1
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Cai B, Rong X, Sun Y, Liu L, Li Z. Engineered 3D DNA Crystals: A Molecular Design Perspective. SMALL METHODS 2025:e2401455. [PMID: 39777863 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202401455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2024] [Revised: 12/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025]
Abstract
Recent advances in biomolecular self-assembly have transformed material science, enabling the creation of novel materials with unparalleled precision and functionality. Among these innovations, 3D DNA crystals have emerged as a distinctive class of macroscopic materials, engineered through the bottom-up approach by DNA self-assembly. These structures uniquely combine precise molecular ordering with high programmability, establishing their importance in advanced material design. This review delves into the molecular design of engineered 3D DNA crystals, classifying current crystal structures based on "crystal bond orientations" and examining key aspects of in-silico molecular design, self-assembly, and crystal modifications. The functionalization of 3D DNA crystals for applications in crystallization scaffolding, biocatalysis, biosensing, electrical and optical devices, as well as in the emerging fields of DNA computing and data storage are explored. Finally, the ongoing challenges are addressed and future directions to advance the field of engineered 3D DNA crystals are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoshuo Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiao Rong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yifan Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Longfei Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06484, USA
- Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, 06484, USA
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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2
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Fabrini G, Farag N, Nuccio SP, Li S, Stewart JM, Tang AA, McCoy R, Owens RM, Rothemund PWK, Franco E, Di Antonio M, Di Michele L. Co-transcriptional production of programmable RNA condensates and synthetic organelles. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:1665-1673. [PMID: 39080489 PMCID: PMC11567899 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01726-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
Abstract
Condensation of RNA and proteins is central to cellular functions, and the ability to program it would be valuable in synthetic biology and synthetic cell science. Here we introduce a modular platform for engineering synthetic RNA condensates from tailor-made, branched RNA nanostructures that fold and assemble co-transcriptionally. Up to three orthogonal condensates can form simultaneously and selectively accumulate fluorophores through embedded fluorescent light-up aptamers. The RNA condensates can be expressed within synthetic cells to produce membrane-less organelles with a controlled number and relative size, and showing the ability to capture proteins using selective protein-binding aptamers. The affinity between otherwise orthogonal nanostructures can be modulated by introducing dedicated linker constructs, enabling the production of bi-phasic RNA condensates with a prescribed degree of interphase mixing and diverse morphologies. The in situ expression of programmable RNA condensates could underpin the spatial organization of functionalities in both biological and synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Fabrini
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
- fabriCELL, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Nada Farag
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Shiyi Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaimie Marie Stewart
- Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Anli A Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Reece McCoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul W K Rothemund
- Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Elisa Franco
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- fabriCELL, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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3
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Ye R, Wang Y, Liu Y, Cai P, Song J. Self-assembled methodologies for the construction of DNA nanostructures and biological applications. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:3712-3724. [PMID: 38912847 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00584h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), as a versatile building block, has been widely employed to construct functionalized nanostructures. Among the diverse types of materials, DNA related nanostructures have gained growing attention due to their intrinsic programmability, favorable biocompatibility, and strong molecular recognition capability. The conventional construction strategy for building DNA structures is based on Watson-Crick base-pairing rules, which are mainly driven by the hydrogen bonding of bases. However, hydrogen bonding-based DNA nanostructures cannot meet the requirements of specific morphology and multifunctionality. Currently, various functional elements have been introduced to expand the synthetic methodologies for constructing the DNA hybrid nanostructures, including small molecules, peptide polymers, organic ligands and transition metal ions. Besides, the potential applications for these DNA hybrid nanostructures have also been explored. It has been demonstrated that DNA hybrid structures with various properties can be extensively applied in the fields of magnetic resonance, luminescence imaging, biomedical detection, and drug delivery systems. In this review, we highlight the pioneering contributions to the methodologies of DNA-based nanostructure assembly. Furthermore, the recent advances in drug delivery systems and biomedical diagnosis based on DNA hybrid nanostructures are briefly summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ye
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Yuqi Wang
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, National Center for Translational Medicine, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Ping Cai
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Jie Song
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
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4
