Nano-channels in the spider fang for the transport of Zn ions to cross-link His-rich proteins pre-deposited in the cuticle matrix

We identify the presence of multiple vascular channels within the spider fang. These channels seem to serve the transport of zinc to the tip of the fang to cross-link the protein matrix by binding to histidine residues. According to amino acid and elemental analysis of fangs extracted shortly after...

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Veröffentlicht in:Ventricular Restraint Improves Outcomes in HF Patients with CRT. - 2011. - Amsterdam [u.a.]
1. Verfasser: Politi, Yael (VerfasserIn)
Weitere Verfasser: Pippel, Eckhard (BerichterstatterIn), Licuco-Massouh, Ana C.J. (BerichterstatterIn), Bertinetti, Luca (BerichterstatterIn), Blumtritt, Horst (BerichterstatterIn), Barth, Friedrich G. (BerichterstatterIn), Fratzl, Peter (BerichterstatterIn)
Format: Online-Aufsatz
Sprache:English
Veröffentlicht: 2017transfer abstract
Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk:Ventricular Restraint Improves Outcomes in HF Patients with CRT
Schlagworte:Spider fang EELS Metal ion coordination XAS Biomaterials
Umfang:9
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:We identify the presence of multiple vascular channels within the spider fang. These channels seem to serve the transport of zinc to the tip of the fang to cross-link the protein matrix by binding to histidine residues. According to amino acid and elemental analysis of fangs extracted shortly after ecdysis, His-rich proteins are deposited before Zn is incorporated into the cuticle. Microscopic and spectroscopic investigations in the electron microscope and synchrotron radiation experiments suggest that Zn ions are transported through these channels in a liable (yet unidentified) form, and then form stable complexes upon His binding. The resulting cross-linking through the Zn–His complexes is conferring hardness to the fang. Our observations of nano-channels serving the Zn-transport within the His-rich protein matrix of the fibre reinforced spider fang may also support recent bio-inspired attempts to design artificial polymeric vascular materials for self-healing and in-situ curing.
We identify the presence of multiple vascular channels within the spider fang. These channels seem to serve the transport of zinc to the tip of the fang to cross-link the protein matrix by binding to histidine residues. According to amino acid and elemental analysis of fangs extracted shortly after ecdysis, His-rich proteins are deposited before Zn is incorporated into the cuticle. Microscopic and spectroscopic investigations in the electron microscope and synchrotron radiation experiments suggest that Zn ions are transported through these channels in a liable (yet unidentified) form, and then form stable complexes upon His binding. The resulting cross-linking through the Zn–His complexes is conferring hardness to the fang. Our observations of nano-channels serving the Zn-transport within the His-rich protein matrix of the fibre reinforced spider fang may also support recent bio-inspired attempts to design artificial polymeric vascular materials for self-healing and in-situ curing.
Beschreibung:9
DOI:10.1016/j.asd.2016.06.001