Catalytically potent and selective clusterzymes for modulation of neuroinflammation through single-atom substitutions

Nat Commun. 2021 Jan 7;12(1):114. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-20275-0.

Abstract

Emerging artificial enzymes with reprogrammed and augmented catalytic activity and substrate selectivity have long been pursued with sustained efforts. The majority of current candidates have rather poor catalytic activity compared with natural molecules. To tackle this limitation, we design artificial enzymes based on a structurally well-defined Au25 cluster, namely clusterzymes, which are endowed with intrinsic high catalytic activity and selectivity driven by single-atom substitutions with modulated bond lengths. Au24Cu1 and Au24Cd1 clusterzymes exhibit 137 and 160 times higher antioxidant capacities than natural trolox, respectively. Meanwhile, the clusterzymes demonstrate preferential enzyme-mimicking catalytic activities, with Au25, Au24Cu1 and Au24Cd1 displaying compelling selectivity in glutathione peroxidase-like (GPx-like), catalase-like (CAT-like) and superoxide dismutase-like (SOD-like) activities, respectively. Au24Cu1 decreases peroxide in injured brain via catalytic reactions, while Au24Cd1 preferentially uses superoxide and nitrogenous signal molecules as substrates, and significantly decreases inflammation factors, indicative of an important role in mitigating neuroinflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants
  • Brain / enzymology
  • Catalase
  • Catalysis
  • Cell Line
  • Enzymes / chemistry*
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / chemistry
  • Inflammation*
  • Male
  • Metals / chemistry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Models, Molecular
  • Neurons / enzymology*
  • Neurons / immunology
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Superoxide Dismutase / chemistry
  • Superoxides

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Enzymes
  • Metals
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Superoxides
  • Catalase
  • Glutathione Peroxidase
  • Superoxide Dismutase