title: Forisomes: calcium-powered protein complexes with potential as 'smart' biomaterials.
abstract: Sieve tubes in legumes contain forisomes, which are spindle-like bodies that are composed of ATP-independent, mechanically active proteins. Upon injury, forisomes occlude sieve tubes by dispersion and thus, help to prevent loss of nutrient-rich transport sap. Forisome enlargement by dispersion is brought about by Ca2+-induced conformational changes that confer radial expansion and longitudinal contraction. Forisomes recontract upon Ca2+ removal. In vitro, forisomes reversibly disperse and contract in the presence or absence of Ca2+, respectively, and at distinct pHs. Recently, forisomes have received renewed attention because of their unique capacity to convert chemical into mechanical energy independent of high-energy organic compounds. Forisome-based 'smart' materials can be used to produce self-powered monitoring and diagnostic systems. Here, we focus on physiological, chemical and physical aspects of forisomes and discuss their potential as biomimetic devices.
authors.affiliation: Plant Molecular Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India. narendra@icgeb.res.in
authors.forename: Narendra
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tuteja
authors.forename: Pavan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Umate
authors.forename: Aart J E
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: van Bel
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D040761:Biomimetic Materials; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D055503:Protein Multimerization; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011506:Proteins; D002118:Calcium