1
|
van der Sijs A, Visser T, Moerman P, Folkers G, Kegel W. Broccoli aptamer allows quantitative transcription regulation studies in vitro. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304677. [PMID: 38870160 PMCID: PMC11175446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Quantitative transcription regulation studies in vivo and in vitro often make use of reporter proteins. Here we show that using Broccoli aptamers, quantitative study of transcription in various regulatory scenarios is possible without a translational step. To explore the method we studied several regulatory scenarios that we analyzed using thermodynamic occupancy-based models, and found excellent agreement with previous studies. In the next step we show that non-coding DNA can have a dramatic effect on the level of transcription, similar to the influence of the lac repressor with a strong affinity to operator sites. Finally, we point out the limitations of the method in terms of delay times coupled to the folding of the aptamer. We conclude that the Broccoli aptamer is suitable for quantitative transcription measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda van der Sijs
- Van ’t Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Visser
- Van ’t Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pepijn Moerman
- Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Folkers
- Utrecht NMR Group, Bijvoet Centre fo Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Willem Kegel
- Van ’t Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
You J, Qian Y, Xiong S, Zhang P, Mukwaya V, Levi-Kalisman Y, Raviv U, Dou H. Poly(ferrocenylsilane)-Based Redox-Active Artificial Organelles for Biomimetic Cascade Reactions. Chemistry 2024:e202401435. [PMID: 38739532 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Artificial organelles serve as functional counterparts to natural organelles, which are primarily employed to artificially replicate, restore, or enhance cellular functions. While most artificial organelles exhibit basic functions, we diverge from this norm by utilizing poly(ferrocenylmethylethylthiocarboxypropylsilane) microcapsules (PFC MCs) to construct multifunctional artificial organelles through water/oil interfacial self-assembly. Within these PFC MCs, enzymatic cascades are induced through active molecular exchange across the membrane to mimic the functions of enzymes in mitochondria. We harness the inherent redox properties of the PFC polymer, which forms the membrane, to facilitate in-situ redox reactions similar to those supported by the inner membrane of natural mitochondria. Subsequent studies have demonstrated the interaction between PFC MCs and living cell including extended lifespans within various cell types. We anticipate that functional PFC MCs have the potential to serve as innovative platforms for organelle mimics capable of executing specific cellular functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi You
- The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering., Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yonghui Qian
- The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering., Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Shuhan Xiong
- The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering., Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering., Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Vincent Mukwaya
- The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering., Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yael Levi-Kalisman
- Institute of Life Sciences and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Uri Raviv
- Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hongjing Dou
- The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering., Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Maffeis V, Heuberger L, Nikoletić A, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Synthetic Cells Revisited: Artificial Cells Construction Using Polymeric Building Blocks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305837. [PMID: 37984885 PMCID: PMC10885666 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The exponential growth of research on artificial cells and organelles underscores their potential as tools to advance the understanding of fundamental biological processes. The bottom-up construction from a variety of building blocks at the micro- and nanoscale, in combination with biomolecules is key to developing artificial cells. In this review, artificial cells are focused upon based on compartments where polymers are the main constituent of the assembly. Polymers are of particular interest due to their incredible chemical variety and the advantage of tuning the properties and functionality of their assemblies. First, the architectures of micro- and nanoscale polymer assemblies are introduced and then their usage as building blocks is elaborated upon. Different membrane-bound and membrane-less compartments and supramolecular structures and how they combine into advanced synthetic cells are presented. Then, the functional aspects are explored, addressing how artificial organelles in giant compartments mimic cellular processes. Finally, how artificial cells communicate with their surrounding and each other such as to adapt to an ever-changing environment and achieve collective behavior as a steppingstone toward artificial tissues, is taken a look at. Engineering artificial cells with highly controllable and programmable features open new avenues for the development of sophisticated multifunctional systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
| | - Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
| | - Anamarija Nikoletić
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Steinkühler J, Peruzzi JA, Krüger A, Villaseñor CG, Jacobs ML, Jewett MC, Kamat NP. Improving Cell-Free Expression of Model Membrane Proteins by Tuning Ribosome Cotranslational Membrane Association and Nascent Chain Aggregation. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:129-140. [PMID: 38150067 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free gene expression (CFE) systems are powerful tools for transcribing and translating genes outside of a living cell. Synthesis of membrane proteins is of particular interest, but their yield in CFE is substantially lower than that for soluble proteins. In this paper, we study the CFE of membrane proteins and develop a quantitative kinetic model. We identify that ribosome stalling during the translation of membrane proteins is a strong predictor of membrane protein synthesis due to aggregation between the ribosome nascent chains. Synthesis can be improved by the addition of lipid membranes, which incorporate protein nascent chains and, therefore, kinetically compete with aggregation. We show that the balance between peptide-membrane association and peptide aggregation rates determines the yield of the synthesized membrane protein. We define a membrane protein expression score that can be used to rationalize the engineering of lipid composition and the N-terminal domain of a native and computationally designed membrane proteins produced through CFE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Steinkühler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Bio-Inspired Computation, Kiel University, Kaiserstraße 2, 24143 Kiel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, Christian-Albrechts-Platz 4, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Justin A Peruzzi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Antje Krüger
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Citlayi G Villaseñor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Miranda L Jacobs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michael C Jewett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Neha P Kamat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Powers J, Jang Y. Advancing Biomimetic Functions of Synthetic Cells through Compartmentalized Cell-Free Protein Synthesis. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5539-5550. [PMID: 37962115 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cells are artificial constructs that mimic the structures and functions of living cells. They are attractive for studying diverse biochemical processes and elucidating the origins of life. While creating a living synthetic cell remains a grand challenge, researchers have successfully synthesized hundreds of unique synthetic cell platforms. One promising approach to developing more sophisticated synthetic cells is to integrate cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) mechanisms into vesicle platforms. This makes it possible to create synthetic cells with complex biomimetic functions such as genetic circuits, autonomous membrane modifications, sensing and communication, and artificial organelles. This Review explores recent advances in the use of CFPS to impart advanced biomimetic structures and functions to bottom-up synthetic cell platforms. We also discuss the potential applications of synthetic cells in biomedicine as well as the future directions of synthetic cell research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Powers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Yeongseon Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gao R, Yu X, Kumar BVVSP, Tian L. Hierarchical Structuration in Protocellular System. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300422. [PMID: 37438327 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Spatial control is one of the ubiquitous features in biological systems and the key to the functional complexity of living cells. The strategies to achieve such precise spatial control in protocellular systems are crucial to constructing complex artificial living systems with functional collective behavior. Herein, the authors review recent advances in the spatial control within a single protocell or between different protocells and discuss how such hierarchical structured protocellular system can be used to understand complex living systems or to advance the development of functional microreactors with the programmable release of various biomacromolecular payloads, or smart protocell-biological cell hybrid system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xinran Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | | | - Liangfei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Innovation Center for Smart Medical Technologies & Devices, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang X, Qiao X, Chen H, Wang L, Liu X, Huang X. Synthetic-Cell-Based Multi-Compartmentalized Hierarchical Systems. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201712. [PMID: 37069779 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In the extant lifeforms, the self-sustaining behaviors refer to various well-organized biochemical reactions in spatial confinement, which rely on compartmentalization to integrate and coordinate the molecularly crowded intracellular environment and complicated reaction networks in living/synthetic cells. Therefore, the biological phenomenon of compartmentalization has become an essential theme in the field of synthetic cell engineering. Recent progress in the state-of-the-art of synthetic cells has indicated that multi-compartmentalized synthetic cells should be developed to obtain more advanced structures and functions. Herein, two ways of developing multi-compartmentalized hierarchical systems, namely interior compartmentalization of synthetic cells (organelles) and integration of synthetic cell communities (synthetic tissues), are summarized. Examples are provided for different construction strategies employed in the above-mentioned engineering ways, including spontaneous compartmentalization in vesicles, host-guest nesting, phase separation mediated multiphase, adhesion-mediated assembly, programmed arrays, and 3D printing. Apart from exhibiting advanced structures and functions, synthetic cells are also applied as biomimetic materials. Finally, key challenges and future directions regarding the development of multi-compartmentalized hierarchical systems are summarized; these are expected to lay the foundation for the creation of a "living" synthetic cell as well as provide a larger platform for developing new biomimetic materials in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qiao
