Scientists Create Self-Assembling Molecular Motors in Protein Film
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have created a protein film that synthesizes its own molecular motors based on a DNA program, enabling autonomous movement. The material mimics cellular cytoskeletons, with DNA encoding motor proteins that cause the film to move, bend, and even stop. This innovation could lead to the development of self-directed active materials.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Weizmann Institute scientists created a protein film that autonomously synthesizes molecular motors from a DNA program.
- The material mimics cellular cytoskeletons, using protein filaments and self-made motors for movement.
- DNA programming dictates motor synthesis, causing the film to move, buckle, and break into bundles.
- Adding a "brake" gene allowed researchers to control movement, causing bending and stopping.
- The process involves rhythmic cycles of motor synthesis, movement, and self-regulation.
- This breakthrough could enable the creation of active, autonomous materials programmed genetically.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science, in collaboration with other institutions, have developed a novel material composed of protein filaments that can autonomously synthesize molecular motors and move according to a DNA program. This breakthrough mimics the way living cells use internal cytoskeletons, a network of protein filaments and molecular motors, to change shape and move. Previous efforts involved externally adding pre-made molecular motors to active materials, but this new approach enables the protein material itself to produce the necessary motors.
The study, published in Nature Materials, involved arranging microtubules in a dense layer and adding DNA along with a cell-free mixture containing the components for protein synthesis. The DNA encoded for kinesin, a motor protein that propels itself along microtubules by consuming chemical fuel. These newly synthesized motors then linked adjacent filaments, causing the protein layer to buckle, form bubbles, and break into bundles.
The researchers found that increasing the amount of programming DNA accelerated the movement, with motion beginning in as little as one hour at maximum concentration, compared to four hours at minimum. They also introduced a "brake" by adding the gene for PRC1, a protein that cross-links microtubules. At sufficient levels, PRC1 prevented the material from tearing, causing it to bend and stop instead. The synthesis of motors triggered the production of a protein that suppressed their further creation, while enzymes degraded both proteins, initiating a new cycle of activity.
This process resulted in rhythmic acceleration and deceleration of movement. The authors emphasized that the entire process is "genetically programmed and autonomous." By guiding the material with channels and grooves, they directed its deformations, causing some folds to extend several millimeters. Although motor synthesis ceased after about six hours, the material's movement continued for over ten hours as the mixture replenished the fuel for the existing motors. The scientists believe this work paves the way for creating active, autonomous materials whose behavior is dictated by genetic blueprints.