1
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Samanta A, Baranda Pellejero L, Masukawa M, Walther A. DNA-empowered synthetic cells as minimalistic life forms. Nat Rev Chem 2024; 8:454-470. [PMID: 38750171 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-024-00606-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Cells, the fundamental units of life, orchestrate intricate functions - motility, adaptation, replication, communication, and self-organization within tissues. Originating from spatiotemporally organized structures and machinery, coupled with information processing in signalling networks, cells embody the 'sensor-processor-actuator' paradigm. Can we glean insights from these processes to construct primitive artificial systems with life-like properties? Using de novo design approaches, what can we uncover about the evolutionary path of life? This Review discusses the strides made in crafting synthetic cells, utilizing the powerful toolbox of structural and dynamic DNA nanoscience. We describe how DNA can serve as a versatile tool for engineering entire synthetic cells or subcellular entities, and how DNA enables complex behaviour, including motility and information processing for adaptive and interactive processes. We chart future directions for DNA-empowered synthetic cells, envisioning interactive systems wherein synthetic cells communicate within communities and with living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avik Samanta
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India.
| | | | - Marcos Masukawa
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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2
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Woo S, Saka SK, Xuan F, Yin P. Molecular robotic agents that survey molecular landscapes for information retrieval. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3293. [PMID: 38632239 PMCID: PMC11024175 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46978-2] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA-based artificial motors have allowed the recapitulation of biological functions and the creation of new features. Here, we present a molecular robotic system that surveys molecular environments and reports spatial information in an autonomous and repeated manner. A group of molecular agents, termed 'crawlers', roam around and copy information from DNA-labeled targets, generating records that reflect their trajectories. Based on a mechanism that allows random crawling, we show that our system is capable of counting the number of subunits in example molecular complexes. Our system can also detect multivalent proximities by generating concatenated records from multiple local interactions. We demonstrate this capability by distinguishing colocalization patterns of three proteins inside fixed cells under different conditions. These mechanisms for examining molecular landscapes may serve as a basis towards creating large-scale detailed molecular interaction maps inside the cell with nanoscale resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwook Woo
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, Korea.
| | - Sinem K Saka
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Genome Biology Unit, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Feng Xuan
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Spear Bio Inc., Woburn, MA, 01801, USA
| | - Peng Yin
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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3
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Ranganath VA, Maity I. Artificial Homeostasis Systems Based on Feedback Reaction Networks: Design Principles and Future Promises. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318134. [PMID: 38226567 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318134] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Feedback-controlled chemical reaction networks (FCRNs) are indispensable for various biological processes, such as cellular mechanisms, patterns, and signaling pathways. Through the intricate interplay of many feedback loops (FLs), FCRNs maintain a stable internal cellular environment. Currently, creating minimalistic synthetic cells is the long-term objective of systems chemistry, which is motivated by such natural integrity. The design, kinetic optimization, and analysis of FCRNs to exhibit functions akin to those of a cell still pose significant challenges. Indeed, reaching synthetic homeostasis is essential for engineering synthetic cell components. However, maintaining homeostasis in artificial systems against various agitations is a difficult task. Several biological events can provide us with guidelines for a conceptual understanding of homeostasis, which can be further applicable in designing artificial synthetic systems. In this regard, we organize our review with artificial homeostasis systems driven by FCRNs at different length scales, including homogeneous, compartmentalized, and soft material systems. First, we stretch a quick overview of FCRNs in different molecular and supramolecular systems, which are the essential toolbox for engineering different nonlinear functions and homeostatic systems. Moreover, the existing history of synthetic homeostasis in chemical and material systems and their advanced functions with self-correcting, and regulating properties are also emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Ambekar Ranganath
- Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Jain Global Campus, Bangalore, 562112, Karnataka, India
| | - Indrajit Maity
- Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Jain Global Campus, Bangalore, 562112, Karnataka, India
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4
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Ventura J, Llopis-Lorente A, Abdelmohsen LKEA, van Hest JCM, Martínez-Máñez R. Models of Chemical Communication for Micro/Nanoparticles. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:815-830. [PMID: 38427324 PMCID: PMC10956390 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Engineering chemical communication between micro/nanosystems (via the exchange of chemical messengers) is receiving increasing attention from the scientific community. Although a number of micro- and nanodevices (e.g., drug carriers, sensors, and artificial cells) have been developed in the last decades, engineering communication at the micro/nanoscale is a recent emergent topic. In fact, most of the studies in this research area have been published within the last 10 years. Inspired by nature─where information is exchanged by means of molecules─the development of chemical communication strategies holds wide implications as it may provide breakthroughs in many areas including nanotechnology, artificial cell research, biomedicine, biotechnology, and ICT. Published examples rely on nanotechnology and synthetic biology for the creation of micro- and nanodevices that can communicate. Communication enables the construction of new complex systems capable of performing advanced coordinated tasks that go beyond those carried out by individual entities. In addition, the possibility to communicate between synthetic and living systems can further advance our understanding of biochemical processes and provide completely new tailored therapeutic and diagnostic strategies, ways to tune cellular behavior, and new biotechnological tools. In this Account, we summarize advances by our laboratories (and others) in the engineering of chemical communication of micro- and nanoparticles. This Account is structured to provide researchers from different fields with general strategies and common ground for the rational design of future communication networks at the micro/nanoscale. First, we cover the basis of and describe enabling technologies to engineer particles with communication capabilities. Next, we rationalize general models of chemical communication. These models vary from simple linear communication (transmission of information between two points) to more complex pathways such as interactive communication and multicomponent communication (involving several entities). Using illustrative experimental designs, we demonstrate the realization of these models which involve communication not only between engineered micro/nanoparticles but also between particles and living systems. Finally, we discuss the current state of the topic and the future challenges to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ventura
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera
s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - Antoni Llopis-Lorente
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera
s/n, 46022 València, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Department of Biomedical
Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Het Kranenveld 14, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Department of Biomedical
Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Het Kranenveld 14, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ramón Martínez-Máñez
- Instituto
Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular
y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat
Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, Camino de Vera
s/n, 46022 València, Spain
- Unidad
Mixta de Investigación en Nanomedicina y Sensores, Universitat Politècnica de València,
Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Av Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad
Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades
y Nanomedicina, Universitat Politècnica
de València, Centro
de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, C/Eduardo Primo Yúfera
3, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER
de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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5
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Yang S, Bögels BWA, Wang F, Xu C, Dou H, Mann S, Fan C, de Greef TFA. DNA as a universal chemical substrate for computing and data storage. Nat Rev Chem 2024; 8:179-194. [PMID: 38337008 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-024-00576-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
DNA computing and DNA data storage are emerging fields that are unlocking new possibilities in information technology and diagnostics. These approaches use DNA molecules as a computing substrate or a storage medium, offering nanoscale compactness and operation in unconventional media (including aqueous solutions, water-in-oil microemulsions and self-assembled membranized compartments) for applications beyond traditional silicon-based computing systems. To build a functional DNA computer that can process and store molecular information necessitates the continued development of strategies for computing and data storage, as well as bridging the gap between these fields. In this Review, we explore how DNA can be leveraged in the context of DNA computing with a focus on neural networks and compartmentalized DNA circuits. We also discuss emerging approaches to the storage of data in DNA and associated topics such as the writing, reading, retrieval and post-synthesis editing of DNA-encoded data. Finally, we provide insights into how DNA computing can be integrated with DNA data storage and explore the use of DNA for near-memory computing for future information technology and health analysis applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bas W A Bögels
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Can Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjing Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Stephen Mann
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acids Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tom F A de Greef
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Center for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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6
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Blanc B, Agyapong JN, Hunter I, Galas JC, Fernandez-Nieves A, Fraden S. Collective chemomechanical oscillations in active hydrogels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313258121. [PMID: 38300869 PMCID: PMC10861864 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313258121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
We report on the collective response of an assembly of chemomechanical Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) hydrogel beads. We first demonstrate that a single isolated spherical BZ hydrogel bead with a radius below a critical value does not oscillate, whereas an assembly of the same BZ hydrogel beads presents chemical oscillation. A BZ chemical model with an additional flux of chemicals out of the BZ hydrogel captures the experimentally observed transition from oxidized nonoscillating to oscillating BZ hydrogels and shows this transition is due to a flux of inhibitors out of the BZ hydrogel. The model also captures the role of neighboring BZ hydrogel beads in decreasing the critical size for an assembly of BZ hydrogel beads to oscillate. We finally leverage the quorum sensing behavior of the collective to trigger their chemomechanical oscillation and discuss how this collective effect can be used to enhance the oscillatory strain of these active BZ hydrogels. These findings could help guide the eventual fabrication of a swarm of autonomous, communicating, and motile hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Blanc
- Laboratoire Jean Perrin, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Paris75005, France
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona08028, Spain
- Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02454
| | - Johnson N. Agyapong
- Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02454
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY13244
| | - Ian Hunter
- Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02454
| | - Jean-Christophe Galas
- Laboratoire Jean Perrin, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Paris75005, France
| | - Alberto Fernandez-Nieves
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona08028, Spain
- Institute of Complex Systems, University of Barcelona, Barcelona08028, Spain
- Institució Catalanade Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona08010, Spain
| | - Seth Fraden
- Department of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02454
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7
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Kubota R, Hamachi I. Cell-Like Synthetic Supramolecular Soft Materials Realized in Multicomponent, Non-/Out-of-Equilibrium Dynamic Systems. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306830. [PMID: 38018341 PMCID: PMC10885657 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Living cells are complex, nonequilibrium supramolecular systems capable of independently and/or cooperatively integrating multiple bio-supramolecules to execute intricate physiological functions that cannot be accomplished by individual biomolecules. These biological design strategies offer valuable insights for the development of synthetic supramolecular systems with spatially controlled hierarchical structures, which, importantly, exhibit cell-like responses and functions. The next grand challenge in supramolecular chemistry is to control the organization of multiple types of supramolecules in a single system, thus integrating the functions of these supramolecules in an orthogonal and/or cooperative manner. In this perspective, the recent progress in constructing multicomponent supramolecular soft materials through the hybridization of supramolecules, such as self-assembled nanofibers/gels and coacervates, with other functional molecules, including polymer gels and enzymes is highlighted. Moreover, results show that these materials exhibit bioinspired responses to stimuli, such as bidirectional rheological responses of supramolecular double-network hydrogels, temporal stimulus pattern-dependent responses of synthetic coacervates, and 3D hydrogel patterning in response to reaction-diffusion processes are presented. Autonomous active soft materials with cell-like responses and spatially controlled structures hold promise for diverse applications, including soft robotics with directional motion, point-of-care disease diagnosis, and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
- JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Katsura, 615-8530, Japan
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8
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Sharma C, Samanta A, Schmidt RS, Walther A. DNA-Based Signaling Networks for Transient Colloidal Co-Assemblies. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:17819-17830. [PMID: 37543962 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Programmable chemical circuits inspired by signaling networks in living cells are a promising approach for the development of adaptive and autonomous self-assembling molecular systems and material functions. Progress has been made at the molecular level, but connecting molecular control circuits to self-assembling larger elements such as colloids that enable real-space studies and access to functional materials is sparse and can suffer from kinetic traps, flocculation, or difficult system integration protocols. Herein, we report a toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement reaction network capable of autonomously directing two different microgels into transient and self-regulating co-assemblies. The microgels are functionalized with DNA and become elemental components of the network. The flexibility of the circuit design allows the installation of delay phases or accelerators by chaining additional circuit modules upstream or downstream of the core circuit. The design provides an adaptable and robust route to regulate other building blocks for advanced biomimetic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Sharma
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Avik Samanta
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ricarda Sophia Schmidt
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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9
