Intramolecular Communication of Peptide-Dendrimer Hybrids and the Self-Assembly of Polymerizable NDI-diacetylene Amphiphilic Nanotubes
Abstract
Most self-assembled nanostructures are static and are in an equilibrated state. The tools in nature involve molecules that undergo self-assembly to provide an organized supramolecular structure that is used in the catalytic, communication, and information storage processes. Allosteric proteins are important for the regulatory cellular and biological functions in organisms. Organisms are in dynamic environments and need regulatory proteins to maintain homeostasis. Allosteric proteins adapt in the presence of external stimuli through small perturbations within the structure as a whole, and switches on and off protein functions in a nonlinear fashion. The changes within folded systems can be monitored through the propagation and amplification of chirality through the folded system. Understanding propagation and amplification in biological assemblies will assist with the design of efficient abiotic sensors and catalysts. Many molecules that undergo self-assembly exhibit intermolecular chirality, but few abiotic molecules that fold show intramolecular interactions. Peptides of EFKF repeating units have shown an affinity to yield -sheet fibers. The Parquette group has developed similar peptides with alternating first generation dendrimers (i, i+2) and lysine-glutamic acid residues (EADKAD - AD = Dendrimer Residue). The dendrimers prohibited -sheet formations caused by steric effects. The lack of self-assembly allowed intramolecular communication between the dendrimer residues in the form of a helical bias. This helical bias increases as the number of dendrimers was increased. Further, the system shows a nonlinear response to pH and solvent changes as seen in biological folded proteins Some natural assemblies found in nature are not in an equilibrated state, or are dynamic. Like a wrench from a toolbox, dynamic assembled structures can be used without a change in structure and will work the same way every time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1067199
Entities
People
- Nicholas A. Bewick
Organizations
- Ohio State University