production, this is mostly unverified. Here,
we used proteomic analysis of multiple silk glands and dragline silk
fiber to investigate the translation of the differentially expressed
genes. We find 48 proteins encoded by the differentially expressed
transcripts in L. hesperus major ampullate,
minor ampullate, and tubuliform silk glands and detect 17 SST encoded
proteins in major ampullate silk fibers. The observed proteins include
known silk-related proteins, but most are uncharacterized, with no
annotation. These unannotated proteins likely include novel silk-associated
proteins. Major and minor ampullate glands have the highest overlap
of identified proteins, consistent with their shared, distinctive
ampullate shape and the overlapping functions of major and minor ampullate
silks. Our study substantiates and prioritizes predictions from differential
expression analysis of spider silk gland transcriptomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ro Crystal Chaw
- Department of Biology, University of California , Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Sandra M Correa-Garhwal
- Department of Biology, University of California , Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Thomas H Clarke
- Department of Biology, Washington and Lee University , Lexington, Virginia 24450, United States
| | - Nadia A Ayoub
- Department of Biology, Washington and Lee University , Lexington, Virginia 24450, United States
| | - Cheryl Y Hayashi
- Department of Biology, University of California , Riverside, California 92521, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Büsse S, Hörnschemeyer T, Hohu K, McMillan D, Edgerly JS. The spinning apparatus of webspinners--functional-morphology, morphometrics and spinning behaviour. Sci Rep 2015; 4:9986. [PMID: 25950122 PMCID: PMC4423565 DOI: 10.1038/srep09986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Webspinners (Insecta: Embioptera) have a distinctly unique behaviour with related morphological characteristics. Producing silk with the basitarsomeres of their forelegs plays a crucial role in the lives of these insects--providing shelter and protection. The correlation between body size, morphology and morphometrics of the spinning apparatus and the spinning behaviour of Embioptera was investigated for seven species using state-of-the-art methodology for behavioural as well as for morphological approaches. Independent contrast analysis revealed correlations between morphometric characters and body size. Larger webspinners in this study have glands with greater reservoir volume, but in proportionally smaller tarsi relative to body size than in the smaller species. Furthermore, we present a detailed description and review of the spinning apparatus in Embioptera in comparison to other arthropods and substantiate the possible homology of the embiopteran silk glands to class III dermal silk glands of insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Büsse
- University Museum of Zoology, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas Hörnschemeyer
- Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Department of Morphology, Systematic and Evolutionary Biology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kyle Hohu
- Department of Biology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - David McMillan
- Department of Biology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rising A, Johansson J. Toward spinning artificial spider silk. Nat Chem Biol 2015; 11:309-15. [DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.1789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
9
|
Heidebrecht A, Eisoldt L, Diehl J, Schmidt A, Geffers M, Lang G, Scheibel T. Biomimetic fibers made of recombinant spidroins with the same toughness as natural spider silk. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2015; 27:2189-94. [PMID: 25689835 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201404234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Using a self-assembly of recombinant spidroins, biomimetic spinning dopes are produced and wet-spun into fibers. Upon varying the molecular design of the underlying recombinant spidroins, the influence of the amino- and carboxy-terminal domains, as well as the size of the repetitive core domain on fiber mechanics, is determined. Fiber toughness upon biomimetic processing equals and even slightly exceeds that of natural ones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aniela Heidebrecht
- Lehrstuhl Biomaterialien, Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, Universität Bayreuth, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Heidebrecht A, Scheibel T. Recombinant production of spider silk proteins. