Tangled Tail of Mechanically Interlocked Peptides.

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Synthetic Biology

Background:

• Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) were initially synthesized as chemical curiosities.
• Naturally occurring interlocked biomolecules, such as catenated DNA and HK97 bacteriophage capsids, demonstrate biological functions.
• Historically distinct fields of molecular biology and supramolecular chemistry are converging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of advances in mechanically interlocked peptides (MIPs).
• To establish a unified nomenclature for MIPs.
• To bridge the gap between naturally occurring and synthetic MIPs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of naturally occurring MIPs.
• Review of synthetically produced MIMs from peptidyl components.
• Chemical comparison between natural and synthetic MIPs.

Main Results:

• Discovery of diverse naturally occurring interlocked biomolecules with functional roles.
• Advancements in the chemical synthesis of complex MIM topologies.
• Emergence of bioengineered, new-to-nature MIPs through interdisciplinary approaches.

Conclusions:

• The mechanical bond plays a significant role in biological systems.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration between molecular biology and supramolecular chemistry is crucial for advancing MIP research.
• A unified approach and nomenclature will foster future innovation in MIPs.