Cryo-EM Resolves Molecular Recognition Of An Optojasp Photoswitch Bound To Actin Filaments In Both Switch States

Actin is essential for key processes in all eukaryotic cells. Cellpermeable optojasps provide spatiotemporal control of the actin cytoskeleton, confining toxicity and potentially rendering F-actin druggable by photopharmacology. Here, we report cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of both isomeric states of one optojasp bound to actin filaments. The high-resolution structures reveal for the first time the pronounced effects of photoswitching a functionalized azobenzene. By characterizing the optojasp binding site and identifying conformational changes within F-actin that depend on the optojasp isomeric state, we refine determinants for the design of functional F-actin photoswitches.

Automated summary

This study presents the structures of a cell-permeable optojasp bound to actin filaments and highlights the effects of photoswitching a functionalized azobenzene for the first time. Analyzing the binding site and conformational changes within F-actin dependent on the optojasp isomeric state refines the determinants for designing functional F-actin photoswitches.