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Construction of functional microtubules and artificial motile systems based on peptide design

Polymer Journal volume 55, pages 1261–1274 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

Peptides are versatile molecular tools that can self-assemble and participate in molecular recognition processes. Our group has developed rationally designed peptides that (1) bind to the inside of microtubules and (2) cause light-induced peptide nanofiber growth. This focus review describes the construction of new bio-nanoarchitectures using these peptide-based technologies. A newly developed Tau-derived peptide was used to encapsulate various nanomaterials inside microtubules, thereby modulating the structure and function of the microtubules. Moreover, the propulsion of micrometer-sized spheres driven by light-induced peptide nanofiber growth was accomplished. These methods represent new concepts for bio-nanomaterials that mimic, control and surpass natural systems.

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Acknowledgements

I sincerely thank Prof. Kazunori Matsuura (Tottori University, Japan) and the colleagues and students of Matsuura Laboratory, especially those who are listed in the cited references, for their intensive efforts and achievements. I appreciate Dr. Arif Md. Rashedul Kabir, Prof. Kazuki Sada (Hokkaido University, Japan), and Prof. Akira Kakugo (Kyoto University, Japan) for their continuous support of the experiments, such as the motility assay of microtubules. I appreciate Dr. Takashi Iwasaki (Tottori University, Japan) for help with the protein expression and cell experiments. I appreciate Dr. Muneyoshi Ichikawa (Fudan University, China) and Prof. Tomoya Tsukazaki (Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Japan) for the EM measurements of microtubules and Dr. Hideki Shigematsu (Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Japan) for the help with the cryo-EM measurements of microtubules. I appreciate Dr. Tomonori Tamura and Prof. Itaru Hamachi (Kyoto University, Japan) for the analysis of photoaffinity labeling. I appreciate Dr. Kazusato Oikawa and Prof. Keiji Numata (Kyoto University, Japan) for the analysis of protein expression in plants. I appreciate Prof. Akira Shigenaga (Fukuyama University, Japan) and Prof. Akira Otaka (Tokushima University, Japan) for providing photocleavable amino acids. This work was supported by KAKENHI (No. 17K14517 and 19K15699 for HI) from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), ACT-X (JPMJAX2012 for HI) and the FOREST Program (JPMJFR2034 for HI) from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Inamori Foundation, the Konica Minolta Science and Technology Foundation for Konica Minolta Imaging Science Encouragement Award, the Iketani Science and Technology Foundation, and the Kato Memorial Bioscience Foundation. I thank Edanz (https://jp.edanz.com/ac) for editing a draft of this manuscript.

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  1. Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, 680-8552, Japan

    Hiroshi Inaba

  2. Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, Koyama-Minami 4-101, Tottori, 680-8552, Japan

    Hiroshi Inaba

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Inaba, H. Construction of functional microtubules and artificial motile systems based on peptide design. Polym J 55, 1261–1274 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41428-023-00838-w

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