Photoregulated Assembly-Disassembly Dynamics of Interfering with Organelle Membrane Integrity

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Biological systems utilize dynamic assembly-disassembly processes crucial for function.
• Controlling these dynamics in synthetic systems offers potential for precise cellular manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a photoregulated system for reversible assembly and disassembly of synthetic building blocks on organelle membranes.
• To investigate the impact of light-induced structural changes on supramolecular interactions and membrane integrity.
• To explore the potential of light-driven self-assembly for modulating subcellular structures.

Main Methods:

• Design of synthetic monomers incorporating azobenzene moieties and organelle membrane-targeting units.
• Utilizing UV (365 nm) and visible (450 nm) light to induce reversible trans-to-cis isomerization of azobenzene.
• Observing morphological transitions from fibrillar to amorphous assemblies and their effect on membrane binding affinity.

Main Results:

• Photoresponsive monomers self-assembled into supramolecular fibrils upon localization to organelle membranes.
• UV irradiation triggered disassembly into amorphous structures with reduced membrane affinity.
• Visible light restored the fibrillar state, enabling reversible control over membrane interactions and leading to organelle membrane disruption.

Conclusions:

• A light-controllable, reversible assembly-disassembly system based on synthetic building blocks was successfully developed.
• This system allows for dynamic modulation of supramolecular interactions and organelle membrane integrity.
• Findings demonstrate the potential of light-driven, multivalent self-assembly for precise spatial and temporal control over cellular structures and fate.