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Related Concept Videos

Amino acids03:42

Amino acids

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Amino acids are the monomers that comprise proteins. Each amino acid has the same fundamental structure, which consists of a central carbon atom, or the alpha (α) carbon, bonded to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), and to a hydrogen atom. Every amino acid also has another atom or group of atoms bonded to the central atom known as the R group. There are 20 common amino acids present in proteins, each with a different R group. Variation in the amino acid sequence is responsible for...
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Functionalizing DNA nanostructures with natural cationic amino acids.

Dong Wang1,2, Chunfa Chen1, Qian Liu3

  • 1Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 183 Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.

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|March 18, 2021
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Summary

Naturally occurring amino acids like l-arginine and l-lysine can self-assemble into DNA nanostructures without magnesium. These novel DNA/amino acid nanomaterials show promise for biomedical applications and cellular interactions.

Keywords:
Amino acidsDNA nanostructuresIsothermal self-assemblyNoncanonical DNA self-Assembly

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Complexing DNA nanostructures with functional guests is crucial for biomedical applications.
  • Cationic guests can induce magnesium-free DNA self-assembly and impart new properties to nanomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel strategy using natural cationic amino acids for magnesium-free DNA nanostructure self-assembly.
  • To investigate the properties and potential biomedical applications of these DNA/amino acid complex nanomaterials.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized natural amino acids (l-arginine, l-lysine) to induce self-assembly of DNA nanotubes and origami sheets.
  • Investigated pH, concentration, and temperature dependence of the self-assembly process.
  • Assessed serum stability and cellular uptake of the assembled DNA/amino acid nanomaterials.

Main Results:

  • l-Arginine and l-lysine successfully induced magnesium-free DNA self-assembly into defined nanostructures.
  • Self-assembly was dependent on pH and amino acid concentration, occurring at constant temperatures.
  • DNA/amino acid nanomaterials demonstrated stability at 37°C and exhibited unique cellular uptake patterns, clustering at the cell membrane.

Conclusions:

  • Natural amino acids provide a viable, magnesium-free method for creating functional DNA nanostructures.
  • The tunable properties of these DNA/amino acid complexes offer potential for advanced biomedical applications, particularly for manipulating cell membrane events.
  • This strategy advances the development of DNA nanostructures for designed applications.