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Waeterschoot J, Gosselé W, Lemež Š, Casadevall I Solvas X. Artificial cells for in vivo biomedical applications through red blood cell biomimicry. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2504. [PMID: 38509073 PMCID: PMC10954685 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46732-8] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research in artificial cell production holds promise for the development of delivery agents with therapeutic effects akin to real cells. To succeed in these applications, these systems need to survive the circulatory conditions. In this review we present strategies that, inspired by the endurance of red blood cells, have enhanced the viability of large, cell-like vehicles for in vivo therapeutic use, particularly focusing on giant unilamellar vesicles. Insights from red blood cells can guide modifications that could transform these platforms into advanced drug delivery vehicles, showcasing biomimicry's potential in shaping the future of therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorik Waeterschoot
- Department of Biosystems - MeBioS, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Willemien Gosselé
- Department of Biosystems - MeBioS, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Špela Lemež
- Department of Biosystems - MeBioS, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Yanagisawa M. Cell-size space effects on phase separation of binary polymer blends. Biophys Rev 2022; 14:1093-1103. [PMID: 36345284 PMCID: PMC9636348 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-022-01001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Within living cells, a diverse array of biomolecules is present at high concentrations. To better understand how molecular behavior differs under such conditions (collectively described as macromolecular crowding), the crowding environment has been reproduced inside artificial cells. We have previously shown that the combination of macromolecular crowding and microscale geometries imposed by the artificial cells can alter the molecular behaviors induced by macromolecular crowding in bulk solutions. We have named the effect that makes such a difference the cell-size space effect (CSE). Here, we review the underlying biophysics of CSE for phase separation of binary polymer blends. We discuss how the cell-size space can initiate phase separation, unlike nano-sized spaces, which are known to hinder nucleation and phase separation. Additionally, we discuss how the dimensions of the artificial cell and its membrane characteristics can significantly impact phase separation dynamics and equilibrium composition. Although these findings are, of themselves, very interesting, their real significance may lie in helping to clarify the functions of the cell membrane and space size in the regulation of intracellular phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Yanagisawa
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8902 Japan
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-0033 Japan
- Center for Complex Systems Biology, Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8902 Japan
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3
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Guerzoni LPB, de Goes AVC, Kalacheva M, Haduła J, Mork M, De Laporte L, Boersma AJ. High Macromolecular Crowding in Liposomes from Microfluidics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201169. [PMID: 35904258 PMCID: PMC9507340 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular environment is crowded with macromolecules that influence biochemical equilibria and biomacromolecule diffusion. The incorporation of such crowding in synthetic cells would be needed to mimic the biochemistry of living cells. However, only a few methods provide crowded artificial cells, moreover providing cells with either heterogeneous size and composition or containing a significant oil fraction. Therefore, a method that generates monodisperse liposomes with minimal oil content and tunable macromolecular crowding using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidics is presented. Lipid stabilized water-in-oil-in-water emulsions that are stable for at least several months and with a high macromolecular crowder concentration that can be controlled with the external osmolality are formed. A crucial feature is that the oil phase can be removed using high flow conditions at any point after production, providing the highly crowded liposomes. Genetically encoded macromolecular crowding sensors show that the high level of macromolecular crowding in the emulsions is fully retained throughout the generation of minimal-oil lipid bilayers. This modular and robust platform will serve the study of biochemistry under physiologically relevant crowding conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis P. B. Guerzoni
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
| | - André V. C. de Goes
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Milara Kalacheva
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Jakub Haduła
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Matthias Mork
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular ChemistryRWTH Aachen UniversityWorringerweg 152074AachenGermany
- Department Advanced Materials for BiomedicineInstitute of Applied Medical EngineeringUniversity Hospital RWTH AachenForckenbeckstrasse 5552074AachenGermany
| | - Arnold J. Boersma
- DWI‐Leibniz Institute for Interactive MaterialsForckenbeckstrasse 5052074AachenGermany
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4
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Natsume Y. Thermo-Statistical Effects of Inclusions on Vesicles: Division into Multispheres and Polyhedral Deformation. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12060608. [PMID: 35736315 PMCID: PMC9229943 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12060608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The construction of simple cellular models has attracted much attention as a way to explore the origin of life or elucidate the mechanisms of cell division. In the absence of complex regulatory systems, some bacteria spontaneously divide through thermostatistically elucidated mechanisms, and incorporating these simple physical principles could help to construct primitive or artificial cells. Because thermodynamic interactions play an essential role in such mechanisms, this review discusses the thermodynamic aspects of spontaneous division models of vesicles that contain a high density of inclusions, with their membrane serving as a boundary. Vesicles with highly dense inclusions are deformed according to the volume-to-area ratio. The phase separation of beads at specific intermediate volume fractions and the associated polyhedral deformation of the membrane are considered in relation to the Alder transition. Current advances in the development of a membrane-growth vesicular model are summarized. The thermostatistical understanding of these mechanisms could become a cornerstone for the construction of vesicular models that display spontaneous cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuno Natsume
