1
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Douliez JP. Double Emulsion Droplets as a Plausible Step to Fatty Acid Protocells. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300530. [PMID: 37574259 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300530] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
It is assumed that life originated on the Earth from vesicles made of fatty acids. These amphiphiles are the simplest chemicals, which can be present in the prebiotic soup, capable of self-assembling into compartments mimicking modern cells. Production of fatty acid vesicles is widely studied, as their growing and division. However, how prebiotic chemicals require to further yield living cells encapsulated within protocells remains unclear. Here, one suggests a scenario based on recent studies, which shows that phospholipid vesicles can form from double emulsions affording facile encapsulation of cargos. In these works, water-in-oil-in-water droplets are produced by microfluidics, having dispersed lipids in the oil. Dewetting of the oil droplet leaves the internal aqueous droplet covered by a lipid bilayer, entrapping cargos. In this review, formation of fatty acid protocells is briefly reviewed, together with the procedure for preparing double emulsions and vesicles from double emulsion and finally, it is proposed that double emulsion droplets formed in the deep ocean where undersea volcano expulsed materials, with fatty acids (under their carboxylic form) and alkanols as the oily phase, entrapping hydrosoluble prebiotic chemicals in a double emulsion droplet core. Once formed, double emulsion droplets can move up to the surface, where an increase of pH, variation of pressure and/or temperature may have allowed dewetting of the oily droplet, leaving a fatty acid vesicular protocell with encapsulated prebiotic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Douliez
- Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRAE), Université De Bordeaux, Villenave d'Ornon, F-33140, France
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2
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Grazon C, Garanger E, Lalanne P, Ibarboure E, Galagan JE, Grinstaff MW, Lecommandoux S. Transcription-Factor-Induced Aggregation of Biomimetic Oligonucleotide- b-Protein Micelles. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5027-5034. [PMID: 37877162 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric micelles and especially those based on natural diblocks are of particular interest due to their advantageous properties in terms of molecular recognition, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. We herein report a facile and straightforward synthesis of thermoresponsive elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) and oligonucleotide (ON) diblock bioconjugates, ON-b-ELP, through copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The resulting thermosensitive diblock copolymer self-assembles above its critical micelle temperature (CMT ∼30 °C) to form colloidally stable micelles of ∼50 nm diameter. The ON-b-ELP micelles hybridize with an ON complementary strand and maintain their size and stability. Next, we describe the capacity of these micelles to bind proteins, creating more complex structures using the classic biotin-streptavidin pairing and the specific recognition between a transcription factor protein and the ON strand. In both instances, the micelles are intact, form larger structures, and retain their sensitivity to temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Grazon
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR 5255, Talence F-33400, France
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac F-33600, France
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Elisabeth Garanger
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac F-33600, France
| | - Pierre Lalanne
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac F-33600, France
| | - Emmanuel Ibarboure
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, Pessac F-33600, France
| | - James E Galagan
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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3
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Huber MC, Schreiber A, Stühn LG, Schiller SM. Programming protein phase-separation employing a modular library of intrinsically disordered precision block copolymer-like proteins creating dynamic cytoplasmatic compartmentalization. Biomaterials 2023; 299:122165. [PMID: 37290157 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122165] [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] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The control of supramolecular complexes in living systems at the molecular level is an important goal in life-sciences. Spatiotemporal organization of molecular distribution & flow of such complexes are essential physicochemical processes in living cells and important for pharmaceutical processes. Membraneless organelles (MO) found in eukaryotic cells, formed by liquid-liquid phase-separation (LLPS) of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) control and adjust intracellular organization. Artificially designed compartments based on LLPS open up a novel pathway to control chemical flux and partition in vitro and in vivo. We designed a library of chemically precisely defined block copolymer-like proteins based on elastin-like proteins (ELPs) with defined charge distribution and type, as well as polar and hydrophobic block domains. This enables the programmability of physicochemical properties and to control adjustable LLPS in vivo attaining control over intracellular partitioning and flux as role model for in vitro and in vivo applications. Tailor-made ELP-like block copolymer proteins exhibiting IDP-behavior enable LLPS formation in vitro and in vivo allowing the assembly of membrane-based and membraneless superstructures via protein phase-separation in E. coli. Subsequently, we demonstrate the responsiveness of protein phase-separated spaces (PPSSs) to environmental physicochemical triggers and their selective, charge-dependent and switchable interaction with DNA or extrinsic and intrinsic molecules enabling their selective shuttling across semipermeable phase boundaries including (cell)membranes. This paves the road for adjustable artificial PPSS-based storage and reaction spaces and the specific transport across phase boundaries for applications in pharmacy and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias C Huber
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Schreiber
- Hahn-Schickard Gesellschaft für angewandte Forschung e. V., Georges-Köhler-Allee 103, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lara G Stühn
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan M Schiller
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany.