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2013; 82:115-53. [PMID: 23415154 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407679-2.00004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Natural spider silk fibers combine extraordinary properties such as stability and flexibility which results in a toughness superseding that of all other fiber materials. As the spider's aggressive territorial behavior renders their farming not feasible, the biotechnological production of spider silk proteins (spidroins) is essential in order to investigate and employ them for applications. In order to accomplish this task, two approaches have been tested: firstly, the expression of partial cDNAs, and secondly, the expression of synthetic genes in several host organisms, including bacteria, yeast, plants, insect cells, mammalian cells, and transgenic animals. The experienced problems include genetic instability, limitations of the translational and transcriptional machinery, and low solubility of the produced proteins. Here, an overview of attempts to recombinantly produce spidroins will be given, and advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches and host organisms will be discussed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Hidaka Y, Kontani KI, Taniguchi R, Saiki M, Yokoi S, Yukuhiro K, Yamaguchi H, Miyazawa M. Fiber formation of a synthetic spider peptide derived from Nephila clavata. Biopolymers 2011; 96:222-7. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.21402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
12
|
Rising A, Widhe M, Johansson J, Hedhammar M. Spider silk proteins: recent advances in recombinant production, structure-function relationships and biomedical applications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:169-84. [PMID: 20668909 PMCID: PMC11114806 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0462-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Revised: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spider dragline silk is an outstanding material made up of unique proteins-spidroins. Analysis of the amino acid sequences of full-length spidroins reveals a tripartite composition: an N-terminal non-repetitive domain, a highly repetitive central part composed of approximately 100 polyalanine/glycine rich co-segments and a C-terminal non-repetitive domain. Recent molecular data on the terminal domains suggest that these have different functions. The composite nature of spidroins allows for recombinant production of individual and combined regions. Miniaturized spidroins designed by linking the terminal domains with a limited number of repetitive segments recapitulate the properties of native spidroins to a surprisingly large extent, provided that they are produced and isolated in a manner that retains water solubility until fibre formation is triggered. Biocompatibility studies in cell culture or in vivo of native and recombinant spider silk indicate that they are surprisingly well tolerated, suggesting that recombinant spider silk has potential for biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rising
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, The Biomedical Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 751-23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mona Widhe
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, The Biomedical Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 751-23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Johansson
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, The Biomedical Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 751-23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - My Hedhammar
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, The Biomedical Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 751-23 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Self-assembly of spider silk proteins is controlled by a pH-sensitive relay. Nature 2010; 465:236-8. [DOI: 10.1038/nature08962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
14
|
MacIntosh AC, Kearns VR, Crawford A, Hatton PV. Skeletal tissue engineering using silk biomaterials. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2008; 2:71-80. [PMID: 18383453 DOI: 10.1002/term.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Silks have been proposed as potential scaffold materials for tissue engineering, mainly because of their physical properties. They are stable at physiological temperatures, flexible and resist tensile and compressive forces. Bombyx mori (silkworm) cocoon silk has been used as a suture material for over a century, and has proved to be biocompatible once the immunogenic sericin coating is removed. Spider silks have a similar structure to silkworm silk but do not have a sericin coating. This paper provides a general overview on the use of silk protein in biomaterials, with a focus on skeletal tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana C MacIntosh
- Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Park J, Moon M. Spinning apparatus for the dragline silk in the funnel‐web spiderAgelena Limbata(Araneae: Agelenidae). Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2008.9647163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
17
|
