Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Synthetic Spider Silk Production on a Laboratory Scale
Published on: July 18, 2012
Characterization of recombinantly produced spider flagelliform silk domains
Markus Heim1, Christian B Ackerschott, Thomas Scheibel
1University of Bayreuth, FAN, Lehrstuhl für Biomaterialien, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany.
Abstract:
The capture spiral of a spider's orb web is made of flagelliform silk, providing high elasticity and an outstanding toughness, perfectly suited for trapping prey. Flagelliform silk comprises mainly one single protein (FLAG) with an estimated molecular weight of 360kDa. We engineered constructs mimicking distinct domains of FLAG (eFLAG) and produced them recombinantly to analyze the structure-function relationship of FLAG domains and assembly properties of FLAG. While in solution the small carboxy-terminal domain is structured, domains from the repetitive core region adopt a conformation typical for intrinsically unstructured proteins. To investigate the influence of the respective domains on solubility and assembly, we tested the aggregation behaviour of individual domains and domain ensembles in presence of conditions known to trigger silk assembly. Both, the length of the repetitive core domain as well as the presence of the carboxy-terminal non-repetitive domain showed impact on eFLAG aggregation.
Related Concept Videos
Globular and Fibrous Proteins
Globular proteins are also known as spheroproteins and typically are approximately round in shape. They contain a mix of amino acid types and contain differing sequences in their primary structures. Globular proteins have many different functions, such as enzymes, cellular messengers, and molecular transporters. These roles often require the proteins to be...
Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments
Arp2/3 Complex
Arp2/3 complex is a seven-subunit complex consisting of two proteins similar to actin- Arp2 and Arp3, and five other subunits that help keep Arp2 and Arp3 inactive. When required, the complex is...
Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
The Structure of Intermediate Filaments
Intermediate filaments...
Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...
