We have exploited the self-assembling properties of archaeal-derived protein Lsm alpha to generate new supramolecular forms based on its stable ring-shaped heptamer. We show that engineered ring tectons incorporating cysteine sidechains on obverse faces of the Lsm alpha(7) toroid are capable of forming paired and stacked formations. A Cys-modified construct, N10C/E61C-Lsm alpha, appears to organize into disulfide mediated tube formations up to 45 nm in length. We additionally report fabrication of cage-like protein clusters through conjugation of Cu2+ to His-tagged variants of the Lsm alpha 7 tecton. These 400 kDa protein capsules are seen as cube particles with visible pores, and are reversibly dissembled into their component ring tectons by EDTA. The beta-rich Lsm alpha supramolecular assemblies described are amenable to further fusion modifications, or for surface attachment, so providing potential for future applications that exploit the RNA-binding capacity of Lsm proteins, such as sensing applications. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.