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In vivo and in vitro Studies of Adaptor-clathrin Interaction
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Modifying Membrane Morphology and Interactions with DNA Origami Clathrin-Mimic Networks
Céline M A Journot1, Vivek Ramakrishna2,3, Mark I Wallace2,3
1Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory , University of Oxford , Parks Road , Oxford OX1 3PU , United Kingdom.
ACS Nano
|August 17, 2019
Summary
Researchers created a DNA origami meshwork on lipid membranes. This bioinspired assembly, mimicking clathrin, deforms membranes and alters vesicle interactions, offering new insights into membrane dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Membrane Biophysics
Background:
- Cellular processes like endocytosis involve proteins such as clathrin, which modify membrane shape.
- DNA origami allows for the precise engineering of nanoscale structures with potential biomimetic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a bioinspired DNA origami meshwork capable of self-assembly on lipid membranes.
- To investigate the effects of this DNA meshwork on lipid monolayer and bilayer structures.
- To explore the potential of DNA origami in modulating membrane-associated events.
Main Methods:
- Cholesterol-anchored DNA triskelia (three-armed DNA origami nanostructures) were synthesized.
- Triskelia were assembled into a meshwork on lipid monolayers and bilayers via triggered polymerization using DNA staples.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to visualize the nanostructures and their effects on lipid membranes.
- Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and supported lipid bilayers were used to study membrane interactions.
Main Results:
- A DNA origami meshwork was successfully assembled on lipid mono- and bilayers.
- Nanoscale local deformations in lipid monolayers, resembling clathrin-coated pit formation, were observed.
- The DNA meshwork inhibited synapse formation between GUVs and supported lipid bilayers, indicating modulation of membrane interactions.
Conclusions:
- Bioinspired DNA origami meshworks can be triggered to assemble on lipid membranes.
- This assembly process can induce membrane deformations and alter membrane-mediated interactions.
- DNA origami offers a versatile platform for mimicking biological membrane processes and developing novel nanomaterials.
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