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Haixu Chen
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoman Liu
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu C, Fracassi A, Baryiames CP, Bhattacharya A, Devaraj NK, Baiz CR. Sponge-phase Lipid Droplets as Synthetic Organelles: An Ultrafast Study of Hydrogen Bonding and Interfacial Environments. Chemphyschem 2023; 24:e202300404. [PMID: 37486881 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Bottom-up design of biomimetic organelles has gained recent attention as a route towards understanding the transition between non-living matter and life. Despite various artificial lipid membranes being developed, the specific relations between lipid structure, composition, interfacial properties, and morphology are not currently understood. Sponge-phase droplets contain dense, nonlamellar lipid bilayer networks that capture the complexities of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), making them ideal artificial models of such organelles. Here, we combine ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interfacial H-bond networks in sponge-phase droplets composed of glycolipid and nonionic detergents. In the sponge phase, the interfacial environments are more hydrated and water molecules confined to the nanometer-scale aqueous channels in the sponge phase exhibit dynamics that are significantly slower compared to bulk water. Surfactant configurations and microscopic phase separation play a dominant role in determining membrane curvature and slow dynamics observed in the sponge phase. The studies suggest that H-bond networks within the nanometer-scale channels are disrupted not only by confinement but also by the interactions of surfactants, which extend 1-2 nm from the bilayer surface. The results provide a molecular-level description for controlling phase and morphology in the design of synthetic lipid organelles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Xu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E. 24th St. Stop A5300, 78712-1224, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Alessandro Fracassi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, 92093, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christopher P Baryiames
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E. 24th St. Stop A5300, 78712-1224, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ahanjit Bhattacharya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, 92093, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Neal K Devaraj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Natural Sciences Building 3328, 92093, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carlos R Baiz
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E. 24th St. Stop A5300, 78712-1224, Austin, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Takinoue M. DNA droplets for intelligent and dynamical artificial cells: from the viewpoint of computation and non-equilibrium systems. Interface Focus 2023; 13:20230021. [PMID: 37577000 PMCID: PMC10415743 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2023.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Living systems are molecular assemblies whose dynamics are maintained by non-equilibrium chemical reactions. To date, artificial cells have been studied from such physical and chemical viewpoints. This review briefly gives a perspective on using DNA droplets in constructing artificial cells. A DNA droplet is a coacervate composed of DNA nanostructures, a novel category of synthetic DNA self-assembled systems. The DNA droplets have programmability in physical properties based on DNA base sequence design. The aspect of DNA as an information molecule allows physical and chemical control of nanostructure formation, molecular assembly and molecular reactions through the design of DNA base pairing. As a result, the construction of artificial cells equipped with non-equilibrium behaviours such as dynamical motions, phase separations, molecular sensing and computation using chemical energy is becoming possible. This review mainly focuses on such dynamical DNA droplets for artificial cell research in terms of computation and non-equilibrium chemical reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Takinoue
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan
- Living Systems Materialogy (LiSM) Research Group, International Research Frontiers Initiative (IRFI), Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yue K, Chen J, Li Y, Kai L. Advancing synthetic biology through cell-free protein synthesis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2899-2908. [PMID: 37216017 PMCID: PMC10196276 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of synthetic biology has enabled the production of compounds with revolutionary improvements in biotechnology. DNA manipulation tools have expedited the engineering of cellular systems for this purpose. Nonetheless, the inherent constraints of cellular systems persist, imposing an upper limit on mass and energy conversion efficiencies. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) has demonstrated its potential to overcome these inherent constraints and has been instrumental in the further advancement of synthetic biology. Via the removal of the cell membranes and redundant parts of cells, CFPS has provided flexibility in directly dissecting and manipulating the Central Dogma with rapid feedback. This mini-review summarizes recent achievements of the CFPS technique and its application to a wide range of synthetic biology projects, such as minimal cell assembly, metabolic engineering, and recombinant protein production for therapeutics, as well as biosensor development for in vitro diagnostics. In addition, current challenges and future perspectives in developing a generalized cell-free synthetic biology are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yue
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 22116, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 22116, China
| | - Yingqiu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 22116, China
| | - Lei Kai
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 22116, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Heidari A, Sentürk OI, Yang S, Joesaar A, Gobbo P, Mann S, de Greef TFA, Wegner SV. Orthogonal Light-Dependent Membrane Adhesion Induces Social Self-Sorting and Member-Specific DNA Communication in Synthetic Cell Communities. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206474. [PMID: 36599623 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Developing orthogonal chemical communication pathways in diverse synthetic cell communities is a considerable challenge due to the increased crosstalk and interference associated with large numbers of different types of sender-receiver pairs. Herein, the authors control which sender-receiver pairs communicate in a three-membered community of synthetic cells through red and blue light illumination. Semipermeable protein-polymer-based synthetic cells (proteinosomes) with complementary membrane-attached protein adhesion communicate through single-stranded DNA oligomers and synergistically process biochemical information within a community consisting of one sender and two different receiver populations. Different pairs of red and blue light-responsive protein-protein interactions act as membrane adhesion mediators between the sender and receivers such that they self-assemble and socially self-sort into different multicellular structures under red and blue light. Consequently, distinct sender-receiver pairs come into the signaling range depending on the light illumination and are able to communicate specifically without activation of the other receiver population. Overall, this work shows how photoswitchable membrane adhesion gives rise to different self-sorting protocell patterns that mediate member-specific DNA-based communication in ternary populations of synthetic cells and provides a step towards the design of orthogonal chemical communication networks in diverse communities of synthetic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Heidari
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Oya I Sentürk
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Shuo Yang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Joesaar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Pierangelo Gobbo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, 34127, Italy
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Tom F A de Greef
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jäkel AC, Heymann M, Simmel FC. Multiscale Biofabrication: Integrating Additive Manufacturing with DNA-Programmable Self-Assembly. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200195. [PMID: 36328598 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Structure and hierarchical organization are crucial elements of biological systems and are likely required when engineering synthetic biomaterials with life-like behavior. In this context, additive manufacturing techniques like bioprinting have become increasingly popular. However, 3D bioprinting, as well as other additive manufacturing techniques, show limited resolution, making it difficult to yield structures on the sub-cellular level. To be able to form macroscopic synthetic biological objects with structuring on this level, manufacturing techniques have to be used in conjunction with biomolecular nanotechnology. Here, a short overview of both topics and a survey of recent advances to combine additive manufacturing with microfabrication techniques and bottom-up self-assembly involving DNA, are given.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Jäkel
