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Photoresponsive molecular tweezers modulate Taspase 1 activity
Antonio L Figueroa Bietti1, Alisa-Maite A Kauth2, Katrin Hommel3
1Institute of Organic Chemistry I, Biosupramolecular Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen Universitätsstrasse 7 45141 Essen Germany thomas.schrader@uni-due.de.
RSC Chemical Biology
|September 11, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed light-responsive molecular tweezers to control Taspase 1 activity. This system offers precise, reversible modulation of protease function, aiding in understanding embryogenesis and tumor progression.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Chemical Biology
Background:
- Light is a powerful tool for controlling biological processes.
- Taspase 1 is a protease crucial for development and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a light-responsive system to modulate Taspase 1.
- To engineer photoswitchable molecular tweezers for targeted protein control.
Main Methods:
- Utilized photoswitchable arylazopyrazole (AAP) molecular tweezers.
- Employed surface plasmon resonance and enzymatic assays.
- Conducted molecular dynamics simulations.
Main Results:
- Developed tweezers that bind Taspase 1 with low micromolar affinity.
- Demonstrated light-induced, reversible control of ligand binding.
- Showed effective inhibition of Taspase 1 proteolytic activity by E-isomers.
Conclusions:
- The photoswitchable tweezer system enables tunable, light-controlled modulation of Taspase 1.
- This technology offers new strategies for targeting lysine-rich proteins.