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Chen J, Dai Z, Lv H, Jin Z, Tang Y, Xie X, Shi J, Wang F, Li Q, Liu X, Fan C. Programming crystallization kinetics of self-assembled DNA crystals with 5-methylcytosine modification. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312596121. [PMID: 38437555 PMCID: PMC10945798 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312596121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-assembled DNA crystals offer a precise chemical platform at the ångström-scale for DNA nanotechnology, holding enormous potential in material separation, catalysis, and DNA data storage. However, accurately controlling the crystallization kinetics of such DNA crystals remains challenging. Herein, we found that atomic-level 5-methylcytosine (5mC) modification can regulate the crystallization kinetics of DNA crystal by tuning the hybridization rates of DNA motifs. We discovered that by manipulating the axial and combination of 5mC modification on the sticky ends of DNA tensegrity triangle motifs, we can obtain a series of DNA crystals with controllable morphological features. Through DNA-PAINT and FRET-labeled DNA strand displacement experiments, we elucidate that atomic-level 5mC modification enhances the affinity constant of DNA hybridization at both the single-molecule and macroscopic scales. This enhancement can be harnessed for kinetic-driven control of the preferential growth direction of DNA crystals. The 5mC modification strategy can overcome the limitations of DNA sequence design imposed by limited nucleobase numbers in various DNA hybridization reactions. This strategy provides a new avenue for the manipulation of DNA crystal structure, valuable for the advancement of DNA and biomacromolecular crystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jielin Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Zheze Dai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Hui Lv
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
- Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Zhongchao Jin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Yuqing Tang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Xiaodong Xie
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Jiye Shi
- Division of Physical Biology, Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201800, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Xiaoguo Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
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Simmons CR, Buchberger A, Henry SJW, Novacek A, Fahmi NE, MacCulloch T, Stephanopoulos N, Yan H. Site-Specific Arrangement and Structure Determination of Minor Groove Binding Molecules in Self-Assembled Three-Dimensional DNA Crystals. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:26075-26085. [PMID: 37987645 PMCID: PMC10789492 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The structural analysis of guest molecules in rationally designed and self-assembling DNA crystals has proven an elusive goal since its conception. Oligonucleotide frameworks provide an especially attractive route toward studying DNA-binding molecules by using three-dimensional lattices with defined sequence and structure. In this work, we site-specifically position a suite of minor groove binding molecules, and solve their structures via X-ray crystallography as a proof-of-principle toward scaffolding larger guest species. Two crystal motifs were used to precisely immobilize the molecules DAPI, Hoechst, and netropsin at defined positions in the lattice, allowing us to control occupancy within the crystal. We also solved the structure of a three-ring imidazole-pyrrole-pyrrole polyamide molecule, which sequence-specifically packs in an antiparallel dimeric arrangement within the minor groove. Finally, we engineered a crystal designed to position both netropsin and the polyamide at two distinct locations within the same lattice. Our work elucidates the design principles for the spatial arrangement of functional guests within lattices and opens new potential opportunities for the use of DNA crystals to display and structurally characterize small molecules, peptides, and ultimately proteins of unknown structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad R Simmons
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Alex Buchberger
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287,United States
| | - Skylar J W Henry
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287,United States
| | - Alexandra Novacek
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287,United States
| | - Nour Eddine Fahmi
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Tara MacCulloch
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287,United States
| | - Nicholas Stephanopoulos
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287,United States
| | - Hao Yan
- Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, Arizona State University 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287,United States
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6
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Simmons CR, Buchberger A, Henry SJW, Novacek A, Fahmi NE, MacCulloch T, Stephanopoulos N, Yan H. Site-specific arrangement and structure determination of minor groove binding molecules in self-assembled three-dimensional DNA crystals. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.561756. [PMID: 37873139 PMCID: PMC10592734 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.561756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The structural analysis of guest molecules in rationally designed and self-assembling DNA crystals has proven elusive since its conception. Oligonucleotide frameworks provide an especially attractive route towards studying DNA-binding molecules by using three-dimensional lattices with defined sequence and structure. In this work, we site-specifically position a suite of minor groove binding molecules, and solve their structures via x-ray crystallography, as a proof-of-principle towards scaffolding larger guest species. Two crystal motifs were used to precisely immobilize the molecules DAPI, Hoechst, and netropsin at defined positions in the lattice, allowing us to control occupancy within the crystal. We also solved the structure of a three-ring imidazole-pyrrole-pyrrole polyamide molecule, which sequence-specifically packs in an anti-parallel dimeric arrangement within the minor groove. Finally, we engineered a crystal designed to position both netropsin and the polyamide at two distinct locations within the same lattice. Our work elucidates the design principles for the spatial arrangement of functional guests within lattices and opens new potential opportunities for the use of DNA crystals to display and structurally characterize small molecules, peptides, and ultimately proteins of unknown structure.
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7
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Zhang Z, Jin J, Paluzzi VE, Jin Z, Wen Y, Huang CZ, Li CM, Mao C, Zuo H. AMP Aptamer Programs DNA Tile Cohesion without Canonical Base Pairing. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19503-19507. [PMID: 37638713 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c06260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Tile-based DNA self-assembly provides a versatile approach for the construction of a wide range of nanostructures for various applications such as nanomedicine and advanced materials. The inter-tile interactions are primarily programmed by base pairing, particularly Watson-Crick base pairing. To further expand the tool box for DNA nanotechnology, herein, we have designed DNA tiles that contain both ligands and aptamers. Upon ligand-aptamer binding, tiles associate into geometrically well-defined nanostructures. This strategy has been demonstrated by the assembly of a series of DNA nanostructures, which have been thoroughly characterized by gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy. This new inter-tile cohesion could bring new potentials to DNA self-assembly in the future. For example, the addition of free ligand could modulate the nanostructure formation. In the case of biological ligands, DNA self-assembly could be related to the presence of certain ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jin Jin
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Victoria E Paluzzi
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Zhuoer Jin
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuandong Wen
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | | | - Chun Mei Li
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chengde Mao
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Hua Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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8
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Walczak M, Mancini L, Xu J, Raguseo F, Kotar J, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. A Synthetic Signaling Network Imitating the Action of Immune Cells in Response to Bacterial Metabolism. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301562. [PMID: 37156014 PMCID: PMC11475590 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
State-of-the-art bottom-up synthetic biology allows to replicate many basic biological functions in artificial-cell-like devices. To mimic more complex behaviors, however, artificial cells would need to perform many of these functions in a synergistic and coordinated fashion, which remains elusive. Here, a sophisticated biological response is considered, namely the capture and deactivation of pathogens by neutrophil immune cells, through the process of netosis. A consortium consisting of two synthetic agents is designed-responsive DNA-based particles and antibiotic-loaded lipid vesicles-whose coordinated action mimics the sought immune-like response when triggered by bacterial metabolism. The artificial netosis-like response emerges from a series of interlinked sensing and communication pathways between the live and synthetic agents, and translates into both physical and chemical antimicrobial actions, namely bacteria immobilization and exposure to antibiotics. The results demonstrate how advanced life-like responses can be prescribed with a relatively small number of synthetic molecular components, and outlines a new strategy for artificial-cell-based antimicrobial solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Walczak
- Biological and Soft SystemsCavendish LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeJJ Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
| | - Leonardo Mancini
- Biological and Soft SystemsCavendish LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeJJ Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
| | - Jiayi Xu
- Biological and Soft SystemsCavendish LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeJJ Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and BiotechnologyUniversity of CambridgePhilippa Fawcett DriveCambridgeCB3 0ASUK
| | - Federica Raguseo
- Department of ChemistryMolecular Sciences Research HubImperial College LondonWood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
- fabriCELLMolecular Sciences Research HubImperial College LondonWood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Biological and Soft SystemsCavendish LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeJJ Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft SystemsCavendish LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeJJ Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft SystemsCavendish LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeJJ Thomson AvenueCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and BiotechnologyUniversity of CambridgePhilippa Fawcett DriveCambridgeCB3 0ASUK
- Department of ChemistryMolecular Sciences Research HubImperial College LondonWood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
- fabriCELLMolecular Sciences Research HubImperial College LondonWood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
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9
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Kong H, Sun B, Yu F, Wang Q, Xia K, Jiang D. Exploring the Potential of Three-Dimensional DNA Crystals in Nanotechnology: Design, Optimization, and Applications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302021. [PMID: 37327311 PMCID: PMC10460852 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
DNA has been used as a robust material for the building of a variety of nanoscale structures and devices owing to its unique properties. Structural DNA nanotechnology has reported a wide range of applications including computing, photonics, synthetic biology, biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutic delivery, among others. Nevertheless, the foundational goal of structural DNA nanotechnology is exploiting DNA molecules to build three-dimensional crystals as periodic molecular scaffolds to precisely align, obtain, or collect desired guest molecules. Over the past 30 years, a series of 3D DNA crystals have been rationally designed and developed. This review aims to showcase various 3D DNA crystals, their design, optimization, applications, and the crystallization conditions utilized. Additionally, the history of nucleic acid crystallography and potential future directions for 3D DNA crystals in the era of nanotechnology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huating Kong
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation FacilityShanghai Advanced Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai201204China
| | - Bo Sun
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation FacilityShanghai Advanced Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai201204China
