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Cyclotides, a versatile ultrastable micro-protein scaffold for biotechnological applications
1Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9121, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9121, USA.
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters
|November 8, 2017
Summary
Cyclotides are stable microproteins with a unique structure. Their properties enable applications in biotechnology, including molecular imaging and peptide therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cyclotides are microproteins characterized by a cyclic backbone and a knot of three disulfide bonds.
- This unique structure confers exceptional stability against degradation.
- Cyclotides exhibit sequence variability and can cross cell membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of cyclotide properties.
- To explore cyclotide applications in molecular imaging.
- To discuss cyclotides as peptide-based therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cyclotide properties.
- Analysis of cyclotide stability and membrane translocation.
- Review of biotechnological applications.
Main Results:
- Cyclotides possess remarkable stability due to their cyclic topology and cystine knot.
- They demonstrate tolerance to sequence variation.
- Cyclotides can modulate intracellular interactions and serve as scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- Cyclotides are highly stable and versatile molecular scaffolds.
- Their unique properties make them promising for developing molecular imaging agents.
- Cyclotides hold significant potential for peptide-based therapeutics.
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