Aerolysin enables modular, non-genetic functionalization of living cell surfaces
Methods for installing synthetic functions on living cell surfaces provide powerful approaches for imaging, sensing, and manipulating cell behavior, but many require genetic modification of the target cell or chemical modification of the plasma membrane. Here, we repurpose the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein (GPI-AP)-binding toxin aerolysin as a modular chassis for non-genetic…
Researchers have discovered a way to modify living cell surfaces without genetic engineering or chemical changes to the plasma membrane. They utilized the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein (GPI-AP)-binding toxin aerolysin as a versatile platform for attaching various functional elements to the cell surface. A non-toxic, single-unit aerolysin mutant exhibited strong binding to cells, even when fused with different protein cargo.
This aerolysin fusion effectively labeled multiple cell types and remained attached to the surface for up to 24 hours. Furthermore, aerolysin could be combined with SpyTag/SpyCatcher to enable modular assembly with other independently expressed proteins. The researchers also demonstrated aerolysin's capability to facilitate functional modifications, such as biotinylation of extracellular proteins and covalent attachment of synthetic DNA to living cells.
This DNA hairpin sensor converts nuclease activity into a fluorescent signal, distinguishing cells based on extracellular nuclease activity. In summary, aerolysin serves as a genetically encoded, non-toxic adapter for attaching proteins, enzymes, and programmable nucleic acids onto living cells, enabling functional rather than merely optical surface modifications.
Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
