Morphological Selectivity of a Protein Self-Assembly System with a Repertoire of Diverse Interaction Modes

ACS Macro Lett. 2022 May 17;11(5):675-679. doi: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00154. Epub 2022 Apr 29.

Abstract

Multiple metal chelating sites were incorporated onto the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC) building blocks. The combination of different binding sites generated a repertoire of diverse binding modes, among which two different microfilament types (small and large) with distinct patterns were selected under thermodynamic control. Furthermore, the two microfilaments exhibited a pronounced secondary assembly trend due to the potential noncovalent interactions on the protein surfaces. Coupled with stereoselectivity, they presented a strong self-recognition effect and underwent two distinct reassembly patterns. That is, the large filaments self-associated in pairs to form "interlocked chain" structures, while the small ones twisted to form protein helical bundles. This work represents one of the few studies of selective self-assembly of self-assembled protein assemblies. Such an idea may provide inspiration for constructing more sophisticated protein architectures in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Proteins* / chemistry
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Proteins