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Technical University Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748, Garching b. München, Germany
| | - Michael Heymann
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Friedrich C Simmel
- School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Technical University Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748, Garching b. München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zong W, Shao X, Li J, Chai Y, Hu X, Zhang X. Synthetic Intracellular Environments: From Basic Science to Applications. Anal Chem 2023; 95:535-549. [PMID: 36625127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Xiaotong Shao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Synthesis for Fine Chemicals, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Yunhe Chai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Optoelectronic Devices (Wenzhou), College of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou325035, China
| | - Xunan Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sieskind R, Cortajarena AL, Manteca A. Cell-Free Production Systems in Droplet Microfluidics. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 185:91-127. [PMID: 37306704 DOI: 10.1007/10_2023_224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of cell-free production systems in droplet microfluidic devices has gained significant interest during the last decade. Encapsulating DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein expression systems in water-in-oil drops allows for the interrogation of unique molecules and high-throughput screening of libraries of industrial and biomedical interest. Furthermore, the use of such systems in closed compartments enables the evaluation of various properties of novel synthetic or minimal cells. In this chapter, we review the latest advances in the usage of the cell-free macromolecule production toolbox in droplets, with a special emphasis on new on-chip technologies for the amplification, transcription, expression, screening, and directed evolution of biomolecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Sieskind
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Unité d'Architecture et de Dynamique des Macromolécules Biologiques, Paris, France
| | - Aitziber L Cortajarena
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Aitor Manteca
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li DY, Zhou ZH, Yu YL, Deng NN. Microfluidic construction of cytoskeleton-like hydrogel matrix for stabilizing artificial cells. Chem Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2022.118186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
16
|
Leathers A, Walczak M, Brady RA, Al Samad A, Kotar J, Booth MJ, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Reaction–Diffusion Patterning of DNA-Based Artificial Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:17468-17476. [PMID: 36103297 PMCID: PMC9523701 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Biological cells display complex internal architectures
with distinct
micro environments that establish the chemical heterogeneity needed
to sustain cellular functions. The continued efforts to create advanced
cell mimics, namely, artificial cells, demands strategies for constructing
similarly heterogeneous structures with localized functionalities.
Here, we introduce a platform for constructing membraneless artificial
cells from the self-assembly of synthetic DNA nanostructures in which
internal domains can be established thanks to prescribed reaction–diffusion
waves. The method, rationalized through numerical modeling, enables
the formation of up to five distinct concentric environments in which
functional moieties can be localized. As a proof-of-concept, we apply
this platform to build DNA-based artificial cells in which a prototypical
nucleus synthesizes fluorescent RNA aptamers that then accumulate
in a surrounding storage shell, thus demonstrating the spatial segregation
of functionalities reminiscent of that observed in biological cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Leathers
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Michal Walczak
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Ryan A. Brady
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 1DB, U.K
| | - Assala Al Samad
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Michael J. Booth
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, U.K
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
- fabriCELL, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Recent years have seen substantial efforts aimed at constructing artificial cells from various molecular components with the aim of mimicking the processes, behaviours and architectures found in biological systems. Artificial cell development ultimately aims to produce model constructs that progress our understanding of biology, as well as forming the basis for functional bio-inspired devices that can be used in fields such as therapeutic delivery, biosensing, cell therapy and bioremediation. Typically, artificial cells rely on a bilayer membrane chassis and have fluid aqueous interiors to mimic biological cells. However, a desire to more accurately replicate the gel-like properties of intracellular and extracellular biological environments has driven increasing efforts to build cell mimics based on hydrogels. This has enabled researchers to exploit some of the unique functional properties of hydrogels that have seen them deployed in fields such as tissue engineering, biomaterials and drug delivery. In this Review, we explore how hydrogels can be leveraged in the context of artificial cell development. We also discuss how hydrogels can potentially be incorporated within the next generation of artificial cells to engineer improved biological mimics and functional microsystems.
Collapse
|
18
|
Li J, Jamieson WD, Dimitriou P, Xu W, Rohde P, Martinac B, Baker M, Drinkwater BW, Castell OK, Barrow DA. Building programmable multicompartment artificial cells incorporating remotely activated protein channels using microfluidics and acoustic levitation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4125. [PMID: 35840619 PMCID: PMC9287423 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31898-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular compartments are functional units that support the metabolism within living cells, through spatiotemporal regulation of chemical reactions and biological processes. Consequently, as a step forward in the bottom-up creation of artificial cells, building analogous intracellular architectures is essential for the expansion of cell-mimicking functionality. Herein, we report the development of a droplet laboratory platform to engineer complex emulsion-based, multicompartment artificial cells, using microfluidics and acoustic levitation. Such levitated models provide free-standing, dynamic, definable droplet networks for the compartmentalisation of chemical species. Equally, they can be remotely operated with pneumatic, heating, and magnetic elements for post-processing, including the incorporation of membrane proteins; alpha-hemolysin; and mechanosensitive channel of large-conductance. The assembly of droplet networks is three-dimensionally patterned with fluidic input configurations determining droplet contents and connectivity, whilst acoustic manipulation can be harnessed to reconfigure the droplet network in situ. The mechanosensitive channel can be repeatedly activated and deactivated in the levitated artificial cell by the application of acoustic and magnetic fields to modulate membrane tension on demand. This offers possibilities beyond one-time chemically mediated activation to provide repeated, non-contact, control of membrane protein function. Collectively, this expands our growing capability to program and operate increasingly sophisticated artificial cells as life-like materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
| | - William D Jamieson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | | | - Wen Xu
- Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Aberconway Building, Colum Dr, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, UK
| | - Paul Rohde
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinhurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Boris Martinac
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinhurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Matthew Baker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bruce W Drinkwater
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK.
| | - Oliver K Castell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK.
| | - David A Barrow
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
A microfluidic optimal experimental design platform for forward design of cell-free genetic networks. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3626. [PMID: 35750678 PMCID: PMC9232554 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31306-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis has been widely used as a “breadboard” for design of synthetic genetic networks. However, due to a severe lack of modularity, forward engineering of genetic networks remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate how a combination of optimal experimental design and microfluidics allows us to devise dynamic cell-free gene expression experiments providing maximum information content for subsequent non-linear model identification. Importantly, we reveal that applying this methodology to a library of genetic circuits, that share common elements, further increases the information content of the data resulting in higher accuracy of model parameters. To show modularity of model parameters, we design a pulse decoder and bistable switch, and predict their behaviour both qualitatively and quantitatively. Finally, we update the parameter database and indicate that network topology affects parameter estimation accuracy. Utilizing our methodology provides us with more accurate model parameters, a necessity for forward engineering of complex genetic networks. Characterization of cell-free genetic networks is inherently difficult. Here the authors use optimal experimental design and microfluidics to improve characterization, demonstrating modularity and predictability of parts in applied test cases.
Collapse
|
20
|
Shang L, Ye F, Li M, Zhao Y. Spatial confinement toward creating artificial living systems. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:4075-4093. [PMID: 35502858 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs01025e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lifeforms are regulated by many physicochemical factors, and these factors could be controlled to play a role in the construction of artificial living systems. Among these factors, spatial confinement is an important one, which mediates biological behaviors at multiscale levels and participates in the biomanufacturing processes accordingly. This review describes how spatial confinement, as a fundamental biological phenomenon, provides cues for the construction of artificial living systems. Current knowledge about the role of spatial confinement in mediating individual cell behavior, collective cellular behavior, and tissue-level behavior are categorized. Endeavors on the synthesis of biomacromolecules, artificial cells, engineered tissues, and organoids in spatially confined bioreactors are then emphasized. After that, we discuss the cutting-edge applications of spatially confined artificial living systems in biomedical fields. Finally, we conclude by assessing the remaining challenges and future trends in the context of fundamental science, technical improvement, and practical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luoran Shang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China. .,Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. .,Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health); Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China.
| | - Ming Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China. .,Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health); Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sato W, Zajkowski T, Moser F, Adamala KP. Synthetic cells in biomedical applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 14:e1761. [PMID: 34725945 PMCID: PMC8918002 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cells are engineered vesicles that can mimic one or more salient features of life. These features include directed localization, sense-and-respond behavior, gene expression, metabolism, and high stability. In nanomedicine, many of these features are desirable capabilities of drug delivery vehicles but are difficult to engineer. In this focus article, we discuss where synthetic cells offer unique advantages over nanoparticle and living cell therapies. We review progress in the engineering of the above life-like behaviors and how they are deployed in nanomedicine. Finally, we assess key challenges synthetic cells face before being deployed as drugs and suggest ways to overcome these challenges. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wakana Sato
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN US
| | - Tomasz Zajkowski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- USRA at NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA 94035
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 600 1st Avenue, Seattle WA 98104
| | - Felix Moser
- Synlife, Inc., One Kendall Square Suite B4401, Cambridge, MA 20139
| | - Katarzyna P. Adamala
- 1 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN US
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sato Y, Takinoue M. Capsule-like DNA Hydrogels with Patterns Formed by Lateral Phase Separation of DNA Nanostructures. JACS AU 2022; 2:159-168. [PMID: 35098232 PMCID: PMC8790810 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Phase separation is a key phenomenon in artificial cell construction. Recent studies have shown that the liquid-liquid phase separation of designed-DNA nanostructures induces the formation of liquid-like condensates that eventually become hydrogels by lowering the solution temperature. As a compartmental capsule is an essential artificial cell structure, many studies have focused on the lateral phase separation of artificial lipid vesicles. However, controlling phase separation using a molecular design approach remains challenging. Here, we present the lateral liquid-liquid phase separation of DNA nanostructures that leads to the formation of phase-separated capsule-like hydrogels. We designed three types of DNA nanostructures (two orthogonal and a linker nanostructure) that were adsorbed onto an interface of water-in-oil (W/O) droplets via electrostatic interactions. The phase separation of DNA nanostructures led to the formation of hydrogels with bicontinuous, patch, and mix patterns, due to the immiscibility of liquid-like DNA during the self-assembly process. The frequency of appearance of these patterns was altered by designing DNA sequences and altering the mixing ratio of the nanostructures. We constructed a phase diagram for the capsule-like DNA hydrogels by investigating pattern formation under various conditions. The phase-separated DNA hydrogels did not only form on the W/O droplet interface but also on the inner leaflet of lipid vesicles. Notably, the capsule-like hydrogels were extracted into an aqueous solution, maintaining the patterns formed by the lateral phase separation. In addition, the extracted hydrogels were successfully combined with enzymatic reactions, which induced their degradation. Our results provide a method for the design and control of phase-separated hydrogel capsules using sequence-designed DNAs. We envision that by incorporating various DNA nanodevices into DNA hydrogel capsules, the capsules will gain molecular sensing, chemical-information processing, and mechanochemical actuating functions, allowing the construction of functional molecular systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Sato
- Frontier
Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
- Department
of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of
Technology, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takinoue
- Department
of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of
Technology, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ado G, Noda N, Vu HT, Perron A, Mahapatra AD, Arista KP, Yoshimura H, Packwood DM, Ishidate F, Sato SI, Ozawa T, Uesugi M. Discovery of a Phase-Separating Small Molecule That Selectively Sequesters Tubulin in Cells. Chem Sci 2022; 13:5760-5766. [PMID: 35694339 PMCID: PMC9116451 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc07151c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase-separated membraneless organelles or biomolecular condensates play diverse functions in cells, however recapturing their characteristics using small organic molecules has been a challenge. In the present study, cell-lysate-based screening of 843 self-assembling small molecules led to the discovery of a simple organic molecule, named huezole, that forms liquid droplets to selectively sequester tubulin. Remarkably, this small molecule enters cultured human cells and prevents cell mitosis by forming tubulin-concentrating condensates in cells. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of producing a synthetic condensate out of non-peptidic small molecules for exogenous control of cellular processes. The modular structure of huezole provides a framework for designing a class of organelle-emulating small molecules. A non-peptidic small molecule, R-huezole, phase separates to selectively sequester tubulin proteins to control the cell cycle. Its modular structure provides a framework for designing bioactive molecules to mimic membraneless organelles in cells.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genyir Ado
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
| | - Naotaka Noda
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
| | - Hue T Vu
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
| | - Amelie Perron
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University Kyoto 606-8501 Japan
| | | | - Karla Pineda Arista
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
| | - Hideaki Yoshimura
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo Tokyo 113-0033 Japan
| | - Daniel M Packwood
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University Kyoto 606-8501 Japan
| | - Fumiyoshi Ishidate
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University Kyoto 606-8501 Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Sato
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
| | - Takeaki Ozawa
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo Tokyo 113-0033 Japan
| | - Motonari Uesugi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University Uji Kyoto 611-0011 Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University Kyoto 606-8501 Japan
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai 201203 China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen Y, Yuan M, Zhang YW, Zhou S, Wang K, Wu Z, Liu J. Enzyme-active liquid coacervate microdroplets as artificial membraneless organelles for intracellular ROS scavenging. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:4588-4595. [DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00713d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Artificial organelles are microcompartments capable of performing catalytic reactions in living cells to replace absent or lost cellular functions. Coacervate microdroplets, formed via liquid-liquid phase separation, have been developed as...
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang C, Yang J, Lu Y. Modularize and Unite: Toward Creating a Functional Artificial Cell. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:781986. [PMID: 34912849 PMCID: PMC8667554 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.781986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An artificial cell is a simplified model of a living system, bringing breakthroughs into both basic life science and applied research. The bottom-up strategy instructs the construction of an artificial cell from nonliving materials, which could be complicated and interdisciplinary considering the inherent complexity of living cells. Although significant progress has been achieved in the past 2 decades, the area is still facing some problems, such as poor compatibility with complex bio-systems, instability, and low standardization of the construction method. In this review, we propose creating artificial cells through the integration of different functional modules. Furthermore, we divide the function requirements of an artificial cell into four essential parts (metabolism, energy supplement, proliferation, and communication) and discuss the present researches. Then we propose that the compartment and the reestablishment of the communication system would be essential for the reasonable integration of functional modules. Although enormous challenges remain, the modular construction would facilitate the simplification and standardization of an artificial cell toward a natural living system. This function-based strategy would also broaden the application of artificial cells and represent the steps of imitating and surpassing nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Junzhu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rubio-Sánchez R, Fabrini G, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Amphiphilic DNA nanostructures for bottom-up synthetic biology. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:12725-12740. [PMID: 34750602 PMCID: PMC8631003 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc04311k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology enables the construction of sophisticated biomimetic nanomachines that are increasingly central to the growing efforts of creating complex cell-like entities from the bottom-up. DNA nanostructures have been proposed as both structural and functional elements of these artificial cells, and in many instances are decorated with hydrophobic moieties to enable interfacing with synthetic lipid bilayers or regulating bulk self-organisation. In this feature article we review recent efforts to design biomimetic membrane-anchored DNA nanostructures capable of imparting complex functionalities to cell-like objects, such as regulated adhesion, tissue formation, communication and transport. We then discuss the ability of hydrophobic modifications to enable the self-assembly of DNA-based nanostructured frameworks with prescribed morphology and functionality, and explore the relevance of these novel materials for artificial cell science and beyond. Finally, we comment on the yet mostly unexpressed potential of amphiphilic DNA-nanotechnology as a complete toolbox for bottom-up synthetic biology - a figurative and literal scaffold upon which the next generation of synthetic cells could be built.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Giacomo Fabrini
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zheng Y, Wu Z, Lin L, Zheng X, Hou Y, Lin JM. Microfluidic droplet-based functional materials for cell manipulation. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4311-4329. [PMID: 34668510 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00618e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Functional materials from the microfluidic-based droplet community are emerging as enabling tools for various applications in tissue engineering and cell biology. The innovative micro- and nano-scale materials with diverse sizes, shapes and components can be fabricated without the use of complicated devices, allowing unprecedented control over the cells that interact with them. Here, we review the current development of microfluidic-based droplet techniques for creation of functional materials (i.e., liquid droplet, microcapsule, and microparticle). We also describe their various applications for manipulating cell fate and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Zengnan Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, China.
| | - Xiaonan Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Ying Hou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Jin-Ming Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dimitriou P, Li J, Tornillo G, McCloy T, Barrow D. Droplet Microfluidics for Tumor Drug-Related Studies and Programmable Artificial Cells. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2021; 5:2000123. [PMID: 34267927 PMCID: PMC8272004 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202000123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer drug development is a crucial step toward cancer treatment, that requires realistic predictions of malignant tissue development and sophisticated drug delivery. Tumors often acquire drug resistance and drug efficacy, hence cannot be accurately predicted in 2D tumor cell cultures. On the other hand, 3D cultures, including multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs), mimic the in vivo cellular arrangement and provide robust platforms for drug testing when grown in hydrogels with characteristics similar to the living body. Microparticles and liposomes are considered smart drug delivery vehicles, are able to target cancerous tissue, and can release entrapped drugs on demand. Microfluidics serve as a high-throughput tool for reproducible, flexible, and automated production of droplet-based microscale constructs, tailored to the desired final application. In this review, it is described how natural hydrogels in combination with droplet microfluidics can generate MCTSs, and the use of microfluidics to produce tumor targeting microparticles and liposomes. One of the highlights of the review documents the use of the bottom-up construction methodologies of synthetic biology for the formation of artificial cellular assemblies, which may additionally incorporate both target cancer cells and prospective drug candidates, as an integrated "droplet incubator" drug assay platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pantelitsa Dimitriou
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - Jin Li
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - Giusy Tornillo
- Hadyn Ellis BuildingCardiff UniversityMaindy RoadCardiffCF24 4HQUK
| | - Thomas McCloy
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| | - David Barrow
- Applied Microfluidic LaboratorySchool of EngineeringCardiff UniversityCardiffCF24 3AAUK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mizuuchi R, Ichihashi N. Translation-coupled RNA replication and parasitic replicators in membrane-free compartments. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 56:13453-13456. [PMID: 33043949 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc06606k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We report RNA self-replication through the translation of its encoded protein within membrane-free compartments generated by liquid-liquid phase separation. The aqueous droplets support RNA self-replication by concentrating a genomic RNA and translation proteins, facilitating the uptake of small substrates, and preventing the replication of parasitic RNAs through compartmentalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Mizuuchi
- Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan. and JST, PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan. and Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan and Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Li F, Yu W, Zhang J, Dong Y, Ding X, Ruan X, Gu Z, Yang D. Spatiotemporally programmable cascade hybridization of hairpin DNA in polymeric nanoframework for precise siRNA delivery. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1138. [PMID: 33602916 PMCID: PMC7893159 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21442-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA nanostructures have been demonstrated as promising carriers for gene delivery. In the carrier design, spatiotemporally programmable assembly of DNA under nanoconfinement is important but has proven highly challenging due to the complexity-scalability-error of DNA. Herein, a DNA nanotechnology-based strategy via the cascade hybridization chain reaction (HCR) of DNA hairpins in polymeric nanoframework has been developed to achieve spatiotemporally programmable assembly of DNA under nanoconfinement for precise siRNA delivery. The nanoframework is prepared via precipitation polymerization with Acrydite-DNA as cross-linker. The potential energy stored in the loops of DNA hairpins can overcome the steric effect in the nanoframework, which can help initiate cascade HCR of DNA hairpins and achieve efficient siRNA loading. The designer tethering sequence between DNA and RNA guarantees a triphosadenine triggered siRNA release specifically in cellular cytoplasm. Nanoframework provides stability and ease of functionalization, which helps address the complexity-scalability-error of DNA. It is exemplified that the phenylboronate installation on nanoframework enhanced cellular uptake and smoothed the lysosomal escape. Cellular results show that the siRNA loaded nanoframework down-regulated the levels of relevant mRNA and protein. In vivo experiments show significant therapeutic efficacy of using siPLK1 loaded nanoframework to suppress tumor growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Wenting Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Yuhang Dong
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohui Ding
