2022 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report
| Project/Area Number |
22J23271
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Research Institution | The University of Tokyo |
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Principal Investigator |
YUAN WEI 東京大学, 工学系研究科, 特別研究員(DC1)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2022-04-22 – 2025-03-31
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| Keywords | Peptide Helix / Peptide Dynamics |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
Peptide helix is a common structure found in the biological world. It plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, such as signal transmission and cargo transfer, that take place on the cell membrane. To mimic the dynamics of peptide helix in the cell membrane, I have developed a synthetic analogue known as AibMOF. This analogue is a crystalline framework made up of peptides acting as pillars. The peptides in the framework are spaced apart by specific distances to allow for dynamic movement. Through NMR spectroscopy, I was able to observe the dynamic helix inversion of peptides within the peptide framework. Furthermore, by exchanging the guest molecules inside the framework, I could control the movement of the peptides.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
I have gathered sufficient data to characterize the dynamic helix inversion in the AibMOF system. The spectra clearly indicate that the signals associated with the P and M helical structures coalesce and split reversibly, indicating that the helices are dynamically inverting in the crystalline state.
Moreover, I was able to manipulate the dynamics by replacing the guest molecules within the framework. Interestingly, when the AibMOF was soaked in toluene instead of DMF, there was no temperature-dependent coalescence behavior.
Based on these observations, a potential mechanism has been proposed. The difference in behavior between the two scenarios may be attributed to alterations in dipole-dipole interactions between peptides when different guest molecules occupy the framework.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
When AibMOF accommodates a chiral guest, the frameworks potentially recognize and memorize the chiral information by biasing the helical handedness. To control the helical screw-sense, MOF crystals are immersed in enantiopure liquids (2-butanol, limonene, etc.). Due to the intrinsic porosity, the MOF crystals can incorporate chiral molecules as guests. With a possible interaction with chiral guest molecules, the Aib pillars are expected to keep a handedness preference. Moreover, we have a chance to rewrite the helicity upon guest exchange.
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