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Stano P, Gentili PL, Damiano L, Magarini M. A Role for Bottom-Up Synthetic Cells in the Internet of Bio-Nano Things? Molecules 2023; 28:5564. [PMID: 37513436 PMCID: PMC10385758 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential role of bottom-up Synthetic Cells (SCs) in the Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT) is discussed. In particular, this perspective paper focuses on the growing interest in networks of biological and/or artificial objects at the micro- and nanoscale (cells and subcellular parts, microelectrodes, microvessels, etc.), whereby communication takes place in an unconventional manner, i.e., via chemical signaling. The resulting "molecular communication" (MC) scenario paves the way to the development of innovative technologies that have the potential to impact biotechnology, nanomedicine, and related fields. The scenario that relies on the interconnection of natural and artificial entities is briefly introduced, highlighting how Synthetic Biology (SB) plays a central role. SB allows the construction of various types of SCs that can be designed, tailored, and programmed according to specific predefined requirements. In particular, "bottom-up" SCs are briefly described by commenting on the principles of their design and fabrication and their features (in particular, the capacity to exchange chemicals with other SCs or with natural biological cells). Although bottom-up SCs still have low complexity and thus basic functionalities, here, we introduce their potential role in the IoBNT. This perspective paper aims to stimulate interest in and discussion on the presented topics. The article also includes commentaries on MC, semantic information, minimal cognition, wetware neuromorphic engineering, and chemical social robotics, with the specific potential they can bring to the IoBNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Gentili
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Luisa Damiano
- Department of Communication, Arts and Media, IULM University, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Magarini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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10
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Sun M, Deng J, Walther A. Communication and Cross-Regulation between Chemically Fueled Sender and Receiver Reaction Networks. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202214499. [PMID: 36354214 PMCID: PMC10107503 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nature connects multiple fuel-driven chemical/enzymatic reaction networks (CRNs/ERNs) via cross-regulation to hierarchically control biofunctions for a tailored adaption in complex sensory landscapes. Herein, we introduce a facile example of communication and cross-regulation among two fuel-driven DNA-based ERNs regulated by a concatenated RNA transcription regulator. ERN1 ("sender") is designed for the fuel-driven promoter formation for T7 RNA polymerase, which activates RNA transcription. The produced RNA can deactivate or activate DNA in ERN2 ("receiver") by toehold-mediated strand displacement, leading to a communication between two ERNs. The RNA from ERN1 can repress or promote the fuel-driven state of ERN2; ERN2 in turn feedbacks to regulate the lifetime of ERN1. Furthermore, the incorporation of RNase H allows for RNA degradation and enables the autonomous recovery of ERN2. We believe that concatenation of multiple CRNs/ERNs provides a basis for the design of more elaborate autonomous regulatory mechanisms in systems chemistry and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT - Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jie Deng
- Life Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andreas Walther
- Life Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT - Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
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11
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Okumura S, Gines G, Lobato-Dauzier N, Baccouche A, Deteix R, Fujii T, Rondelez Y, Genot AJ. Nonlinear decision-making with enzymatic neural networks. Nature 2022; 610:496-501. [PMID: 36261553 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05218-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Artificial neural networks have revolutionized electronic computing. Similarly, molecular networks with neuromorphic architectures may enable molecular decision-making on a level comparable to gene regulatory networks1,2. Non-enzymatic networks could in principle support neuromorphic architectures, and seminal proofs-of-principle have been reported3,4. However, leakages (that is, the unwanted release of species), as well as issues with sensitivity, speed, preparation and the lack of strong nonlinear responses, make the composition of layers delicate, and molecular classifications equivalent to a multilayer neural network remain elusive (for example, the partitioning of a concentration space into regions that cannot be linearly separated). Here we introduce DNA-encoded enzymatic neurons with tuneable weights and biases, and which are assembled in multilayer architectures to classify nonlinearly separable regions. We first leverage the sharp decision margin of a neuron to compute various majority functions on 10 bits. We then compose neurons into a two-layer network and synthetize a parametric family of rectangular functions on a microRNA input. Finally, we connect neural and logical computations into a hybrid circuit that recursively partitions a concentration plane according to a decision tree in cell-sized droplets. This computational power and extreme miniaturization open avenues to query and manage molecular systems with complex contents, such as liquid biopsies or DNA databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Okumura
- LIMMS, CNRS-Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - G Gines
- Laboratoire Gulliver, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - N Lobato-Dauzier
- LIMMS, CNRS-Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - A Baccouche
- LIMMS, CNRS-Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - R Deteix
- LIMMS, CNRS-Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Fujii
- LIMMS, CNRS-Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y Rondelez
- Laboratoire Gulliver, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - A J Genot
- LIMMS, CNRS-Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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12
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Wang X, Wu S, Tang TYD, Tian L. Engineering strategies for sustainable synthetic cells. TRENDS IN CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trechm.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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13
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Schaffter SW, Chen KL, O'Brien J, Noble M, Murugan A, Schulman R. Standardized excitable elements for scalable engineering of far-from-equilibrium chemical networks. Nat Chem 2022; 14:1224-1232. [PMID: 35927329 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-022-01001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Engineered far-from-equilibrium synthetic chemical networks that pulse or switch states in response to environmental signals could precisely regulate the kinetics of chemical synthesis or self-assembly. Currently, such networks must be extensively tuned to compensate for the different activities of and unintended reactions between a network's various chemical components. Modular elements with standardized performance could be used to rapidly construct networks with designed functions. Here we develop standardized excitable chemical regulatory elements, termed genelets, and use them to construct complex in vitro transcriptional networks. We develop a protocol for identifying >15 interchangeable genelet elements with uniform performance and minimal crosstalk. These elements can be combined to engineer feedforward and feedback modules whose dynamics match those predicted by a simple kinetic model. Modules can then be rationally integrated and organized into networks that produce tunable temporal pulses and act as multistate switchable memories. Standardized genelet elements, and the workflow to identify more, should make engineering complex far-from-equilibrium chemical dynamics routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Schaffter
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kuan-Lin Chen
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jackson O'Brien
- Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Madeline Noble
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arvind Murugan
- Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rebecca Schulman
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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14
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Programmable synthetic cell networks regulated by tuneable reaction rates. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3885. [PMID: 35794089 PMCID: PMC9259615 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31471-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Coupled compartmentalised information processing and communication via molecular diffusion underpin network based population dynamics as observed in biological systems. Understanding how both compartmentalisation and communication can regulate information processes is key to rational design and control of compartmentalised reaction networks. Here, we integrate PEN DNA reactions into semi-permeable proteinosomes and characterise the effect of compartmentalisation on autocatalytic PEN DNA reactions. We observe unique behaviours in the compartmentalised systems which are not accessible under bulk conditions; for example, rates of reaction increase by an order of magnitude and reaction kinetics are more readily tuneable by enzyme concentrations in proteinosomes compared to buffer solution. We exploit these properties to regulate the reaction kinetics in two node compartmentalised reaction networks comprised of linear and autocatalytic reactions which we establish by bottom-up synthetic biology approaches.
