Size dictates mechanical properties for protein fibers self-assembled by the Drosophila hox transcription factor ultrabithorax.
Biomacromolecules
; 11(12): 3644-51, 2010 Dec 13.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21047055
The development of protein-based materials with diverse mechanical properties will facilitate the realization of a broad range of potential applications. The recombinant Drosophila melanogaster transcription factor Ultrabithorax self-assembles under mild conditions in aqueous buffers into extremely extensible materials. By controlling fiber diameter, both the mechanism of extension and the magnitude of the mechanical properties can be varied. Narrow Ultrabithorax fibers (diameter <10 µm) extend elastically, whereas the predominantly plastic deformation of wide fibers (diameter >15 µm) reflects the increase in breaking strain with increasing diameter, apparently due to a change in structure. The breaking stress/strain of the widest fibers resembles that of natural elastin. Intermediate fibers display mixed properties. Fiber bundles retain the mechanical properties of individual fibers but can withstand much larger forces. Controlling fiber size and generating fiber superstructures is a facile way to manipulate the mechanical characteristics of protein fibers and rationally engineer macroscale protein-based materials with desirable properties.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Factores de Transcripción
/
Proteínas
/
Proteínas de Homeodominio
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Proteínas de Drosophila
/
Fenómenos Mecánicos
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Biomacromolecules
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
Año:
2010
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos