Essential to elucidating fundamental biological processes is first gaining precise and reversible external control over proteins without altering their natural structure. To achieve this goal, we developed an aptamer-based, noninvasive, photoresponsive nanoplatform capable of reversible and quantitative regulation of target protein activity. Protein-specific aptamers equipped with several light-responsive molecules were functionalized onto the surfaces of nanoparticles. Adjusting light irradiation allowed the light-responsive molecules to drive the conformational switch of aptamer between the blocked status and liberated status. In this way, the target proteins were captured around the nanoparticle or released into the medium, thus leading to inhibition or activation of the protein, respectively. Moreover, modulating light irradiation allowed quantitative control of protein activity.

阐明基本生物学过程的关键是首先获得对蛋白质的精确且可逆的外部控制，而不改变其天然结构。为了实现此目标，我们开发了基于适体的，非侵入性的，光响应性纳米平台，能够对靶蛋白活性进行可逆和定量的调节。配备了几个光响应分子的蛋白质特异性适体被官能化到纳米颗粒的表面上。调节光照射允许光响应分子驱动适体的构象转换在阻断状态和释放状态之间。以这种方式，靶蛋白被捕获在纳米颗粒周围或释放到介质中，从而分别导致蛋白的抑制或活化。而且，