Self-assembly of DNA-β-sheet peptide conjugates into emergent micrometer-sized rods

Peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates can unite DNA nanotechnology with peptide self-assembly to create new and unusual nanostructures. We have created the first conjugate of DNA to a Waltz peptide – a class of β-sheet peptides which are important in the study of biological amyloids. Multi-micrometer rods have been identified which are attributable to peptide-dominated assembly. These results could lead to new ways to interface with amyloid, as well as demonstrating the range of self-assembled structures possible with DNA-peptide conjugates.