- Schoolteacher Training Course/Natural Sciences, Cooperative Faculty of Education, Utsunomiya University, Mine-machi 350, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Japan;
- Institute for Promotion of Research Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Mine-machi 350, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Japan
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5
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Shimane Y, Kuruma Y. Rapid and Facile Preparation of Giant Vesicles by the Droplet Transfer Method for Artificial Cell Construction. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:873854. [PMID: 35464723 PMCID: PMC9021372 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.873854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant vesicles have been widely used for the bottom-up construction of artificial (or synthetic) cells and the physicochemical analysis of lipid membranes. Although methods for the formation of giant vesicles and the encapsulation of molecules within them have been established, a standardized protocol has not been shared among researchers including non-experts. Here we proposed a rapid and facile protocol that allows the formation of giant vesicles within 30 min. The quality of the giant vesicles encapsulating a cell-free protein expression system was comparable to that of the ones formed using a conventional method, in terms of the synthesis of both soluble and membrane proteins. We also performed protein synthesis in artificial cells using a lyophilized cell-free mixture and showed an equivalent level of protein synthesis. Our method could become a standard method for giant vesicle formation suited for artificial cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Shimane
- Institute for Extra-cutting-edge Science and Technology Avant-garde Research (X-star), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Japan
- Research Institute of Industrial Technology, Toyo University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yutetsu Kuruma
- Institute for Extra-cutting-edge Science and Technology Avant-garde Research (X-star), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Saitama, Japan
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yutetsu Kuruma,
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6
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Matsui Y, Akui T, Doi N, Fujiwara K. Activation of a diluted E. coli cell-free transcription-translation system within liposomes by hypertonic concentration. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:101003. [PMID: 34950885 PMCID: PMC8672043 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.101003] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a protocol for activating protein synthesis in liposomes encapsulating a diluted E. coli cell extract-based TX-TL (transcription-translation) system by hypertonic concentration. Protein expression is turned on in the liposome-encapsulated TX-TL system by simple treatment with a concentrated external solution. The expression of sfGFP is demonstrated here, but it can be applied to other proteins. This protocol can be applied to the development of artificial cells utilizing the switch-on mechanism to activate protein expression, responding to the outer environment. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Akui et al. (2021). A diluted cell extract-based transcription translation system encapsulated in liposomes Protein synthesis is activated inside liposomes by hypertonic treatment Protocol can be applied to developing artificial cells utilizing the switch-on mechanism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukino Matsui
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohokuku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Toshiki Akui
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohokuku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohokuku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohokuku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
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7
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Deyama T, Matsui Y, Chadani Y, Sekine Y, Doi N, Fujiwara K. Transcription-translation of the Escherichia coli genome within artificial cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:10367-10370. [PMID: 34541593 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc04401j] [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
Here we created artificial cells in which information of the genome of living cells is expressed by the elements encoded in the genome. We confirmed that the system works normally within artificial cells, which paves the way for reconstructing living cells from biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuki Deyama
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
| | - Yukino Matsui
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
| | - Yuhei Chadani
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, S2-19, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Sekine
- Department of Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
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8
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System concentration shift as a regulator of transcription-translation system within liposomes. iScience 2021; 24:102859. [PMID: 34386726 PMCID: PMC8346668 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biochemical systems in living cells have their optimum concentration ratio among each constituent element to maintain their functionality. However, in the case of the biochemical system with complex interactions and feedbacks among elements, their activity as a system greatly changes by the concentration shift of the entire system irrespective of the concentration ratio among elements. In this study, by using a transcription-translation (TX-TL) system as the subject, we illustrate the principle of the nonlinear relationship between the system concentration and the activity of the system. Our experiment and simulation showed that shifts of the system concentration of TX-TL by dilution and concentration works as a switch of activity and demonstrated its ability to induce a biochemical system to confer the permeability of small molecules to liposomes. These results contribute to the creation of artificial cells with the switch and provide an insight into the emergence of protocells.
