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Multi-functional DNA nanostructures that puncture and remodel lipid membranes into hybrid materials

Author

Listed:
  • Oliver Birkholz

    (University of Osnabrück)

  • Jonathan R. Burns

    (University College London)

  • Christian P. Richter

    (University of Osnabrück)

  • Olympia E. Psathaki

    (University of Osnabrück)

  • Stefan Howorka

    (University College London)

  • Jacob Piehler

    (University of Osnabrück)

Abstract

Synthetically replicating key biological processes requires the ability to puncture lipid bilayer membranes and to remodel their shape. Recently developed artificial DNA nanopores are one possible synthetic route due to their ease of fabrication. However, an unresolved fundamental question is how DNA nanopores bind to and dynamically interact with lipid bilayers. Here we use single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to establish that DNA nanopores carrying cholesterol anchors insert via a two-step mechanism into membranes. Nanopores are furthermore shown to locally cluster and remodel membranes into nanoscale protrusions. Most strikingly, the DNA pores can function as cytoskeletal components by stabilizing autonomously formed lipid nanotubes. The combination of membrane puncturing and remodeling activity can be attributed to the DNA pores’ tunable transition between two orientations to either span or co-align with the lipid bilayer. This insight is expected to catalyze the development of future functional nanodevices relevant in synthetic biology and nanobiotechnology.

Suggested Citation

  • Oliver Birkholz & Jonathan R. Burns & Christian P. Richter & Olympia E. Psathaki & Stefan Howorka & Jacob Piehler, 2018. "Multi-functional DNA nanostructures that puncture and remodel lipid membranes into hybrid materials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-02905-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02905-w
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    Cited by:

    1. Jianxin Yang & Tianle Pan & Zhenming Xie & Wu Yuan & Ho-Pui Ho, 2024. "In-tube micro-pyramidal silicon nanopore for inertial-kinetic sensing of single molecules," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Katya Ahmad & Abid Javed & Conor Lanphere & Peter V. Coveney & Elena V. Orlova & Stefan Howorka, 2023. "Structure and dynamics of an archetypal DNA nanoarchitecture revealed via cryo-EM and molecular dynamics simulations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.

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