Generic and reversible opto-trapping of biomolecules

Acta Biomaterialia
Hannes M BeyerMaximilian Hörner

Abstract

Molecular traps can control activity and abundance of many biological factors. Here, we report the development of a generic opto-trap to reversibly bind and release biomolecules with high spatiotemporal control by illumination with non-invasive and cell-compatible red and far-red light. We use the Arapidopsis thaliana photoreceptor phytochrome B to regulate the release of diverse proteins from a variety of material scaffolds. Fusion of a short 100 amino acids "PIF-tag", derived from the phytochrome interacting factor 6, renders arbitrary molecules opto-trap-compatible. Reversible opto-trapping of target molecules enables novel possibilities for future developments in diagnostics, therapeutics, and basic research. The investigation of cellular signaling events or the development of complex therapeutics and integrative diagnostic devices requires the deliberate control of biomolecule abundance and activity. During recent years, the use of natural photoreceptors within cells leveraged the control of diverse cellular events, benefiting from the superior spatial and temporal control characteristics of light as compared to conventional chemical stimuli. Concurrently, biological switches entailing intrinsic compatibility toward biolog...Continue Reading

Citations

Mar 14, 2019·Frontiers in Immunology·Maximilian HörnerWolfgang W A Schamel
Jul 23, 2020·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Ahanjit BhattacharyaNeal K Devaraj
Jun 3, 2021·Journal of the American Chemical Society·Emily J HartzellWilfred Chen
Sep 19, 2019·ACS Synthetic Biology·Maximilian HörnerWilfried Weber

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