Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Max E. Distler, John P. Cavaliere, Michelle H. Teplensky, Michael Evangelopoulos, Chad A. Mirkin
Summary: A DNA dendron vaccine consisting of an adjuvant DNA strand that splits into multiple DNA branches with conjugated peptide antigens is reported. This vaccine demonstrated effective immune activation and potent cancer killing capabilities. The structure of the vaccine played a critical role in its efficacy in treating a mouse cancer model.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuoxing Jiang, Nibedita Pal, Fan Hong, Nour Eddine Fahmi, Huiyu Hu, Matthew Vrbanac, Hao Yan, Nils G. Walter, Yan Liu
Summary: Controlling the nucleation step of a self-assembly system is crucial for engineering structural complexity and dynamic behaviors. This study investigates the inherent dynamics of three general nucleation modes in DNA tile-based self-assembly and reveals temperature-dependent kinetics and a nucleation-growth model are key factors. The assembly of tiles can be externally regulated by the hosting frame and an UV-responsive trigger, offering a general strategy for controlling the self-assembly process.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sara Martorell, Angel Maquieira, Luis A. Tortajada-Genaro
Summary: A biosensing system was developed for accurately detecting single nucleotide changes in the target organism genome. This system integrates selective isothermal amplification and a sensitive dendron-mediated DNA hybridization assay. The use of dendrons as crosslinkers and the preparation of allele-specific probes using click-chemistry allowed for the creation of forest-array chips compatible with current microarray fabrication technologies. The developed approach exhibited sensitive recognition of DNA variants and was successfully applied to detect a specific mutation in the PIK3CA gene from clinical samples.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ling Xin, Xiaoyang Duan, Na Liu
Summary: Proteins in living organisms often form dimers and oligomers through self-association, providing new functions at intermolecular interfaces. Using a DNA-assembled system, researchers have created building blocks with rotary and walking modules, introducing new motion through dimerization and oligomerization. Inspired by biological oligomers, the authors have combined rotation and walking in DNA dimers and oligomers to create higher-order systems with complex conformational changes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joshua Pajak, Rockney Atz, Brendan J. Hilbert, Marc C. Morais, Brian A. Kelch, Paul J. Jardine, Gaurav Arya
Summary: Research has identified the crucial role of a glutamate-switch residue in coupling ATP binding to DNA gripping in viral packaging ATPases. Through molecular dynamics simulations and experimental validation, a signaling pathway mediated by the glutamate switch that regulates conformational transitions upon ATP hydrolysis has been revealed in the study.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Arnab Mukherjee, Ambroise de Izarra, Jeril Degrouard, Enrick Olive, Prabal K. Maiti, Yun Hee Jang, Yves Lansac
Summary: The process of packaging the paternal genome into tiny sperm nuclei during spermatogenesis involves a high level of DNA compaction, mainly mediated by protamine, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Research has shown that DNA condensates formation can be reversibly controlled by adjusting the protamine-to-DNA ratio, providing valuable insights for understanding early and intermediate stages of spermatogenesis. This reversible microscopic mechanism induced by protamination modulation could also potentially improve the efficiency of recent vaccines using protamine for virus infections and cancers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Karanpreet Gill, Xueli Mei, Elizabeth R. Gillies
Summary: This study prepared hydrogels from self-immolative dendrons and demonstrated controlled hydrogel degradation in response to light. The study compared hydrogel properties as a function of dendron generation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Shimaa A. Abdellatef, Hisashi Tadakuma, Kangmin Yan, Takashi Fujiwara, Kodai Fukumoto, Yuichi Kondo, Hiroko Takazaki, Rofia Boudria, Takuo Yasunaga, Hideo Higuchi, Keiko Hirose, Andrew P. Carter
Summary: The bending of cilia and flagella is caused by the oscillatory movement of dynein molecules. Researchers constructed a simple model system to study the oscillation of dynein and found that it can cause repetitive bending motions even without additional regulatory structures.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Aijiao Yuan, Hang Xiao, Fan Yang, Huifang Hao, Xiaoyan Wang, Jinhua Li, Minghua Jin, Qiang Zhao, Rui Sha, Zhaojia Deng, Hanyong Peng