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4
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Gonzales DT, Suraritdechachai S, Tang TYD. Compartmentalized Cell-Free Expression Systems for Building Synthetic Cells. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 186:77-101. [PMID: 37306700 DOI: 10.1007/10_2023_221] [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
One of the grand challenges in bottom-up synthetic biology is the design and construction of synthetic cellular systems. One strategy toward this goal is the systematic reconstitution of biological processes using purified or non-living molecular components to recreate specific cellular functions such as metabolism, intercellular communication, signal transduction, and growth and division. Cell-free expression systems (CFES) are in vitro reconstitutions of the transcription and translation machinery found in cells and are a key technology for bottom-up synthetic biology. The open and simplified reaction environment of CFES has helped researchers discover fundamental concepts in the molecular biology of the cell. In recent decades, there has been a drive to encapsulate CFES reactions into cell-like compartments with the aim of building synthetic cells and multicellular systems. In this chapter, we discuss recent progress in compartmentalizing CFES to build simple and minimal models of biological processes that can help provide a better understanding of the process of self-assembly in molecularly complex systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Gonzales
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - T -Y Dora Tang
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Physics of Life, Cluster of Excellence, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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5
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Garanger E, Lecommandoux S. Emerging opportunities in bioconjugates of Elastin-like polypeptides with synthetic or natural polymers. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114589. [PMID: 36323382 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Nature is an everlasting source of inspiration for chemical and polymer scientists seeking to develop ever more innovative materials with greater performances. Natural structural proteins are particularly scrutinized to design biomimetic materials. Often characterized by repeat peptide sequences, that together interact by inter- and intramolecular interactions and form a 3D skeleton, they contribute to the mechanical properties of individual cells, tissues, organs, and whole organisms. (Numata, K. Polymer Journal 2020, 52, 1043-1056) Among them elastin, and its main repeat sequences, have been a source of intense studies for more than 50 years resulting in the specific research field dedicated to elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs). These are currently widely investigated in different applications, namely protein purification, tissue engineering, and drug delivery, and some technologies based on ELPs are currently explored by several start-up companies. In the present review, we have summarized pioneering contributions on ELPs, progress made in their genetic engineering, and understanding of their thermal behavior and self-assembly properties. Considered as intrinsically disordered protein polymers, we have finally focused on the works where ELPs have been conjugated to other synthetic macromolecules as covalent hybrid, statistical, graft, or block copolymers, highlighting the huge opportunities that have still not been explored so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Garanger
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, ENSCBP, 16 Avenue Pey-Berland, Pessac F-33600, France.
| | - Sébastien Lecommandoux
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, ENSCBP, 16 Avenue Pey-Berland, Pessac F-33600, France.
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6
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Haas S, Desombre M, Kirschhöfer F, Huber MC, Schiller SM, Hubbuch J. Purification of a Hydrophobic Elastin-Like Protein Toward Scale-Suitable Production of Biomaterials. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:878838. [PMID: 35814018 PMCID: PMC9257828 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.878838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Elastin-like proteins (ELPs) are polypeptides with potential applications as renewable bio-based high-performance polymers, which undergo a stimulus-responsive reversible phase transition. The ELP investigated in this manuscript—ELP[V2Y-45]—promises fascinating mechanical properties in biomaterial applications. Purification process scalability and purification performance are important factors for the evaluation of potential industrial-scale production of ELPs. Salt-induced precipitation, inverse transition cycling (ITC), and immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) were assessed as purification protocols for a polyhistidine-tagged hydrophobic ELP showing low-temperature transition behavior. IMAC achieved a purity of 86% and the lowest nucleic acid contamination of all processes. Metal ion leakage did not propagate chemical modifications and could be successfully removed through size-exclusion chromatography. The simplest approach using a high-salt precipitation resulted in a 60% higher target molecule yield compared to both other approaches, with the drawback of a lower purity of 60% and higher nucleic acid contamination. An additional ITC purification led to the highest purity of 88% and high nucleic acid removal. However, expensive temperature-dependent centrifugation steps are required and aggregation effects even at low temperatures have to be considered for the investigated ELP. Therefore, ITC and IMAC are promising downstream processes for biomedical applications with scale-dependent economical costs to be considered, while salt-induced precipitation may be a fast and simple alternative for large-scale bio-based polymer production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Haas
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Molecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Monika Desombre
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Molecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Frank Kirschhöfer
- Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Matthias C. Huber
- Center for Biosystems Analysis, Albert‐Ludwigs‐University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT, Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan M. Schiller
- Center for Biosystems Analysis, Albert‐Ludwigs‐University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT, Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Molecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jürgen Hubbuch,
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7
