1
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Lee EJ, Gladkov N, Miller JE, Yeates TO. Design of Ligand-Operable Protein-Cages That Open Upon Specific Protein Binding. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:157-167. [PMID: 38133598 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Protein nanocages have diverse applications in medicine and biotechnology, including molecular delivery. However, although numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of protein nanocages to encapsulate various molecular species, limited methods are available for subsequently opening a nanocage for cargo release under specific conditions. A modular platform with a specific protein-target-based mechanism of nanocage opening is notably lacking. To address this important technology gap, we present a new class of designed protein cages, the Ligand-Operable Cage (LOC). LOCs primarily comprise a protein nanocage core and a fused surface binding adaptor. The geometry of the LOC is designed so that binding of a target protein ligand (or multiple copies thereof) to the surface binder is sterically incompatible with retention of the assembled state of the cage. Therefore, the tight binding of a target ligand drives cage disassembly by mass action, subsequently exposing the encapsulated cargo. LOCs are modular; direct substitution of the surface binder sequence can reprogram the nanocage to open in response to any target protein ligand of interest. We demonstrate these design principles using both a natural and a designed protein cage as the core, with different proteins acting as the triggering ligand and with different reporter readouts─fluorescence unquenching and luminescence─for cage disassembly. These developments advance the critical problem of targeted molecular delivery and detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Nika Gladkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Justin E Miller
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Todd O Yeates
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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2
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Lungu CN, Putz MV. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Interaction Space. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12058. [PMID: 37569436 PMCID: PMC10418891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a +sense single-strand RNA virus. The virus has four major surface proteins: spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N), respectively. The constitutive proteins present a high grade of symmetry. Identifying a binding site is difficult. The virion is approximately 50-200 nm in diameter. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) acts as the cell receptor for the virus. SARS-CoV-2 has an increased affinity to human ACE2 compared with the original SAR strain. Topological space, and its symmetry, is a critical component in molecular interactions. By exploring this space, a suitable ligand space can be characterized accordingly. A spike protein (S) computational model in a complex with ACE 2 was generated using silica methods. Topological spaces were probed using high computational throughput screening techniques to identify and characterize the topological space of both SARS and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its ligand space. In order to identify the symmetry clusters, computational analysis techniques, together with statistical analysis, were utilized. The computations are based on crystallographic protein data bank PDB-based models of constitutive proteins. Cartesian coordinates of component atoms and some cluster maps were generated and analyzed. Dihedral angles were used in order to compute a topological receptor space. This computational study uses a multimodal representation of spike protein interactions with some fragment proteins. The chemical space of the receptors (a dimensional volume) suggests the relevance of the receptor as a drug target. The spike protein S of SARS and SARS-CoV-2 is analyzed and compared. The results suggest a mirror symmetry of SARS and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. The results show thatSARS-CoV-2 space is variable and has a distinct topology. In conclusion, surface proteins grant virion variability and symmetry in interactions with a potential complementary target (protein, antibody, ligand). The mirror symmetry of dihedral angle clusters determines a high specificity of the receptor space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu N. Lungu
- Department of Morphological and Functional Science, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Dunarea de Jos, Str. Alexandru Ioan Cuza No. 36, 800017 Galati, Romania;
| | - Mihai V. Putz
- Laboratory of Structural and Computational Physical-Chemistry for Nanosciences and QSAR, Biology-Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, Str. Pestalozzi No. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
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3
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Miller JE, Castells-Graells R, Arbing MA, Munoz A, Jiang YX, Espinoza CT, Nguyen B, Moroz P, Yeates TO. Design of Beta-2 Microglobulin Adsorbent Protein Nanoparticles. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1122. [PMID: 37509158 PMCID: PMC10377675 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) is an immune system protein that is found on the surface of all nucleated human cells. B2M is naturally shed from cell surfaces into the plasma, followed by renal excretion. In patients with impaired renal function, B2M will accumulate in organs and tissues leading to significantly reduced life expectancy and quality of life. While current hemodialysis methods have been successful in managing electrolyte as well as small and large molecule disturbances arising in chronic renal failure, they have shown only modest success in managing plasma levels of B2M and similar sized proteins, while sparing important proteins such as albumin. We describe a systematic protein design effort aimed at adding the ability to selectively remove specific, undesired waste proteins such as B2M from the plasma of chronic renal failure patients. A novel nanoparticle built using a tetrahedral protein assembly as a scaffold that presents 12 copies of a B2M-binding nanobody is described. The designed nanoparticle binds specifically to B2M through protein-protein interactions with nanomolar binding affinity (~4.2 nM). Notably, binding to the nanoparticle increases the effective size of B2M by over 50-fold, offering a potential selective avenue for separation based on size. We present data to support the potential utility of such a nanoparticle for removing B2M from plasma by either size-based filtration or by polyvalent binding to a stationary matrix under blood flow conditions. Such applications could address current shortcomings in the management of problematic mid-sized proteins in chronic renal failure patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin E. Miller
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Mark A. Arbing
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aldo Munoz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yi-Xiao Jiang
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Charlize T. Espinoza
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Brian Nguyen
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Paul Moroz
- School of Medicine, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Todd O. Yeates
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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4
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Winter DL, Lebhar H, McCluskey JB, Glover DJ. A versatile multimodal chromatography strategy to rapidly purify protein nanostructures assembled in cell lysates. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:66. [PMID: 36829140 PMCID: PMC9960191 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01817-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein nanostructures produced through the self-assembly of individual subunits are attractive scaffolds to attach and position functional molecules for applications in biomaterials, metabolic engineering, tissue engineering, and a plethora of nanomaterials. However, the assembly of multicomponent protein nanomaterials is generally a laborious process that requires each protein component to be separately expressed and purified prior to assembly. Moreover, excess components not incorporated into the final assembly must be removed from the solution and thereby necessitate additional processing steps. RESULTS We developed an efficient approach to purify functionalized protein nanostructures directly from bacterial lysates through a type of multimodal chromatography (MMC) that combines size-exclusion, hydrophilic interaction, and ion exchange to separate recombinant protein assemblies from excess free subunits and bacterial proteins. We employed the ultrastable filamentous protein gamma-prefoldin as a material scaffold that can be functionalized with a variety of protein domains through SpyTag/SpyCatcher conjugation chemistry. The purification of recombinant gamma-prefoldin filaments from bacterial lysates using MMC was tested across a wide range of salt concentrations and pH, demonstrating that the MMC resin is robust, however the optimal choice of salt species, salt concentration, and pH is likely dependent on the protein nanostructure to be purified. In addition, we show that pre-processing of the samples with tangential flow filtration to remove nucleotides and metabolites improves resin capacity, and that post-processing with Triton X-114 phase partitioning is useful to remove lipids and any remaining lipid-associated protein. Subsequently, functionalized protein filaments were purified from bacterial lysates using MMC and shown to be free of unincorporated subunits. The assembly and purification of protein filaments with varying amounts of functionalization was confirmed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Förster resonance energy transfer, and transmission electron microscopy. Finally, we compared our MMC workflow to anion exchange chromatography with the purification of encapsulin nanocompartments containing a fluorescent protein as a cargo, demonstrating the versatility of the protocol and that the purity of the assembly is comparable to more traditional procedures. CONCLUSIONS We envision that the use of MMC will increase the throughput of protein nanostructure prototyping as well as enable the upscaling of the bioproduction of protein nanodevices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Winter
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hélène Lebhar
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Recombinant Products Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joshua B. McCluskey
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dominic J. Glover
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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5
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Li Y, Champion JA. Self-assembling nanocarriers from engineered proteins: Design, functionalization, and application for drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 189:114462. [PMID: 35934126 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembling proteins are valuable building blocks for constructing drug nanocarriers due to their self-assembly behavior, monodispersity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Genetic and chemical modifications allow for modular design of protein nanocarriers with effective drug encapsulation, targetability, stimuli responsiveness, and in vivo half-life. Protein nanocarriers have been developed to deliver various therapeutic molecules including small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids with proven in vitro and in vivo efficacy. This article reviews recent advances in protein nanocarriers that are not derived from natural protein nanostructures, such as protein cages or virus like particles. The protein nanocarriers described here are self-assembled from rationally or de novo designed recombinant proteins, as well as recombinant proteins complexed with other biomolecules, presenting properties that are unique from those of natural protein carriers. Design, functionalization, and therapeutic application of protein nanocarriers will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirui Li
- BioEngineering Program, Georgia Institute of Technology, United States
| | - Julie A Champion
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States; BioEngineering Program, Georgia Institute of Technology, United States.
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6
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Cox S, White AD. Symmetric Molecular Dynamics. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:4077-4081. [PMID: 35699649 PMCID: PMC9281392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We derive a formulation of molecular dynamics that generates only symmetric configurations. We implement it for all 2D planar and 3D space groups. An atlas of 2D Lennard-Jones crystals under all planar groups is created with symmetric molecular dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Cox
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Andrew D. White
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
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7
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Exploring protein symmetry at the RCSB Protein Data Bank. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:231-243. [PMID: 35801924 PMCID: PMC9472815 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The symmetry of biological molecules has fascinated structural biologists ever since the structure of hemoglobin was determined. The Protein Data Bank (PDB) archive is the central global archive of three-dimensional (3D), atomic-level structures of biomolecules, providing open access to the results of structural biology research with no limitations on usage. Roughly 40% of the structures in the archive exhibit some type of symmetry, including formal global symmetry, local symmetry, or pseudosymmetry. The Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) Protein Data Bank (founding member of the Worldwide Protein Data Bank partnership that jointly manages, curates, and disseminates the archive) provides a variety of tools to assist users interested in exploring the symmetry of biological macromolecules. These tools include multiple modalities for searching and browsing the archive, turnkey methods for biomolecular visualization, documentation, and outreach materials for exploring functional biomolecular symmetry.