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Xinhua Ruan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Centre, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Zi Gu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dayong Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lavickova B, Laohakunakorn N, Maerkl SJ. A partially self-regenerating synthetic cell. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6340. [PMID: 33311509 PMCID: PMC7733450 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20180-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-regeneration is a fundamental function of all living systems. Here we demonstrate partial molecular self-regeneration in a synthetic cell. By implementing a minimal transcription-translation system within microfluidic reactors, the system is able to regenerate essential protein components from DNA templates and sustain synthesis activity for over a day. By quantitating genotype-phenotype relationships combined with computational modeling we find that minimizing resource competition and optimizing resource allocation are both critically important for achieving robust system function. With this understanding, we achieve simultaneous regeneration of multiple proteins by determining the required DNA ratios necessary for sustained self-regeneration. This work introduces a conceptual and experimental framework for the development of a self-replicating synthetic cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Lavickova
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadanai Laohakunakorn
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian J Maerkl
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang C, Geng Y, Sun Q, Xu J, Lu Y. A Sustainable and Efficient Artificial Microgel System: Toward Creating a Configurable Synthetic Cell. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2002313. [PMID: 33241606 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Artificial cells are a powerful platform in the study of synthetic biology and other valuable fields. They share a great potential in defining and utilizing the superiority of the living system. Here, a protein synthesis system based on thermal responsive hydrogels with porous structure is reported. The hydrogels can immobilize plasmids on the surface inside their porous structure through a volume phase transition upon 34 °C, forming an aggregation state of DNAs as in nature conditions. The artificial microgels can carry out bioreactions in cell-free systems and exhibit a sustainable and efficient performance for protein translation. The protein synthesis level reaches a maximum of twice more than that in a conventional solution system when the plasmid concentration is 10-20 ng µL-1 , along with a doubled effective interval. This is perhaps attributed to confined transcription and translation processes in the near-surface area of hydrogels. Summarily, the research provides an easy-handling approach in fabricating effective microgels for cell-free synthesis and also inspirations for constructing a configurable artificial cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhao Geng
- The State Key Lab of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhong Xu
- The State Key Lab of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Benítez-Mateos AI, Zeballos N, Comino N, Moreno de Redrojo L, Randelovic T, López-Gallego F. Microcompartmentalized Cell-Free Protein Synthesis in Hydrogel μ-Channels. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2971-2978. [PMID: 33170665 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The rapid demand for protein-based molecules has stimulated much research on cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS); however, there are still many challenges in terms of cost-efficiency, process intensification, and sustainability. Herein, we describe the microcompartmentalization of CFPS of superfolded green fluorescent protein (sGFP) in alginate hydrogels, which were casted into a μ-channel device. CFPS was optimized for the microcompartmentalized environment and characterized in terms of synthesis yield. To extend the scope of this technology, the use of other biocompatible materials (collagen, laponite, and agarose) was explored. In addition, the diffusion of sGFP from the hydrogel microenvironment to the bulk was demonstrated, opening a promising opportunity for concurrent synthesis and delivery of proteins. Finally, we provide an application for this system: the CFPS of enzymes. The present design of the hydrogel μ-channel device may enhance the potential application of microcompartmentalized CFPS in biosensing, bioprototyping, and therapeutic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana I. Benítez-Mateos
- Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Laboratory, CICbiomaGUNE, Paseo Miramón 182. Edificio empresarial “C”, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
- Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Laboratory, Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (iSQCH), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoll Zeballos
- Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Laboratory, CICbiomaGUNE, Paseo Miramón 182. Edificio empresarial “C”, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Natalia Comino
- Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Laboratory, CICbiomaGUNE, Paseo Miramón 182. Edificio empresarial “C”, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Lucía Moreno de Redrojo
- Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Laboratory, Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (iSQCH), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Teodora Randelovic
- Tissue MicroEnvironment (TME) Lab, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IISA), Avda. San Juan Bosco 13, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Mariano Escuillor s/n, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Fernando López-Gallego
- Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Laboratory, CICbiomaGUNE, Paseo Miramón 182. Edificio empresarial “C”, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
- Heterogeneous Biocatalysis Laboratory, Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (iSQCH), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
- ARAID, Aragon Foundation for Science, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Qian X, Nymann Westensee I, Brodszkij E, Städler B. Cell mimicry as a bottom-up strategy for hierarchical engineering of nature-inspired entities. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 13:e1683. [PMID: 33205632 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Artificial biology is an emerging concept that aims to design and engineer the structure and function of natural cells, organelles, or biomolecules with a combination of biological and abiotic building blocks. Cell mimicry focuses on concepts that have the potential to be integrated with mammalian cells and tissue. In this feature article, we will emphasize the advancements in the past 3-4 years (2017-present) that are dedicated to artificial enzymes, artificial organelles, and artificial mammalian cells. Each aspect will be briefly introduced, followed by highlighting efforts that considered key properties of the different mimics. Finally, the current challenges and opportunities will be outlined. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Qian
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Edit Brodszkij
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Bhattacharya A, Niederholtmeyer H, Podolsky KA, Bhattacharya R, Song JJ, Brea RJ, Tsai CH, Sinha SK, Devaraj NK. Lipid sponge droplets as programmable synthetic organelles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:18206-18215. [PMID: 32694212 PMCID: PMC7414067 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2004408117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Living cells segregate molecules and reactions in various subcellular compartments known as organelles. Spatial organization is likely essential for expanding the biochemical functions of synthetic reaction systems, including artificial cells. Many studies have attempted to mimic organelle functions using lamellar membrane-bound vesicles. However, vesicles typically suffer from highly limited transport across the membranes and an inability to mimic the dense membrane networks typically found in organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we describe programmable synthetic organelles based on highly stable nonlamellar sponge phase droplets that spontaneously assemble from a single-chain galactolipid and nonionic detergents. Due to their nanoporous structure, lipid sponge droplets readily exchange materials with the surrounding environment. In addition, the sponge phase contains a dense network of lipid bilayers and nanometric aqueous channels, which allows different classes of molecules to partition based on their size, polarity, and specific binding motifs. The sequestration of biologically relevant macromolecules can be programmed by the addition of suitably functionalized amphiphiles to the droplets. We demonstrate that droplets can harbor functional soluble and transmembrane proteins, allowing for the colocalization and concentration of enzymes and substrates to enhance reaction rates. Droplets protect bound proteins from proteases, and these interactions can be engineered to be reversible and optically controlled. Our results show that lipid sponge droplets permit the facile integration of membrane-rich environments and self-assembling spatial organization with biochemical reaction systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahanjit Bhattacharya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Henrike Niederholtmeyer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Kira A Podolsky
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Rupak Bhattacharya
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Jing-Jin Song
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Roberto J Brea
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Chu-Hsien Tsai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Sunil K Sinha
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Neal K Devaraj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093;
