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Cited by 0Supramolecular Self-Assembly in MaterialsAdvanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniquesSupramolecular Chemistry and Complexes

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Restoring intracellular homeostasis disrupted by synthetic nanoassemblies

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Xing, Jiaqi, Zheng, Xiaoran, Ren, Yong, Schuler, Maximilian, Ng, David Y. W., Weil, Tanja, Wegner, Seraphine V., Synatschke, Christopher V.·2026·Nature Chemical Biology
DOI 10.1038/s41589-026-02279-x

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Abstract

Cells have evolved to defend against perturbations by maintaining their intrinsic homeostasis to survive. However, no intrinsic pathway exists for them to expel new-to-biology synthetic nanostructures. Here we establish crosstalk between supramolecular transformations and genetic responses, achieving programmable influx–efflux cycles of nanoassemblies in living bacterial cells to restore redox and energy homeostasis. Specifically, a model photosensitizer–peptide conjugate undergoes multiple redox cycles between methionine and methionine sulfoxide (MetO), resulting in reversible morphological transformations between nanofibers (NFs) and nanoparticles (NPs). Upon irradiation, the oxidized peptide NPs are internalized into bacteria. To counteract the perturbations caused by internalized NPs, engineered bacteria activate the expression of MetO reductases in response to photo-oxidative stress. The internalized NPs are intracellularly enzymatically reduced such that they are expelled as reduced NFs, setting the stage for subsequent cycles. The concept presented here paves the way for the interlinked network between dynamic supramolecular assemblies and cellular regulatory behaviors.

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Metadata

Authors
Xing, J., Zheng, X., Ren, Y., Schuler, M., Ng, D. Y. W., Weil, T., Wegner, S. V., & Synatschke, C. V.
Affiliations
  • Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (DE)
  • University of Münster (DE)
Corresponding author
  • Wegner, Seraphine V.
  • Synatschke, Christopher V.
ORCID
Venue
Nature Chemical Biology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2026-07-17
Volume
22
Issue
10
Pages
1676-1684
ISSN
  • 1552-4450 (ISSN-L)
  • 1552-4469
DOI
10.1038/s41589-026-02279-x
OpenAlex
W4409955382
Cited by
0
References
1
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Nature Chemical Biology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • ChemRxiv (acceptedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • MPG.PuRe (Max Planck Society) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Fraunhofer and Max Planck cooperation program
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 1459/2 2025 – 433682494)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
  • Physical Sciences › Chemistry › Organic Chemistry › Supramolecular Chemistry and Complexes
Keywords
intracellular homeostasis, redox homeostasis, energy homeostasis, methionine sulfoxide, methionine sulfoxide reductase, bacterial internalization, photooxidative stress, engineered bacteria
MeSH terms
Escherichia coli, Homeostasis, Methionine, Oxidation-Reduction, Peptides, Photosensitizing Agents, Oxidative Stress, Nanostructures, Nanoparticles, Nanofibers

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