Nanotechnological applications based on bacterial encapsulins

Javier M. Rodríguez, Carolina Allende-Ballestero, Jeroen J.L.M. Cornelissen, José R. Castón*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)
67 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Encapsulins are proteinaceous nanocontainers, constructed by a single species of shell protein that self-assemble into 20–40 nm icosahedral particles. Encapsulins are structurally similar to the capsids of viruses of the HK97-like lineage, to which they are evolutionarily related. Nearly all these nanocontainers encase a single oligomeric protein that defines the physiological role of the complex, although a few encapsulate several activities within a single particle. Encapsulins are abundant in bacteria and archaea, in which they participate in regulation of oxidative stress, detoxification, and homeostasis of key chemical elements. These nanocontainers are physically robust, contain numerous pores that permit metabolite flux through the shell, and are very tolerant of genetic manipulation. There are natural mechanisms for efficient functionalization of the outer and inner shell surfaces, and for the in vivo and in vitro internalization of heterologous proteins. These characteristics render encapsulin an excellent platform for the development of biotechnological applications. Here we provide an overview of current knowledge of encapsulin systems, summarize the remarkable toolbox developed by researchers in this field, and discuss recent advances in the biomedical and bioengineering applications of encapsulins.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1467
JournalNanomaterials
Volume11
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021

Keywords

  • Encapsulated enzymes
  • Encapsulin-based-nanotechnology
  • Encapsulins
  • Nanocompartments

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