| | - Feng Yu
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation FacilityShanghai Advanced Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai201204China
| | - Qisheng Wang
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation FacilityShanghai Advanced Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai201204China
| | - Kai Xia
- Shanghai Frontier Innovation Research InstituteShanghai201108China
- Shanghai Stomatological HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200031China
| | - Dawei Jiang
- Wuhan Union HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular ImagingWuhan430022China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapythe Ministry of EducationWuhan430022China
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10
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Udono H, Gong J, Sato Y, Takinoue M. DNA Droplets: Intelligent, Dynamic Fluid. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200180. [PMID: 36470673 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breathtaking advances in DNA nanotechnology have established DNA as a promising biomaterial for the fabrication of programmable higher-order nano/microstructures. In the context of developing artificial cells and tissues, DNA droplets have emerged as a powerful platform for creating intelligent, dynamic cell-like machinery. DNA droplets are a microscale membrane-free coacervate of DNA formed through phase separation. This new type of DNA system couples dynamic fluid-like property with long-established DNA programmability. This hybrid nature offers an advantageous route to facile and robust control over the structures, functions, and behaviors of DNA droplets. This review begins by describing programmable DNA condensation, commenting on the physical properties and fabrication strategies of DNA hydrogels and droplets. By presenting an overview of the development pathways leading to DNA droplets, it is shown that DNA technology has evolved from static, rigid systems to soft, dynamic systems. Next, the basic characteristics of DNA droplets are described as intelligent, dynamic fluid by showcasing the latest examples highlighting their distinctive features related to sequence-specific interactions and programmable mechanical properties. Finally, this review discusses the potential and challenges of numerical modeling able to connect a robust link between individual sequences and macroscopic mechanical properties of DNA droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotake Udono
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan
| | - Jing Gong
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Department of Intelligent and Control Systems, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 680-4 Kawazu, Iizuka, Fukuoka, 820-8502, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takinoue
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan
- Living Systems Materialogy (LiSM) Research Group, International Research Frontiers Initiative (IRFI), Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan
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11
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Walczak M, Brady RA, Leathers A, Kotar J, Di Michele L. Influence of hydrophobic moieties on the crystallization of amphiphilic DNA nanostructures. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:084501. [PMID: 36859089 DOI: 10.1063/5.0132484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional crystalline frameworks with nanoscale periodicity are valuable for many emerging technologies, from nanophotonics to nanomedicine. DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a prime route for constructing these materials, with most approaches taking advantage of the structural rigidity and bond directionality programmable for DNA building blocks. Recently, we have introduced an alternative strategy reliant on flexible, amphiphilic DNA junctions dubbed C-stars, whose ability to crystallize is modulated by design parameters, such as nanostructure topology, conformation, rigidity, and size. While C-stars have been shown to form ordered phases with controllable lattice parameter, response to stimuli, and embedded functionalities, much of their vast design space remains unexplored. Here, we investigate the effect of changing the chemical nature of the hydrophobic modifications and the structure of the DNA motifs in the vicinity of these moieties. While similar design variations should strongly alter key properties of the hydrophobic interactions between C-stars, such as strength and valency, only limited differences in self-assembly behavior are observed. This finding suggests that long-range order in C-star crystals is likely imposed by structural features of the building block itself rather than the specific characteristics of the hydrophobic tags. Nonetheless, we find that altering the hydrophobic regions influences the ability of C-star crystals to uptake hydrophobic molecular cargoes, which we exemplify by studying the encapsulation of antibiotic penicillin V. Besides advancing our understanding of the principles governing the self-assembly of amphiphilic DNA building blocks, our observations thus open up new routes to chemically program the materials without affecting their structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Walczak
- Department of Physics-Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan A Brady
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Leathers
- Department of Physics-Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Department of Physics-Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
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12
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Baig MMFA, Gao X, Farid A, Zia AW, Abbas M, Wu H. Synthesis of stable 2D micro-assemblies of DNA tiles achieved via intrinsic curvatures in the skeleton of DNA duplexes coupled with the flexible support of the twisted side-arms. APPLIED NANOSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13204-022-02616-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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13
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Leathers A, Walczak M, Brady RA, Al Samad A, Kotar J, Booth MJ, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Reaction–Diffusion Patterning of DNA-Based Artificial Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:17468-17476. [PMID: 36103297 PMCID: PMC9523701 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
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Biological cells display complex internal architectures
with distinct
micro environments that establish the chemical heterogeneity needed
to sustain cellular functions. The continued efforts to create advanced
cell mimics, namely, artificial cells, demands strategies for constructing
similarly heterogeneous structures with localized functionalities.
Here, we introduce a platform for constructing membraneless artificial
cells from the self-assembly of synthetic DNA nanostructures in which
internal domains can be established thanks to prescribed reaction–diffusion
waves. The method, rationalized through numerical modeling, enables
the formation of up to five distinct concentric environments in which
functional moieties can be localized. As a proof-of-concept, we apply
this platform to build DNA-based artificial cells in which a prototypical
nucleus synthesizes fluorescent RNA aptamers that then accumulate
in a surrounding storage shell, thus demonstrating the spatial segregation
of functionalities reminiscent of that observed in biological cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Leathers
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Michal Walczak
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Ryan A. Brady
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 1DB, U.K
| | - Assala Al Samad
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Michael J. Booth
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
- fabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
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14
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Liu J, Chen L, Zhai T, Li W, Liu Y, Gu H. Programmable Assembly of Amphiphilic DNA through Controlled Cholesterol Stacking. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:16598-16603. [PMID: 36040192 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The excellent programmability and modifiability of DNA has enabled chemists to reproduce a series of specific molecular interactions in self-assembled synthetic systems. Among diverse modifications, cholesterol conjugation can turn DNA into an amphiphilic molecule (cholesterol-DNA), driving the formation of DNA assemblies through the cholesterol-endowed hydrophobic interaction. However, precise control of such an assembly process remains difficult because of the unbiased accumulation of cholesterol. Here, we report the serendipitous discovery of the favored tetramerization of cholesterol in cholesterol-DNA copolymers that carry the cholesterol modification at the blunt end of DNA. The discovery expands the repertoire of controllable molecular interactions by DNA and provides an effective way to precisely control the hydrophobic stacking of cholesterol for programmed cholesterol-DNA assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Liman Chen
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tingting Zhai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wei Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yuehua Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hongzhou Gu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
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15
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Agarwal S, Osmanovic D, Klocke MA, Franco E. The Growth Rate of DNA Condensate Droplets Increases with the Size of Participating Subunits. ACS NANO 2022; 16:11842-11851. [PMID: 35867936 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a common phenomenon underlying the formation of dynamic membraneless organelles in biological cells, which are emerging as major players in controlling cellular functions and health. The bottom-up synthesis of biomolecular liquid systems with simple constituents, like nucleic acids and peptides, is useful to understand LLPS in nature as well as to develop programmable means to build new amorphous materials with properties matching or surpassing those observed in natural condensates. In particular, understanding which parameters determine condensate growth kinetics is essential for the synthesis of condensates with the capacity for active, dynamic behaviors. Here we use DNA nanotechnology to study artificial liquid condensates through programmable star-shaped subunits, focusing on the effects of changing subunit size. First, we show that LLPS is achieved in a 6-fold range of subunit size. Second, we demonstrate that the rate of growth of condensate droplets scales with subunit size. Our investigation is supported by a general model that describes how coarsening and coalescence are expected to scale with subunit size under ideal assumptions. Beyond suggesting a route toward achieving control of LLPS kinetics via design of subunit size in synthetic liquids, our work suggests that particle size may be a key parameter in biological condensation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Agarwal
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024, United States
| | - Dino Osmanovic
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024, United States
| | - Melissa A Klocke
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024, United States
| | - Elisa Franco
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024, United States
- Bioengineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024, United States
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16
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Baig MMFA, Gao X, Khan MA, Farid A, Zia AW, Wu H. Nanoscale packing of DNA tiles into DNA macromolecular lattices. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 220:520-527. [PMID: 35988727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Nanoscale double-crossovers (DX), antiparallel (A), and even half-turns-perimeter (E) DNA tiles (DAE-tiles) with rectangular shapes can be packed into large arrays of micrometer-scale lattices. But the features and mechanical strength of DNA assembly made from differently shaped large-sized DAE DNA tiles and the effects of various geometries on the final DNA assembly are yet to be explored. Herein, we focused on examining DNA lattices synthesized from DX bi-triangular, DNA tiles (T) with concave and convex regions along the perimeter of the tiles. The bi-triangular DNA tiles "T(A) and T(B)" were synthesized by self-assembling the freshly prepared short circular scaffold (S) strands "S(A) and S(B)", each of 106 nucleotides (NT) lengths. The tiles "T(A) and T(B)" were then coupled together to get assembled via sticky ends. It resulted in the polymerization of DNA tiles into large-sized DNA lattices with giant micrometer-scale dimensions to form the "T(A) + T(B)" assembly. These DNA macro-frameworks were visualized "in the air" under atomic force microscopy (AFM) employing tapping mode. We have characterized how curvature in DNA tiles may undergo transitions and transformations to adjust the overall torque, strain, twists, and the topology of the final self-assembly array of DNA tiles. According to our results, our large-span DX tiles assembly "T(A) + T(B)" despite the complicated curvatures and mechanics, was successfully packed into giant DNA lattices of the width of 30-500 nm and lengths of 500 nm to over 10 μm. Conclusively, the micrometer-scale "T(A) + T(B)" framework assembly was rigid, stable, stiff, and exhibited enough tensile strength to form monocrystalline lattices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Muhammad Faran Ashraf Baig
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xiuli Gao
- Microbiological and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Muhammad Ajmal Khan
- Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Awais Farid
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Abdul Wasy Zia
- Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Marie Curie Research Unit, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Hongkai Wu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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17
