Article
Evaluation of a symmetry-based strategy for assembling protein complexes
RSC Advances
(2011)
Abstract
We evaluate a strategy for assembling proteins into large cage-like structures, based on the symmetry associated with the native protein's quaternary structure. Using a trimeric protein, KDPG aldolase, as a building block, two fusion proteins were designed that could assemble together upon mixing. The fusion proteins, designated A-(+) and A-(−), comprise the aldolase domain, a short, flexible spacer sequence, and a sequence designed to form a heterodimeric antiparallel coiled-coil between A-(+) and A-(−). The flexible spacer is included to minimize constraints on the ability of the fusion proteins to assemble into larger structures. On incubating together, A-(+) and A-(−) assembled into a mixture of complexes that were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography coupled to multi-angle laser light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Our analysis indicates that, despite the inherent flexibility of the assembly strategy, the proteins assemble into a limited number of globular structures. Dimeric and tetrameric complexes of A-(+) and A-(−) predominate, with some evidence for the formation of larger assemblies; e.g. octameric A-(+) : A-(−) complexes.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2011
DOI
10.1039/C1RA00282A
Citation Information
Patterson, D. P., Desai, A. S., Banaszak Holl, M. M., & Marsh, E. N. G. (2011). Evaluation
of a symmetry-based strategy for assembling protein complexes. RSC Advances, 1(6),
1004–1012.