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Molecular Encapsulation Inside Microtubules Based on Tau-Derived Peptides
Hiroshi Inaba1,2, Takahisa Yamamoto1, Arif Md Rashedul Kabir3
1Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, 680-8552, Japan.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|August 9, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to encapsulate molecules inside microtubules using Tau-derived peptides. This breakthrough enables novel applications for microtubule-based nanodevices and nanocarriers.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microtubules are versatile cytoskeletal scaffolds for nanomaterial development.
- Existing methods focus on outer surface functionalization, leaving the inner cavity unexplored.
- Encapsulating molecules within microtubules presents a novel concept for nanodevices and nanocarriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for encapsulating molecular cargos inside microtubules.
- To create peptide motifs that bind to the inner surface of microtubules.
- To advance microtubule-based nanodevice and nanocarrier applications.
Main Methods:
- Developed Tau-derived peptide motifs targeting the microtubule inner surface.
- Identified a specific peptide (2N) that binds to the β-tubulin taxol-binding pocket.
- Achieved gold nanoparticle encapsulation within microtubules via peptide conjugation.
Main Results:
- Successfully engineered Tau-derived peptides for binding to the microtubule interior.
- Demonstrated the encapsulation of gold nanoparticles within microtubules using the 2N peptide.
- Established a novel method for molecular encapsulation within the 15 nm inner diameter of microtubules.
Conclusions:
- Tau-derived peptides enable targeted molecular encapsulation within microtubules.
- This methodology opens new avenues for microtubule-based nanomedicine and nanodevices.
- The findings represent a significant advancement in utilizing microtubules as nanocarriers.
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