Summary: The rapid development of DNA nanotechnology allows for the programmable operation of advanced DNA walkers, which mimic the function of protein motors in living organisms. These walkers require four main components for construction, including motor, track, energy, and cargo, and can autonomously perform specific functions following a predesigned trajectory with nanometer precision. Recent research has focused on improving the progressivity, speed, and directionality of DNA walkers, and new DNA nano techniques have shown powerful signal amplification during their operation. This review covers the breakthrough design and principle of walking systems and highlights the recent application of DNA walkers for signal amplification in living cells. The engineered DNA walkers have great potential for diverse applications, such as imaging intracellular molecules, modulating cellular functions, and facilitating drug delivery.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dengxue Qin, Zhiyu Xue, Meng Du, Xin Wang, Ying Xue, Dingguo Xu
Summary: Surface topography modification is a promising tissue engineering technology that provides an adjustable geometric microenvironment for the implant-tissue interface. Nanogrooves can affect the amount and arrangement of apatite deposition, which plays a crucial role in the formation of bionic bone tissue in the preferred direction.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dan Li, Tingting Zhao, Jing Chen, Jiaheng Shi, Junhao Wang, Yue Yin, Shuwei Chen, Shenghao Xu, Xiliang Luo
Summary: This study presents a DNA computation-mediated DNAzyme platform for spatiotemporally controlled ultrasensitive AND-gated molecular imaging of c-MYC. The platform incorporates a photo-cleavable linker to enable AND-gated imaging, and employs strand displacement amplification and gold nanopyramids to enhance fluorescence. The designed AND-gate sensing mechanism has been validated in cell and inhibitor-treated cell experiments, showing improved fluorescence intensity and detection limit. The study demonstrates the promising potential of the designed platform for precise molecular imaging.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Runfang Mao, Evan Pretti, Jeetain Mittal
Summary: This study investigates the nature of diffusionless transformations during the assembly of DNA-functionalized particles (DFPs) and demonstrates that reversible structural rearrangements between BCC and FCC structures can be driven by changing temperature. The findings have important implications for the design of reconfigurable crystalline materials and are applicable to experimentally realizable systems.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xin Shi, Anna-Katharina Pumm, Christopher Maffeo, Fabian Kohler, Elija Feigl, Wenxuan Zhao, Daniel Verschueren, Ramin Golestanian, Aleksei Aksimentiev, Hendrik Dietz, Cees Dekker
Summary: In this study, we experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of developing functional synthetic turbines at the nanoscale by rationally designing nanoscale DNA origami turbines. These turbines can utilize transmembrane electrochemical potentials to rotate autonomously and operate in physiological conditions. This research opens new possibilities for engineering active robotics at the nanoscale.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jian Zhao, Zhenghan Di, Lele Li
Summary: DNA-based biosensor technologies have great potential in chemical and biological detection, particularly in molecular imaging and non-invasive diagnosis. However, improving the precision of spatial-temporal imaging remains a challenge. This Minireview discusses the combination of engineered, light-activatable DNA-based biosensors and upconversion nanotechnology for spatiotemporally selective molecular imaging, highlighting its application in intracellular organelle imaging, signal amplification, and protein targeting regulation.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Di Lu, Bin Chen
Summary: In this study, we constructed a state map for the translocation process of a single FtsK(C) on a single DNA chain and investigated the movement of single or multiple FtsK(C) motors on DNA chains with varied branch topologies. Our findings suggest the potential application of FtsK(C) motors, together with DNA chains of specific branch topology, as strain sensors in hydrogels.
ACTA MECHANICA SINICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yawei Sun, Bo Yang, Yi Hua, Yuanchen Dong, Jianhan Ye, Jiqian Wang, Lijin Xu, Dongsheng Liu
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tianyang Cao, Haoyang Jia, Yuanchen Dong, Songbai Gui, Dongsheng Liu
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chao Wang, Jiafang Piao, Yujie Li, Xiancheng Tian, Yuanchen Dong, Dongsheng Liu
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qing Liu, Kaiwei Wan, Yingxu Shang, Zhen-Gang Wang, Yiyang Zhang, Luru Dai, Chen Wang, Hui Wang, Xinghua Shi, Dongsheng Liu, Baoquan Ding
Summary: Self-assembling, histidine-rich peptides are capable of catalyzing H2O2 reduction reactions through the formation of periodic arrays of histidine residues, similar to haem-dependent peroxidases. These findings may have implications for the design of advanced biomimetic catalytic materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Yujie Li, Chenyou Zhu, Yuanchen Dong, Dongsheng Liu
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taoyang Yuan, Yu Shao, Xu Zhou, Qian Liu, Zhichao Zhu, Bini Zhou, Yuanchen Dong, Nicholas Stephanopoulos, Songbai Gui, Hao Yan, Dongsheng Liu
Summary: Researchers have developed a DNA hydrogel to repair spinal cord gap in rats, promoting proliferation and differentiation of stem cells for functional recovery. This hydrogel system shows great potential in clinical trials and could be adaptable to other tissue regeneration applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiezhong Shi, Chenyou Zhu, Qian Li, Yujie Li, Liangxiao Chen, Bo Yang, Jiang-Fei Xu, Yuanchen Dong, Chengde Mao, Dongsheng Liu
Summary: A novel kinetically interlocking multiple-units (KIMU) supramolecular polymerization system with DNA double crossover backbone is designed, showing stable polymer formation at ultralow monomer concentrations. Additionally, a pH-responsive DNA supramolecular hydrogel with high mechanical strength is constructed by introducing a half i-motif domain into the DNA monomer, offering potential for smart materials like DNA nanostructures, motors, and hydrogels.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bo Yang, Zhihan Zhao, Yufan Pan, Jiayin Xie, Bini Zhou, Yujie Li, Yuanchen Dong, Dongsheng Liu
Summary: A novel supramolecular DNA hydrogel system has been developed, featuring shear-thinning, designable responsiveness, and good biocompatibility. By programming the linker sequence, thermal and metal-ion responsiveness can be introduced into this hydrogel system.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xin Yan, Bo Yang, Yourong Chen, Yifan Song, Jing Ye, Yufan Pan, Bini Zhou, Yuqing Wang, Fengbiao Mao, Yuanchen Dong, Dongsheng Liu, Jiakuo Yu
Summary: The DNA supramolecular hydrogel has been shown to provide excellent protection for MSCs against shear forces, promoting quality cartilage formation, reducing osteophyte formation, and normalizing subchondral bone under high friction conditions of OA. This material has potential as a promising cell delivery system for various MSCs therapies.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Jin, Yujie Li, Sijia Song, Yuqiao Ding, Yuanchen Dong, Yao Lu, Dongsheng Liu, Chun Zhang
Summary: DNA supramolecular hydrogel is evaluated as a potential artificial vitreous substitute, showing similar physical properties to human vitreous body and demonstrating enormous potential in clinical practice.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cheng Zhang, Xueying Ma, Xuedong Zheng, Yonggang Ke, Kuiting Chen, Dongsheng Liu, Zuhong Lu, Jing Yang, Hao Yan
Summary: A general and programmable strategy for allosteric DNA regulations was developed, allowing precise control through varying the dimensions, positions, and number of conformational signals. This strategy enables the creation of fan-out/fan-in DNA gates, multiple-layer DNA cascading networks, and long-range allosteric signal transmission. It has significant implications for nano-engineering, chemical, and biomedical applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyong Zhao, Yuanchen Dong, Zongze Duan, Dou Jin, Wei Yuan, Dongsheng Liu
Summary: Utilizing the amphiphilicity of DNA-organic molecular amphiphiles, self-assembly and hierarchically assemblies have been demonstrated, providing novel-specific properties, which have become a research hotspot in the fields of biomedicine and materials science.
Article
Polymer Science
Bo Yang, Li-mei Sun, Yu-fan Pan, Yuan-chen Dong, Ya-wei Sun, Dong-sheng Liu
Summary: DNA, as a natural polymer, has been widely investigated in functional devices and materials. The introduction of unnatural bases has led to the development of light-responsive DNA materials, which can be controlled through UV light to regulate DNA hybridization. The resulting photo-responsive DNA hydrogel exhibits efficient and fast-responsive characteristics.
ACTA POLYMERICA SINICA
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bini Zhou, Yuanchen Dong, Dongsheng Liu
Summary: DNA motors with designability, functionalization, and diverse secondary structures allow for the construction of stimuli-responsive systems, widely used in generating mechanical power under external stimuli like pH, light, heat, and chemical signals. Recent progress in constructing and applying DNA motor-based functional systems has shown great potential in responsive nanodevices, modified surfaces, and hydrogels for applications in smart devices and materials, particularly in controllable drug delivery and reversible molecular switching.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jiezhong Shi, Ziwei Shi, Yuanchen Dong, Fen Wu, Dongsheng Liu
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2020)
