Tailoring Interleaflet Lipid Transfer with a DNA-based Synthetic Enzyme

Diana Sobota, Himanshu Joshi, Alexander Ohmann, Aleksei Aksimentiev, Aleksei Aksimentiev, Ulrich F. Keyser, Ulrich F. Keyser

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Lipid membranes, enveloping all living systems, are of crucial importance, and control over their structure and composition is a highly desirable functionality of artificial structures. However, the rational design of protein-inspired systems is still challenging. Here we have developed a highly functional nucleic acid construct that self-assembles and inserts into membranes, enabling lipid transfer between inner and outer leaflets. By designing the structure to account for interactions between the DNA, its hydrophobic modifications, and the lipids, we successfully exerted control over the rate of interleaflet lipid transfer induced by our DNA-based enzyme. Furthermore, we can regulate the level of lipid transfer by altering the concentration of divalent ions, similar to stimuli-responsive lipid-flipping proteins.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4306-4311
Number of pages6
JournalNano letters
Volume20
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 10 2020

Keywords

  • DNA nanotechnology
  • dodecane
  • lipid flipping
  • lipid membranes
  • molecular dynamics
  • synthetic ion channel

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering

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