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Liang C, Chen J, Li M, Li Q, Fan C, Luo S, Shen J. Programming the self-assembly of amphiphilic DNA frameworks for sequential boolean logic functions. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:8786-8789. [PMID: 35838012 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc03150g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Herein we examined the utilization of the orthogonal noncovalent interaction to program the self-assembly of amphiphilic DNA frameworks (am-FNAs). By finely controlling reaction parameters such as ionic strength, the length of amphiphilic DNA, and mechanical agitation, we constructed a series of amphiphilic DNA-based primary logic gates (NOT, AND, OR and INH) and a secondary logic gate (NOT-OR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengpin Liang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Jielin Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Mingqiang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Qian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Shihua Luo
- Department of Traumatology, Rui Jin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Jianlei Shen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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18
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Fabrini G, Minard A, Brady RA, Di Antonio M, Di Michele L. Cation-Responsive and Photocleavable Hydrogels from Noncanonical Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:602-611. [PMID: 35026112 PMCID: PMC8796241 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to its biocompatibility, versatility, and programmable interactions, DNA has been proposed as a building block for functional, stimuli-responsive frameworks with applications in biosensing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Of particular importance for in vivo applications is the possibility of making such nanomaterials responsive to physiological stimuli. Here, we demonstrate how combining noncanonical DNA G-quadruplex (G4) structures with amphiphilic DNA constructs yields nanostructures, which we termed "Quad-Stars", capable of assembling into responsive hydrogel particles via a straightforward, enzyme-free, one-pot reaction. The embedded G4 structures allow one to trigger and control the assembly/disassembly in a reversible fashion by adding or removing K+ ions. Furthermore, the hydrogel aggregates can be photo-disassembled upon near-UV irradiation in the presence of a porphyrin photosensitizer. The combined reversibility of assembly, responsiveness, and cargo-loading capabilities of the hydrophobic moieties make Quad-Stars a promising candidate for biosensors and responsive drug delivery carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Fabrini
- Department
of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Aisling Minard
- Department
of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan A. Brady
- Department
of Chemistry, King’s College London, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Department
of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department
of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
- Department
of Physics—Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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19
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Rubio-Sánchez R, Fabrini G, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Amphiphilic DNA nanostructures for bottom-up synthetic biology. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:12725-12740. [PMID: 34750602 PMCID: PMC8631003 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc04311k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology enables the construction of sophisticated biomimetic nanomachines that are increasingly central to the growing efforts of creating complex cell-like entities from the bottom-up. DNA nanostructures have been proposed as both structural and functional elements of these artificial cells, and in many instances are decorated with hydrophobic moieties to enable interfacing with synthetic lipid bilayers or regulating bulk self-organisation. In this feature article we review recent efforts to design biomimetic membrane-anchored DNA nanostructures capable of imparting complex functionalities to cell-like objects, such as regulated adhesion, tissue formation, communication and transport. We then discuss the ability of hydrophobic modifications to enable the self-assembly of DNA-based nanostructured frameworks with prescribed morphology and functionality, and explore the relevance of these novel materials for artificial cell science and beyond. Finally, we comment on the yet mostly unexpressed potential of amphiphilic DNA-nanotechnology as a complete toolbox for bottom-up synthetic biology - a figurative and literal scaffold upon which the next generation of synthetic cells could be built.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Giacomo Fabrini
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
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20
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Responsive core-shell DNA particles trigger lipid-membrane disruption and bacteria entrapment. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4743. [PMID: 34362911 PMCID: PMC8346484 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24989-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biology has evolved a variety of agents capable of permeabilizing and disrupting lipid membranes, from amyloid aggregates, to antimicrobial peptides, to venom compounds. While often associated with disease or toxicity, these agents are also central to many biosensing and therapeutic technologies. Here, we introduce a class of synthetic, DNA-based particles capable of disrupting lipid membranes. The particles have finely programmable size, and self-assemble from all-DNA and cholesterol-DNA nanostructures, the latter forming a membrane-adhesive core and the former a protective hydrophilic corona. We show that the corona can be selectively displaced with a molecular cue, exposing the 'sticky' core. Unprotected particles adhere to synthetic lipid vesicles, which in turn enhances membrane permeability and leads to vesicle collapse. Furthermore, particle-particle coalescence leads to the formation of gel-like DNA aggregates that envelop surviving vesicles. This response is reminiscent of pathogen immobilisation through immune cells secretion of DNA networks, as we demonstrate by trapping E. coli bacteria.
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21
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Morzy D, Rubio-Sánchez R, Joshi H, Aksimentiev A, Di Michele L, Keyser UF. Cations Regulate Membrane Attachment and Functionality of DNA Nanostructures. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:7358-7367. [PMID: 33961742 PMCID: PMC8154537 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The interplay between nucleic acids
and lipids underpins several
key processes in molecular biology, synthetic biotechnology, vaccine
technology, and nanomedicine. These interactions are often electrostatic
in nature, and much of their rich phenomenology remains unexplored
in view of the chemical diversity of lipids, the heterogeneity of
their phases, and the broad range of relevant solvent conditions.
