Emergent properties of melanin-inspired peptide/RNA condensates

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310569120
• Publication Date: 2023-10-23T19:03:42Z
• Authors: Amit Netzer; Itai Katzir; Avigail Baruch Le...; Michal Weitman; Ayala Lampel
• Keywords: Compartmentalization (fire protection)

Most biocatalytic processes in eukaryotic cells are regulated by subcellular microenvironments such as membrane-bound or membraneless organelles. These natural compartmentalization systems have inspired the design of synthetic compartments composed a variety building blocks. Recently, emerging field liquid–liquid phase separation has facilitated biomolecular condensates proteins and nucleic acids, with controllable properties including polarity, diffusivity, surface tension, encapsulation efficiency. However, utilizing phase-separated optical sensors not yet been attempted. Here, we were biosynthesis melanin pigments, key process that is organelles, to minimalistic emergent properties. Melanins ubiquitous pigment materials range functionalities photoprotection, coloration, free radical scavenging activity. Their confined melanosomes involves oxidation-polymerization tyrosine (Tyr), catalyzed enzyme tyrosinase. We now developed formed an interaction between Tyr-containing peptide RNA can serve both microreactors substrates for Importantly, partitioning Tyr into subsequent gives rise unique far-red fluorescence. demonstrate individual detect tyrosinase activity, limit detection similar fluorescent probes. This approach opens opportunities utilize designer diagnostic tools various disorders involving abnormal enzymatic