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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
13:36
Synthetic Spider Silk Production on a Laboratory Scale
Published on: July 18, 2012
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A bioengineered recombinant spider silk provides targeted G-protein-coupled receptor activation
Anupama Ghimire1, Sae Yeon Lee1, Andrew A Y Chen1
1Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
Acta Biomaterialia
|April 4, 2026
Summary
Engineered spider silk protein W2Cma2ap-55 combines silk properties with apelin-55 for enhanced biomaterial applications. This functionalized silk supports cell growth and elicits specific cell signaling, showing promise for tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Protein Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Spider silks possess exceptional mechanical properties, making them valuable biomaterials.
- Apelin-55 (ap-55) is a human G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligand with therapeutic potential.
- Combining biomaterials with bioactive ligands can create advanced functional materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a recombinant chimeric protein (W2Cma2ap-55) integrating spider silk units with apelin-55.
- To evaluate the biomaterial properties and bioactivity of the engineered protein.
- To assess the potential of W2Cma2ap-55 for cell interaction and GPCR signaling.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant expression of W2Cma2ap-55 in Escherichia coli.
- Formation of films and fibers from the engineered protein and a control (W2Cma2).
- Characterization of protein integrity, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, and cell signaling (ERK phosphorylation) in response to the material.
Main Results:
- W2Cma2ap-55 formed films and fibers with intact and accessible ap-55.
- W2Cma2ap-55 fibers showed enhanced strength and toughness compared to W2Cma2 fibers.
- W2Cma2ap-55 films supported cell attachment and promoted apelin receptor (AR)-mediated ERK phosphorylation in HEK 293A cells.
Conclusions:
- W2Cma2ap-55 is a promising engineered protein combining spider silk characteristics with bioactive ap-55.
- The material supports cell growth and attachment, and elicits specific GPCR signaling.
- This functionalized silk holds potential for applications in tissue culture and biomedical device development.
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