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9
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Uwaguchi Y, Fujiwara K, Doi N. Switching ON of Transcription-Translation System Using GUV Fusion by Co-supplementation of Calcium with Long-Chain Polyethylene Glycol. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2319-2324. [PMID: 33971077 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have been used as a material for bottom-up synthetic biology. However, due to the semi-permeability of the membrane, the need for methods to fuse GUVs has increased. To this aim, methods that are simple and show low leakage during fusion are important. In this study, we report a method of GUV fusion by a divalent cation (Ca2+ ) enhanced with a long chain polyethylene glycol (PEG20k). The methods showed significant GUV fusion without leakage of internal components of GUVs and maintained cell-free transcription-translation ability inside the GUVs without external supplementation of macromolecules. We demonstrate that the Ca-PEG method can be applied for switching ON of transcription-translation in GUVs in a fusion-dependent manner. The method developed here can be applied to extend bottom-up synthetic biology and molecular robotics that use GUVs as a chassis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Uwaguchi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
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10
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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.
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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
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11
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Tsugane M, Suzuki H. Elucidating the Membrane Dynamics and Encapsulation Mechanism of Large DNA Molecules Under Molecular Crowding Conditions Using Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2819-2827. [PMID: 32938177 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The conservation throughout evolution of membrane-bound structures that encapsulate genomic material indicates the existence of a simple, physical mechanism that facilitates the enclosing of long-stranded DNA by lipid bilayers. This study aimed to elucidate such a mechanism by investigating how molecular crowding promotes the spontaneous enveloping of model DNA into lipid bilayer membranes. Using fluorescence microscopy and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) we showed that a 166 kb DNA molecule coencapsulated with a model crowder attaches to the inner membrane of the GUVs as they osmotically deflate and after the DNA-membrane complex buds out. The set of results is consistent with the hypothesis that the depletion volume effect is responsible for the spontaneous encapsulation of DNA in the GUVs. This phenomenon may offer novel insights into the basic mechanisms governing membrane encapsulation of long-stranded nucleic acids found in celluar sytems that are independent of genetic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamiko Tsugane
- Department of Precision Mechanics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suzuki
- Department of Precision Mechanics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
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12
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Shoji K, Kawano R. Recent Advances in Liposome-Based Molecular Robots. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E788. [PMID: 32825332 PMCID: PMC7569806 DOI: 10.3390/mi11090788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A molecular robot is a microorganism-imitating micro robot that is designed from the molecular level and constructed by bottom-up approaches. As with conventional robots, molecular robots consist of three essential robotics elements: control of intelligent systems, sensors, and actuators, all integrated into a single micro compartment. Due to recent developments in microfluidic technologies, DNA nanotechnologies, synthetic biology, and molecular engineering, these individual parts have been developed, with the final picture beginning to come together. In this review, we describe recent developments of these sensors, actuators, and intelligence systems that can be applied to liposome-based molecular robots. First, we explain liposome generation for the compartments of molecular robots. Next, we discuss the emergence of robotics functions by using and functionalizing liposomal membranes. Then, we discuss actuators and intelligence via the encapsulation of chemicals into liposomes. Finally, the future vision and the challenges of molecular robots are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Shoji
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Kamitomioka 1603-1, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Naka-cho 2-24-16, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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13
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Kohyama S, Fujiwara K, Yoshinaga N, Doi N. Conformational equilibrium of MinE regulates the allowable concentration ranges of a protein wave for cell division. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:11960-11970. [PMID: 32458918 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr00242a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Min system for determining the cell division position at the center in bacteria has a unique character that uses a protein wave (Min wave) that emerges from its components (MinD and MinE). The Min wave emerges under the coupling of chemical reactions and molecular diffusions of MinDE and appears when the concentrations of MinD and MinE are similar. However, the nanoscale mechanism to determine their concentration ranges has remained elusive. In this study, by using artificial cells as a mimic of cells, we showed that the dominant MinE conformations determined the allowable concentration ranges for the emergence of the Min wave. Furthermore, the deletion of the membrane-binding region of MinE indicated that the region was essential for limiting the concentration ranges to be narrower. These findings illustrate a parameter tuning mechanism underlying complex molecular systems at the nanoscale for spatiotemporal regulation in living cells and show a possibility that the regulation of the equilibrium among molecular conformations can work as a switch for cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunshi Kohyama
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
| | - Natsuhiko Yoshinaga
- Mathematical Science Group, WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-Ku, Sendai 9808577, Japan and MathAM-OIL, AIST, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
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14
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Kohyama S, Fujiwara K, Yoshinaga N, Doi N. Self-organization Assay for Min Proteins of Escherichia coli in Micro-droplets Covered with Lipids. Bio Protoc 2020; 10:e3561. [PMID: 33659532 PMCID: PMC7842281 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Min system determines the cell division plane of bacteria. As a cue of spatiotemporal regulation, the Min system uses wave propagation of MinD protein (Min wave). Therefore, the reconstitution of the Min wave in cell-sized closed space will lead to the creation of artificial cells capable of cell division. The Min waves emerge via coupling between the reactions among MinD, MinE, and ATP and the differences in diffusion rate on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm. Because Min waves appear only under the balanced condition of the reaction-diffusion coupling, special attentions are needed towards several technical points for the reconstitution of Min waves in artificial cells. This protocol describes a technical method for stably generating Min waves in artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunshi Kohyama
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Natsuhiko Yoshinaga
- Mathematical Science Group, WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,MathAM-OIL, AIST, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
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15
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Yoshida A, Kohyama S, Fujiwara K, Nishikawa S, Doi N. Regulation of spatiotemporal patterning in artificial cells by a defined protein expression system. Chem Sci 2019; 10:11064-11072. [PMID: 32190256 PMCID: PMC7066863 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc02441g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatiotemporal patterning is a fundamental mechanism for developmental differentiation and homeostasis in living cells. Because spatiotemporal patterns are based on higher-order collective motions of elements synthesized from genes, their behavior dynamically changes according to the element amounts. Thus, to understand life and use this process for material application, creation of artificial cells with time development of spatiotemporal patterning by changes of element levels is necessary. However, realizing coupling between spatiotemporal patterning and synthesis of elements in artificial cells has been particularly challenging. In this study, we established a system that can synthesize a patterning mechanism of the bacterial cell division plane (the so-called Min system) in artificial cells by modifying a defined protein expression system and demonstrated that artificial cells can show time development of spatiotemporal patterning similar to living cells. This system also allows generation and disappearance of spatiotemporal patterning, is controllable by a small molecule in artificial cells, and has the ability for application in cargo transporters. The system developed here provides a new material and a technique for understanding life, development of drug delivery tools, and creation of molecular robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoi Yoshida
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics , Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi , Kohoku-ku , Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan .
| | - Shunshi Kohyama
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics , Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi , Kohoku-ku , Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan .
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics , Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi , Kohoku-ku , Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan .
| | - Saki Nishikawa
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics , Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi , Kohoku-ku , Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan .
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics , Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi , Kohoku-ku , Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan .
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16
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Kohyama S, Yoshinaga N, Yanagisawa M, Fujiwara K, Doi N. Cell-sized confinement controls generation and stability of a protein wave for spatiotemporal regulation in cells. eLife 2019; 8:e44591. [PMID: 31358115 PMCID: PMC6667215 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Min system, a system that determines the bacterial cell division plane, uses changes in the localization of proteins (a Min wave) that emerges by reaction-diffusion coupling. Although previous studies have shown that space sizes and boundaries modulate the shape and speed of Min waves, their effects on wave emergence were still elusive. Here, by using a microsized fully confined space to mimic live cells, we revealed that confinement changes the conditions for the emergence of Min waves. In the microsized space, an increased surface-to-volume ratio changed the localization efficiency of proteins on membranes, and therefore, suppression of the localization change was necessary for the stable generation of Min waves. Furthermore, we showed that the cell-sized space strictly limits parameters for wave emergence because confinement inhibits both the instability and excitability of the system. These results show that confinement of reaction-diffusion systems has the potential to control spatiotemporal patterns in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunshi Kohyama
- Department of Biosciences and InformaticsKeio UniversityYokohamaJapan
| | - Natsuhiko Yoshinaga
- Mathematical Science Group, WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR)Tohoku University KatahiraSendaiJapan
- MathAM-OILAISTSendaiJapan
| | - Miho Yanagisawa
- Department of Basic Science, Komaba Institute for Science, Graduate School of Arts and SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences and InformaticsKeio UniversityYokohamaJapan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences and InformaticsKeio UniversityYokohamaJapan
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17
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Wu IY, Bala S, Škalko-Basnet N, di Cagno MP. Interpreting non-linear drug diffusion data: Utilizing Korsmeyer-Peppas model to study drug release from liposomes. Eur J Pharm Sci 2019; 138:105026. [PMID: 31374254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.105026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to clarify the dynamics behind the influence of ionic strength on the changes in drug release from large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). For this purpose, we have investigated the transport of two different model drugs (caffeine and hydrocortisone) formulated into liposomes through different types of barriers with different retention properties (regenerated cellulose and the newly introduced biomimetic barrier, Permeapad®). Drug release from liposomes was studied utilizing the standard Franz diffusion cells. LUV dispersions were exposed to the isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic environment (difference of 300 mOsm/kg between the initial LUVs and the environment) and experimental data treated with both linear and non-linear (Korsmeyer-Peppas) regression models. To alter the rigidity of the liposomal membranes, cholesterol was introduced in the liposomal barriers (up to 25% w/w). Korsmeyer-Peppas model was proven to be suited to analyse experimental data throughout the experimental time frame, providing important additive information in comparison to standard linear approximation. The obtained results are highly relevant as they improve the interpretation of drug release kinetics from LUVs under osmotic stress. Moreover, the findings can be utilized in the development of liposomal formulations intended for nose-to-brain targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iren Yeeling Wu
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Tromsø The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsvegen 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sonali Bala
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Tromsø The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsvegen 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nataša Škalko-Basnet
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Tromsø The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsvegen 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Massimiliano Pio di Cagno
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Tromsø The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsvegen 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Sem Sælands vei 3, 0371 Oslo, Norway.
