Abstract: Self-assembling fusion proteins and nucleic acids encoding the same are provided. The subject fusion proteins include a first dimer forming oligomerization domain and a second tetramer forming oligomerization domain rigidly linked to each other. Also provided are regular structures made up of a plurality of self-assembled fusion proteins of the subject invention, and methods for producing the same. The subject fusion proteins find use in the preparation of self-assembled nanostructures, e.g., two-dimensional layers and three-dimensional networks, which structures find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of calorimetric hybridization chain reaction (HCR) to detect the presence of one or more target analytes in a sample. In the preferred embodiments, metastable nucleic acid monomers are provided that associate in the presence of an initiator nucleic acid. Upon exposure to the initiator, the monomers self-assemble in a hybridization chain reaction. The monomers themselves may be conjugated to nano-gold particles. In other embodiments, a detection component is provided that comprises nano-gold particles and is able to bind to or associate with polymerized monomers. Thus, self-assembly of the HCR monomers leads to aggregation of nano-gold particles and a detectable change in sample color.

Abstract: Novel fusion proteins capable of self-assembling into regular structures, as well as nucleic acids encoding the same, are provided. The subject fusion proteins comprise at least two oligomerization domains rigidly linked together, e.g. through an alpha helical linking group. Also provided are regular structures comprising a plurality of self-assembled fusion proteins of the subject invention, and methods for producing the same. The subject fusion proteins find use in the preparation of a variety of nanostructures, where such structures include: cages, shells, double-layer rings, two-dimensional layers, three-dimensional crystals, filaments, and tubes.