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15
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Moerman PG, Gavrilov M, Ha T, Schulman R. Catalytic DNA Polymerization Can Be Expedited by Active Product Release**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202114581. [PMID: 35302706 PMCID: PMC9325435 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202114581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The sequence‐specific hybridization of DNA facilitates its use as a building block for designer nanoscale structures and reaction networks that perform computations. However, the strong binding energy of Watson–Crick base pairing that underlies this specificity also causes the DNA dehybridization rate to depend sensitively on sequence length and temperature. This strong dependency imposes stringent constraints on the design of multi‐step DNA reactions. Here we show how an ATP‐dependent helicase, Rep‐X, can drive specific dehybridization reactions at rates independent of sequence length, removing the constraints of equilibrium on DNA hybridization and dehybridization. To illustrate how this new capacity can speed up designed DNA reaction networks, we show that Rep‐X extends the range of conditions where the primer exchange reaction, which catalytically adds a domain provided by a hairpin template to a DNA substrate, proceeds rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pepijn G. Moerman
- Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMD 21218USA
| | - Momcilo Gavrilov
- Biophysics & Biophysical ChemistryJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMD 21205USA
| | - Taekjip Ha
- Biophysics & Biophysical ChemistryJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMD 21205USA
- Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMD 21218USA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteBaltimoreMD 21205USA
| | - Rebecca Schulman
- Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMD 21218USA
- ChemistryJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMD 21218USA
- Computer ScienceJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMD 21218USA
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16
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Del Grosso E, Franco E, Prins LJ, Ricci F. Dissipative DNA nanotechnology. Nat Chem 2022; 14:600-613. [PMID: 35668213 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-022-00957-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool to precisely design and control molecular circuits, machines and nanostructures. A major goal in this field is to build devices with life-like properties, such as directional motion, transport, communication and adaptation. Here we provide an overview of the nascent field of dissipative DNA nanotechnology, which aims at developing life-like systems by combining programmable nucleic-acid reactions with energy-dissipating processes. We first delineate the notions, terminology and characteristic features of dissipative DNA-based systems and then we survey DNA-based circuits, devices and materials whose functions are controlled by chemical fuels. We emphasize how energy consumption enables these systems to perform work and cyclical tasks, in contrast with DNA devices that operate without dissipative processes. The ability to take advantage of chemical fuel molecules brings dissipative DNA systems closer to the active molecular devices that exist in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Del Grosso
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Franco
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Leonard J Prins
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Kriukov DV, Koyuncu AH, Wong ASY. History Dependence in a Chemical Reaction Network Enables Dynamic Switching. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107523. [PMID: 35257479 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107523] [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: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This work describes an enzymatic autocatalytic network capable of dynamic switching under out-of-equilibrium conditions. The network, wherein a molecular fuel (trypsinogen) and an inhibitor (soybean trypsin inhibitor) compete for a catalyst (trypsin), is kept from reaching equilibria using a continuous flow stirred tank reactor. A so-called 'linear inhibition sweep' is developed (i.e., a molecular analogue of linear sweep voltammetry) to intentionally perturb the competition between autocatalysis and inhibition, and used to demonstrate that a simple molecular system, comprising only three components, is already capable of a variety of essential neuromorphic behaviors (hysteresis, synchronization, resonance, and adaptation). This research provides the first steps in the development of a strategy that uses the principles in systems chemistry to transform chemical reaction networks into platforms capable of neural network computing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii V Kriukov
- Department of Molecules and Materials, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NH, The Netherlands
| | - A Hazal Koyuncu
- Department of Molecules and Materials, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NH, The Netherlands
| | - Albert S Y Wong
- Department of Molecules and Materials, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NH, The Netherlands
- MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NH, The Netherlands
- BRAINS (Center for Brain-inspired Nano Systems), University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, Enschede, 7522 NH, The Netherlands
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18
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Zhao QH, Cao FH, Luo ZH, Huck WTS, Deng NN. Photoswitchable Molecular Communication between Programmable DNA-Based Artificial Membraneless Organelles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202117500. [PMID: 35090078 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202117500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal organization of distinct biological processes in cytomimetic compartments is a crucial step towards engineering functional artificial cells. Mimicking controlled bi-directional molecular communication inside artificial cells remains a considerable challenge. Here we present photoswitchable molecular transport between programmable membraneless organelle-like DNA coacervates in a synthetic microcompartment. We use droplet microfluidics to fabricate membraneless non-fusing DNA coacervates by liquid-liquid phase separation in a water-in-oil droplet, and employ the interior DNA coacervates as artificial organelles to imitate intracellular communication via photo-regulated uni- and bi-directional transfer of biomolecules. Our results highlight a promising new route to assembly of multicompartment artificial cells with functional networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Hong Zhao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Fang-Hao Cao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zhen-Hong Luo
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Wilhelm T S Huck
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nan-Nan Deng
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
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19
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Moerman PG, Gavrilov M, Ha T, Schulman R. Catalytic DNA Polymerization Can Be Expedited by Active Product Release. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202114581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pepijn Gerben Moerman
- Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 3400 N Charles Street 21218 Baltimore UNITED STATES
| | - Momcilo Gavrilov
- Johns Hopkins University Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Taekjip Ha
- Johns Hopkins University - Homewood Campus: Johns Hopkins University Biophysics UNITED STATES
| | - Rebecca Schulman
- Johns Hopkins University chemical and biomolecular engineering 3400 N. Charles St, Maryland Hall 221 21218 Baltimore UNITED STATES