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18
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Hybrid cell reactor system from Escherichia coli protoplast cells and arrayed lipid bilayer chamber device. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11757. [PMID: 30082826 PMCID: PMC6078950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30231-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a novel hybrid cell reactor system via functional fusion of single Escherichia coli protoplast cells, that are deficient in cell wall and expose plasma membrane, with arrayed lipid bilayer chambers on a device in order to incorporate the full set of cytosolic and membrane constituents into the artificial chambers. We investigated gene expression activity to represent the viability of the hybrid cell reactors: over 20% of hybrid cells showed gene expression activity from plasmid or mRNA. This suggests that the hybrid cell reactors retained fundamental activity of genetic information transduction. To expand the applicability of the hybrid cell reactors, we also developed the E. coli-in-E. coli cytoplasm system as an artificial parasitism system. Over 30% of encapsulated E. coli cells exhibited normal cell division, showing that hybrid cells can accommodate and cultivate living cells. This novel artificial cell reactor technology would enable unique approaches for synthetic cell researches such as reconstruction of living cell, artificial parasitism/symbiosis system, or physical simulation to test functionality of synthetic genome.
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19
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Nakagawa KM, Noguchi H. Bilayer sheet protrusions and budding from bilayer membranes induced by hydrolysis and condensation reactions. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:1397-1407. [PMID: 29383371 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm02326j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Shape transformations of flat bilayer membranes and vesicles induced by hydrolysis and condensation reactions of amphiphilic molecules are studied using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. The hydrolysis and condensation reactions result in the formation and dissociation of amphiphilic molecules, respectively. Asymmetric reactions between the inner and outer leaflets of a vesicle can transport amphiphilic molecules between the leaflets. It is found that the resulting area difference between the two leaflets induces bilayer sheet protrusion (BP) and budding at low reduced volumes of the vesicles, whereas BP only occurs at high reduced volumes. The probabilities of these two types of transformations depend on the shear viscosity of the surrounding fluids compared to the membrane as well as the reaction rates. A higher surrounding fluid viscosity leads to more BP formation. The inhomogeneous spatial distribution of the hydrophobic reaction products forms the nuclei of BP formation, and faster diffusion of the products enhances BP formation. Our results suggest that adjustment of the viscosity is important to control membrane shape transformations in experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koh M Nakagawa
- Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581, Japan.