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8
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Miller JE, Srinivasan Y, Dharmaraj NP, Liu A, Nguyen PL, Taylor SD, Yeates TO. Designing Protease-Triggered Protein Cages. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:12681-12689. [PMID: 35802879 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Proteins that self-assemble into enclosed polyhedral cages, both naturally and by design, are garnering attention for their prospective utility in the fields of medicine and biotechnology. Notably, their potential for encapsulation and surface display are attractive for experiments that require protection and targeted delivery of cargo. The ability to control their opening or disassembly would greatly advance the development of protein nanocages into widespread molecular tools. Toward the development of protein cages that disassemble in a systematic manner and in response to biologically relevant stimuli, here we demonstrate a modular protein cage system that is opened by highly sequence-specific proteases, based on sequence insertions at strategically chosen loop positions in the protein cage subunits. We probed the generality of the approach in the context of protein cages built using the two prevailing methods of construction: genetic fusion between oligomeric components and (non-covalent) computational interface design between oligomeric components. Our results suggest that the former type of cage may be more amenable than the latter for endowing proteolytically controlled disassembly. We show that a successfully designed cage system, based on oligomeric fusion, is modular with regard to its triggering protease. One version of the cage is targeted by an asparagine protease implicated in cancer and Alzheimer's disease, whereas the second version is responsive to the blood-clotting protease, thrombin. The approach demonstrated here should guide future efforts to develop therapeutic vectors to treat disease states where protease induction or mis-regulation occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin E Miller
- UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095-1570, United States.,UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095-1570, United States
| | - Yashes Srinivasan
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Nithin P Dharmaraj
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Andrew Liu
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Phillip L Nguyen
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Scott D Taylor
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Todd O Yeates
- UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095-1570, United States.,UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095-1570, United States.,UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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9
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Wang H, Liu N, Yang F, Hu N, Wang M, Cui M, Bruns N, Guan X. Bioengineered Protein Nanocage by Small Heat Shock Proteins Delivering mTERT siRNA for Enhanced Colorectal Cancer Suppression. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:1330-1340. [PMID: 35234441 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c01221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The efficient delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) for target gene silencing holds great promise for cancer therapy. Protein nanocages have attracted considerable attention as ideal drug delivery systems because of their material-derived advantages and unique structural properties. However, most studies about siRNA delivery have not indicated the real role of protein nanocages in inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. Herein, we fabricated an efficient siRNA delivery system using a small heat shock protein (Hsp) nanocage decorated with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) and the transactivator of transcription (Tat) peptide. Hsp-Tat-RGD NC showed good cellular uptake and lysosomal escape in colorectal cancer cells. In addition, the nanocage could efficiently transfect siRNA into the cytoplasmic area of CT26 cells. Hsp-Tat-RGD NC delivering telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT)-targeting siRNA could significantly downregulate TERT protein expression and trigger tumor cell apoptosis in vitro. More importantly, Hsp-Tat-RGD/siTERT complexes nearly completely inhibited the tumor growth after five times of treatment in mice bearing CT26 xenograft. Our results demonstrate the great potential of the Tat/RGD-decorated Hsp nanocage as a promising siRNA delivery platform for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Medical College, Taizhou University, 1139 Shifu Avenue, Taizhou 318000, P. R. China.,College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Ning Liu
- College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Fuxu Yang
- Medical College, Taizhou University, 1139 Shifu Avenue, Taizhou 318000, P. R. China.,College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Nannan Hu
- Medical College, Taizhou University, 1139 Shifu Avenue, Taizhou 318000, P. R. China.,College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Meiying Cui
- College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Nico Bruns
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Xingang Guan
- Medical College, Taizhou University, 1139 Shifu Avenue, Taizhou 318000, P. R. China.,College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
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10
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Hao Q, Wang J, Shen J, Gu R, Rao Y, Feng J, Wang H, Brash JL, Chen H. Robust, Anti-biofouling 2D Nanogel Films from Poly(N-vinyl caprolactam-co-vinylimidazole) Polymers. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:3723-3733. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02726c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In analogy with adsorbed protein films, we have fabricated a family of 2D nanofilms composed of poly(N-vinyl caprolactam-co-vinylimidazole) (PNVCL) nanogels. NVCL was copolymerized with 1-vinylimidazole (VIM), then cross-linked with α,ω-dibromoalkanes...
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11
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Zhu J, Avakyan N, Kakkis AA, Hoffnagle AM, Han K, Li Y, Zhang Z, Choi TS, Na Y, Yu CJ, Tezcan FA. Protein Assembly by Design. Chem Rev 2021; 121:13701-13796. [PMID: 34405992 PMCID: PMC9148388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are nature's primary building blocks for the construction of sophisticated molecular machines and dynamic materials, ranging from protein complexes such as photosystem II and nitrogenase that drive biogeochemical cycles to cytoskeletal assemblies and muscle fibers for motion. Such natural systems have inspired extensive efforts in the rational design of artificial protein assemblies in the last two decades. As molecular building blocks, proteins are highly complex, in terms of both their three-dimensional structures and chemical compositions. To enable control over the self-assembly of such complex molecules, scientists have devised many creative strategies by combining tools and principles of experimental and computational biophysics, supramolecular chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials science, and polymer chemistry, among others. Owing to these innovative strategies, what started as a purely structure-building exercise two decades ago has, in short order, led to artificial protein assemblies with unprecedented structures and functions and protein-based materials with unusual properties. Our goal in this review is to give an overview of this exciting and highly interdisciplinary area of research, first outlining the design strategies and tools that have been devised for controlling protein self-assembly, then describing the diverse structures of artificial protein assemblies, and finally highlighting the emergent properties and functions of these assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Albert A. Kakkis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Alexander M. Hoffnagle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Kenneth Han
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Yiying Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Zhiyin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Tae Su Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Youjeong Na
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Chung-Jui Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - F. Akif Tezcan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
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12
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Hirota S, Mashima T, Kobayashi N. Use of 3D domain swapping in constructing supramolecular metalloproteins. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:12074-12086. [PMID: 34714300 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc04608j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecules, which are formed by assembling multiple molecules by noncovalent intermolecular interactions instead of covalent bonds, often show additional properties that cannot be exhibited by a single molecule. Supramolecules have evolved into molecular machines in the field of chemistry, and various supramolecular proteins are responsible for life activities in the field of biology. The design and creation of supramolecular proteins will lead to development of new enzymes, functional biomaterials, drug delivery systems, etc.; thus, the number of studies on the regulation of supramolecular proteins is increasing year by year. Several methods, including disulfide bond, metal coordination, and surface-surface interaction, have been utilized to construct supramolecular proteins. In nature, proteins have been shown to form oligomers by 3D domain swapping (3D-DS), a phenomenon in which a structural region is exchanged between molecules of the same protein. We have been studying the mechanism of 3D-DS and utilizing 3D-DS to construct supramolecular metalloproteins. Cytochrome c forms cyclic oligomers and polymers by 3D-DS, whereas other metalloproteins, such as various c-type cytochromes and azurin form small oligomers and myoglobin forms a compact dimer. We have also utilized 3D-DS to construct heterodimers with different active sites, a protein nanocage encapsulating a Zn-SO4 cluster in the internal cavity, and a tetrahedron with a designed building block protein. Protein oligomer formation was controlled for the 3D-DS dimer of a dimer-monomer transition protein. This article reviews our research on supramolecular metalloproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Hirota