Zhao A, Zhao T, Sima Y, Zhang Y, Nakagaki K, Miao Y, Shiomi K, Kajiura Z, Nagata Y, Nakagaki M. Unique molecular architecture of egg case silk protein in a spider, Nephila clavata. J Biochem 2006; 138:593-604. [PMID: 16272571 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvi155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a unique silk protein secreted from the cylindrical silk glands of the spider Nephila clavata. This silk is primarily composed of three proteins, whose transcripts of approximately 16.0, 14.5 and 13.0 kb are homologous to one another in two termini and repetitive units, as determined on Northern blotting. Its overall organization shows that it is similar to other characterized silk proteins, including in the mainly central repetitive region as well as the non-repetitive N-terminal (166 residues) and C-terminal (176 residues) parts. However, up to 90% of the protein consists of highly ordered repetitive structures that are not found in other silks. The repetitive region mainly consists of several types of complexes and remarkably conserved polypeptide repeats. The assembled repeat units (A1B1) contain a high proportion of Ala (30.41%), Ser (25.15%), and residues with hydrophobic side chains (22.22% for Gly, Leu, Ile, Val and Phe combined). The presence of Ser-rich and GVGAGASA motifs suggests the formation of a beta-sheet. The repetitive region is characterized by alternating arrays of hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks. The results suggested that this egg case silk is an exceptional protein when compared with previously investigated spider silks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aichun Zhao
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhao AC, Zhao TF, Nakagaki K, Zhang YS, Sima YH, Miao YG, Shiomi K, Kajiura Z, Nagata Y, Takadera M, Nakagaki M. Novel Molecular and Mechanical Properties of Egg Case Silk from Wasp Spider, Argiope bruennichi. Biochemistry 2006; 45:3348-56. [PMID: 16519529 DOI: 10.1021/bi052414g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Araneoid spiders use specialized abdominal glands to produce up to seven different protein-based silks/glues that have various mechanical properties. To date, the fibroin sequences encoding egg case fibers have not been fully determined. To gain further understanding of a recently reported spider silk protein gene family, several novel strategies were utilized in this study to isolate two full-length cDNAs of egg case silk proteins, cylindrical silk protein 1 (CySp1, 9.1 kb) and cylindrical silk protein 2 (CySp2, 9.8 kb), from the wasp spider, Argiope bruennichi. Northern blotting analysis demonstrated that CySp1 and CySp2 are selectively expressed in the cylindrical glands. The amino acid composition of raw egg case silk was closely consistent with the deduced amino acid composition based on the sequences of CySp1 and CySp2, which supports the assertion that CySp1 and CySp2 represent two major components of egg case silk. CySp1 and CySp2 are primarily composed of remarkable homogeneous assemble repeats that are 180 residues in length and consist of several complex subrepeats, and they contain highly homologous C-termini and markedly different N-termini. Our results suggest a possible link between CySp1 and CySp2. In addition, comparisons of stress/strain curves for dragline and egg case silk from Argiope bruennichi showed obvious differences in ultimate strength and extensibility, and similarities in toughness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Chun Zhao
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda 386-8567, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Motriuk-Smith D, Smith A, Hayashi CY, Lewis RV. Analysis of the Conserved N-Terminal Domains in Major Ampullate Spider Silk Proteins. Biomacromolecules 2005; 6:3152-9. [PMID: 16283740 DOI: 10.1021/bm050472b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Major ampullate silk, also known as dragline silk, is one of the strongest biomaterials known. This silk is composed of two proteins, major ampullate spidroin 1 (MaSp1) and major ampullate spidroin 2 (MaSp2). Only partial cDNA sequences have been obtained for these proteins, and these sequences are toward the C-terminus. Thus, the N-terminal domains have never been characterized for either protein. Here we report the sequence of the N-terminal region of major ampullate silk proteins from three spider species: Argiope trifasciata, Latrodectus geometricus, and Nephila inaurata madagascariensis. The amino acid sequences are inferred from genomic DNA clones. Northern blotting experiments suggest that the predicted 5' end of the transcripts are present in fibroin mRNA. The presence of more than one Met codon in the N-terminal region indicates the possibility of translation of both a long and a short isoform. The size of the short isoform is consistent with the published, cDNA based, N-terminal sequence found in flagelliform silk. Analyses comparing the level of identity of all known spider silk N-termini show that the N-terminus is the most conserved part of silk proteins. Two DNA sequence motifs identified upstream of the putative transcription start site are potential silk fibroin promoter elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Motriuk-Smith