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20
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Okano T, Inoue K, Koseki K, Suzuki H. Deformation Modes of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles Encapsulating Biopolymers. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:739-747. [PMID: 29382193 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The shapes of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) enclosing polymer molecules at relatively high concentration, used as a model cytoplasm, significantly differ from those containing only small molecules. Here, we investigated the effects of the molecular weights and concentrations of polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and DNA on the morphology of GUVs deflated by osmotic pressure. Although small PEG (MW < 1000) does not alter the mode of shape transformation even at >10% (w/w), PEG with MW > 6000 induces budding and pearling transformation at above 1% (w/w). Larger PEG frequently induced small buddings and tubulation from the membrane of mother GUVs. A similar trend was observed with BSA, indicating that the effect is irrelevant to the chemical nature of polymers. More surprisingly, long strands of DNA (>105 bp) enclosed in GUVs induced budding transformation at concentrations as low as 0.01-0.1% (w/w). We expect that this molecular size dependency arises mainly from the depletion volume effect. Our results showed that curving, budding, and tubulation of lipid membranes, which are ubiquitous in living cells, can result from simple cell-mimics consisting of the membrane and cytosolic macromolecules, but without specific shape-determining proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiji Okano
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Koya Inoue
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Kaoru Koseki
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suzuki
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
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21
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Fujiwara K, Adachi T, Doi N. Artificial Cell Fermentation as a Platform for Highly Efficient Cascade Conversion. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:363-370. [PMID: 29258304 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Because of its high specificity and stereoselectivity, cascade reactions using enzymes have been attracting attention as a platform for chemical synthesis. However, the sensitivity of enzymes outside their optimum conditions and their rapid decrease of activity upon dilution are drawbacks of the system. In this study, we developed a system for cascade enzymatic conversion in bacteria-shaped liposomes formed by hypertonic treatment, and demonstrated that the system can overcome the drawbacks of the enzymatic cascade reactions in bulk. This system produced final products at a level equivalent to the maximum concentration of the bulk system (0.10 M, e.g., 4.6 g/L), and worked even under conditions where enzymes normally lose their function. Under diluted conditions, the conversion rate of the artificial cell system was remarkably higher than that in the bulk system. Our results indicate that artificial cells can behave as a platform to perform fermentative production like microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences
and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223−8522, Japan
| | - Takuma Adachi
- Department of Biosciences
and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223−8522, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences
and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223−8522, Japan
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22
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Fujiwara K, Yanagisawa M. Liposomal internal viscosity affects the fate of membrane deformation induced by hypertonic treatment. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:9192-9198. [PMID: 29184957 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm01421j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Artificial lipid membranes have been utilized to understand the physical mechanisms of the deformation patterns of live cells. However, typical artificial membrane systems contain only dilute components compared to those in the cytoplasm of live cells. By using giant unilamellar liposomes containing dense protein solutions similar to those in live cells, we here reveal that viscosity derived from internal crowding affects the deformation patterns of lipid membranes. After hypertonic treatment, liposome deformation patterns transitioned from budding to tubing when the initial internal macromolecular concentrations were increased. Remarkably, instead of observing different transition concentrations between two species of macromolecules, the viscosity at the transition concentration was found to be similar. Further analyses clearly demonstrated that the internal viscosity affects the deformation patterns of lipid membranes induced by hypertonic treatment. These results indicate that the viscosity of the cytoplasm is a key factor in determining cell deformation, and suggest the association of a process involving dynamic instability, such as a viscous fingering phenomenon, during the determination of deformation patterns by hypertonic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
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23
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Nishizawa K, Fujiwara K, Ikenaga M, Nakajo N, Yanagisawa M, Mizuno D. Universal glass-forming behavior of in vitro and living cytoplasm. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15143. [PMID: 29123156 PMCID: PMC5680342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14883-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological processes in cells are performed efficiently without getting jammed although cytoplasm is highly crowded with various macromolecules. Elucidating the physical machinery is challenging because the interior of a cell is so complex and driven far from equilibrium by metabolic activities. Here, we studied the mechanics of in vitro and living cytoplasm using the particle-tracking and manipulation technique. The molecular crowding effect on cytoplasmic mechanics was selectively studied by preparing simple in vitro models of cytoplasm from which both the metabolism and cytoskeletons were removed. We obtained direct evidence of the cytoplasmic glass transition; a dramatic increase in viscosity upon crowding quantitatively conformed to the super-Arrhenius formula, which is typical for fragile colloidal suspensions close to jamming. Furthermore, the glass-forming behaviors were found to be universally conserved in all the cytoplasm samples that originated from different species and developmental stages; they showed the same tendency for diverging at the macromolecule concentrations relevant for living cells. Notably, such fragile behavior disappeared in metabolically active living cells whose viscosity showed a genuine Arrhenius increase as in typical strong glass formers. Being actively driven by metabolism, the living cytoplasm forms glass that is fundamentally different from that of its non-living counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Nishizawa
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ikenaga
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Nobushige Nakajo
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Miho Yanagisawa
- Department of Applied Physics, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mizuno
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan.
