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Programmable Protein-DNA Composite Nanostructures: from Nanostructure Construction to Protein-Induced Micro-Scale
Weijun Zhou1, Žiga Strmšek1, Jaka Snoj1
1Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, SI-1001, Slovenia.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|May 30, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed programmable protein-DNA nanostructures for nanoscale construction. This dual-functionalization strategy creates versatile bio-nanomaterials with dynamic functions for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Synthetic Biology
Background:
- DNA nanostructures offer precise, scalable base-pairing for nanoscale construction.
- Protein assemblies provide functional versatility through amino acid chemical diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a platform unifying DNA and protein nanostructures for advanced biomaterials.
- To develop stable, versatile protein-DNA composites capable of hierarchical self-assembly.
Main Methods:
- Combining coiled-coil protein origami with DNA nanostructures.
- Utilizing orthogonal protein-protein (SpyCatcher-SpyTag) and protein-DNA (DCV-DNA) covalent conjugation.
- Developing a DNA-luciferase circuit for reversible enzymatic activity regulation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated transformation of DNA nanotubes into patterned nanofibers/nanorods.
- Achieved regular protein distribution on nanostructures, retaining enzymatic and fluorescent functions.
- Showcased dynamic functionality through a reversible DNA-luciferase circuit.
Conclusions:
- Introduced a modular approach for multifunctional bio-nanomaterials.
- Highlighted protein-DNA composites as a bridge between molecular design and functional nanomaterials.
- Paved the way for dynamic bio-devices and programmable biomaterials.
