Directing intracellular supramolecular assembly with N-heteroaromatic quaterthiophene analogues

David Y. W. Ng (), Roman Vill, Yuzhou Wu, Kaloian Koynov, Yu Tokura, Weina Liu, Susanne Sihler, Andreas Kreyes, Sandra Ritz, Holger Barth, Ulrich Ziener () and Tanja Weil ()
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David Y. W. Ng: Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Roman Vill: Ulm University
Yuzhou Wu: Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Kaloian Koynov: Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Yu Tokura: Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Weina Liu: Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Susanne Sihler: Ulm University
Andreas Kreyes: Ulm University
Sandra Ritz: Institute of Molecular Biology
Holger Barth: Ulm University Medical Center
Ulrich Ziener: Ulm University
Tanja Weil: Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research

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

Abstract: Abstract Self-assembly in situ, where synthetic molecules are programmed to organize in a specific and complex environment i.e., within living cells, can be a unique strategy to influence cellular functions. Here we present a small series of rationally designed oligothiophene analogues that specifically target, locate and dynamically self-report their supramolecular behavior within the confinement of a cell. Through the recognition of the terminal alkyl substituent and the amphiphilic pyridine motif, we show that the cell provides different complementary pathways for self-assembly that can be traced easily with fluorescence microscopy as their molecular organization emits in distinct fluorescent bands. Importantly, the control and induction of both forms are achieved by time, temperature and the use of the intracellular transport inhibitor, bafilomycin A1. We showcase the importance of both intrinsic (cell) and extrinsic (stimulus) factors for self-organization and the potential of such a platform toward developing synthetic functional components within living cells.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02020-2

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