Passive water-lipid peptide translocators with conformational switches: from single-molecule probe to cellular assay.
Peptide design for unassisted passive water-lipid translocation remains a challenge, notwithstanding its importance for drug delivery. We introduce a design paradigm based on conformational switches operating as passive translocation vehicles. The interfacial behavior of the molecular prototype, probed in single-molecule AFM experiments, reveals a near-barrierless translocation. The associated free-energy agrees with mesoscopic measurements, and the in vitro behavior is quantitatively reproduced in cellular assays. The prototypes herald the advent of novel nanobiomaterials for passive translocation.
Fernández
Ariel
A
Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA. arifer@rice.edu
Crespo
Alejandro
A
Blau
Axel
A
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002942:Circular Dichroism; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D051379:Mice; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D021381:Protein Transport; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D008055:Lipids; D010455:Peptides; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water