Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 8, 2026

Self-Assembly of Gamma-Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids into Complex Nanostructures in Organic Solvent Mixtures
Published on: June 26, 2020
Ion and seed dependent fibril assembly of a spidroin core domain
Martin Humenik1, Andrew M Smith1, Sina Arndt1
1Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany.
Abstract:
Recombinant eADF4(C16) represents an engineered spider silk variant based on the sequence of the core domain of the natural dragline silk protein ADF4 of Araneus diadematus. Previously eADF4(C16) has been shown to self-assemble into cross-β fibrils in a two-step process of nucleus formation and fibril growth. Here, it is shown that structurally converted low molecular weight oligomers can act as nuclei. Further, it could be determined that specifically potassium and phosphate ions strongly influence both nucleus formation as well as fibril growth. Nucleation of fibril assembly could be surpassed by seeding soluble protein with pre-assembled fibrils but also, unexpectedly, with eADF4(C16) sub-micrometer particles. The latter finding reveals that spider silk fibril assembly seems to be rather dependent on the protein sequence than on the structural features, since cross-seeding with other proteins was not possible.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Formation of Intermediate Filaments
Fimbriae, Pili, and Axial Filaments
Fibrous Proteins
Septins
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...

