Abstract
We describe the triggered assembly of a bioinspired DNA origami meshwork on a lipid membrane. DNA triskelia, three-armed DNA origami nanostructures inspired by the membrane-modifying protein clathrin, are bound to lipid mono- and bilayers using cholesterol anchors. Polymerization of triskelia, triggered by the addition of DNA staples, links triskelion arms to form a mesh. Using transmission electron microscopy, we observe nanoscale local deformation of a lipid monolayer induced by triskelion polymerization that is reminiscent of the formation of clathrin-coated pits. We also show that the polymerization of triskelia bound to lipid bilayers modifies interactions between them, inhibiting the formation of a synapse between giant unilamellar vesicles and a supported lipid bilayer.
Highlights
M uch of our understanding of membrane biology arises from direct observation of active cellular membrane processes, including the dynamic modulation of the size, shape, and properties of the membrane by the action of membrane-associated proteins.[1]
White arrows point to bridges, visible on some of the electron micrographs. (E) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph of lipid monolayer to which flat triskelion dimers were attached before their polymerization was triggered by addition of DNA polymerization staples with 6 nt sticky ends linking arms 2 and 3
Curved triskelia form denser, less regular, networks (Figure 1F). In both cases distinct, isolated, clusters, approximately circular in projection, are observed after, but not before, triskelion polymerization (Figure 1E and F, Supporting Figures S11−S13). These structures are consistent with local deformation of the monolayers induced by the formation of triskelion arrays and are similar to TEM images of clathrin-coated pits on lipid monolayers.[25−27] In the case of flat triskelia, the circular clusters are frequently partly circumscribed by high-contrast crescent-shaped regions, characteristic of the projection image of a partially collapsed bleb.[28]
Summary
M uch of our understanding of membrane biology arises from direct observation of active cellular membrane processes, including the dynamic modulation of the size, shape, and properties of the membrane by the action of membrane-associated proteins.[1]. We observe nanoscale membrane deformations, which resemble the effects of clathrin assembly, when DNA origami triskelia are polymerized on a lipid monolayer coating an EM grid.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