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Müller J, Jäkel AC, Schwarz D, Aufinger L, Simmel FC. Programming Diffusion and Localization of DNA Signals in 3D-Printed DNA-Functionalized Hydrogels. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2001815. [PMID: 32597010 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202001815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing enables the generation of 3D structures with predefined shapes from a wide range of printable materials. However, most of the materials employed so far are static and do not provide any intrinsic programmability or pattern-forming capability. Here, a low-cost 3D bioprinting approach is developed, which is based on a commercially available extrusion printer that utilizes a DNA-functionalized bioink, which allows to combine concepts developed in dynamic DNA nanotechnology with additive patterning techniques. Hybridization between diffusing DNA signal strands and immobilized anchor strands can be used to tune diffusion properties of the signals, or to localize DNA strands within the gel in a sequence-programmable manner. Furthermore, strand displacement mechanisms can be used to direct simple pattern formation processes and to control the availability of DNA sequences at specific locations. To support printing of DNA-functionalized gel voxels at arbitrary positions, an open source python script that generates machine-readable code (GCODE) from simple vector graphics input is developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Müller
- TU Munich, Physics Department, Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems, Am Coulombwall 4a, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Anna Christina Jäkel
- TU Munich, Physics Department, Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems, Am Coulombwall 4a, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Dominic Schwarz
- TU Munich, Physics Department, Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems, Am Coulombwall 4a, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Lukas Aufinger
- TU Munich, Physics Department, Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems, Am Coulombwall 4a, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Friedrich C Simmel
- TU Munich, Physics Department, Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems, Am Coulombwall 4a, Garching, 85748, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Li F, Li S, Guo X, Dong Y, Yao C, Liu Y, Song Y, Tan X, Gao L, Yang D. Chiral Carbon Dots Mimicking Topoisomerase I To Mediate the Topological Rearrangement of Supercoiled DNA Enantioselectively. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202002904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Shuai Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Xiaocui Guo
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Yuhang Dong
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Chi Yao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Yangping Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical University Tianjin 300070 P. R. China
| | - Yuguang Song
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical University Tianjin 300070 P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Tan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical University Tianjin 300070 P. R. China
| | - Lizeng Gao
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for NanozymeInstitute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100101 P. R. China
| | - Dayong Yang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li F, Li S, Guo X, Dong Y, Yao C, Liu Y, Song Y, Tan X, Gao L, Yang D. Chiral Carbon Dots Mimicking Topoisomerase I To Mediate the Topological Rearrangement of Supercoiled DNA Enantioselectively. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:11087-11092. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202002904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Shuai Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Xiaocui Guo
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Yuhang Dong
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Chi Yao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Yangping Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical University Tianjin 300070 P. R. China
| | - Yuguang Song
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical University Tianjin 300070 P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Tan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and DiagnosticsSchool of PharmacyTianjin Medical University Tianjin 300070 P. R. China
| | - Lizeng Gao
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for NanozymeInstitute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100101 P. R. China
| | - Dayong Yang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic BiologyKey Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE)School of Chemical Engineering and TechnologyTianjin University Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Laohakunakorn N, Grasemann L, Lavickova B, Michielin G, Shahein A, Swank Z, Maerkl SJ. Bottom-Up Construction of Complex Biomolecular Systems With Cell-Free Synthetic Biology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:213. [PMID: 32266240 PMCID: PMC7105575 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free systems offer a promising approach to engineer biology since their open nature allows for well-controlled and characterized reaction conditions. In this review, we discuss the history and recent developments in engineering recombinant and crude extract systems, as well as breakthroughs in enabling technologies, that have facilitated increased throughput, compartmentalization, and spatial control of cell-free protein synthesis reactions. Combined with a deeper understanding of the cell-free systems themselves, these advances improve our ability to address a range of scientific questions. By mastering control of the cell-free platform, we will be in a position to construct increasingly complex biomolecular systems, and approach natural biological complexity in a bottom-up manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadanai Laohakunakorn
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Grasemann
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barbora Lavickova
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Michielin
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amir Shahein
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zoe Swank
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian J. Maerkl
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ai Y, Xie R, Xiong J, Liang Q. Microfluidics for Biosynthesizing: from Droplets and Vesicles to Artificial Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1903940. [PMID: 31603270 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201903940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Fabrication of artificial biomimetic materials has attracted abundant attention. As one of the subcategories of biomimetic materials, artificial cells are highly significant for multiple disciplines and their synthesis has been intensively pursued. In order to manufacture robust "alive" artificial cells with high throughput, easy operation, and precise control, flexible microfluidic techniques are widely utilized. Herein, recent advances in microfluidic-based methods for the synthesis of droplets, vesicles, and artificial cells are summarized. First, the advances of droplet fabrication and manipulation on the T-junction, flow-focusing, and coflowing microfluidic devices are discussed. Then, the formation of unicompartmental and multicompartmental vesicles based on microfluidics are summarized. Furthermore, the engineering of droplet-based and vesicle-based artificial cells by microfluidics is also reviewed. Moreover, the artificial cells applied for imitating cell behavior and acting as bioreactors for synthetic biology are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future trends in microfluidic-based artificial cells are discussed. This review should be helpful for researchers in the fields of microfluidics, biomaterial fabrication, and synthetic biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Ai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Ruoxiao Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jialiang Xiong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Qionglin Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Beijing Key Lab of Microanalytical Methods & Instrumentation, Department of Chemistry, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Neue Mitglieder des Kuratoriums und des Internationalen Beirats. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201915321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
42
|
New Members of the Editorial Board and International Advisory Board. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:31. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201915321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
43
|
Köhler T, Heida T, Hoefgen S, Weigel N, Valiante V, Thiele J. Cell-free protein synthesis and in situ immobilization of deGFP-MatB in polymer microgels for malonate-to-malonyl CoA conversion. RSC Adv 2020; 10:40588-40596. [PMID: 35520868 PMCID: PMC9057574 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra06702d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a bottom-up approach towards functional enzymes utilizing microgels as carriers for genetic information that enable cell-free protein synthesis, in situ immobilization, and utilization of functional deGFP-MatB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tony Köhler
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V
- 01069 Dresden
- Germany
| | - Thomas Heida
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V
- 01069 Dresden
- Germany
| | - Sandra Hoefgen
- Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology
- 07745 Jena
- Germany
| | - Niclas Weigel
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V
- 01069 Dresden
- Germany
| | - Vito Valiante
- Biobricks of Microbial Natural Product Syntheses
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology
- 07745 Jena
- Germany
| | - Julian Thiele
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V
- 01069 Dresden
- Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Silverman AD, Karim AS, Jewett MC. Cell-free gene expression: an expanded repertoire of applications. Nat Rev Genet 2019; 21:151-170. [DOI: 10.1038/s41576-019-0186-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
45
|
Guo X, Li F, Bai L, Yu W, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Yang D. Gene Circuit Compartment on Nanointerface Facilitatating Cascade Gene Expression. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:19171-19177. [PMID: 31721571 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b11407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cellular genes that are functionally related to each other are usually confined in specialized subcellular compartments for efficient biochemical reactions. Construction of spatially controlled biosynthetic systems will facilitate the study of biological design principles. Herein, we fabricated a gene circuit compartment by coanchoring two function-related genes on surface of gold nanoparticles and investigated the compartment effect on cascade gene expression in a cell-free system. The gene circuit consisted of a T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) expression cassette as regulatory gene and a fluorescent protein expression cassette as regulated reporter gene. Both the expression cassettes were attached on a Y-shaped DNA nanostructure whose other two branches were mercapto-modified in order to steadily anchor the gene expression cassettes on the surface of gold nanoparticles. Experimental results demonstrated that both the yield and initial expression rate of the fluorescent reporter protein in the gene circuit compartment system were enhanced compared with those in free gene circuit system. Mechanism investigation revealed that the gene circuit compartment on nanoparticle made the regulatory gene and regulated reporter gene spatially proximal at nanoscale, thus effectively improving the transfer efficiency of the regulatory proteins (T7 RNAP) from regulatory genes to the regulated reporter genes in the compartments, and consequently, the biochemical reaction efficiency was significantly increased. This work not only provided a simplified model for rational molecular programming of genes circuit compartments on nanointerface but also presented implications for the cellular structure-function relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocui Guo
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin , 300350 , P.R. China
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin , 300350 , P.R. China
| | - Lihui Bai
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin , 300350 , P.R. China
| | - Wenting Yu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin , 300350 , P.R. China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin , 300350 , P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin , 300350 , P.R. China
| | - Dayong Yang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin , 300350 , P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Yeh Martín N, Valer L, Mansy SS. Toward long-lasting artificial cells that better mimic natural living cells. Emerg Top Life Sci 2019; 3:597-607. [PMID: 33523164 PMCID: PMC7288992 DOI: 10.1042/etls20190026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chemical communication is ubiquitous in biology, and so efforts in building convincing cellular mimics must consider how cells behave on a population level. Simple model systems have been built in the laboratory that show communication between different artificial cells and artificial cells with natural, living cells. Examples include artificial cells that depend on purely abiological components and artificial cells built from biological components and are driven by biological mechanisms. However, an artificial cell solely built to communicate chemically without carrying the machinery needed for self-preservation cannot remain active for long periods of time. What is needed is to begin integrating the pathways required for chemical communication with metabolic-like chemistry so that robust artificial systems can be built that better inform biology and aid in the generation of new technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noël Yeh Martín
- Systems Biophysics, Physics Department, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Amalienstraße 54, 80799 München, Germany
| | - Luca Valer
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
| | - Sheref S Mansy
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2G2
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Synthetic organelles. Emerg Top Life Sci 2019; 3:587-595. [DOI: 10.1042/etls20190056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
One approach towards the creation of bottom-up synthetic biological systems of higher complexity relies on the subcompartmentalization of synthetic cell structures using artificially generated organelles — roughly mimicking the architecture of eukaryotic cells. Organelles create dedicated chemical environments for specific synthesis tasks — they separate incompatible processes from each other and help to create or maintain chemical gradients that drive other chemical processes. Artificial organelles have been used to compartmentalize enzyme reactions, to generate chemical fuels via photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation, and they have been utilized to spatially organize cell-free gene expression reactions. In this short review article, we provide an overview of recent developments in this field, which involve a wide variety of compartmentalization strategies ranging from lipid and polymer membrane systems to membraneless compartmentalization via coacervation.
Collapse
|
48
|
Aufinger L, Simmel FC. Establishing Communication Between Artificial Cells. Chemistry 2019; 25:12659-12670. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201901726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Aufinger
- Physics Department and ZNNTechnische Universität München Am Coulombwall 4a 85748 Garching Germany
| | - Friedrich C. Simmel
- Physics Department and ZNNTechnische Universität München Am Coulombwall 4a 85748 Garching Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Guo X, Bai L, Li F, Huck WTS, Yang D. Branched DNA Architectures Produced by PCR-Based Assembly as Gene Compartments for Cell-Free Gene-Expression Reactions. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2597-2603. [PMID: 30938476 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The physical distance between genes plays important roles in controlling gene expression reactions in vivo. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a branched gene architecture in which three transcription units are integrated into one framework through assembly based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), together with the exploitation of these constructs as "gene compartments" for cell-free gene expression reactions, probing the impact of this physical environment on gene transcription and translation. We find that the branched gene system enhances gene expression yields, in particular at low concentrations of DNA and RNA polymerase (RNAP); furthermore, in a crowded microenvironment that mimics the intracellular microenvironment, gene expression from branched genes maintains a relatively high level. We propose that the branched gene assembly forms a membrane-free gene compartment that resembles the nucleoid of prokaryotes and enables RNAP to shuttle more efficiently between neighboring transcription units, thus enhancing gene expression efficiency. Our branched DNA architecture provides a valuable platform for studying the influence of "cellular" physical environments on biochemical reactions in simplified cell-free systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocui Guo
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Lihui Bai
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Feng Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Wilhelm T S Huck
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525, AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dayong Yang
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Eilenberger C, Spitz S, Bachmann BEM, Ehmoser EK, Ertl P, Rothbauer M. The Usual Suspects 2019: of Chips, Droplets, Synthesis, and Artificial Cells. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:E285. [PMID: 31035574 PMCID: PMC6562886 DOI: 10.3390/mi10050285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to understand fundamental biological processes in more detail than possible for actual living cells. Synthetic biology can combat decomposition and build-up of artificial experimental models under precisely controlled and defined environmental and biochemical conditions. Microfluidic systems can provide the tools to improve and refine existing synthetic systems because they allow control and manipulation of liquids on a micro- and nanoscale. In addition, chip-based approaches are predisposed for synthetic biology applications since they present an opportune technological toolkit capable of fully automated high throughput and content screening under low reagent consumption. This review critically highlights the latest updates in microfluidic cell-free and cell-based protein synthesis as well as the progress on chip-based artificial cells. Even though progress is slow for microfluidic synthetic biology, microfluidic systems are valuable tools for synthetic biology and may one day help to give answers to long asked questions of fundamental cell biology and life itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Eilenberger
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, A-1060 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, A-1060 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Barbara Eva Maria Bachmann
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Allgemeine Unfallversicherungsanstalt (AUVA) Research Centre, A-1200 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Eva Kathrin Ehmoser
- Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Peter Ertl
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, A-1060 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Mario Rothbauer
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, A-1060 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|