Method for constructing artificial DNA nanopores by self-assembly of membrane-spanning DNA modified with hydrophobic molecules

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K17991
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 62010:Life, health and medical informatics-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu Institute of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Sato Yusuke 九州工業大学, 大学院情報工学研究院, 准教授 (60830560)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: DNAナノテクノロジー / ナノポア / 脂質膜 / リポソーム / 人工細胞 / 分子ロボット

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We designed multiple DNA double helices with sticky ends to self-assemble into a nanopore structure. In our experiments, we confirmed that DNA double helices modified with hydrophobic molecules localized on the surface of cell-sized lipid vesicles and penetrated the membrane. These DNAs successfully hybridized with each other on the membrane. Additionally, we observed a change in the lateral diffusion velocity of the DNA molecules before and after hybridization. Furthermore, our results suggest that six different types of membrane-penetrating DNA could form nanopores on the lipid membrane. We also developed a new method to purify hydrophobic molecule-modified DNA nanostructures.

Free Research Field

DNAナノテクノロジー

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

細胞は物質である生体分子が自己集合・自己組織化を通して機能的な分子システムへと組み上がることで構成されている．本研究で得られた成果は，機能を持たない単量体の集合が機能的状態を創り出すための手がかりとなる可能性が期待できる．また，生体分子ナノポアはセンシングなどの工学的応用が期待されており，本研究成果は高度なセンシングデバイスを構築するための基盤技術としての発展が期待できる．