A Thermogenetic Tool Employing Elastin-like Polypeptides for Controlling Programmed Cell Death.

ABSTRACT: Thermogenetics uses temperature-sensitive proteins to regulate cellular functions via temperature changes. Compared to optogenetics, which utilizes visible light and is limited by light penetration, thermogenetics offers a practical alternative by enabling deeper and more accessible control of cellular processes via heat. Herein, we report the development of a thermogenetically controlled programmed cell death system that enables heat-activated human caspase 8 (CASP8) using temperature-responsive elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs). The core functionality of this system relies on the reversible phase transition behavior of ELPs, which transition from a soluble state to a coacervate state in response to thermal stimuli. By exploiting this temperature-dependent behavior, we fused ELP[V60] with

SUBMITTER: Vu CQ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12444976 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature