Two-Dimensional Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets as an Enzyme Inhibitor: Modulation of the α-Chymotrypsin Activity

J Am Chem Soc. 2017 Jun 21;139(24):8312-8319. doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b03450. Epub 2017 Jun 7.

Abstract

Two-dimensional metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets are utilized as effective enzyme inhibitors, providing an inspiring means to enhance the control of cellular processes as well as improve our understanding of the surface chemistry between MOFs and enzymes. In this paper, we demonstrated that the activity of α-chymotrypsin (ChT) can be effectively inhibited with 96.9% inhibition by 2-D Cu(bpy)2(OTf)2 nanosheets, while Zn2(bim)4 nanosheets show no significant inhibition effect toward ChT. Kinetic studies revealed that the material acts as a competitive inhibitor toward ChT. Furthermore, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy reveal that the 2-D MOF nanosheets do not change the secondary structure of the enzyme. The Cu(II) center of the 2-D nanosheets binds the 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) molecules in the buffer, leading to an electrostatic interaction between the nanosheets and the enzyme. In addition, the irreversible coordination interactions between Cu(II) center and His-57 played an important role during the inhibition process, as supported by ionic strength experiments and UV absorbance changes of Cu(II) d-d transitions. As a result, the substrate is prevented from reaching the active sites of the enzyme causing enzyme inhibition. The modulation of enzyme activity by 2-D MOF nanosheets opens up a new direction for the exploration of the MOF-bio interface in physiological and catalytic systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chymotrypsin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Chymotrypsin / metabolism*
  • Kinetics
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks / chemistry
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks / pharmacology*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Particle Size
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Metal-Organic Frameworks
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Chymotrypsin
  • alpha-chymotrypsin