New research from Université de Montréal elucidates two mechanisms for controlling molecular switches that enable living organisms to respond to time across varying scales—from microseconds to months. These molecular switches, composed of proteins or nucleic acids, function as timers, activating or deactivating based on environmental cues. By recreating these switches, researchers have provided insights into the dual mechanisms of activation: the “induced-fit” mechanism, where an activating molecule quickly opens a closed structure (like a door), and the “conformational selection” mechanism, reliant on the spontaneous opening of the structure.
Using DNA, the scientists engineered a 5-nanometer-wide nanodoor to compare these mechanisms, discovering that the induced-fit switch activates much faster. This programmability could revolutionize nanomedicine, particularly in drug delivery, allowing for tailored release rates of medications. The findings explain how different biological processes evolved to employ these mechanisms based on their timing needs. The study indicates potential enhancements in nanotechnology and sheds light on evolutionary biology, providing a framework for creating more effective drug delivery systems with controlled release times. The research is detailed in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
