Peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates as nanoscale building blocks for assembly of an artificial three-helix protein mimic

Nat Commun. 2016 Jul 28:7:12294. doi: 10.1038/ncomms12294.

Abstract

Peptide-based structures can be designed to yield artificial proteins with specific folding patterns and functions. Template-based assembly of peptide units is one design option, but the use of two orthogonal self-assembly principles, oligonucleotide triple helix and a coiled coil protein domain formation have never been realized for de novo protein design. Here, we show the applicability of peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates for self-assembly of higher-ordered protein-like structures. The resulting nano-assemblies were characterized by ultraviolet-melting, gel electrophoresis, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. These studies revealed the formation of the desired triple helix and coiled coil domains at low concentrations, while a dimer of trimers was dominating at high concentration. CD spectroscopy showed an extraordinarily high degree of α-helicity for the peptide moieties in the assemblies. The results validate the use of orthogonal self-assembly principles as a paradigm for de novo protein design.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Oligonucleotides / chemical synthesis
  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry*
  • Peptides / chemical synthesis
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Protein Denaturation
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Scattering, Small Angle
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Oligonucleotides
  • Peptides
  • Proteins