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20
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Ibusuki R, Morishita T, Furuta A, Nakayama S, Yoshio M, Kojima H, Oiwa K, Furuta K. Programmable molecular transport achieved by engineering protein motors to move on DNA nanotubes. Science 2022; 375:1159-1164. [PMID: 35271337 DOI: 10.1126/science.abj5170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular transport is the basis of microscale logistics within cells and is powered by biomolecular motors. Mimicking transport for in vitro applications has been widely studied; however, the inflexibility in track design and control has hindered practical applications. Here, we developed protein-based motors that move on DNA nanotubes by combining a biomolecular motor dynein and DNA binding proteins. The new motors and DNA-based nanoarchitectures enabled us to arrange the binding sites on the track, locally control the direction of movement, and achieve multiplexed cargo transport by different motors. The integration of these technologies realized microscale cargo sorters and integrators that automatically transport molecules as programmed in DNA sequences on a branched DNA nanotube. Our system should provide a versatile, controllable platform for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Ibusuki
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Harima Science Park City, Hyogo 678-1297, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morishita
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Harima Science Park City, Hyogo 678-1297, Japan
| | - Akane Furuta
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan.,Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2492, Japan
| | - Shintaro Nakayama
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Harima Science Park City, Hyogo 678-1297, Japan
| | - Maki Yoshio
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2492, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kojima
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2492, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Oiwa
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Harima Science Park City, Hyogo 678-1297, Japan.,Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2492, Japan
| | - Ken'ya Furuta
- Advanced ICT Research Institute, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2492, Japan
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21
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Galas JC, Estevez-Torres A, Van Der Hofstadt M. Long-Lasting and Responsive DNA/Enzyme-Based Programs in Serum-Supplemented Extracellular Media. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:968-976. [PMID: 35133811 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00583] [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: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
DNA molecular programs are emerging as promising pharmaceutical approaches due to their versatility for biomolecular sensing and actuation. However, the implementation of DNA programs has been mainly limited to serum-deprived in vitro assays due to the fast deterioration of the DNA reaction networks by the nucleases present in the serum. Here, we show that DNA/enzyme programs are functional in serum for 24 h but are later disrupted by nucleases that give rise to parasitic amplification. To overcome this, we implement three-letter code networks that suppress autocatalytic parasites while still conserving the functionality of DNA/enzyme programs for at least 3 days in the presence of 10% serum. In addition, we define a new buffer that further increases the biocompatibility and conserves responsiveness to changes in molecular composition across time. Finally, we demonstrate how serum-supplemented extracellular DNA molecular programs remain responsive to molecular inputs in the presence of living cells, having responses 6-fold faster than the cellular division rate, and are sustainable for at least three cellular divisions. This demonstrates the possibility of implementing in situ biomolecular characterization tools for serum-demanding in vitro models. We foresee that the coupling of chemical reactivity to our DNA programs by aptamers or oligonucleotide conjugations will allow the implementation of extracellular synthetic biology tools, which will offer new biomolecular pharmaceutical approaches and the emergence of complex and autonomous in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Christophe Galas
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), F-75005, Paris, France
| | - André Estevez-Torres
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Marc Van Der Hofstadt
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), F-75005, Paris, France
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22
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Zhao QH, Cao FH, Luo ZH, Huck WTS, Deng NN. Photoswitchable Molecular Communication between Programmable DNA‐based Artificial Membraneless Organelles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202117500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Hong Zhao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering CHINA
| | - Fang-Hao Cao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering CHINA
| | - Zhen-Hong Luo
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering CHINA
| | - Wilhelm T. S. Huck
- Radboud University Institute for Molecules and Materials: Radboud Universiteit Institute for Molecules and Materials Institue for Molecules and Materials NETHERLANDS
| | - Nan-Nan Deng
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Chemistry and Chemical Engineering 800 Dongchuan RD. Minhang District 200240 Shanghai CHINA
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23
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Cho CJ, Niederholtmeyer H, Seo H, Bhattacharya A, Devaraj NK. Functionalizing lipid sponge droplets with DNA. CHEMSYSTEMSCHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/syst.202100045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christy J. Cho
- University of California San Diego Chemistry and Biochemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Henrike Niederholtmeyer
- Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie: Max-Planck-Institut fur terrestrische Mikrobiologie Cell-free Synthetic Biology Group Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10 35043 Marburg GERMANY
| | - Hyeonglim Seo
- University of California San Diego Chemistry and Biochemistry UNITED STATES
| | | | - Neal K. Devaraj
- University of California San Diego Chemistry and Biochemistry UNITED STATES
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24
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Senoussi A, Galas JC, Estevez-Torres A. Programmed mechano-chemical coupling in reaction-diffusion active matter. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabi9865. [PMID: 34919433 PMCID: PMC8682988 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi9865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Embryo morphogenesis involves a complex combination of self-organization mechanisms that generate a great diversity of patterns. However, classical in vitro patterning experiments explore only one self-organization mechanism at a time, thus missing coupling effects. Here, we conjugate two major out-of-equilibrium patterning mechanisms—reaction-diffusion and active matter—by integrating dissipative DNA/enzyme reaction networks within an active gel composed of cytoskeletal motors and filaments. We show that the strength of the flow generated by the active gel controls the mechano-chemical coupling between the two subsystems. This property was used to engineer a synthetic material where contractions trigger chemical reaction networks both in time and space, thus mimicking key aspects of the polarization mechanism observed in C. elegans oocytes. We anticipate that reaction-diffusion active matter will promote the investigation of mechano-chemical transduction and the design of new materials with life-like properties.