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Shin J, Cole BD, Shan T, Jang Y. Heterogeneous Synthetic Vesicles toward Artificial Cells: Engineering Structure and Composition of Membranes for Multimodal Functionalities. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:1505-1518. [PMID: 35266692 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The desire to develop artificial cells to imitate living cells in synthetic vesicle platforms has continuously increased over the past few decades. In particular, heterogeneous synthetic vesicles made from two or more building blocks have attracted attention for artificial cell applications based on their multifunctional modules with asymmetric structures. In addition to the traditional liposomes or polymersomes, polypeptides and proteins have recently been highlighted as potential building blocks to construct artificial cells owing to their specific biological functionalities. Incorporating one or more functionally folded, globular protein into synthetic vesicles enables more cell-like functions mediated by proteins. This Review highlights the recent research about synthetic vesicles toward artificial cell models, from traditional synthetic vesicles to protein-assembled vesicles with asymmetric structures. We aim to provide fundamental and practical insights into applying knowledge on molecular self-assembly to the bottom-up construction of artificial cell platforms with heterogeneous building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyong Shin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Blair D Cole
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Ting Shan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Yeongseon Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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8
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Seebacher F, Beaman J. Evolution of plasticity: metabolic compensation for fluctuating energy demands at the origin of life. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:274636. [PMID: 35254445 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity of physiological functions enables rapid responses to changing environments and may thereby increase the resilience of organisms to environmental change. Here, we argue that the principal hallmarks of life itself, self-replication and maintenance, are contingent on the plasticity of metabolic processes ('metabolic plasticity'). It is likely that the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA), 4 billion years ago, already possessed energy-sensing molecules that could adjust energy (ATP) production to meet demand. The earliest manifestation of metabolic plasticity, switching cells from growth and storage (anabolism) to breakdown and ATP production (catabolism), coincides with the advent of Darwinian evolution. Darwinian evolution depends on reliable translation of information from information-carrying molecules, and on cell genealogy where information is accurately passed between cell generations. Both of these processes create fluctuating energy demands that necessitate metabolic plasticity to facilitate replication of genetic material and (proto)cell division. We propose that LUCA possessed rudimentary forms of these capabilities. Since LUCA, metabolic networks have increased in complexity. Generalist founder enzymes formed the basis of many derived networks, and complexity arose partly by recruiting novel pathways from the untapped pool of reactions that are present in cells but do not have current physiological functions (the so-called 'underground metabolism'). Complexity may thereby be specific to environmental contexts and phylogenetic lineages. We suggest that a Boolean network analysis could be useful to model the transition of metabolic networks over evolutionary time. Network analyses can be effective in modelling phenotypic plasticity in metabolic functions for different phylogenetic groups because they incorporate actual biochemical regulators that can be updated as new empirical insights are gained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Seebacher
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, A08, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Julian Beaman
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
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9
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Lüdeke S, Lohner P, Stühn LG, Betschart MU, Huber MC, Schreiber A, Schiller SM. Dynamische Strukturänderung und Thermodynamik von Phasentrennprozessen eines Proteinmodells mit intrinsisch ungeordneter/geordneter Struktur. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202112738] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Lüdeke
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Biomedizinische Wissenschaften (IPBW) Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz Staudinger Weg 5 55128 Mainz Deutschland
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Albertstraße 25 79104 Freiburg Deutschland
| | - Philipp Lohner
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Albertstraße 25 79104 Freiburg Deutschland
| | - Lara G. Stühn
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA) Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Habsburgerstraße 49 79104 Freiburg Deutschland
| | - Martin U. Betschart
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Albertstraße 25 79104 Freiburg Deutschland
| | - Matthias C. Huber
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT – Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Georges-Köhler-Allee 105 79104 Freiburg Deutschland
| | - Andreas Schreiber
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA) Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Habsburgerstraße 49 79104 Freiburg Deutschland
| | - Stefan M. Schiller
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA) Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Habsburgerstraße 49 79104 Freiburg Deutschland
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT – Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Georges-Köhler-Allee 105 79104 Freiburg Deutschland
- IMTEK – Institut für Mikrosystemtechnik Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Georges-Köhler-Allee 103 79104 Freiburg Deutschland
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10
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Grimes PJ, Galanti A, Gobbo P. Bioinspired Networks of Communicating Synthetic Protocells. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:804717. [PMID: 35004855 PMCID: PMC8740067 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.804717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bottom-up synthesis of cell-like entities or protocells from inanimate molecules and materials is one of the grand challenges of our time. In the past decade, researchers in the emerging field of bottom-up synthetic biology have developed different protocell models and engineered them to mimic one or more abilities of biological cells, such as information transcription and translation, adhesion, and enzyme-mediated metabolism. Whilst thus far efforts have focused on increasing the biochemical complexity of individual protocells, an emerging challenge in bottom-up synthetic biology is the development of networks of communicating synthetic protocells. The possibility of engineering multi-protocellular systems capable of sending and receiving chemical signals to trigger individual or collective programmed cell-like behaviours or for communicating with living cells and tissues would lead to major scientific breakthroughs with important applications in biotechnology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This mini-review will discuss this new, emerging area of bottom-up synthetic biology and will introduce three types of bioinspired networks of communicating synthetic protocells that have recently emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Grimes
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Agostino Galanti
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Gobbo
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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11
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Sharma B, Ma Y, Hiraki HL, Baker BM, Ferguson AL, Liu AP. Facile formation of giant elastin-like polypeptide vesicles as synthetic cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:13202-13205. [PMID: 34816831 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc05579h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate the facile and robust generation of giant peptide vesicles by using an emulsion transfer method. These robust vesicles can sustain chemical and physical stresses. The peptide vesicles can host cell-free expression reactions by encapsulating essential ingredients. We show the incorporation of another cell-free expressed elastin-like polypeptide into the existing membrane of the peptide vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bineet Sharma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
| | - Yutao Ma
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Harrison L Hiraki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrew L Ferguson
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Allen P Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA.,Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA
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12
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Lüdeke S, Lohner P, Stühn LG, Betschart MU, Huber MC, Schreiber A, Schiller SM. Dynamic Structural Changes and Thermodynamics in Phase Separation Processes of an Intrinsically Disordered-Ordered Protein Model. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202112738. [PMID: 34806270 PMCID: PMC9299898 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202112738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Elastin-like proteins (ELPs) are biologically important proteins and models for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and dynamic structural transitions associated with coacervates and liquid-liquid phase transitions. However, the conformational status below and above coacervation temperature and its role in the phase separation process is still elusive. Employing matrix least-squares global Boltzmann fitting of the circular dichroism spectra of the ELPs (VPGVG)20 , (VPGVG)40 , and (VPGVG)60 , we found that coacervation occurs sharply when a certain number of repeat units has acquired β-turn conformation (in our sequence setting a threshold of approx. 20 repeat units). The character of the differential scattering of the coacervate suspensions indicated that this fraction of β-turn structure is still retained after polypeptide assembly. Such conformational thresholds may also have a role in other protein assembly processes with implications for the design of protein-based smart materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Lüdeke
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Biomedizinische Wissenschaften (IPBW), Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany.,Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Lohner
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lara G Stühn
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin U Betschart
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias C Huber
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schreiber
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Schiller
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,IMTEK-Institut für Mikrosystemtechnik, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 103, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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13
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Abbas M, Lipiński WP, Nakashima KK, Huck WTS, Spruijt E. A short peptide synthon for liquid-liquid phase separation. Nat Chem 2021; 13:1046-1054. [PMID: 34645986 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-021-00788-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation of disordered proteins has emerged as a ubiquitous route to membraneless compartments in living cells, and similar coacervates may have played a role when the first cells formed. However, existing coacervates are typically made of multiple macromolecular components, and designing short peptide analogues capable of self-coacervation has proven difficult. Here we present a short peptide synthon for phase separation, made of only two dipeptide stickers linked via a flexible, hydrophilic spacer. These small-molecule compounds self-coacervate into micrometre-sized liquid droplets at sub-millimolar concentrations, which retain up to 75 wt% water. The design is general and we derive guidelines for the required sticker hydrophobicity and spacer polarity. To illustrate their potential as protocells, we create a disulfide-linked derivative that undergoes reversible compartmentalization controlled by redox chemistry. The resulting coacervates sequester and melt nucleic acids, and act as microreactors that catalyse two different anabolic reactions yielding molecules of increasing complexity. This provides a stepping stone for new coacervate-based protocells made of single peptide species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Abbas
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wojciech P Lipiński
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karina K Nakashima
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wilhelm T S Huck
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Evan Spruijt
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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14
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Juanes-Gusano D, Santos M, Reboto V, Alonso M, Rodríguez-Cabello JC. Self-assembling systems comprising intrinsically disordered protein polymers like elastin-like recombinamers. J Pept Sci 2021; 28:e3362. [PMID: 34545666 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite lacking cooperatively folded structures under native conditions, numerous intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) nevertheless have great functional importance. These IDPs are hybrids containing both ordered and intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs), the structure of which is highly flexible in this unfolded state. The conformational flexibility of these disordered systems favors transitions between disordered and ordered states triggered by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, folding into different dynamic molecular assemblies to enable proper protein functions. Indeed, prokaryotic enzymes present less disorder than eukaryotic enzymes, thus showing that this disorder is related to functional and structural complexity. Protein-based polymers that mimic these IDPs include the so-called elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs), which are inspired by the composition of natural elastin. Elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) are ELPs produced using recombinant techniques and which can therefore be tailored for a specific application. One of the most widely used and studied