Artificial signal transduction triggered by molecular photoisomerization in lipid membranes

Inspired by the light-dependent signal transduction in nature, we herein report a fully synthetic receptor AZO with the capacity of transmembrane signaling, working by photo-induced change of molecular conformation. Our receptor has an anchoring group, a rigid and photoresponsive transmembrane unit and a precatalyst tailgroup. After doping in lipid membranes, AZO is membrane anchored and the extended trans-isomer enables the tailgroup to bind with intravesicular Zn2+, thereby achieving enzyme activation and triggering downstream events (ester hydrolysis). However, the shortened cis-isomer pulls the tailgroup into lipids, thereby preventing the complexation and all transduction processes. Upon alternative irradiation of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, the transduction process can be reversible switch between “ON” and “OFF”, achieving light signal transduction. This study provides a new strategy for future design of artificial signal transduction receptors. [Display omitted] An azobenzene-based artificial receptor was synthesized to simulate light-regulated transmembrane signaling by molecular photoisomerization in lipid membranes. The significant change of molecular conformation and length between trans- and cis-isomer facilitates reversible “ON” and “OFF” control of transduction process.