- Division of Materials Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Tsuyoshi Mashima
- Division of Materials Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Naoya Kobayashi
- Division of Materials Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
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13
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Subramanian RH, Zhu J, Bailey JB, Chiong JA, Li Y, Golub E, Tezcan FA. Design of metal-mediated protein assemblies via hydroxamic acid functionalities. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:3264-3297. [PMID: 34050338 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00535-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly of proteins into sophisticated multicomponent assemblies is a hallmark of all living systems and has spawned extensive efforts in the construction of novel synthetic protein architectures with emergent functional properties. Protein assemblies in nature are formed via selective association of multiple protein surfaces through intricate noncovalent protein-protein interactions, a challenging task to accurately replicate in the de novo design of multiprotein systems. In this protocol, we describe the application of metal-coordinating hydroxamate (HA) motifs to direct the metal-mediated assembly of polyhedral protein architectures and 3D crystalline protein-metal-organic frameworks (protein-MOFs). This strategy has been implemented using an asymmetric cytochrome cb562 monomer through selective, concurrent association of Fe3+ and Zn2+ ions to form polyhedral cages. Furthermore, the use of ditopic HA linkers as bridging ligands with metal-binding protein nodes has allowed the construction of crystalline 3D protein-MOF lattices. The protocol is divided into two major sections: (1) the development of a Cys-reactive HA molecule for protein derivatization and self-assembly of protein-HA conjugates into polyhedral cages and (2) the synthesis of ditopic HA bridging ligands for the construction of ferritin-based protein-MOFs using symmetric metal-binding protein nodes. Protein cages are analyzed using analytical ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. HA-mediated protein-MOFs are formed in sitting-drop vapor diffusion crystallization trays and are probed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction and multi-crystal small-angle X-ray scattering measurements. Ligand synthesis, construction of HA-mediated assemblies, and post-assembly analysis as described in this protocol can be performed by a graduate-level researcher within 6 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit H Subramanian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jake B Bailey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jerika A Chiong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yiying Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eyal Golub
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - F Akif Tezcan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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14
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Tetter S, Terasaka N, Steinauer A, Bingham RJ, Clark S, Scott AJP, Patel N, Leibundgut M, Wroblewski E, Ban N, Stockley PG, Twarock R, Hilvert D. Evolution of a virus-like architecture and packaging mechanism in a repurposed bacterial protein. Science 2021; 372:1220-1224. [PMID: 34112695 DOI: 10.1126/science.abg2822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are ubiquitous pathogens of global impact. Prompted by the hypothesis that their earliest progenitors recruited host proteins for virion formation, we have used stringent laboratory evolution to convert a bacterial enzyme that lacks affinity for nucleic acids into an artificial nucleocapsid that efficiently packages and protects multiple copies of its own encoding messenger RNA. Revealing remarkable convergence on the molecular hallmarks of natural viruses, the accompanying changes reorganized the protein building blocks into an interlaced 240-subunit icosahedral capsid that is impermeable to nucleases, and emergence of a robust RNA stem-loop packaging cassette ensured high encapsidation yields and specificity. In addition to evincing a plausible evolutionary pathway for primordial viruses, these findings highlight practical strategies for developing nonviral carriers for diverse vaccine and delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Naohiro Terasaka
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Richard J Bingham
- Departments of Mathematics and Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sam Clark
- Departments of Mathematics and Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Andrew J P Scott
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nikesh Patel
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Marc Leibundgut
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emma Wroblewski
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nenad Ban
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter G Stockley
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Reidun Twarock
- Departments of Mathematics and Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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15
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Subramanian RH, Suzuki Y, Tallorin L, Sahu S, Thompson M, Gianneschi NC, Burkart MD, Tezcan FA. Enzyme-Directed Functionalization of Designed, Two-Dimensional Protein Lattices. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1050-1062. [PMID: 32706243 PMCID: PMC7855359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The design and construction of crystalline protein arrays to selectively assemble ordered nanoscale materials have potential applications in sensing, catalysis, and medicine. Whereas numerous designs have been implemented for the bottom-up construction of protein assemblies, the generation of artificial functional materials has been relatively unexplored. Enzyme-directed post-translational modifications are responsible for the functional diversity of the proteome and, thus, could be harnessed to selectively modify artificial protein assemblies. In this study, we describe the use of phosphopantetheinyl transferases (PPTases), a class of enzymes that covalently modify proteins using coenzyme A (CoA), to site-selectively tailor the surface of designed, two-dimensional (2D) protein crystals. We demonstrate that a short peptide (ybbR) or a molecular tag (CoA) can be covalently tethered to 2D arrays to enable enzymatic functionalization using Sfp PPTase. The site-specific modification of two different protein array platforms is facilitated by PPTases to afford both small molecule- and protein-functionalized surfaces with no loss of crystalline order. This work highlights the potential for chemoenzymatic modification of large protein surfaces toward the generation of sophisticated protein platforms reminiscent of the complex landscape of cell surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit H. Subramanian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yuta Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Current address: Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan, 606-8501
| | - Lorillee Tallorin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Swagat Sahu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Thompson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Departments of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Nathan C. Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Departments of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Michael D. Burkart
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - F. Akif Tezcan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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16
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Khmelinskaia A, Wargacki A, King NP. Structure-based design of novel polyhedral protein nanomaterials. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 61:51-57. [PMID: 33784513 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Organizing matter at the atomic scale is a central goal of nanotechnology. Bottom-up approaches, in which molecular building blocks are programmed to assemble via supramolecular interactions, are a proven and versatile route to new and useful nanomaterials. Although a wide variety of molecules have been used as building blocks, proteins have several intrinsic features that present unique opportunities for designing nanomaterials with sophisticated functions. There has been tremendous recent progress in designing proteins to fold and assemble to highly ordered structures. Here we review the leading approaches to the design of closed polyhedral protein assemblies, highlight the importance of considering the assembly process itself, and discuss various applications and future directions for the field. We emphasize throughout the exciting opportunities presented by recent advances as well as challenges that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Khmelinskaia
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adam Wargacki
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Neil P King
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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17
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Abstract
Significant advances in enzyme discovery, protein and reaction engineering have transformed biocatalysis into a viable technology for the industrial scale manufacturing of chemicals. Multi-enzyme catalysis has emerged as a new frontier for the synthesis of complex chemicals. However, the in vitro operation of multiple enzymes simultaneously in one vessel poses challenges that require new strategies for increasing the operational performance of enzymatic cascade reactions. Chief among those strategies is enzyme co-immobilization. This review will explore how advances in synthetic biology and protein engineering have led to bioinspired co-localization strategies for the scaffolding and compartmentalization of enzymes. Emphasis will be placed on genetically encoded co-localization mechanisms as platforms for future autonomously self-organizing biocatalytic systems. Such genetically programmable systems could be produced by cell factories or emerging cell-free systems. Challenges and opportunities towards self-assembling, multifunctional biocatalytic materials will be discussed.