characteristic structures in this field is the pentapeptide (VPGXG)n . The structural disorder in ELRs probably arises due to the high content of proline and glycine in the ELR backbone, because both these amino acids help to keep the polypeptide structure of elastomers disordered and hydrated. Moreover, the recombinant nature of these systems means that different sequences can be designed, including bioactive domains, to obtain specific structures for each application. Some of these structures, along with their applications as IDPs that self-assemble into functional vesicles or micelles from diblock copolymer ELRs, will be studied in the following sections. The incorporation of additional order- and disorder-promoting peptide/protein domains, such as α-helical coils or β-strands, in the ELR sequence, and their influence on self-assembly, will also be reviewed. In addition, chemically cross-linked systems with controllable order-disorder balance, and their role in biomineralization, will be discussed. Finally, we will review different multivalent IDPs-based coatings and films for different biomedical applications, such as spatially controlled cell adhesion, osseointegration, or biomaterial-associated infection (BAI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Juanes-Gusano
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology) CIBER-BBN, Edificio Lucía, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Santos
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology) CIBER-BBN, Edificio Lucía, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Virginia Reboto
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology) CIBER-BBN, Edificio Lucía, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Matilde Alonso
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology) CIBER-BBN, Edificio Lucía, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - José Carlos Rodríguez-Cabello
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology) CIBER-BBN, Edificio Lucía, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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15
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Adamatzky A. Towards proteinoid computers. Hypothesis paper. Biosystems 2021; 208:104480. [PMID: 34265376 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104480] [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] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Proteinoids - thermal proteins - are produced by heating amino acids to their melting point and initiation of polymerisation to produce polymeric chains. Proteinoids swell in aqueous solution into hollow microspheres. The proteinoid microspheres produce endogenous burst of electrical potential spikes and change patterns of their electrical activity in response to illumination. The microspheres can interconnect by pores and tubes and form networks with a programmable growth. We speculate on how ensembles of the proteinoid microspheres can be developed into unconventional computing devices.
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16
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Ibrahimova V, Zhao H, Ibarboure E, Garanger E, Lecommandoux S. Thermosensitive Vesicles from Chemically Encoded Lipid‐Grafted Elastin‐like Polypeptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202102807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vusala Ibrahimova
- University of Bordeaux CNRS Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629 33600 Pessac France
| | - Hang Zhao
- University of Bordeaux CNRS Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629 33600 Pessac France
| | - Emmanuel Ibarboure
- University of Bordeaux CNRS Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629 33600 Pessac France
| | - Elisabeth Garanger
- University of Bordeaux CNRS Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629 33600 Pessac France
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17
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Ibrahimova V, Zhao H, Ibarboure E, Garanger E, Lecommandoux S. Thermosensitive Vesicles from Chemically Encoded Lipid-Grafted Elastin-like Polypeptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:15036-15040. [PMID: 33856091 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202102807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Biomimetic design to afford smart functional biomaterials with exquisite properties represents synthetic challenges and provides unique perspectives. In this context, elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) recently became highly attractive building blocks in the development of lipoprotein-based membranes. In addition to the bioengineered post-translational modifications of genetically encoded recombinant ELPs developed so far, we report here a simple and versatile method to design biohybrid brush-like lipid-grafted-ELPs using chemical post-modification reactions. We have explored a combination of methionine alkylation and click chemistry to create a new class of hybrid lipoprotein mimics. Our design allowed the formation of biomimetic vesicles with controlled permeability, correlated to the temperature-responsiveness of ELPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vusala Ibrahimova
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Hang Zhao
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Emmanuel Ibarboure
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Elisabeth Garanger
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, 33600, Pessac, France
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18
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Oerlemans RAJF, Timmermans SBPE, van Hest JCM. Artificial Organelles: Towards Adding or Restoring Intracellular Activity. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2051-2078. [PMID: 33450141 PMCID: PMC8252369 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Compartmentalization is one of the main characteristics that define living systems. Creating a physically separated microenvironment allows nature a better control over biological processes, as is clearly specified by the role of organelles in living cells. Inspired by this phenomenon, researchers have developed a range of different approaches to create artificial organelles: compartments with catalytic activity that add new function to living cells. In this review we will discuss three complementary lines of investigation. First, orthogonal chemistry approaches are discussed, which are based on the incorporation of catalytically active transition metal-containing nanoparticles in living cells. The second approach involves the use of premade hybrid nanoreactors, which show transient function when taken up by living cells. The third approach utilizes mostly genetic engineering methods to create bio-based structures that can be ultimately integrated with the cell's genome to make them constitutively active. The current state of the art and the scope and limitations of the field will be highlighted with selected examples from the three approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A. J. F. Oerlemans
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Research GroupInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513 (STO3.41)5600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Suzanne B. P. E. Timmermans
