Designed ankyrin repeat proteins as scaffolds for multivalent recognition

Biomacromolecules. 2012 Jul 9;13(7):1996-2002. doi: 10.1021/bm300455f. Epub 2012 Jun 21.

Abstract

Ankyrin repeat (AR) proteins are composed of tandem repeats of a basic structural motif of ca. 33 amino acid residues that form a β-turn followed by two antiparallel α-helices. Multiple repeats stack together in a modular fashion to form a scaffold that is ideally suited for the presentation of multiple functional groups and/or recognition elements. Here we describe a biosynthetic strategy that takes advantage of the modular nature of these proteins to generate multivalent ligands that are both chemically homogeneous and structurally well-defined. Glycosylated AR proteins cluster the tetrameric lectin concanavalin A (Con A) at a rate that is comparable to the rate of Con A aggregation mediated by globular protein conjugates and variable density linear polymers. Thus, AR proteins define a new class of multivalent ligand scaffolds that have significant potential application in the study and control of a variety of multivalent interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Ankyrin Repeat
  • Ankyrins / biosynthesis
  • Ankyrins / chemistry*
  • Ankyrins / genetics
  • Concanavalin A / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli
  • Glycosylation
  • Models, Molecular
  • Particle Size
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Engineering
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Recombinant Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Ankyrins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Concanavalin A