Abstract
We introduce a family of protein nanoparticles capable of sensing analytes in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The new sensors are derived from the iron storage protein ferritin (Ft); they are designed and optimized using facile protein engineering methods, and self-assembled in cells harboring specific combinations of DNA coding sequences. As illustration, we show that suitably constructed Ft-based sensors can report activity of the important neural signaling enzyme protein kinase A (PKA). Phosphorylation of the engineered Ft-based nanoparticles by PKA promotes clustering and changes in T(2)-weighted MRI signal.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Biosensing Techniques / methods
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CREB-Binding Protein / chemistry
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CREB-Binding Protein / metabolism
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Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / chemistry
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Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / metabolism
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Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / analysis*
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Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism
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Ferritins / chemistry*
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Ferritins / metabolism
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
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Nanoparticles / chemistry*
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Phosphorylation
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
Substances
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Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
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Ferritins
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CREB-Binding Protein
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Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases