Intracellular construction of topology-controlled polypeptide nanostructures with diverse biological functions

Nat Commun. 2017 Nov 2;8(1):1276. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-01296-8.

Abstract

Topological structures of bio-architectonics and bio-interfaces play major roles in maintaining the normal functions of organs, tissues, extracellular matrix, and cells. In-depth understanding of natural self-assembly mechanisms and mimicking functional structures provide us opportunities to artificially control the natural assemblies and their biofunctions. Here, we report an intracellular enzyme-catalyzed polymerization approach for efficient synthesis of polypeptides and in situ construction of topology-controlled nanostructures. We reveal that the phase behavior and topological structure of polypeptides are encoded in monomeric peptide sequences. Next, we elucidate the relationship between polymerization dynamics and their temperature-dependent topological transition in biological conditions. Importantly, the linearly grown elastin-like polypeptides are biocompatible and aggregate into nanoparticles that exhibit significant molecular accumulation and retention effects. However, 3D gel-like structures with thermo-induced multi-directional traction interfere with cellular fates. These findings allow us to exploit new nanomaterials in living subjects for biomedical applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Elastin / chemistry*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Polymerization*
  • Temperature*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Peptides
  • Elastin