Here we unravel the electrostatic interactions between zwitterionic
lipid membranes and DNA nanostructures in the presence of physiologically
relevant cations, with the purpose of identifying new routes to program
DNA–lipid complexation and membrane-active nanodevices. We
demonstrate that this interplay is influenced by both the phase of
the lipid membranes and the valency of the ions and observe divalent
cation bridging between nucleic acids and gel-phase bilayers. Furthermore,
even in the presence of hydrophobic modifications on the DNA, we find
that cations are still required to enable DNA adhesion to liquid-phase
membranes. We show that the latter mechanism can be exploited to control
the degree of attachment of cholesterol-modified DNA nanostructures
by modifying their overall hydrophobicity and charge. Besides their
biological relevance, the interaction mechanisms we explored hold
great practical potential in the design of biomimetic nanodevices,
as we show by constructing an ion-regulated DNA-based synthetic enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Morzy
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Himanshu Joshi
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Aleksei Aksimentiev
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.,Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrich F Keyser
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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22
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Baig MMFA, Zhang C, Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Mudassir J. The effective transfection of a low dose of negatively charged drug-loaded DNA-nanocarriers into cancer cells via scavenger receptors. J Pharm Anal 2021; 11:174-182. [PMID: 34012693 PMCID: PMC8116213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-nanotechnology-based nano-architecture scaffolds based on circular strands were designed in the form of DNA-nanowires (DNA-NWs) as a polymer of DNA-triangles. Circularizing a scaffold strand (84-NT) was the critical step followed by annealing with various staple strands to make stiff DNA-triangles. Atomic force microcopy (AFM), native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), UV-analysis, MTT-assay, flow cytometry, and confocal imaging were performed to assess the formulated DNA-NWs and cisplatin (CPT) loading. The AFM and confocal microscopy images revealed a uniform shape and size distribution of the DNA-NWs, with lengths ranging from 2 to 4 μm and diameters ranging from 150 to 300 nm. One sharp band at the top of the lane (500 bp level) with the loss of electrophoretic mobility during the PAGE (native) gel analysis revealed the successful fabrication of DNA-NWs. The loading efficiency of CPT ranged from 66.85% to 97.35%. MTT and flow cytometry results showed biocompatibility of the blank DNA-NWs even at 95% concentration compared with the CPT-loaded DNA-NWs. The CPT-loaded DNA-NWs exhibited enhanced apoptosis (22%) compared to the apoptosis (7%) induced by the blank DNA-NWs. The release of CPT from the DNA-NWs was sustained at < 75% for 6 h in the presence of serum, demonstrating suitability for systemic applications. The IC50 of CPT@DNA-NWs was reduced to 12.8 nM CPT, as compared with the free CPT solution exhibiting an IC50 of 51.2 nM. Confocal imaging revealed the targetability, surface binding, and slow internalization of the DNA-NWs in the scavenger-receptor-rich cancer cell line (HepG2) compared with the control cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Muhammad Faran Ashraf Baig
- Laboratory of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Engineering of Stem Cells Research, Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60000, Pakistan
| | - Chengfei Zhang
- Laboratory of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Engineering of Stem Cells Research, Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Muhammad Furqan Akhtar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Jahanzeb Mudassir
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60000, Pakistan
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23
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Baig MMFA, Zhang C, Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Nisar N. Treatment of Wilms’ nephroblastoma cancer cells via EGFR targeting of dactinomycin loaded DNA-nanowires. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2021; 51:233-242. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-020-00509-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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24
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Baig MMFA, Zou T, Neelakantan P, Zhang C. Development and functionalization of
DNA
nanostructures for biomedical applications. J CHIN CHEM SOC-TAIP 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jccs.202000373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Muhammad Faran Ashraf Baig
- Biomedical Engineering and Biofunctional Materials Theme, Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Ting Zou
- Biomedical Engineering and Biofunctional Materials Theme, Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Prasanna Neelakantan
- Biomedical Engineering and Biofunctional Materials Theme, Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Chengfei Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering and Biofunctional Materials Theme, Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
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25
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Baig MMFA, Lai WF, Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Mikrani R, Farooq MA, Ahmed SA, Tahir A, Naveed M, Abbas M, Ansari MT. Targeting folate receptors (α1) to internalize the bleomycin loaded DNA-nanotubes into prostate cancer xenograft CWR22R cells. J Mol Liq 2020; 316:113785. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.113785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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26
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Dong Y, Yao C, Zhu Y, Yang L, Luo D, Yang D. DNA Functional Materials Assembled from Branched DNA: Design, Synthesis, and Applications. Chem Rev 2020; 120:9420-9481. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Dong
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Chi Yao
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Lu Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Dayong Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
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The PA-receptor mediated internalization of carboplatin loaded poly-anionic DNA-nanowires for effective treatment of resistant hepatic-cancer HepG-2 cells. APPLIED NANOSCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13204-020-01293-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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28
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Porous crystals as scaffolds for structural biology. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2020; 60:85-92. [PMID: 31896427 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Molecular scaffolds provide routes to otherwise inaccessible organized states of matter. Scaffolds that are crystalline can be observed in atomic detail using diffraction, along with any guest molecules that have adopted coherent structures therein. This approach, scaffold-assisted structure determination, is not yet routine. However, with varying degrees of guest immobilization, porous crystal scaffolds have recently been decorated with guest molecules. Herein we analyze recent milestones, compare the relative advantages and challenges of different types of scaffold crystals, and weigh the merits of diverse guest installation strategies.
