Trapped enzyme reveals its unexpected shape-shifting ability
Metamorphic protein confined in nanopore found to switch between different 3D shapes as it catalyses a redox reaction
An enzyme shifts rapidly between at least four different 3D shapes as it catalyses a chemical reaction, researchers have discovered. Observing this enzymatic metamorphosis was made possible by trapping individual molecules inside nanopores in an electric field. The approach could aid understanding of how enzymes work, useful for boosting their power or even for engineering artificial enzymes.