Pore structure controls stability and molecular flux in engineered protein cages.

ABSTRACT: Protein cages are a common architectural motif used by living organisms to compartmentalize and control biochemical reactions. While engineered protein cages have featured in the construction of nanoreactors and synthetic organelles, relatively little is known about the underlying molecular parameters that govern stability and flux through their pores. In this work, we systematically designed 24 variants of the Thermotoga maritima encapsulin cage, featuring pores of different sizes and charges. Twelve pore variants were successfully assembled and purified, including eight designs with exceptional thermal stability. While negatively charged mutations were better tolerated, we were able to form stable assemblies covering a full range of pore sizes and charges, as observed in seven new

SUBMITTER: Adamson LSR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8816334 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature