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.
Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA. arifer@rice.edu
Ariel
A
Fernández
Alejandro
A
Crespo
Axel
A
Blau
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