Work

Mammalian sprouty proteins assemble into large monodisperse particles having the properties of intracellular nanobatteries

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: Sprouty proteins act as intracellular inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Here we show that the mammalian Sprouty2 protein contains an iron-sulfur complex that can exist in an oxidized, reduced, or nitrosylated state. Purified Sprouty2 assembles into large monodisperse spheres containing approximately 24 polypeptides per particle. Biochemical experiments indicate that the charge state of the iron within Sprouty2 particles may be insulated from ambient intracellular redox. These features offer the possibility that Sprouty2 particles are capable of receiving, maintaining, and dissipating electrical charge in a manner formally equivalent to a battery.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0506714102

Authors: Xinle Wu, Peter B. Alexander, Ying He, Masahide Kikkawa, Pia D. Vogel, Steven L. McKnight

Institutions: Southern Methodist University, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Metalloenzymes and iron-sulfur proteins

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Awards: G5474155629, G6375309614, GENETICS & BIOCHEMISTRY OF NEURONAL PAS DOMAIN PROTEINS