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24
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Kurokawa C, Fujiwara K, Morita M, Kawamata I, Kawagishi Y, Sakai A, Murayama Y, Nomura SIM, Murata S, Takinoue M, Yanagisawa M. DNA cytoskeleton for stabilizing artificial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:7228-7233. [PMID: 28652345 PMCID: PMC5514726 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1702208114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-sized liposomes and droplets coated with lipid layers have been used as platforms for understanding live cells, constructing artificial cells, and implementing functional biomedical tools such as biosensing platforms and drug delivery systems. However, these systems are very fragile, which results from the absence of cytoskeletons in these systems. Here, we construct an artificial cytoskeleton using DNA nanostructures. The designed DNA oligomers form a Y-shaped nanostructure and connect to each other with their complementary sticky ends to form networks. To undercoat lipid membranes with this DNA network, we used cationic lipids that attract negatively charged DNA. By encapsulating the DNA into the droplets, we successfully created a DNA shell underneath the membrane. The DNA shells increased interfacial tension, elastic modulus, and shear modulus of the droplet surface, consequently stabilizing the lipid droplets. Such drastic changes in stability were detected only when the DNA shell was in the gel phase. Furthermore, we demonstrate that liposomes with the DNA gel shell are substantially tolerant against outer osmotic shock. These results clearly show the DNA gel shell is a stabilizer of the lipid membrane akin to the cytoskeleton in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikako Kurokawa
- Department of Applied Physics, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588 Japan
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Keio University, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Masamune Morita
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan
| | - Ibuki Kawamata
- Department of Robotics, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Yui Kawagishi
- Department of Robotics, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sakai
- Department of Applied Physics, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588 Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Murayama
- Department of Applied Physics, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588 Japan
| | | | - Satoshi Murata
- Department of Robotics, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takinoue
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan;
| | - Miho Yanagisawa
- Department of Applied Physics, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 184-8588 Japan;
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25
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Sachin Krishnan TV, Okamoto R, Komura S. Relaxation dynamics of a compressible bilayer vesicle containing highly viscous fluid. Phys Rev E 2017; 94:062414. [PMID: 28085330 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.94.062414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We study the relaxation dynamics of a compressible bilayer vesicle with an asymmetry in the viscosity of the inner and outer fluid medium. First we explore the stability of the vesicle free energy which includes a coupling between the membrane curvature and the local density difference between the two monolayers. Two types of instabilities are identified: a small wavelength instability and a larger wavelength instability. Considering the bulk fluid viscosity and the inter-monolayer friction as the dissipation sources, we next employ Onsager's variational principle to derive the coupled equations both for the membrane and the bulk fluid. The three relaxation modes are coupled to each other due to the bilayer and the spherical structure of the vesicle. Most importantly, a higher fluid viscosity inside the vesicle shifts the crossover mode between the bending and the slipping to a larger value. As the vesicle parameters approach the unstable regions, the relaxation dynamics is dramatically slowed down, and the corresponding mode structure changes significantly. In some limiting cases, our general result reduces to the previously obtained relaxation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- T V Sachin Krishnan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan.,Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Ryuichi Okamoto
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Komura
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
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26
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Takagi K, Ohgita T, Yamamoto T, Shinohara Y, Kogure K. Transmission of External Environmental pH Information to the Inside of Liposomes via Pore-Forming Proteins Embedded within the Liposomal Membrane. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2016; 64:432-8. [PMID: 27150475 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c15-00985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Liposomes are closed-membrane vesicles comprised of lipid bilayers, in which the inside of the vesicles is isolated from the external environment. Liposomes are therefore often used as models for biomembranes and as drug delivery carriers. However, materials encapsulated within liposomes often cannot respond to changes in the external environment. The ability of enclosed materials to maintain their responsiveness to changes in the external environment following encapsulation into liposomes would greatly expand the applicability of such systems. We hypothesize that embedding pore-like "access points" into the liposomal membrane could allow for the transmission of information between the internal and external liposomal environments and thus overcome this inherent limitation of conventional liposomes. To investigate this, we evaluated whether a change in the pH of an external solution could be transmitted to the inside of liposomes through the pore-forming protein, yeast voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC). Transmission of a pH change via VDAC was evaluated using a polyglutamic acid/doxorubicin complex (PGA/Dox) as an internal pH sensor. Upon encapsulation into conventional liposomes, PGA/Dox exhibits no pH sensitivity due to isolation from the external environment. On the other hand, PGA/Dox was found to retain its pH sensitivity upon encapsulation into VDAC-reconstituted liposomes, suggesting that VDAC facilitated the transmission of information on the pH of the external environment to the inside of the liposomes. In conclusion, we successfully demonstrated the transmission of information between the external and internal liposomal environments by a stable pore-like structure embedded into the liposomal membranes, which serve as access points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Takagi
