DNA Nanodevices as Mechanical Probes of Protein Structure and Function

DNA nanotechnology has reported a wide range of structurally tunable scaffolds with precise control over their size, shape and mechanical properties. One promising application these nanodevices is as probes for protein function or determination structure. In this perspective we cover several recent examples in field, including determining the effect ligand spacing multivalency on cell activation, applying forces at nanoscale, helping to solve structure by cryo-EM. We also highlight some future directions chemistry necessary integrating proteins nanoscaffolds, well opportunities computational modeling hybrid protein-DNA nanomaterials.