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18
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Laniado J, Cannon KA, Miller JE, Sawaya MR, McNamara DE, Yeates TO. Geometric Lessons and Design Strategies for Nanoscale Protein Cages. ACS NANO 2021; 15:4277-4286. [PMID: 33683103 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Protein molecules bring a rich functionality to the field of designed nanoscale architectures. High-symmetry protein cages are rapidly finding diverse applications in biomedicine, nanotechnology, and imaging, but methods for their reliable and predictable construction remain challenging. In this study we introduce an approach for designing protein assemblies that combines ideas and favorable elements adapted from recent work. Cubically symmetric cages can be created by combining two simpler symmetries, following recently established principles. Here, two different oligomeric protein components are brought together in a geometrically specific arrangement by their separate genetic fusion to individual components of a heterodimeric coiled-coil polypeptide motif of known structure. Fusions between components are made by continuous α-helices to limit flexibility. After a computational design, we tested 10 different protein cage constructions experimentally, two of which formed larger assemblies. One produced the intended octahedral cage, ∼26 nm in diameter, while the other appeared to produce the intended tetrahedral cage as a minor component, crystallizing instead in an alternate form representing a collapsed structure of lower stoichiometry and symmetry. Geometric distinctions between the two characterized designs help explain the different degrees of success, leading to clearer principles and improved prospects for the routine creation of nanoscale protein architectures using diverse methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Laniado
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Kevin A Cannon
- Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA-DOE, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Justin E Miller
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Michael R Sawaya
- Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA-DOE, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Dan E McNamara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Todd O Yeates
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA-DOE, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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19
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Complete and cooperative in vitro assembly of computationally designed self-assembling protein nanomaterials. Nat Commun 2021; 12:883. [PMID: 33563988 PMCID: PMC7873210 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21251-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in computational methods have enabled the predictive design of self-assembling protein nanomaterials with atomic-level accuracy. These design strategies focus exclusively on a single target structure, without consideration of the mechanism or dynamics of assembly. However, understanding the assembly process, and in particular its robustness to perturbation, will be critical for translating this class of materials into useful technologies. Here we investigate the assembly of two computationally designed, 120-subunit icosahedral complexes in detail using several complementary biochemical methods. We found that assembly of each material from its two constituent protein building blocks was highly cooperative and yielded exclusively complete, 120-subunit complexes except in one non-stoichiometric regime for one of the materials. Our results suggest that in vitro assembly provides a robust and controllable route for the manufacture of designed protein nanomaterials and confirm that cooperative assembly can be an intrinsic, rather than evolved, feature of hierarchically structured protein complexes. Recent advances in computational methods have enabled the predictive design of self-assembling protein nanomaterials with atomic-level accuracy. Here authors investigate the assembly of two computationally designed, 120-subunit icosahedral complexes and find that assembly of each material from its two constituent protein building blocks was highly cooperative.
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20
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Asymmetrizing an icosahedral virus capsid by hierarchical assembly of subunits with designed asymmetry. Nat Commun 2021; 12:589. [PMID: 33500404 PMCID: PMC7838286 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20862-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Symmetrical protein complexes are ubiquitous in biology. Many have been re-engineered for chemical and medical applications. Viral capsids and their assembly are frequent platforms for these investigations. A means to create asymmetric capsids may expand applications. Here, starting with homodimeric Hepatitis B Virus capsid protein, we develop a heterodimer, design a hierarchical assembly pathway, and produce asymmetric capsids. In the heterodimer, the two halves have different growth potentials and assemble into hexamers. These preformed hexamers can nucleate co-assembly with other dimers, leading to Janus-like capsids with a small discrete hexamer patch. We can remove the patch specifically and observe asymmetric holey capsids by cryo-EM reconstruction. The resulting hole in the surface can be refilled with fluorescently labeled dimers to regenerate an intact capsid. In this study, we show how an asymmetric subunit can be used to generate an asymmetric particle, creating the potential for a capsid with different surface chemistries.
