Chemists create modular system for placing proteins on membranes
With a tag, an anchor and a cage that can be unlocked with light, chemists have devised a simple, modular system that can locate proteins at the membrane of a cell.
Green fluorescence marks the position of tagged proteins attached to anchors lodged within the membrane of a vesicle.
Andrew Rudd, UC San Diego
"If you're trying to emulate the way nature does this, you need a lot of complex machinery," said Andrew Rudd, a graduate student in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego.
Rudd sought something simpler. He works with Neal Devaraj, an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry whose group has been working toward the creation of artificial cells from scratch in part by finding minimal ways to create biological structures.
They fused proteins to molecules called SNAP-tags, modified enzymes that recognize a particular chemical group called a benzylguanine. Researchers use SNAP-tags to attach things to proteins, such as fluroescent bits that allow them to find and follow the molecules within a cell. In this case the researchers used SNAP-tags to direct the proteins' movements.
By linking a benzylguanine to a phospholipid, the molecules that make up membranes, the group lodged an anchor that a SNAP-tag would recognize in an artificial membrane. To prevent SNAP-tags from recognizing the anchor right away, they created a chemical cage to protect the benzylguanine.
Tiny beams of ultraviolet light release the cages, allowing SNAP-tag-fused proteins to attach to the membrane anchors.
"What's cool is that we can do this on a very fine scale," Rudd said, with precise control of both timing and location.
Other news from the department science
These products might interest you
Hahnemühle LifeScience Catalogue Industry & Laboratory by Hahnemühle
Wide variety of Filter Papers for all Laboratory and Industrial Applications
Filtration Solutions in the Life Sciences, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sectors
Hydrosart® Microfilter by Sartorius
Hydrophilic microfilters for bioprocesses
Minimal protein adsorption and high flow rates
Hydrosart® Ultrafilter by Sartorius
Efficient ultrafiltration for biotech and pharma
Maximum flow rates and minimum protein loss with Hydrosart® membranes
Sartobind® Rapid A by Sartorius
Efficient chromatography with disposable membranes
Increase productivity and reduce costs with fast cycle times
Polyethersulfone Microfilter by Sartorius
Biotechnological filtration made easy
Highly stable 0.1 µm PESU membranes for maximum efficiency
Sartopore® Platinum by Sartorius
Efficient filtration with minimal protein adsorption
Reduces rinsing volume by 95 % and offers 1 m² filtration area per 10"
Polyethersulfone Ultrafilter by Sartorius
Reliable filtration with PESU membranes
Perfect for biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, withstands sterilisation and high temperatures
