RESUMEN
Here we report a recombinant protein (MS) obtained by genetic fusion of a mussel foot protein (Mfp3) motif into a silk spidroin (MaSp1). The MS not only self-assembled into a supramolecular fibre, as does the parent MaSp1, but also showed enhanced adhesiveness resulting from the DOPA-containing Mfp3 portion. The successful incorporation of the wet adhesiveness of Mfp3 into the well-structured assembly of MaSp1 may provide a new insight for the genetic design of underwater adhesive recombinant proteins by utilizing the structural features of a spidroin protein.
Asunto(s)
Materiales Biocompatibles/metabolismo , Proteínas de Insectos/metabolismo , Proteínas/metabolismo , Adhesividad , Animales , Materiales Biocompatibles/química , Proteínas de Insectos/química , Mytilus , Proteínas/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/química , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Seda/química , Seda/metabolismo , ArañasRESUMEN
Proteins with repetitive motifs play vital structural and adhesive functions in nature. Some repeat proteins in particular have adapted to harsh aquatic surroundings to support the survival and reproduction of organisms. Significant effort has been made to identify aquatic repeat proteins with attractive properties and functions to be used as novel biomaterials. Examples of such proteins include matrix proteins from pearl oysters, minicollagens from sea anemones, cement proteins from sandcastle worms, and byssal proteins from marine mussels. Here, several repetitive motifs from aquatic proteins are reviewed, and their characteristic properties are linked to practical uses in three aspects of aquatic life: defense, shelter, and attachment. Some repetitive motifs interact with minerals and consequently generate strong outer cover of shells, and some motifs relate with sticky nature, which contribute to organisms' habitation by adhering themselves in harsh aquatic environments. Other motifs, such as silk- or collagen-like motifs, are also involved in structural rigidity as shown in mussel's byssus and egg membrane. Thus, understanding aquatic repetitive motifs will provide clues about biomedical and biotechnological applications of engineered biomaterials in wet environments.