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21
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Wang J, Li Y, Nie G. Multifunctional biomolecule nanostructures for cancer therapy. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2021; 6:766-783. [PMID: 34026278 PMCID: PMC8132739 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-021-00315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecule-based nanostructures are inherently multifunctional and harbour diverse biological activities, which can be explored for cancer nanomedicine. The supramolecular properties of biomolecules can be precisely programmed for the design of smart drug delivery vehicles, enabling efficient transport in vivo, targeted drug delivery and combinatorial therapy within a single design. In this Review, we discuss biomolecule-based nanostructures, including polysaccharides, nucleic acids, peptides and proteins, and highlight their enormous design space for multifunctional nanomedicines. We identify key challenges in cancer nanomedicine that can be addressed by biomolecule-based nanostructures and survey the distinct biological activities, programmability and in vivo behaviour of biomolecule-based nanostructures. Finally, we discuss challenges in the rational design, characterization and fabrication of biomolecule-based nanostructures, and identify obstacles that need to be overcome to enable clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, Beijing, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiye Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, Beijing, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangjun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, Beijing, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- GBA Research Innovation Institute for Nanotechnology, Guangdong, China
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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22
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Gu C, Zhang T, Lv C, Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhao G. His-Mediated Reversible Self-Assembly of Ferritin Nanocages through Two Different Switches for Encapsulation of Cargo Molecules. ACS NANO 2020; 14:17080-17090. [PMID: 33197176 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Protein nanocages represent a class of nanovehicles for a variety of applications. However, precise manipulation of self-assembly behavior of these protein nanocages in response to multiple external stimuli for custom-tailored applications remains challenging. Herein, we established a simple but effective strategy for controlling protein nanocage self-assembly that combines a dual property of His motifs (their significantly pH-dependent protonation state and their capacity to coordinate with transition metals) with its high symmetry. With this strategy, we enabled two different ferritin nanocages to disassemble into protein tetramers under neutral solution by introducing His6 motifs at the 4-fold channel interfaces. Notably, these tetramers are able to self-assemble into ferritin-like protein nanocages in response to multiple external stimuli such as transition metal ions and pH, and vice versa, indicative of a reversible self-assembly process. Furthermore, such His-mediated reversible protein self-assembly has been explored for encapsulation of bioactive cargo molecules within these reconstituted protein nanocages with higher loading efficiency under milder conditions as compared to the reported acid denaturation encapsulation method for ferritin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunkai Gu
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tuo Zhang
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chenyan Lv
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
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23
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A complete rule set for designing symmetry combination materials from protein molecules. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:31817-31823. [PMID: 33239442 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2015183117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverse efforts in protein engineering are beginning to produce novel kinds of symmetric self-assembling architectures, from protein cages to extended two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) crystalline arrays. Partial theoretical frameworks for creating symmetric protein materials have been introduced, but no complete system has been articulated. Only a minute fraction of the possible design space has been explored experimentally, in part because that space has not yet been described in theory. Here, in the form of a multiplication table, we lay out a complete rule set for materials that can be created by combining two chiral oligomeric components (e.g., proteins) in precise configurations. A unified system is described for parameterizing and searching the construction space for all such symmetry-combination materials (SCMs). In total, 124 distinct types of SCMs are identified, and then proven by computational construction. Mathematical properties, such as minimal ring or circuit size, are established for each case, enabling strategic predictions about potentially favorable design targets. The study lays out the theoretical landscape and detailed computational prescriptions for a rapidly growing area of protein-based nanotechnology, with numerous underlying connections to mathematical networks and chemical materials such as metal organic frameworks.
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24
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Groaz A, Moghimianavval H, Tavella F, Giessen TW, Vecchiarelli AG, Yang Q, Liu AP. Engineering spatiotemporal organization and dynamics in synthetic cells. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 13:e1685. [PMID: 33219745 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Constructing synthetic cells has recently become an appealing area of research. Decades of research in biochemistry and cell biology have amassed detailed part lists of components involved in various cellular processes. Nevertheless, recreating any cellular process in vitro in cell-sized compartments remains ambitious and challenging. Two broad features or principles are key to the development of synthetic cells-compartmentalization and self-organization/spatiotemporal dynamics. In this review article, we discuss the current state of the art and research trends in the engineering of synthetic cell membranes, development of internal compartmentalization, reconstitution of self-organizing dynamics, and integration of activities across scales of space and time. We also identify some research areas that could play a major role in advancing the impact and utility of engineered synthetic cells. This article is categorized under: Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Qiong Yang
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Allen P Liu
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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25
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Edwardson TGW, Tetter S, Hilvert D. Two-tier supramolecular encapsulation of small molecules in a protein cage. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5410. [PMID: 33106476 PMCID: PMC7588467 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19112-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Expanding protein design to include other molecular building blocks has the potential to increase structural complexity and practical utility. Nature often employs hybrid systems, such as clathrin-coated vesicles, lipid droplets, and lipoproteins, which combine biopolymers and lipids to transport a broader range of cargo molecules. To recapitulate the structure and function of such composite compartments, we devised a supramolecular strategy that enables porous protein cages to encapsulate poorly water-soluble small molecule cargo through templated formation of a hydrophobic surfactant-based core. These lipoprotein-like complexes protect their cargo from sequestration by serum proteins and enhance the cellular uptake of fluorescent probes and cytotoxic drugs. This design concept could be applied to other protein cages, surfactant mixtures, and cargo molecules to generate unique hybrid architectures and functional capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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26
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Ochoa JM, Nguyen VN, Nie M, Sawaya MR, Bobik TA, Yeates TO. Symmetry breaking and structural polymorphism in a bacterial microcompartment shell protein for choline utilization. Protein Sci 2020; 29:2201-2212. [PMID: 32885887 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial microcompartments are protein-based organelles that carry out specialized metabolic functions in diverse bacteria. Their outer shells are built from several thousand protein subunits. Some of the architectural principles of bacterial microcompartments have been articulated, with lateral packing of flat hexameric BMC proteins providing the basic foundation for assembly. Nonetheless, a complete understanding has been elusive, partly owing to polymorphic mechanisms of assembly exhibited by most microcompartment types. An earlier study of one homologous BMC shell protein subfamily, EutS/PduU, revealed a profoundly bent, rather than flat, hexameric structure. The possibility of a specialized architectural role was hypothesized, but artifactual effects of crystallization could not be ruled out. Here we report a series of crystal structures of an orthologous protein, CutR, from a glycyl-radical type choline-utilizing microcompartment from the bacterium Streptococcus intermedius. Depending on crystal form, expression construct, and minor mutations, a range of novel quaternary architectures was observed, including two spiral hexagonal assemblies. A new graphical approach helps illuminate the variations in BMC hexameric structure, with results substantiating the idea that the EutS/PduU/CutR subfamily of BMC proteins may endow microcompartment shells with flexible modes of assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Ochoa
- UCLA-Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Vy N Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Mengxiao Nie
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Michael R Sawaya
- UCLA-DOE Institute of Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Thomas A Bobik
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology; Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Todd O Yeates
