New building block combines proteins with other molecules

proteins form complex three-dimensional shapes and can join together to create larger structures. Researchers want to utilize these properties to make artificial materials. However, arranging proteins and synthetic molecules together with a high level of structural precision is no easy task. This is partly because of the lack of large, clearly defined contact surfaces between the two components.

Researchers led by Professor Ivan Huc from the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy at LMU have teamed up with colleagues from Berlin, Bordeaux and Nantes to develop an artificial protein-foldamer pair that meets this requirement. “A specifically selected protein recognizes a synthetic molecule and binds to it with high affinity,” summarizes Huc. “The sizeable contact surface, which has a clearly defined structure, makes it possible to use the complex as a modular building block for larger molecular architectures.” The team has now presented the results in the journal Nature Chemistry.