- University of Wyoming, Department of Molecular Biology, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sponner A, Schlott B, Vollrath F, Unger E, Grosse F, Weisshart K. Characterization of the protein components of Nephila clavipes dragline silk. Biochemistry 2005; 44:4727-36. [PMID: 15779899 DOI: 10.1021/bi047671k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spider silk is predominantly composed of structural proteins called spider fibroins or spidroins. The major ampullate silk that forms the dragline and the cobweb's frame threads of Nephila clavipes is believed to be a composite of two spidroins, designated as Masp 1 and 2. Specific antibodies indeed revealed the presence of Masp 1 and 2 specific epitopes in the spinning dope and solubilized threads. In contrast, sequencing of specific peptides obtained from solubilized threads or gland urea extracts were exclusively homologous to segments of Masp 1, suggesting that this protein is more abundantly expressed in silk than Masp 2. The strength of immunoreactivities corroborated this finding. Polypeptides reactive against both Masp 1 and 2 specific antibodies were found to be expressed in the epithelia of the tail and different gland zones and accumulated in the gland secreted material. Both extracts of gland secretion and solubilized threads showed a ladder of polypeptides in the size range of 260-320 kDa in gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions, whereas gel filtration chromatography yielded molecular masses of the proteins of approximately 300-350 kDa. In the absence of a reducing agent, dimeric forms of the spidroins were observed with estimated molecular masses of 420-480 kDa according to gel electrophoresis and 550-650 kDa as determined by gel filtration chromatography. Depending on the preparation, some silk material readily underwent degradation, and polypeptides down to 20 kDa in size and less were detectable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sponner
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, Beutenbergstrasse 11, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sponner A, Unger E, Grosse F, Weisshart K. Conserved C-termini of Spidroins are secreted by the major ampullate glands and retained in the silk thread. Biomacromolecules 2005; 5:840-5. [PMID: 15132670 DOI: 10.1021/bm034378b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The C-termini of Spidroins produced in the major and minor ampullate glands of spiders are highly conserved. Despite this conservation, no corresponding peptides have been identified in the spinning dopes or the silk filaments so far. To prove their presence or absence, polyclonal antibodies derived against fusion proteins containing the conserved C-terminal regions of both Spidroin 1 and 2 from the spider Nephila clavipes were generated. The antibodies reacted with high molecular weight polypeptides of the corresponding gland extracts and solubilized major ampullate filament and in addition to filament cross-sections. This demonstrates the existence of C-terminal specific peptides in the spinning dope and the mature Spidroins. Both the fusion proteins as well as the proteins contained within the gland lumen showed a reduction in their size under reducing conditions indicating the presence of disulfide bonds. Their high conservation and the biochemical data suggest crucial roles the C-termini play in the formation and/or structure of the corresponding silk filaments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sponner
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Beutenbergstrasse 11, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Rodlike fibrous structures are increasingly found with biomacromolecules, e.g. silks, elastin, and collagen. Here we propose a multiblock copolymer model that can lead to these larger-scale structures. One component consists of highly regular blocks, whereas the blocks of another, incompatible component exhibit a wide range of lengths. Rods readily form when these lengths have a bimodal distribution and a well-defined periodicity along the chain. Orientation in a flowing liquid assists association of rods, as is likely in the spinning of silks, which have comparable repetitive sequences. The model suggests that rodlike structures should be available in similarly designed synthetic polymers. This route would be distinct from existing routes that employ rigid monomers, e.g. aramids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yves Termonia
- Building 304, Room C219, Central Research and Development, Experimental Station, E. I. du Pont de Nemours, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware 19880-0304, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Vázquez E, Arroyo G, Cajigas IJ, Candelas GC. Upgraded expression of 5S rRNA preludes the production of fibroin by spider glands. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, COMPARATIVE EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 2003; 298:128-33. [PMID: 12884274 DOI: 10.1002/jez.a.10268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We have developed the large ampullate glands of the orb-web spider Nephila clavipes as a model system in which to study the production of a tissue-specific secretory protein. Through simple manipulations, the glands' fibroin production can be practically abolished and subsequently elicited into high levels of synthesis through a mechanical stimulus applied to the organism. The tissue specific responses evoked by the stimulus can be monitored through time-course studies. The latter have revealed an orchestrated series of tissue and time specific macromolecular syntheses, which optimize the glandular tissues with components of the protein synthesis machinery. This work shows the upgraded accumulation of 5S rRNA in the glands as response to the stimulus within the earliest of the prelude events. Further enquiries on this accumulation must be conducted at the level of differential gene expressions, a chore we have initiated. A DNA fragment containing a single copy 5S rRNA gene has been isolated, cloned, sequenced, and transcribed in a cell-free system. We enclose a discussion on the similarity between the genomic organization of this gene to that of a 5S rRNA gene of Bombyx mori. Our studies have revealed a considerable number of similarities in the silk production strategies of Nephila clavipes and the silkworm Bombyx mori, some of them rather unusual.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Vázquez