- UCLA-Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California, Los Angeles, USA.,UCLA-DOE Institute of Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California, Los Angeles, USA
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27
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López-Laguna H, Sánchez-García L, Serna N, Voltà-Durán E, Sánchez JM, Sánchez-Chardi A, Unzueta U, Łoś M, Villaverde A, Vázquez E. Engineering Protein Nanoparticles Out from Components of the Human Microbiome. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2001885. [PMID: 32578402 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202001885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale protein materials are highly convenient as vehicles for targeted drug delivery because of their structural and functional versatility. Selective binding to specific cell surface receptors and penetration into target cells require the use of targeting peptides. Such homing stretches should be incorporated to larger proteins that do not interact with body components, to prevent undesired drug release into nontarget organs. Because of their low interactivity with human body components and their tolerated immunogenicity, proteins derived from the human microbiome are appealing and fully biocompatible building blocks for the biofabrication of nonreactive, inert protein materials within the nanoscale. Several phage and phage-like bacterial proteins with natural structural roles are produced in Escherichia coli as polyhistidine-tagged recombinant proteins, looking for their organization as discrete, nanoscale particulate materials. While all of them self-assemble in a variety of sizes, the stability of the resulting constructs at 37 °C is found to be severely compromised. However, the fine adjustment of temperature and Zn2+ concentration allows the formation of robust nanomaterials, fully stable in complex media and under physiological conditions. Then, microbiome-derived proteins show promise for the regulatable construction of scaffold protein nanomaterials, which can be tailored and strengthened by simple physicochemical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hèctor López-Laguna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-García
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Eric Voltà-Durán
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Julieta M Sánchez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIBYT) (CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), ICTA & Cátedra de Química Biológica, Departamento de Química, FCEFyN, UNC. Av. Velez Sarsfield 1611, Córdoba, X 5016GCA, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Sánchez-Chardi
- Servei de Microscòpia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau and Josep Carreras Research Institute, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, 08041, Spain
| | - Marcin Łoś
- Department of Bacterial Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza Street 59, Gdansk, 80-308, Poland
- Phage Consultants, Partyzantow Street 10/18, Gdansk, 80-254, Poland
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
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28
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Wang D, Chen L, Wang M, Cui M, Huang L, Xia W, Guan X. Delivering Proapoptotic Peptide by HSP Nanocage for Cancer Therapy. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202000003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Wang
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Meiying Cui
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Lili Huang
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Wei Xia
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Xingang Guan
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
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29
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Bonjack M, Avnir D. The near-symmetry of protein oligomers: NMR-derived structures. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8367. [PMID: 32433550 PMCID: PMC7239866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of oligomeric proteins form clusters which have rotational or dihedral symmetry. Despite the many advantages of symmetric packing, protein oligomers are only nearly symmetric, and the origin of this phenomenon is still in need to be fully explored. Here we apply near-symmetry analyses by the Continuous Symmetry Measures methodology of protein homomers to their natural state, namely their structures in solution. NMR-derived structural data serves us for that purpose. We find that symmetry deviations of proteins are by far higher in solution, compared to the crystalline state; that much of the symmetry distortion is due to amino acids along the interface between the subunits; that the distortions are mainly due to hydrophilic amino acids; and that distortive oligomerization processes such as the swap-domain mechanism can be identified by the symmetry analysis. Most of the analyses were carried out on distorted C2-symmetry dimers, but C3 and D2 cases were analyzed as well. Our NMR analysis supports the idea that the crystallographic B-factor represents non-classical crystals, in which different conformers pack in the crystal, perhaps from the conformers which the NMR analysis provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Bonjack
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - David Avnir
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel.
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30
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Cannon KA, Nguyen VN, Morgan C, Yeates TO. Design and Characterization of an Icosahedral Protein Cage Formed by a Double-Fusion Protein Containing Three Distinct Symmetry Elements. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:517-524. [PMID: 32050070 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Exploiting simple types of symmetry common to many natural protein oligomers as a starting point, several recent studies have succeeded in engineering complex self-assembling protein architectures reminiscent but distinct from those evolved in the natural world. Designing symmetric protein cages with a wide range of properties has been of particular interest for potential applications in the fields of medicine, energy, imaging, and more. In this study we genetically fused three naturally symmetric protein components together-a pentamer, trimer, and dimer-in a fashion designed to create a self-assembling icosahedral protein cage built from 60 copies of the protein subunit. The connection between the pentamer and dimer was based on a continuous shared α helix in order to control the relative orientation of those components. Following selection of suitable components by computational methods, a construct with favorable design properties was tested experimentally. Negative stain electron microscopy and solution-state methods indicated successful formation of a 60-subunit icosahedral cage, 2.5 MDa in mass and 30 nm in diameter. Diverse experimental studies also suggested substantial degrees of flexibility and asymmetric deformation of the assembled particle in solution. The results add further examples of successes and challenges in designing atomically precise protein materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A. Cannon
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Vy N. Nguyen
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Christian Morgan
- UCLA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Todd O. Yeates
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, 611 Charles E Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- California Nanosystems Institute, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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31
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McConnell SA, Cannon KA, Morgan C, McAllister R, Amer BR, Clubb RT, Yeates TO. Designed Protein Cages as Scaffolds for Building Multienzyme Materials. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:381-391. [PMID: 31922719 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The functions of enzymes can be strongly affected by their higher-order spatial arrangements. In this study we combine multiple new technologies-designer protein cages and sortase-based enzymatic attachments between proteins-as a novel platform for organizing multiple enzymes (of one or more types) in specified configurations. As a scaffold we employ a previously characterized 24-subunit designed protein cage whose termini are outwardly exposed for attachment. As a first-use case, we test the attachment of two cellulase enzymes known to act synergistically in cellulose degradation. We show that, after endowing the termini of the cage subunits with a short "sort-tag" sequence (LPXTG) and the opposing termini of the cellulase enzymes with a short polyglycine sequence tag, addition of sortase covalently attaches the enzymes to the cage with good reactivity and high copy number. The doubly modified cages show enhanced activity in a cellulose degradation assay compared to enzymes in solution, and compared to a combination of singly modified cages. These new engineering strategies could be broadly useful in the development of enzymatic material and synthetic biology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. McConnell
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Kevin A. Cannon
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Christian Morgan
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Rachel McAllister
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Brendan R. Amer
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Robert T. Clubb
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Todd O. Yeates
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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32
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Porous crystals as scaffolds for structural biology. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020; 60:85-92. [PMID: 31896427 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Molecular scaffolds provide routes to otherwise inaccessible organized states of matter. Scaffolds that are crystalline can be observed in atomic detail using diffraction, along with any guest molecules that have adopted coherent structures therein. This approach, scaffold-assisted structure determination, is not yet routine. However, with varying degrees of guest immobilization, porous crystal scaffolds have recently been decorated with guest molecules. Herein we analyze recent milestones, compare the relative advantages and challenges of different types of scaffold crystals, and weigh the merits of diverse guest installation strategies.
