Control of protein oligomerization symmetry by metal coordination: C2 and C3 symmetrical assemblies through Cu(II) and Ni(II) coordination.

We describe the metal-dependent self-assembly of symmetrical protein homooligomers from protein building blocks that feature appropriately engineered metal-chelating motifs on their surfaces. Crystallographic studies indicate that the same four-helix-bundle protein construct, MBPC-1, can self-assemble into C(2) and C(3) symmetrical assemblies dictated by Cu(II) and Ni(II) coordination, respectively. The symmetry inherent in metal coordination can thus be directly applied to biological self-assembly.