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Research GroupInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513 (STO3.41)5600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Research GroupInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513 (STO3.41)5600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
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19
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Auboeuf D. The Physics-Biology continuum challenges darwinism: Evolution is directed by the homeostasis-dependent bidirectional relation between genome and phenotype. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 167:121-139. [PMID: 34097984 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The physics-biology continuum relies on the fact that life emerged from prebiotic molecules. Here, I argue that life emerged from the coupling between nucleic acid and protein synthesis during which proteins (or proto-phenotypes) maintained the physicochemical parameter equilibria (or proto-homeostasis) in the proximity of their encoding nucleic acids (or proto-genomes). This protected the proto-genome physicochemical integrity (i.e., atomic composition) from environmental physicochemical constraints, and therefore increased the probability of reproducing the proto-genome without variation. From there, genomes evolved depending on the biological activities they generated in response to environmental fluctuations. Thus, a genome maintaining homeostasis (i.e., internal physicochemical parameter equilibria), despite and in response to environmental fluctuations, maintains its physicochemical integrity and has therefore a higher probability to be reproduced without variation. Consequently, descendants have a higher probability to share the same phenotype than their parents. Otherwise, the genome is modified during replication as a consequence of the imbalance of the internal physicochemical parameters it generates, until new mutation-deriving biological activities maintain homeostasis in offspring. In summary, evolution depends on feedforward and feedback loops between genome and phenotype, as the internal physicochemical conditions that a genome generates ─ through its derived phenotype in response to environmental fluctuations ─ in turn either guarantee its stability or direct its variation. Evolution may not be explained by the Darwinism-derived, unidirectional principle (random mutations-phenotypes-natural selection) but rather by the bidirectional relationship between genome and phenotype, in which the phenotype in interaction with the environment directs the evolution of the genome it derives from.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Auboeuf
- ENS de Lyon, Univ Claude Bernard, CNRS UMR 5239, INSERM U1210, Laboratory of Biology and Modelling of the Cell, 46 Allée D'Italie, Site Jacques Monod, F-69007, Lyon, France.
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20
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Zhang X, Shao X, Cai Z, Yan X, Zong W. The fabrication of phospholipid vesicle-based artificial cells and their functions. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj05538g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipid vesicles as artificial cells are used to simulate the cellular structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunan Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qiqihar University
- Qiqihar
- China
| | - Xiaotong Shao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qiqihar University
- Qiqihar
- China
| | - Zhenzhen Cai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qiqihar University
- Qiqihar
- China
| | - Xinyu Yan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qiqihar University
- Qiqihar
- China
| | - Wei Zong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qiqihar University
- Qiqihar
- China
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21
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Sharma B, Ma Y, Ferguson AL, Liu AP. In search of a novel chassis material for synthetic cells: emergence of synthetic peptide compartment. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:10769-10780. [PMID: 33179713 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01644f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Giant lipid vesicles have been used extensively as a synthetic cell model to recapitulate various life-like processes, including in vitro protein synthesis, DNA replication, and cytoskeleton organization. Cell-sized lipid vesicles are mechanically fragile in nature and prone to rupture due to osmotic stress, which limits their usability. Recently, peptide vesicles have been introduced as a synthetic cell model that would potentially overcome the aforementioned limitations. Peptide vesicles are robust, reasonably more stable than lipid vesicles and can withstand harsh conditions including pH, thermal, and osmotic variations. This mini-review summarizes the current state-of-the-art in the design, engineering, and realization of peptide-based chassis materials, including both experimental and computational work. We present an outlook for simulation-aided and data-driven design and experimental realization of engineered and multifunctional synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bineet Sharma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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22
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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.
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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
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23
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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.
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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
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24
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Liu Z, Zhou W, Qi C, Kong T. Interface Engineering in Multiphase Systems toward Synthetic Cells and Organelles: From Soft Matter Fundamentals to Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2002932. [PMID: 32954548 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cells have a major role in gaining insight into the complex biological processes of living cells; they also give rise to a range of emerging applications from gene delivery to enzymatic nanoreactors. Living cells rely on compartmentalization to orchestrate reaction networks for specialized and coordinated functions. Principally, the compartmentalization has been an essential engineering theme in constructing cell-mimicking systems. Here, efforts to engineer liquid-liquid interfaces of multiphase systems into membrane-bounded and membraneless compartments, which include lipid vesicles, polymer vesicles, colloidosomes, hybrids, and coacervate droplets, are summarized. Examples are provided of how these compartments are designed to imitate biological behaviors or machinery, including molecule trafficking, growth, fusion, energy conversion, intercellular communication, and adaptivity. Subsequently, the state-of-art applications of these cell-inspired synthetic compartments are discussed. Apart from being simplified and cell models for bridging the gap between nonliving matter and cellular life, synthetic compartments also are utilized as intracellular delivery vehicles for nuclei acids and nanoreactors for biochemical synthesis. Finally, key challenges and future directions for achieving the full potential of synthetic cells are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Wen Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Cheng Qi