- University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Moon M. Fine structural analysis of the cocoon silk production in the garden spider,Argiope aurantia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1080/12265071.2003.9647680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
25
|
Casem ML, Tran LPP, Moore AMF. Ultrastructure of the major ampullate gland of the black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus. Tissue Cell 2002; 34:427-36. [PMID: 12441095 DOI: 10.1016/s0040816602000836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Silk production in the spider occurs within specialized glands that are capable of the synthesis of large fibrous proteins and the post-translational processing of those proteins to form an insoluble fiber. The major ampullate gland of Latrodectus hesperus (black widow) is similar in morphology to those found in the Araneid spiders. The tail domain of this gland is highly protein synthetic, giving rise to a core, fibrous protein product. In addition to a storage function, the ampulla region also synthesizes and exports an electron dense material that appears to form a 'coat' surrounding the silk generated within the tail. The duct of the gland consists of at least two distinct cell types: one type contains 'honeycomb' vesicles of unknown function, while the other possesses elaborate apical microvilli that may be involved in the reabsorption of water and subsequent dehydration of the silk. As the silk product transits through these various stages of assembly, it can been seen to undergo a condensation or concentration, possibly reflecting the influence of both the shear forces induced by movement into the duct and the dehydration that is thought to occur there.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merri Lynn Casem
- Department of Biological Science, California State University, 92834-6850, Fullerton, CA, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Moon M, Tillinghast EK. Fine structure of the glandular epithelium during secretory silk production in the black widow spiderlatrodectus mactans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1080/12265071.2002.9647672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
27
|
Abstract
Silks are protein fibers with remarkable mechanical properties. The discovery of the structural features that govern these properties is a challenge for biochemistry and structural biology. This review summarizes the results of the biochemistry of silk proteins as well as the knowledge of the molecular biology of the respective genes. In addition, an overview is presented on the efforts to produce recombinant silk proteins by biotechnological techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Gührs
- Abteilung Biochemie, Institut für Molekulare Biotechnologie e. V., PF 100 813, D-07708 Jena, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Spider silks are an intriguing family of fibrous proteins due to their highly repetitive primary sequence, their solution properties and their assembly and processing into fibers with remarkable mechanical properties. Current research efforts aimed at understanding and manipulating genes encoding these proteins are helping to gain insight into the relationships between protein sequence, protein assembly and macromolecular properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Winkler
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ortíz R, Céspedes W, Nieves L, Robles IV, Plazaola A, File S, Candelas GC. Small ampullate glands of Nephila clavipes. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 2000; 286:114-9. [PMID: 10617852 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-010x(20000201)286:2<114::aid-jez2>3.0.co;2-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The small ampullate glands of the orb-web spider, Nephila clavipes, have been studied and compared to other of the silk producing glands from this organism. They exhibit the same gross morphological features of the other glands. Electrophoretic analyses show that the gland's luminal contents migrate as a single band, while the contents of the secretory epithelium reveal a step-ladder array of peptides in addition to the full size product. Previous studies from our laboratory identified these peptides as products generated by translational pauses. This alternate mode of translation is typical of fibroin synthesis in all the spider glands thus far studied as well as in those of the silkworm. The correlation of the peptides to the process of fibroin synthesis is shown through experimental evidence in this paper. The gradual ultrastructural changes in Golgi vesicles elicited by the fibroin synthesis stimulus can be seen in this paper. The response to stimulation is of a higher magnitude in these glands than in any of those previously analyzed. These studies show the small ampullate glands are a promising and certainly exploitable model system for studies on the synthesis of tissue-specific protein product and its control. J. Exp. Zool. 286:114-119, 2000.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Ortíz
