Structural rigidification of microtubules by peptide-based encapsulation of nanostructures

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K15699
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 37010:Bio-related chemistry
• Research Institution: Tottori University
• Principal Investigator: Inaba Hiroshi 鳥取大学, 工学研究科, 准教授 (00778011)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 微小管 / チューブリン / ペプチド / タンパク質 / Tau / 金属ナノ粒子 / ナノマテリアル / アクティブマター

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Microtubules are tubular cytoskeletons composed of tubulin proteins. The construction of nanomaterials using microtubules has attracted attention. Recently, proteins that bind to the inner surface of microtubules have been discovered, and it is assumed to contribute to the structural stabilization of microtubules. However, there have been no examples of introduction of exogenous nanostructures inside microtubules. In this study, we aimed to control the structures and functions of microtubules by introducing proteins and metal nanoparticles into microtubules using Tau-derived peptide TP, which is a binding motif to the inner surface of microtubules. Green fluorescent protein (GFP), gold nanoparticles, and magnetic nanoparticles were encapsulated in microtubules and the structures and properties of microtubules changed according to their encapsulated molecules.

Free Research Field

タンパク質化学、ペプチド化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年微小管の内部空間に結合する様々なタンパク質が発見され、その存在意義が注目を集めているものの、内部にナノサイズの構造体を人工的に導入した例はなかった。本研究は人工的に導入したナノ構造体によって微小管の構造や性質が変化することを示した初めての例であり、微小管の理解が深まることに加え、微小管を用いたナノデバイスや分子ロボットなどのマテリアル開発や、細胞内微小管の構造・機能制御による細胞操作など、様々な分野への展開が期待される。