Nanoreactor Design Based on Self-Assembling Protein Nanocages - PubMed (original) (raw)

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Nanoreactor Design Based on Self-Assembling Protein Nanocages

Huimei Ren et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2019.

Abstract

Self-assembling proteins that form diverse architectures are widely used in material science and nanobiotechnology. One class belongs to protein nanocages, which are compartments with nanosized internal spaces. Because of the precise nanoscale structures, proteinaceous compartments are ideal materials for use as general platforms to create distinct microenvironments within confined cellular environments. This spatial organization strategy brings several advantages including the protection of catalyst cargo, faster turnover rates, and avoiding side reactions. Inspired by diverse molecular machines in nature, bioengineers have developed a variety of self-assembling supramolecular protein cages for use as biosynthetic nanoreactors that mimic natural systems. In this mini-review, we summarize current progress and ongoing efforts creating self-assembling protein based nanoreactors and their use in biocatalysis and synthetic biology. We also highlight the prospects for future research on these versatile nanomaterials.

Keywords: artificial protein dodecahedron; biocatalysis; biosynthesis; encapsulins; nanoreactor; self-assembling; synthetic biology; virus capsids.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

Examples of natural and non-natural proteinaceous compartments. Structures are shown: (A), Bacteriophage P22, (PDB: 2XYZ); (B), Ferritin, (PDB: 6A4U); (C), Encapsulins, (PDB: 4PT2); (D), Artificial protein icosahedral, (PDB: 5KP9); (E), Artificial protein dodecahedron, (PDB: 5IM5); (F), Artificial 12-subunit protein cage, (PDB: 3VDX).

Figure 2

Figure 2

Examples of viral capsids as nanocontainers for nanoreactor construction.

Figure 3

Figure 3

Examples of Encapsulins as nanocontainers for nanoreactor construction.

Figure 4

Figure 4

Examples of artificial protein dodecahedron as nanocontainers for nanoreactor construction. (A) Self-assembly of γ-lactamase nanoreactor based on engineered aldolase from Thermotoga maritima (B) Structures of constructed nanoreactor, representative images from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (C) Scheme showing the reaction catalyzed by the nanoreactor.

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