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Imaging enzyme-triggered self-assembly of small molecules inside live cells

Author

Listed:
  • Yuan Gao

    (Brandeis University)

  • Junfeng Shi

    (Brandeis University)

  • Dan Yuan

    (Brandeis University)

  • Bing Xu

    (Brandeis University)

Abstract

Self-assembly of small molecules in water to form nanofibres, besides generating sophisticated biomaterials, promises a simple system inside cells for regulating cellular processes. But lack of a convenient approach for studying the self-assembly of small molecules inside cells hinders the development of such systems. Here we report a method to image enzyme-triggered self-assembly of small molecules inside live cells. After linking a fluorophore to a self-assembly motif to make a precursor, we confirmed by 31P NMR and rheology that enzyme-triggered conversion of the precursor to a hydrogelator results in the formation of a hydrogel via self-assembly. The imaging contrast conferred by the nanofibres of the hydrogelators allowed the evaluation of intracellular self-assembly, the dynamics and the localization of the nanofibres of the hydrogelators in live cells. This approach explores supramolecular chemistry inside cells and may lead to new insights, processes or materials at the interface of chemistry and biology.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuan Gao & Junfeng Shi & Dan Yuan & Bing Xu, 2012. "Imaging enzyme-triggered self-assembly of small molecules inside live cells," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 1-8, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:3:y:2012:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2040
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2040
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    Cited by:

    1. Da-Yong Hou & Dong-Bing Cheng & Ni-Yuan Zhang & Zhi-Jia Wang & Xing-Jie Hu & Xin Li & Mei-Yu Lv & Xiang-Peng Li & Ling-Rui Jian & Jin-Peng Ma & Taolei Sun & Zeng-Ying Qiao & Wanhai Xu & Hao Wang, 2024. "In vivo assembly enhanced binding effect augments tumor specific ferroptosis therapy," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.
    2. Yi Zhou & Peng Ke & Xiaoyan Bao & Honghui Wu & Yiyi Xia & Zhentao Zhang & Haiqing Zhong & Qi Dai & Linjie Wu & Tiantian Wang & Mengting Lin & Yaosheng Li & Xinchi Jiang & Qiyao Yang & Yiying Lu & Xinc, 2022. "Peptide nano-blanket impedes fibroblasts activation and subsequent formation of pre-metastatic niche," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Keisuke Nakamura & Ryou Kubota & Takuma Aoyama & Kenji Urayama & Itaru Hamachi, 2023. "Four distinct network patterns of supramolecular/polymer composite hydrogels controlled by formation kinetics and interfiber interactions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.

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