Center for Biological Systems Analysis, University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79085, Freiburg, Germany.
Small. 2019 Jul;15(30):e1900163. doi: 10.1002/smll.201900163. Epub 2019 Jun 7.
The molecular structuring of complex architectures and the enclosure of space are essential requirements for technical and living systems. Self-assembly of supramolecular structures with desired shape, size, and stability remains challenging since it requires precise regulation of physicochemical and conformational properties of the components. Here a general platform for controlled self-assembly of tailored amphiphilic elastin-like proteins into desired supramolecular protein assemblies ranging from spherical coacervates over molecularly defined twisted fibers to stable unilamellar vesicles is introduced. The described assembly protocols efficiently yield protein membrane-based compartments (PMBC) with adjustable size, stability, and net surface charge. PMBCs demonstrate membrane fusion and phase separation behavior and are able to encapsulate structurally and chemically diverse cargo molecules ranging from small molecules to naturally folded proteins. The ability to engineer tailored supramolecular architectures with defined fusion behavior, tunable properties, and encapsulated cargo paves the road for novel drug delivery systems, the design of artificial cells, and confined catalytic nanofactories.
复杂结构的分子构建和空间的封闭是技术和生命系统的基本要求。超分子结构的自组装具有所需的形状、大小和稳定性仍然具有挑战性，因为它需要精确调节组件的物理化学和构象性质。在这里，我们介绍了一种通用的平台，用于将定制的两亲弹性蛋白样蛋白可控地自组装成所需的超分子蛋白组装体，范围从球形凝聚物到分子定义的扭曲纤维到稳定的单层囊泡。所描述的组装方案可有效地产生具有可调尺寸、稳定性和净表面电荷的基于蛋白质膜的隔室（PMBC）。PMBC 表现出膜融合和相分离行为，并能够封装结构和化学上不同的货物分子，范围从小分子到天然折叠的蛋白质。能够设计具有定义融合行为、可调性质和封装货物的定制超分子结构为新型药物输送系统、人工细胞的设计和受限催化纳米工厂铺平了道路。