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33
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Cannon KA, Park RU, Boyken SE, Nattermann U, Yi S, Baker D, King NP, Yeates TO. Design and structure of two new protein cages illustrate successes and ongoing challenges in protein engineering. Protein Sci 2019; 29:919-929. [PMID: 31840320 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, new protein engineering methods have produced more than a dozen symmetric, self-assembling protein cages whose structures have been validated to match their design models with near-atomic accuracy. However, many protein cage designs that are tested in the lab do not form the desired assembly, and improving the success rate of design has been a point of recent emphasis. Here we present two protein structures solved by X-ray crystallography of designed protein oligomers that form two-component cages with tetrahedral symmetry. To improve on the past tendency toward poorly soluble protein, we used a computational protocol that favors the formation of hydrogen-bonding networks over exclusively hydrophobic interactions to stabilize the designed protein-protein interfaces. Preliminary characterization showed highly soluble expression, and solution studies indicated successful cage formation by both designed proteins. For one of the designs, a crystal structure confirmed at high resolution that the intended tetrahedral cage was formed, though several flipped amino acid side chain rotamers resulted in an interface that deviates from the precise hydrogen-bonding pattern that was intended. A structure of the other designed cage showed that, under the conditions where crystals were obtained, a noncage structure was formed wherein a porous 3D protein network in space group I21 3 is generated by an off-target twofold homomeric interface. These results illustrate some of the ongoing challenges of developing computational methods for polar interface design, and add two potentially valuable new entries to the growing list of engineered protein materials for downstream applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Cannon
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, California.,UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rachel U Park
- University of Washington Institute for Protein Design, Seattle, Washington
| | - Scott E Boyken
- University of Washington Institute for Protein Design, Seattle, Washington.,University of Washington Department of Biochemistry, Seattle, Washington
| | - Una Nattermann
- University of Washington Institute for Protein Design, Seattle, Washington.,University of Washington Department of Biochemistry, Seattle, Washington.,University of Washington Graduate Program in Biological Physics, Structure & Design, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sue Yi
- University of Washington Institute for Protein Design, Seattle, Washington.,University of Washington Department of Biochemistry, Seattle, Washington
| | - David Baker
- University of Washington Institute for Protein Design, Seattle, Washington.,University of Washington Department of Biochemistry, Seattle, Washington.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Neil P King
- University of Washington Institute for Protein Design, Seattle, Washington.,University of Washington Department of Biochemistry, Seattle, Washington
| | - Todd O Yeates
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, California.,UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Los Angeles, California.,UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, Los Angeles, California
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34
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Abstract
Symmetry plays a functional role in the structure and action of biomolecules and their associations and interactions in living cells. This symmetry is a natural consequence of the evolutionary mechanisms that lead to the development of life, and it ranges from perfect point-group symmetry in protein oligomers to more approximate symmetries in the higher-order mesoscale structure of cellular environments.
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35
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Nesterenko Y, Hill CJ, Fleming JR, Murray P, Mayans O. The ZT Biopolymer: A Self-Assembling Protein Scaffold for Stem Cell Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4299. [PMID: 31484291 PMCID: PMC6747707 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cell culture systems for the naturalistic propagation, self-renewal and differentiation of cells ex vivo is a high goal of molecular engineering. Despite significant success in recent years, the high cost of up-scaling cultures, the need for xeno-free culture conditions, and the degree of mimicry of the natural extracellular matrix attainable in vitro using designer substrates continue to pose obstacles to the translation of cell-based technologies. In this regard, the ZT biopolymer is a protein-based, stable, scalable, and economical cell substrate of high promise. ZT is based on the naturally occurring assembly of two human proteins: titin-Z1Z2 and telethonin. These protein building blocks are robust scaffolds that can be conveniently functionalized with full-length proteins and bioactive peptidic motifs by genetic manipulation, prior to self-assembly. The polymer is, thereby, fully encodable. Functionalized versions of the ZT polymer have been shown to successfully sustain the long-term culturing of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and murine mesenchymal stromal cells (mMSCs). Pluripotency of hESCs and hiPSCs was retained for the longest period assayed (4 months). Results point to the large potential of the ZT system for the creation of a modular, pluri-functional biomaterial for cell-based applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher J Hill
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | | | - Patricia Murray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Olga Mayans
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.
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