- Graciela C. Candelas, Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931-3360, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Casem ML, Turner D, Houchin K. Protein and amino acid composition of silks from the cob weaver, Latrodectus hesperus (black widow). Int J Biol Macromol 1999; 24:103-8. [PMID: 10342753 DOI: 10.1016/s0141-8130(98)00078-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The silks from the cob weaving spider, Latrodectus hesperus (black widow), have been examined with the goal of expanding our understanding of the relationship between the protein structure and mechanical performance of these unique biomaterials. The scaffolding, dragline and inner egg case silks each appear to be distinct fibers based on mole percent amino acid composition and polypeptide composition. Further, we find that the amino acid composition of dragline and egg case silk are similar to the analogous silks produced by orb weaving spiders, while scaffolding silk may represent a novel silk. The black widow silks are comprised of multiple high molecular weight polypeptides, however, the egg case and scaffolding silks also contain some smaller polypeptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M L Casem
- Joint Science Department, The Claremont Colleges, W.M. Keck Science Center, Claremont, CA 91711, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Maeda M, Sugimori D. Adhesive Substance of Gasterosteus aculeatus aculeatus. CHEM LETT 1998. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.1998.733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
32
|
Moon M, Townley MA, Tillinghast EK. Fine structural analysis of secretory silk production in the black widow spider,Latrodectus mactans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1998. [DOI: 10.1080/12265071.1998.9647401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
33
|
Simmons AH, Michal CA, Jelinski LW. Molecular orientation and two-component nature of the crystalline fraction of spider dragline silk. Science 1996; 271:84-7. [PMID: 8539605 DOI: 10.1126/science.271.5245.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The molecular origin of the exceptional mechanical properties of spider silk is unclear. This paper presents solid-state 2H nuclear magnetic resonance data from unoriented, oriented, and supercontracted fibers, indicating that the crystalline fraction of dragline silk consists of two types of alanine-rich regions, one that is highly oriented and one that is poorly oriented and less densely packed. A new model for the molecular-level structure of individual silk molecules and their arrangement in the fibers is proposed. These data suggest that it will be necessary to control the secondary structure of individual polymer molecules in order to obtain optimum properties in bio-inspired polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A H Simmons
- Center for Advanced Technology in Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rodríguez R, Candelas GC. Flagelliform or coronata glands of Nephila clavipes. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1995; 272:275-80. [PMID: 7650515 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402720405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The flagelliform or coronata glands of the orb-web spider, Nephila clavipes, have been studied and compared to other silk-producing glands from the organism. The glands, which produce silk for the double filament of the core thread in the sticky spiral, exhibit three distinct morphological areas: tail, sac, and duct. Electrophoretic separation of the solubilized contents of the glands yields an uppermost diffuse band of high molecular size, preceded by a stepladder of well-defined peptides, which have been shown to be products of discontinuous translation in three other sets of glands. The luminal contents do not migrate as a discrete and well-defined band as those of the other glands, but rather as a diffuse area, typical of glycosylated proteins. Fibroin synthesis is stimulated by the mechanical depletion of the organism's stored silks, as in other Nephila glands, judged by the increased intensity of the bands and also by the structural alterations seen in cross sections of the glands' tails.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Rodríguez
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico 00931-3360
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Affiliation(s)
- M Hinman
- Molecular Biology Department, Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie 82071-3944
