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

Li-Li Li, Sheng-Lin Qiao, Wei-Jiao Liu, Yang Ma, Dong Wan, Jie Pan and Hao Wang ()
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Li-Li Li: National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
Sheng-Lin Qiao: National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
Wei-Jiao Liu: National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
Yang Ma: National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
Dong Wan: Tianjin Polytechnic University
Jie Pan: Tianjin Polytechnic University
Hao Wang: National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01296-8

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