- College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Tiantian Kong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
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25
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Abstract
Either stereo reactants or stereo catalysis from achiral or chiral molecules are a prerequisite to obtain pure enantiomeric lipid derivatives. We reviewed a few plausibly organic syntheses of phospholipids under prebiotic conditions with special attention paid to the starting materials as pro-chiral dihydroxyacetone and dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), which are the key molecules to break symmetry in phospholipids. The advantages of homochiral membranes compared to those of heterochiral membranes were analysed in terms of specific recognition, optimal functions of enzymes, membrane fluidity and topological packing. All biological membranes contain enantiomerically pure lipids in modern bacteria, eukarya and archaea. The contemporary archaea, comprising of methanogens, halobacteria and thermoacidophiles, are living under extreme conditions reminiscent of primitive environment and may indicate the origin of one ancient evolution path of lipid biosynthesis. The analysis of the known lipid metabolism reveals that all modern cells including archaea synthetize enantiomerically pure lipid precursors from prochiral DHAP. Sn-glycerol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase (G1PDH), usually found in archaea, catalyses the formation of sn-glycerol-1-phosphate (G1P), while sn-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) catalyses the formation of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) in bacteria and eukarya. The selective enzymatic activity seems to be the main strategy that evolution retained to obtain enantiomerically pure lipids. The occurrence of two genes encoding for G1PDH and G3PDH served to build up an evolutionary tree being the basis of our hypothesis article focusing on the evolution of these two genes. Gene encoding for G3PDH in eukarya may originate from G3PDH gene found in rare archaea indicating that archaea appeared earlier in the evolutionary tree than eukarya. Archaea and bacteria evolved probably separately, due to their distinct respective genes coding for G1PDH and G3PDH. We propose that prochiral DHAP is an essential molecule since it provides a convergent link between G1DPH and G3PDH. The synthesis of enantiopure phospholipids from DHAP appeared probably firstly in the presence of chemical catalysts, before being catalysed by enzymes which were the products of later Darwinian selection. The enzymes were probably selected for their efficient catalytic activities during evolution from large libraries of vesicles containing amino acids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, and meteorite components that induced symmetry imbalance.
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26
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Acosta S, Poocza L, Quintanilla-Sierra L, Rodríguez-Cabello JC. Charge Density as a Molecular Modulator of Nanostructuration in Intrinsically Disordered Protein Polymers. Biomacromolecules 2020; 22:158-170. [PMID: 32840359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered protein polymers (IDPPs) have attracted a lot of attention in the development of bioengineered devices and for use as study models in molecular biology because of their biomechanical properties and stimuli-responsiveness. The present study aims to understand the effect of charge density on the self-assembly of IDPPs. To that end, a library of recombinant IDPPs based on an amphiphilic diblock design with different charge densities was bioproduced, and their supramolecular assembly was characterized on the nano-, meso-, and microscale. Although the phase transition was driven by the collapse of hydrophobic moieties, the hydrophilic block composition strongly affected hierarchical assembly and, therefore, enabled the production of new molecular architectures, thus leading to new dynamics that govern the liquid-gel transition. These results highlight the importance of electrostatic repulsion for the hierarchical assembly of IDPPs and provide insights into the manufacture of supramolecular protein-based materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Acosta
- Bioforge Lab, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo Belén 19, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Leander Poocza
- Bioforge Lab, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo Belén 19, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
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27
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Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation forms condensates that feature a highly concentrated liquid phase, a defined yet dynamic boundary, and dynamic exchange at and across the boundary. Phase transition drives the formation of dynamic multienzyme complexes in cells, for example, the purinosome, which forms subcellular macrobodies responsible for de novo purine biosynthesis. Here, we construct synthetic versions of multienzyme biosynthetic systems by assembling enzymes in protein condensates. A synthetic protein phase separation system using component proteins from postsynaptic density in neuronal synapses, GKAP, Shank, and Homer provides the scaffold for assembly. Three sets of guest proteins: a pair of fluorescent proteins (CFP and YFP), three sequential enzymes in menaquinone biosynthesis pathway (MenF, MenD, and MenH), and two enzymes in terpene biosynthesis pathway (Idi and IspA) are assembled via peptide-peptide interactions in the condensate. First, we discover that coassembly of CFP and YFP exhibited a broad distribution of the FRET signal within the condensate. Second, a spontaneous enrichment of the rate-limiting enzyme MenD in the condensate is sufficient to increase the 2-succinyl-6-hydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxylate production rate by 70%. Third, coassembly of both Idi and IspA in the protein condensate increases the farnesyl pyrophosphate production rate by more than 50%. Altogether, we show here that phase separation significantly accelerates the efficiency of multienzyme biocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sicong He
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Center of Systems Biology and Human Health, School of Science and Institute for Advanced Study, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lixin Cheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jianan Qu
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Center of Systems Biology and Human Health, School of Science and Institute for Advanced Study, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Center for Cell & Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR 02522, China
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28