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Plazaola A, Candelas GC. Stimulation of fibroin synthesis elicits ultrastructural modifications in spider silk secretory cells. Tissue Cell 1991; 23:277-84. [PMID: 1853337 DOI: 10.1016/0040-8166(91)90082-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Electron microscopic studies of unstimulated and stimulated spider fibroin glands show that the fibroin synthesis stimulus evokes visible changes in both the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus of their secretory epithelium. Gradual increase in distension of the reticulum accompanies the increase of evoked fibroin synthetic activity. The flattened translucent Golgi vesicles, seen in inactive cells, display a gradual increase in size and number, also with time. The stimulation also elicits a gradual transition in the gland's luminal membrane, during which the microvilli on the lining gradually disappear acquiring an electron dense appearance. Correlations of the observed transitions to the gland's increase in rate of elicited synthetic activity are discussed. The parallelisms between the ultrastructural modifications observed in the spider secretory cells with those described in the silkworm glands during their progression through the fifth instar have been stressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Plazaola
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras 00931
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
|
38
|
Candelas GC, Arroyo G, Carrasco C, Dompenciel R. Spider silkglands contain a tissue-specific alanine tRNA that accumulates in vitro in response to the stimulus for silk protein synthesis. Dev Biol 1990; 140:215-20. [PMID: 2358120 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(90)90069-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The large ampullate glands of the orb-web spider, Nephila clavipes provide massive amounts of fibroin throughout the lifetime of the adult female. We have developed methods to culture the glands and manipulate their biosynthetic activity. This has allowed us to monitor a series of molecular events that precede silk production in glands excised from appropriately stimulated animals. In this paper, we demonstrate that prior to the transient dramatic production of fibroin, such glands accumulate large amounts of tRNAs cognate to the abundant amino acids in spider silk. One of these, alanine tRNA, appears to consist of two isoaccepting forms--one constitutive, and the other silkgland specific. Moreover, the silkgland-specific form appears to accumulate preferentially in response to stimulation. This phenomenon of tissue-specific tRNA production appears similar to that found in the silkglands of Bombyx mori, but the spider system has the unique property of permitting manipulation in vitro. Thus, it provides an unusual opportunity to study the mechanism of regulated tRNA synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G C Candelas
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras 00931
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Candelas GC, Ortiz A, Molina C. The cylindrical or tubiliform glands of Nephila clavipes. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1986; 237:281-5. [PMID: 3950569 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402370214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The cylindrical or tubiliform glands of the spider Nephila clavipes have been studied and compared to the large ampullates on which we have previously reported. The three pairs of cylindrical or tubiliform glands secrete the fibroin for the organism's egg case. Their solubilized luminar contents migrate as a homogeneous band in Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and turn out to be a larger protein than that produced by the large ampullates. The excised cylindrical glands remain metabolically active for several hours in a simple culture medium, where fibroin synthesis can be monitored through the incorporation of 14C alanine. The glands' response to a fibroin production stimulus does not reach the magnitude displayed by the large ampullates, but this is to be expected since their products supply different functions in this organism. This fibroin also seems to be elongated discontinuously. Translational pauses have been detected in the secretory epithelium of cylindrical and large ampullate glands of Nephila as well as in the silk glands of Bombyx mori. Since these glands produce the fibroin for the females egg case, they should prove to be an interesting model system.
Collapse
|
40
|
Candelas G, Candelas T, Ortiz A, Rodríguez O. Translational pauses during a spider fibroin synthesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1983; 116:1033-8. [PMID: 6651838 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(83)80246-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The large ampullate glands of Nephila clavipes synthesize a tissue-specific fibroin for the web and dragline. Its secretory product migrates as one homogeneous band of approximately 320,000 daltons in denaturing electrophoresis. Similar analyses of the secretory epithelium reveal, in addition to the final product, a step ladder array of peptides in a highly reproducible and consistent pattern. We have correlated these peptide ladders with the process of fibroin synthesis. First, the peptides are very prominent in stimulated glands and quite dim in non stimulated ones. Secondly, by offering the cultured glands different amino acids in the incubating medium, we have linked the presence of the bands with those amino acids which abound in the fibroin. The evidence correlates the peptides with active fibroin synthesis, thus they are products of translation, and possibly reflect discontinuities in the translational process such as those demonstrated during the synthesis of Bombyx fibroin.
Collapse
|
41
|
|