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
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27
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Fujiwara K, Doi N. Biochemical Preparation of Cell Extract for Cell-Free Protein Synthesis without Physical Disruption. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154614. [PMID: 27128597 PMCID: PMC4851396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a powerful tool for the preparation of toxic proteins, directed protein evolution, and bottom-up synthetic biology. The transcription-translation machinery for CFPS is provided by cell extracts, which usually contain 20–30 mg/mL of proteins. In general, these cell extracts are prepared by physical disruption; however, this requires technical experience and special machinery. Here, we report a method to prepare cell extracts for CFPS using a biochemical method, which disrupts cells through the combination of lysozyme treatment, osmotic shock, and freeze-thaw cycles. The resulting cell extracts showed similar features to those obtained by physical disruption, and was able to synthesize active green fluorescent proteins in the presence of appropriate chemicals to a concentration of 20 μM (0.5 mg/mL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223–8522, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223–8522, Japan
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28
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Hayashi M, Nishiyama M, Kazayama Y, Toyota T, Harada Y, Takiguchi K. Reversible Morphological Control of Tubulin-Encapsulating Giant Liposomes by Hydrostatic Pressure. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2016; 32:3794-3802. [PMID: 27023063 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Liposomes encapsulating cytoskeletons have drawn much recent attention to develop an artificial cell-like chemical-machinery; however, as far as we know, there has been no report showing isothermally reversible morphological changes of liposomes containing cytoskeletons because the sets of various regulatory factors, that is, their interacting proteins, are required to control the state of every reaction system of cytoskeletons. Here we focused on hydrostatic pressure to control the polymerization state of microtubules (MTs) within cell-sized giant liposomes (diameters ∼10 μm). MT is the cytoskeleton formed by the polymerization of tubulin, and cytoskeletal systems consisting of MTs are very dynamic and play many important roles in living cells, such as the morphogenesis of nerve cells and formation of the spindle apparatus during mitosis. Using real-time imaging with a high-pressure microscope, we examined the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the morphology of tubulin-encapsulating giant liposomes. At ambient pressure (0.1 MPa), many liposomes formed protrusions due to tubulin polymerization within them. When high pressure (60 MPa) was applied, the protrusions shrank within several tens of seconds. This process was repeatedly inducible (around three times), and after the pressure was released, the protrusions regenerated within several minutes. These deformation rates of the liposomes are close to the velocities of migrating or shape-changing living cells rather than the shortening and elongation rates of the single MTs, which have been previously measured. These results demonstrate that the elongation and shortening of protrusions of giant liposomes is repeatedly controllable by regulating the polymerization state of MTs within them by applying and releasing hydrostatic pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Hayashi
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University , Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Kingo Takiguchi
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University , Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
- Structural Biology Research Center, Nagoya University , Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
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29
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Natsume Y, Toyota T. Asymmetrical Polyhedral Configuration of Giant Vesicles Induced by Orderly Array of Encapsulated Colloidal Particles. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146683. [PMID: 26752650 PMCID: PMC4709067 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant vesicles (GVs) encapsulating colloidal particles by a specific volume fraction show a characteristic configuration under a hypertonic condition. Several flat faces were formed in GV membrane with orderly array of inner particles. GV shape changed from the spherical to the asymmetrical polyhedral configuration. This shape deformation was derived by entropic interaction between inner particles and GV membrane. Because a part of inner particles became to form an ordered phase in the region neighboring the GV membrane, free volume for the other part of particles increased. Giant vesicles encapsulating colloidal particles were useful for the model of "crowding effect" which is the entropic interaction in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuno Natsume
- Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Japan Women's University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taro Toyota
- Research Center for Complex Systems Biology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Urban PL. Compartmentalised chemistry: from studies on the origin of life to engineered biochemical systems. NEW J CHEM 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4nj00894d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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31
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Fujiwara K, Yanagisawa M, Nomura SIM. Reconstitution of intracellular environments in vitro and in artificial cells. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2014; 10:43-8. [PMID: 27493497 PMCID: PMC4629665 DOI: 10.2142/biophysics.10.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Toward reconstitution of living cells by artificial cells technology, it is critical process to understand the differences between mixtures of biomolecules and living cells. For the aim, we have developed procedures for preparation of an additive-free cell extract (AFCE) and for concentrating biomacromolecules in artificial cells. In this review, we introduce our recent progress to reconstitute intracellular environments in vitro and in artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Miho Yanagisawa
- Department of Applied Physics, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro M Nomura
- Department of Bioengineering and Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aramaki-aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
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