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Li C, Li Q, Wang Z, Han X. Phospholipid Self-Assemblies Shaped Like Ancient Chinese Coins for Artificial Organelles. Anal Chem 2020; 92:6060-6064. [PMID: 32207619 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipid self-assemblies are ubiquitous in organisms. Nonspherical lipid-based proto-organelles bear the merits with structures similar to real organelles. It is still a challenge to mimic mass transport between organelles inside cells. Herein, unusual phospholipid self-assemblies shaped like ancient Chinese coins (ACC) were discovered by the recrystallization of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine in an ethanol/water solution from 50 to 25 °C with a certain cooling rate. Their diameter and the ratio of the square edge to the disk diameter were controlled by varying ethanol percentage, lipid concentration, and cooling rate. The ACC-shaped phospholipid bicelles expanded to stacked cisterna structures in pure water, which were regarded as artificial organelles. Mass transport among organelles in a cell was mimicked via the membrane fusion of vesicle shuttles and artificial organelles, which induced cascade enzyme reactions inside artificial organelles. The ACC-shaped phospholipid assemblies provide nice platforms for the studies of cell biology and bottom-up synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Qingchuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xiaojun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Da-Zhi Street, Harbin 150001, China
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Geissinger SE, Schreiber A, Huber MC, Stühn LG, Schiller SM. Adjustable Bioorthogonal Conjugation Platform for Protein Studies in Live Cells Based on Artificial Compartments. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:827-842. [PMID: 32130855 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The investigation of complex biological processes in vivo often requires defined multiple bioconjugation and positioning of functional entities on 3D structures. Prominent examples include spatially defined protein complexes in nature, facilitating efficient biocatalysis of multistep reactions. Mimicking natural strategies, synthetic scaffolds should comprise bioorthogonal conjugation reactions and allow for absolute stoichiometric quantification as well as facile scalability through scaffold reproduction. Existing in vivo scaffolding strategies often lack covalent conjugations on geometrically confined scaffolds or precise quantitative characterization. Addressing these shortcomings, we present a bioorthogonal dual conjugation platform based on genetically encoded artificial compartments in vivo, comprising two distinct genetically encoded covalent conjugation reactions and their precise stoichiometric quantification. The SpyTag/SpyCatcher (ST/SC) bioconjugation and the controllable strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) were implemented on self-assembled protein membrane-based compartments (PMBCs). The SPAAC reaction yield was quantified to be 23% ± 3% and a ST/SC surface conjugation yield of 82% ± 9% was observed, while verifying the compatibility of both chemical reactions as well as enhanced proteolytic stability. Using tandem mass spectrometry, absolute concentrations of the proteinaceous reactants were calculated to be 0.11 ± 0.05 attomol/cell for PMBC surface-tethered mCherry-ST-His and 0.22 ± 0.09 attomol/cell for PMBC-constituting pAzF-SC-E20F20-His. The established in vivo conjugation platform enables quantifiable protein-protein interaction studies on geometrically defined scaffolds and paves the road to investigate effects of scaffold-tethering on enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Süreyya E. Geissinger
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstraße 49, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schreiber
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstraße 49, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias C. Huber
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstraße 49, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lara G. Stühn
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstraße 49, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan M. Schiller
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstraße 49, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT, Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
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30
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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.
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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
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Huber MC, Schreiber A, Schiller SM. Minimalist Protocell Design: A Molecular System Based Solely on Proteins that Form Dynamic Vesicular Membranes Embedding Enzymatic Functions. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2618-2632. [PMID: 31183952 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Life in its molecular context is characterized by the challenge of orchestrating structure, energy and information processes through compartmentalization and chemical transformations amenable to mimicry of protocell models. Here we present an alternative protocell model incorporating dynamic membranes based on amphiphilic elastin-like proteins (ELPs) rather than phospholipids. For the first time we demonstrate the feasibility of combining vesicular membrane formation and biocatalytic activity with molecular entities of a single class: proteins. The presented self-assembled protein-membrane-based compartments (PMBCs) accommodate either an anabolic reaction, based on free DNA ligase as an example of information transformation processes, or a catabolic process. We present a catabolic process based on a single molecular entity combining an amphiphilic protein with tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease as part of the enclosure of a reaction space and facilitating selective catalytic transformations. Combining compartmentalization and biocatalytic activity by utilizing an amphiphilic molecular building block with and without enzyme functionalization enables new strategies in bottom-up synthetic biology, regenerative medicine, pharmaceutical science and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias C Huber
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79085, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schreiber
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79085, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Schiller
- Zentrum für Biosystemanalyse (ZBSA), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Habsburgerstrasse 49, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79085, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT, Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
- IMTEK Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 103, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
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32
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Vogele
- Physik-DepartmentTechnische Universitat Munchen, TU München Garching Germany
| | - Tobias Pirzer
- Physik-DepartmentTechnische Universitat Munchen, TU München Garching Germany
| | - Friedrich C. Simmel
- Physik-DepartmentTechnische Universitat Munchen, TU München Garching Germany
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