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Mognetti BM, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Programmable interactions with biomimetic DNA linkers at fluid membranes and interfaces. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2019; 82:116601. [PMID: 31370052 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ab37ca] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
At the heart of the structured architecture and complex dynamics of biological systems are specific and timely interactions operated by biomolecules. In many instances, biomolecular agents are spatially confined to flexible lipid membranes where, among other functions, they control cell adhesion, motility and tissue formation. Besides being central to several biological processes, multivalent interactions mediated by reactive linkers confined to deformable substrates underpin the design of synthetic-biological platforms and advanced biomimetic materials. Here we review recent advances on the experimental study and theoretical modelling of a heterogeneous class of biomimetic systems in which synthetic linkers mediate multivalent interactions between fluid and deformable colloidal units, including lipid vesicles and emulsion droplets. Linkers are often prepared from synthetic DNA nanostructures, enabling full programmability of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of their mutual interactions. The coupling of the statistical effects of multivalent interactions with substrate fluidity and deformability gives rise to a rich emerging phenomenology that, in the context of self-assembled soft materials, has been shown to produce exotic phase behaviour, stimuli-responsiveness, and kinetic programmability of the self-assembly process. Applications to (synthetic) biology will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bortolo Matteo Mognetti
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems, Campus Plaine, CP 231, Blvd. du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Li Z, Liu L, Zheng M, Zhao J, Seeman NC, Mao C. Making Engineered 3D DNA Crystals Robust. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:15850-15855. [PMID: 31553173 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b06613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Engineered 3D DNA crystals are promising scaffolds for bottom-up construction of three-dimensional, macroscopic devices from the molecular level. Nevertheless, this has been hindered by the highly constrained conditions for DNA crystals to be stable. Here we report a method to prepare robust 3D DNA crystals by postassembly ligation to remove this constraint. Specifically, sticky ends at crystal contacts were enzymatically ligated, and the covalent bonds significantly enhanced crystal stability, e.g., being stable at 65 °C. This method also enabled the fabrication of DNA crystals with complex architectures including crystal shell, core-shell, and matryoshka dolls. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the applications of the robust DNA crystals in biocatalysis and protein entrapment. Our study removes one key obstacle for the applications of DNA crystals and offers many new opportunities in DNA nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Li
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Longfei Liu
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Mengxi Zheng
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Jiemin Zhao
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Nadrian C Seeman
- Department of Chemistry , New York University , New York , New York 10003 , United States
| | - Chengde Mao
- Department of Chemistry , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
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Abstract
Amphiphilic DNA block copolymers have been utilized in preparing self-assembled amphiphilic structures in aqueous solution. These block copolymers usually contain specifically designed hydrophobic regions, and typically assemble under near-physiological conditions. Here, we report self-assembly of spherical micelles and one-dimensional nanorods under acidic conditions from cholesterol-conjugated DNA strands (Cholesterol-DNA). Further study also revealed that the nanorods were hierarchically assembled from the micelle nanostructures. The morphology of the nanorod assemblies can be tuned by altering solution condition and the design of Cholesterol-DNA. The self-assembly of Cholesterol-DNA nanostructures under acidic conditions and the discovery of the relationship between the nanorods and the micelles can provide new insights for future design of self-assemblies of amphiphilic DNA block copolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry , Emory University , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Ruizi Peng
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province , Hunan University , Changsha , Hunan 410082 , China
| | - Fengyuan Xu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering , Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Yonggang Ke
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering , Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
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Kaufhold WT, Brady RA, Tuffnell JM, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Membrane Scaffolds Enhance the Responsiveness and Stability of DNA-Based Sensing Circuits. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:1850-1859. [PMID: 30865433 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Will T. Kaufhold
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan A. Brady
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua M. Tuffnell
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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Brady RA, Kaufhold WT, Brooks NJ, Foderà V, Di Michele L. Flexibility defines structure in crystals of amphiphilic DNA nanostars. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2019; 31:074003. [PMID: 30523829 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/aaf4a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
DNA nanostructures with programmable shape and interactions can be used as building blocks for the self-assembly of crystalline materials with prescribed nanoscale features, holding a vast technological potential. Structural rigidity and bond directionality have been recognised as key design features for DNA motifs to sustain long-range order in 3D, but the practical challenges associated with prescribing building-block geometry with sufficient accuracy have limited the variety of available designs. We have recently introduced a novel platform for the one-pot preparation of crystalline DNA frameworks supported by a combination of Watson-Crick base pairing and hydrophobic forces (Brady et al 2017 Nano Lett. 17 3276-81). Here we use small angle x-ray scattering and coarse-grained molecular simulations to demonstrate that, as opposed to available all-DNA approaches, amphiphilic motifs do not rely on structural rigidity to support long-range order. Instead, the flexibility of amphiphilic DNA building-blocks is a crucial feature for successful crystallisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Brady
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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