Compartmentalization is one of the main strategies by which nature allows for control over many biological processes. For the proper functioning of living cells, organelles, small compartments within the cell, are essential. Researchers are working on ways to make artificial organelles that add new functionalities to cells or correct dysfunctional processes in cells, for example as a therapy for metabolic diseases. This can be achieved by using synthetic components to produce artificial organelles outside the cell or by using components made in the cell. And it’s the latter approach that Suzanne Timmermans explored for her Ph.D. research through the use of protein nanoparticles.
For her Ph.D. research, Suzanne Timmermans used protein nanoparticle to develop artificial organelles that could do new jobs in the cell. These microscopic particles are composed of viral capsids (the protein shells of viruses) to which a stabilizing protein domain was added.
Timmermans demonstrated that the nanoparticles are stable over prolonged times under conditions that are comparable to those inside cells. This is crucial for the correct functioning of an artificial organelle, as it would be very destructive if it were to disintegrate and lose its function inside the cell. In addition, the stabilizing domains enable the nanoparticles to react to their environment by changing their size. The natural processes in the cell often demonstrate such responsive behavior, so it is very important to mimic this.
Active component
To have a particular function in the cell, an artificial organelle must contain an active component. Enzymes are excellent candidates, as these protein catalysts can be produced by cells, they are naturally active inside cells, and many enzymes with all kinds of functionalities are known.
The protein nanoparticles used by Timmermans consist of an empty core. She demonstrated that it is feasible to encapsulate enzymes in that core. This was achieved both outside of cells and within living cells. Specifically, the latter finding is very promising for the development of an artificial organelle.
Beneficial effect on and inside cells
Finally, Timmermans evaluated whether the artificial organelles have a beneficial effect on and inside cells. First, she employed the activity of the encapsulated enzymes for the production of a compound that could be used by the cell to produce a certain protein. Next, she evaluated whether encapsulation inside the artificial organelle could protect the enzyme from rapid degradation by so-called proteases. This aspect of the project proved very challenging to prove, and this project is still in development.
Altogether, Timmermans’s research has advanced knowledge on the development of artificial organelles that are produced inside cells. Important challenges that still have to be overcome are the realization of the activity of the artificial organelles inside cells, the regulation of this activity by specific signals, and the detection of the organelles inside cells. By collaborating with different scientific disciplines and by employing the developments that have been made with other protein nanoparticles, Timmermans hopes that these hurdles can be overcome in the future.
News
Primordial Fuel: Uncovering Hydrogen’s Role at the Origin of Life
Hydrogen gas, dubbed the energy of the future, has been providing energy since 4 billion years ago. A recent study reveals how hydrogen gas, often touted as the energy source of tomorrow, provided energy [...]
COVID-19 Had a Much Greater Impact on Life Expectancy Than Previously Thought
A recent study published in The Lancet never-before-seen unprecedented details on the exceptionally high death rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic both within nations and internationally. Regions including Mexico City, Peru, and Bolivia experienced some of the most [...]
Molecular Majesty: This Is How the Body’s Building Blocks Are Made
Human cells contain ribosomes, a complex machine that produces proteins for the rest of the body. Now the researchers have come closer to understanding how the ribosome works. “It is amazing that we can [...]
U.S. issue warning about return of potentially deadly virus
The American South has been under constant duress from extreme weather events spurred by rising global temperatures, but the region could face a different kind of threat that it hasn't experienced in over a century: yellow fever. [...]
Climate Change Ignites Global Infectious Disease Alarm
Experts highlight the connection between climate change and infectious diseases, urging medical professionals to prepare for new disease patterns and advocate for climate action. A team of infectious diseases experts called for more awareness [...]
How Lignin Nanoparticles Enhance UV Protection in Sunscreen Formulas
The innovative realm of cosmetic science has recently spotlighted lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) for their exceptional potential in fortifying sun protection measures within skincare products. These nanoparticles are celebrated for their superior ability to block [...]
mRNA lipid nanoparticles for next-generation oral cancer tumor suppressor therapy
A study aiming to develop a lipid nanoparticles (LNP) platform for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) utilizing p53 mRNA was presented at the 102nd General Session of the IADR, which was held in conjunction [...]
Scientists have literally cut HIV out of cells
HIV has been completely eliminated from cells in a laboratory, raising hopes of a future cure. Researchers completed the revolutionary task by using a gene-editing tool known as Crispr-Cas, which won the Nobel Prize in 2020, [...]
Common Medication Could Save Half a Million Lives Each Year – So Why Isn’t It?
A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Southern California sheds light on the reasons why children are not receiving an affordable and effective diarrhea treatment. Medical professionals in developing nations are [...]
X Marks the Spot: AI’s Treasure Maps Lead to Early Disease Detection
Medical diagnostics expert, doctor’s assistant, and cartographer are all fair titles for an artificial intelligence model developed by researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. Their new model accurately identifies tumors [...]
Scientists Discover Method To Identify Alzheimer’s Disease Before It Progresses to Dementia
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a method to identify Alzheimer’s disease before it progresses to dementia, potentially opening up new avenues for treatment. A groundbreaking study could pave the way for early detection [...]
Startling Discovery: COVID-19 Virus Can Stay in the Body More Than a Year After Infection
The COVID-19 virus can persist in the blood and tissue of patients for more than a year after the acute phase of the illness has ended, according to new research from UC San Francisco that offers potential [...]
New bioengineered protein design shows promise in fighting COVID-19
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have been racing to develop effective treatments and preventatives against the virus. A recent scientific breakthrough has emerged from the work of researchers aiming to combat [...]
Sugar-coated gold nanoparticles can quickly eliminate bacterial infections, no antibiotics required
If left to their own devices, bacteria on our teeth or wounded skin can encase themselves in a slimy scaffolding, turning into what is called biofilm. These bacteria wreak havoc on our tissue and, [...]
Liquid Lightning: Nanotechnology Unlocks New Energy
EPFL researchers have discovered that nanoscale devices harnessing the hydroelectric effect can harvest electricity from the evaporation of fluids with higher ion concentrations than purified water, revealing a vast untapped energy potential. Evaporation is a natural [...]
Unmasking the Illusion: AI-Generated Faces Challenge Perceptions
Research shows survey participants duped by AI-generated images nearly 40 percent of the time. If you recently had trouble figuring out if an image of a person is real or generated through artificial intelligence [...]