VAULTS: NATURES GARBAGE COLLECTORS

Abstract

Since the discovery of vaults, several different applications have been investigated. Vaults are the biggest known eukaryotic ribonucleoproteins. Through engineering vaults, empty structures can be produced, opening up a wide range of applications for those particles. From therapeutic applications like vaccines or delivery vehicles to enzyme stabilization for enzymatic bioremediation, recombinant vaults can be used in diverse areas. This review will highlight the different applications of engineered vaults for a wide range of therapeutic applications. It highlights the promising results of using vaults for the immobilization of enzymes, able to degrade wastewater contaminants and dramatically reduce the reproductive toxicity of the side products. Challenges and future directions will be discussed to highlight future direction and potential unexplored fields for the application of vaults.