Optimality and cooperativity in superselective surface binding by multivalent DNA nanostars.

ABSTRACT: Weak multivalent interactions govern a large variety of biological processes like cell-cell adhesion and virus-host interactions. These systems distinguish sharply between surfaces based on receptor density, known as superselectivity. Present experimental studies typically involve tens or hundreds of interactions, resulting in a high entropic contribution leading to high selectivities. However, if, and if so how, systems with few ligands, such as multi-domain proteins and bacteriophages binding to their host, show superselective behavior is an open question. Here, we address this question with a multivalent experimental model system based on star shaped branched DNA nanostructures (DNA nanostars) with each branch featuring a single stranded overhang that binds to complementary receptors on

SUBMITTER: Linne C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11484159 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature