Self-assembly of protein superstructures by physical interactions under cytoplasm-like conditions.

ABSTRACT: The structure-driven assembly of multimeric protein complexes and the formation of intracellular phase-like protein condensates have been the subject of intense research. However, the assembly of larger superstructures comprising cellular components, such as protein nanoparticles driven by general physical rather than specific biochemical interactions, remains relatively uncharacterized. Here, we use gas vesicles (GVs)-genetically encoded protein nanoparticles that form ordered intracellular clusters-as a model system to study the forces driving multiparticle assembly under cytoplasm-like conditions. Our calculations and experimental results show that the ordered assembly of GVs can be achieved by screening their mutual electrostatic repulsion with electrolytes and creating a crowding forc

SUBMITTER: Yao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8390860 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature