Designed, Programmable Protein Cages Utilizing Diverse Metal Coordination Geometries Show Reversible, pH-Dependent Assembly.

ABSTRACT: The rational design and production of a novel series of engineered protein cages are presented, which have emerged as versatile and adaptable platforms with significant applications in biomedicine. These protein cages are assembled from multiple protein subunits, and precise control over their interactions is crucial for regulating assembly and disassembly, such as the on-demand release of encapsulated therapeutic agents. This approach employs a homo-undecameric, ring-shaped protein scaffold with strategically positioned metal binding sites. These engineered proteins can self-assemble into highly stable cages in the presence of cobalt or zinc ions. Furthermore, the cages can be disassembled on demand by employing external triggers such as chelating agents and changes in pH. Interestingly,

SUBMITTER: Osinski N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11925324 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature