Programmable DNA Origami Caps for Site-Selective Functionalization of Microtubule Tips and Lattice Defects

Abstract

Microtubules are central components of cytoskeletal transport systems and have been widely repurposed as active elements in motor-driven nanodevices. However, site-specific functionalization of stabilized microtubules remains a fundamental challenge, as the tubulin lattice presents chemically indistinguishable binding sites along its length. Here we report a strategy for selective end-functionalization of stabilized microtubules using DNA origami nanostructures. By coupling DNA origami to Fab fragments targeting acetylated -tubulin Lys40 within the microtubule lumen, and exploiting steric exclusion of the origami from the lattice interior, binding is confined to accessible sites at microtubule ends and lattice defects. Using a six-helix bundle origami as a minimal construct, we demonstrate selective tip labelling of gliding microtubules without perturbing kinesin-driven motility. The same structures additionally mark lattice defects, enabling dynamic visualization of defect sites during transport. Furthermore, we show that tip-bound origami can hybridize with complementary DNA strands to capture cargo from surfaces in motion, establishing programmable, end-specific loading. This approach introduces a generalizable route to spatially controlled functionalization of cytoskeletal filaments, enabling new capabilities in molecular transport, nanoscale assembly, and the study of microtubule integrity and repair.