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25
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Wang C, Yang J, Lu Y. Modularize and Unite: Toward Creating a Functional Artificial Cell. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:781986. [PMID: 34912849 PMCID: PMC8667554 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.781986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An artificial cell is a simplified model of a living system, bringing breakthroughs into both basic life science and applied research. The bottom-up strategy instructs the construction of an artificial cell from nonliving materials, which could be complicated and interdisciplinary considering the inherent complexity of living cells. Although significant progress has been achieved in the past 2 decades, the area is still facing some problems, such as poor compatibility with complex bio-systems, instability, and low standardization of the construction method. In this review, we propose creating artificial cells through the integration of different functional modules. Furthermore, we divide the function requirements of an artificial cell into four essential parts (metabolism, energy supplement, proliferation, and communication) and discuss the present researches. Then we propose that the compartment and the reestablishment of the communication system would be essential for the reasonable integration of functional modules. Although enormous challenges remain, the modular construction would facilitate the simplification and standardization of an artificial cell toward a natural living system. This function-based strategy would also broaden the application of artificial cells and represent the steps of imitating and surpassing nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Junzhu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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26
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Dehne H, Reitenbach A, Bausch AR. Reversible and spatiotemporal control of colloidal structure formation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6811. [PMID: 34815410 PMCID: PMC8611085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuning colloidal structure formation is a powerful approach to building functional materials, as a wide range of optical and viscoelastic properties can be accessed by the choice of individual building blocks and their interactions. Precise control is achieved by DNA specificity, depletion forces, or geometric constraints and results in a variety of complex structures. Due to the lack of control and reversibility of the interactions, an autonomous oscillating system on a mesoscale without external driving was not feasible until now. Here, we show that tunable DNA reaction circuits controlling linker strand concentrations can drive the dynamic and fully reversible assembly of DNA-functionalized micron-sized particles. The versatility of this approach is demonstrated by programming colloidal interactions in sequential and spatial order to obtain an oscillatory structure formation process on a mesoscopic scale. The experimental results represent an approach for the development of active materials by using DNA reaction networks to scale up the dynamic control of colloidal self-organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Dehne
- Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA) and Lehrstuhl für Biophysik (E27), Physics Departement, Technische Universität München, D-85748, Garching, Germany
| | - A Reitenbach
- Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA) and Lehrstuhl für Biophysik (E27), Physics Departement, Technische Universität München, D-85748, Garching, Germany
| | - A R Bausch
- Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA) and Lehrstuhl für Biophysik (E27), Physics Departement, Technische Universität München, D-85748, Garching, Germany.
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27
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Development of Synthetic DNA Circuit and Networks for Molecular Information Processing. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11112955. [PMID: 34835719 PMCID: PMC8625377 DOI: 10.3390/nano11112955] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a genetic material, encodes all living information and living characteristics, e.g., in cell, DNA signaling circuits control the transcription activities of specific genes. In recent years, various DNA circuits have been developed to implement a wide range of signaling and for regulating gene network functions. In particular, a synthetic DNA circuit, with a programmable design and easy construction, has become a crucial method through which to simulate and regulate DNA signaling networks. Importantly, the construction of a hierarchical DNA circuit provides a useful tool for regulating gene networks and for processing molecular information. Moreover, via their robust and modular properties, DNA circuits can amplify weak signals and establish programmable cascade systems, which are particularly suitable for the applications of biosensing and detecting. Furthermore, a biological enzyme can also be used to provide diverse circuit regulation elements. Currently, studies regarding the mechanisms and applications of synthetic DNA circuit are important for the establishment of more advanced artificial gene regulation systems and intelligent molecular sensing tools. We therefore summarize recent relevant research progress, contributing to the development of nanotechnology-based synthetic DNA circuits. By summarizing the current highlights and the development of synthetic DNA circuits, this paper provides additional insights for future DNA circuit development and provides a foundation for the construction of more advanced DNA circuits.
