Encapsulin nanocompartment

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Thermotoga maritima encapsulin

Encapsulin nanocompartment is a protein-based structure found in various bacteria and archaea. These nanocompartments are naturally occurring protein shells that encapsulate enzymes and other proteins, protecting them from the external environment and controlling their access to substrates. Encapsulins are considered a part of the microcompartment family, which includes well-known structures such as carboxysomes and metabolosomes. However, encapsulins are distinct in their structure, formation, and function.

Structure and Formation

Encapsulin nanocompartments are typically composed of a single type of protein that assembles into a spherical shell with a diameter ranging from 20 to 40 nanometers. The shell is made up of 60 or more identical protein subunits that self-assemble into a T=1, T=3, or T=4 icosahedral symmetry. The interior of the encapsulin nanocompartment can house various cargo proteins, which are targeted to the interior through specific peptide sequences.

Function

The primary function of encapsulin nanocompartments is to encapsulate specific enzymes and proteins, thereby creating a unique microenvironment for biochemical reactions. This encapsulation can enhance the efficiency of metabolic pathways by increasing substrate concentration, protecting sensitive enzymes from degradation, and segregating toxic or reactive intermediates. Encapsulins have been found to encapsulate enzymes involved in oxidative stress response, such as catalases and peroxidases, suggesting a role in cellular defense mechanisms.

Biotechnological Applications

Due to their stability, specificity, and ability to encapsulate a wide range of enzymes, encapsulin nanocompartments have garnered interest for various biotechnological applications. These include targeted drug delivery, where encapsulins could be engineered to deliver therapeutic enzymes or compounds directly to specific tissues or cells. Additionally, encapsulins have potential in biocatalysis, serving as nanoreactors for specific chemical reactions, and in the development of novel biosensors.

Research and Discovery

The discovery and characterization of encapsulin nanocompartments have been facilitated by advances in structural biology, particularly cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), which has allowed for the high-resolution imaging of these structures. Ongoing research aims to elucidate the mechanisms of protein targeting and encapsulation, as well as to explore the diversity of encapsulin systems across different organisms.

See Also

• Protein complex
• Nanotechnology
• Synthetic biology
• Protein engineering

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