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28
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Maity I, Sharma C, Lossada F, Walther A. Feedback and Communication in Active Hydrogel Spheres with pH Fronts: Facile Approaches to Grow Soft Hydrogel Structures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202109735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Maity
- A3BMS Lab Department of Chemistry University of Mainz Duesbergweg 10–14 55128 Mainz Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Charu Sharma
- A3BMS Lab Department of Chemistry University of Mainz Duesbergweg 10–14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Francisco Lossada
- A3BMS Lab Department of Chemistry University of Mainz Duesbergweg 10–14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- A3BMS Lab Department of Chemistry University of Mainz Duesbergweg 10–14 55128 Mainz Germany
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29
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Maity I, Sharma C, Lossada F, Walther A. Feedback and Communication in Active Hydrogel Spheres with pH Fronts: Facile Approaches to Grow Soft Hydrogel Structures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:22537-22546. [PMID: 34347941 PMCID: PMC8518392 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202109735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Compartmentalized reaction networks regulating signal processing, communication and pattern formation are central to living systems. Towards achieving life-like materials, we compartmentalized urea-urease and more complex urea-urease/ester-esterase pH-feedback reaction networks into hydrogel spheres and investigate how fuel-driven pH fronts can be sent out from these spheres and regulated by internal reaction networks. Membrane characteristics are installed by covering urease spheres with responsive hydrogel shells. We then encapsulate the two networks (urea-urease and ester-esterase) separately into different hydrogel spheres to devise communication, pattern formation and attraction. Moreover, these pH fronts and patterns can be used for self-growing hydrogels, and for developing complex geometries from non-injectable hydrogels without 3D printing tools. This study opens possibilities for compartmentalized feedback reactions and their use in next generation materials fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Maity
- A3BMS LabDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of MainzDuesbergweg 10–1455128MainzGermany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced StudiesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Charu Sharma
- A3BMS LabDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of MainzDuesbergweg 10–1455128MainzGermany
| | - Francisco Lossada
- A3BMS LabDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of MainzDuesbergweg 10–1455128MainzGermany
| | - Andreas Walther
- A3BMS LabDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of MainzDuesbergweg 10–1455128MainzGermany
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30
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Chakraborty T, Wegner SV. Cell to Cell Signaling through Light in Artificial Cell Communities: Glowing Predator Lures Prey. ACS NANO 2021; 15:9434-9444. [PMID: 34152740 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c01600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cells commonly communicate with each other through diffusible molecules but nonchemical communication remains elusive. While bioluminescent organisms communicate through light to find prey or attract mates, it is still under debate if signaling through light is possible at the cellular level. Here, we demonstrate that cell to cell signaling through light is possible in artificial cell communities derived from biomimetic vesicles. In our design, artificial sender cells produce an intracellular light signal, which triggers the adhesion to receiver cells. Unlike soluble molecules, the light signal propagates fast, independent of diffusion and without the need for a transporter across membranes. To obtain a predator-prey relationship, the luminescence predator cells is loaded with a secondary diffusible poison, which is transferred to the prey cell upon adhesion and leads to its lysis. This design provides a blueprint for light based intercellular communication, which can be used for programing artificial and natural cell communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taniya Chakraborty
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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31
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Zhou Z, Wang J, Levine RD, Remacle F, Willner I. DNA-based constitutional dynamic networks as functional modules for logic gates and computing circuit operations. Chem Sci 2021; 12:5473-5483. [PMID: 34168788 PMCID: PMC8179666 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc01098k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A nucleic acid-based constitutional dynamic network (CDN) is introduced as a single computational module that, in the presence of different sets of inputs, operates a variety of logic gates including a half adder, 2 : 1 multiplexer and 1 : 2 demultiplexer, a ternary multiplication matrix and a cascaded logic circuit. The CDN-based computational module leads to four logically equivalent outputs for each of the logic operations. Beyond the significance of the four logically equivalent outputs in establishing reliable and robust readout signals of the computational module, each of the outputs may be fanned out, in the presence of different inputs, to a set of different logic circuits. In addition, the ability to intercommunicate constitutional dynamic networks (CDNs) and to construct DNA-based CDNs of higher complexity provides versatile means to design computing circuits of enhanced complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Zhou
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem 91904 Israel
| | - Jianbang Wang
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem 91904 Israel
| | - R D Levine
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem 91904 Israel
| | - Francoise Remacle
- Theoretical Physical Chemistry, UR MolSys B6c, University of Liège B4000 Liège Belgium
| | - Itamar Willner
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem 91904 Israel
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32
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Van Der Hofstadt M, Galas JC, Estevez-Torres A. Spatiotemporal Patterning of Living Cells with Extracellular DNA Programs. ACS NANO 2021; 15:1741-1752. [PMID: 33356142 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c09422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Reactive extracellular media focus on engineering reaction networks outside the cell to control intracellular chemical composition across time and space. However, current implementations lack the feedback loops and out-of-equilibrium molecular dynamics for encoding spatiotemporal control. Here, we demonstrate that enzyme-DNA molecular programs combining these qualities are functional in an extracellular medium where human cells can grow. With this approach, we construct an internalization program that delivers fluorescent DNA inside living cells and remains functional for at least 48 h. Its nonequilibrium dynamics allows us to control both the time and position of cell internalization. In particular, a spatially inhomogeneous version of this program generates a tunable reaction-diffusion two-band pattern of cell internalization. This demonstrates that a synthetic extracellular program can provide temporal and positional information to living cells, emulating archetypal mechanisms observed during embryo development. We foresee that nonequilibrium reactive extracellular media could be advantageously applied to in vitro biomolecular tracking, tissue engineering, or smart bandages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Van Der Hofstadt
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Galas
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), F-75005, Paris, France
| | - André Estevez-Torres
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP), F-75005, Paris, France
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33
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Xiong X, Xiao M, Lai W, Li L, Fan C, Pei H. Optochemical Control of DNA‐Switching Circuits for Logic and Probabilistic Computation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:3397-3401. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202013883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiewei Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Mingshu Xiao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Wei Lai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Li Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Institute of Molecular Medicine Renji Hospital School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Hao Pei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
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34
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Xiong X, Xiao M, Lai W, Li L, Fan C, Pei H. Optochemical Control of DNA‐Switching Circuits for Logic and Probabilistic Computation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202013883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiewei Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Mingshu Xiao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Wei Lai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Li Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Institute of Molecular Medicine Renji Hospital School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Hao Pei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
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35
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de Luis B, Morellá-Aucejo Á, Llopis-Lorente A, Godoy-Reyes TM, Villalonga R, Aznar E, Sancenón F, Martínez-Máñez R. A chemical circular communication network at the nanoscale. Chem Sci 2020; 12:1551-1559. [PMID: 34163918 PMCID: PMC8179104 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc04743k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature, coordinated communication between different entities enables a group to accomplish sophisticated functionalities that go beyond those carried out by individual agents. The possibility of programming and developing coordinated communication networks at the nanoscale-based on the exchange of chemical messengers-may open new approaches in biomedical and communication areas. Here, a stimulus-responsive circular model of communication between three nanodevices based on enzyme-functionalized Janus Au-mesoporous silica capped nanoparticles is presented. The output in the community of nanoparticles is only observed after a hierarchically programmed flow of chemical information between the members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz de Luis
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) Spain
| | - Ángela Morellá-Aucejo
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) Spain
| | - Antoni Llopis-Lorente
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) Spain
| | - Tania M Godoy-Reyes
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) Spain
| | - Reynaldo Villalonga
- Nanosensors & Nanomachines Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Elena Aznar
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) Spain
| | - Félix Sancenón
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) Spain
| | - Ramón Martínez-Máñez
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Universitat Politècnica de València, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe Valencia Spain
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Nanomedicina y Sensores, Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe Valencia Spain
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36
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Yang S, Pieters PA, Joesaar A, Bögels BWA, Brouwers R, Myrgorodska I, Mann S, de Greef TFA. Light-Activated Signaling in DNA-Encoded Sender-Receiver Architectures. ACS NANO 2020; 14:15992-16002. [PMID: 33078948 PMCID: PMC7690052 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Collective decision making by living cells is facilitated by exchange of diffusible signals where sender cells release a chemical signal that is interpreted by receiver cells. A variety of nonliving artificial cell models have been developed in recent years that mimic various aspects of diffusion-based intercellular communication. However, localized secretion of diffusive signals from individual protocells, which is critical for mimicking biological sender-receiver systems, has remained challenging to control precisely. Here, we engineer light-responsive, DNA-encoded sender-receiver architectures, where protein-polymer microcapsules act as cell mimics and molecular communication occurs through diffusive DNA signals. We prepare spatial distributions of sender and receiver protocells using a microfluidic trapping array and set up a signaling gradient from a single sender cell using light, which activates surrounding receivers through DNA strand displacement. Our systematic analysis reveals how the effective signal range of a single sender is determined by various factors including the density and permeability of receivers, extracellular signal degradation, signal consumption, and catalytic regeneration. In addition, we construct a three-population configuration where two sender cells are embedded in a dense array of receivers that implement Boolean logic and investigate spatial integration of nonidentical input cues. The results offer a means for studying diffusion-based sender-receiver topologies and present a strategy to achieve the congruence of reaction-diffusion and positional information in chemical communication systems that have the potential to reconstitute collective cellular patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yang
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Computational
Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
| | - Pascal A. Pieters
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Computational
Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
| | - Alex Joesaar
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Computational
Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
| | - Bas W. A. Bögels
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Computational
Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
| | - Rens Brouwers
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Computational
Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
| | - Iuliia Myrgorodska
- Centre
for Protolife Research and Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology,
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre
for Protolife Research and Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology,
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Computational
Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The
Netherlands
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen 6525 MB, The Netherlands
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37
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Luan J, Wang D, Wilson DA. Leveraging synthetic particles for communication: from passive to active systems. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:21015-21033. [PMID: 33073819 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr05675h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Communication is one of the most remarkable behaviors in the living world. It is an important prerequisite for building an artificial cell which can be considered as alive. Achieving complex communicative behaviors leveraging synthetic particles will likely fill the gap between artificial vesicles and natural counterpart of cells and allow for the discovery of new therapies in medicine. In this review, we highlight recent endeavors for constructing communication with synthetic particles by revealing the principles underlying the communicative behaviors. Emergent progress using active particles to achieve communication is also discussed, which resembles the dynamic and out-of-equilibrium properties of communication in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Luan
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Danni Wang
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Daniela A Wilson
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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38
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Wei TY, Ruder WC. Engineering control circuits for molecular robots using synthetic biology. APL MATERIALS 2020; 8:101104. [PMID: 33101786 PMCID: PMC7560983 DOI: 10.1063/5.0020429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The integration of molecular robots and synthetic biology allows for the creation of sophisticated behaviors at the molecular level. Similar to the synergy between bioelectronics and soft robotics, synthetic biology provides control circuitry for molecular robots. By encoding perception-action modules within synthetic circuits, molecular machines can advance beyond repeating tasks to the incorporation of complex behaviors. In particular, cell-free synthetic biology provides biomolecular circuitry independent of living cells. This research update reviews the current progress in using synthetic biology as perception-action control modules in robots from molecular robots to macroscale robots. Additionally, it highlights recent developments in molecular robotics and cell-free synthetic biology and suggests their combined use as a necessity for future molecular robot development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yen Wei
- Department of Bioengineering, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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39
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Rogers WB. A mean-field model of linker-mediated colloidal interactions. J Chem Phys 2020; 153:124901. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0020578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- W. Benjamin Rogers
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, 02453, USA
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40
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Accelerating the Finite-Element Method for Reaction-Diffusion Simulations on GPUs with CUDA. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11090881. [PMID: 32971889 PMCID: PMC7569852 DOI: 10.3390/mi11090881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology offers a fine control over biochemistry by programming chemical reactions in DNA templates. Coupled to microfluidics, it has enabled DNA-based reaction-diffusion microsystems with advanced spatio-temporal dynamics such as traveling waves. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a standard tool to simulate the physics of such systems where boundary conditions play a crucial role. However, a fine discretization in time and space is required for complex geometries (like sharp corners) and highly nonlinear chemistry. Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) are increasingly used to speed up scientific computing, but their application to accelerate simulations of reaction-diffusion in DNA nanotechnology has been little investigated. Here we study reaction-diffusion equations (a DNA-based predator-prey system) in a tortuous geometry (a maze), which was shown experimentally to generate subtle geometric effects. We solve the partial differential equations on a GPU, demonstrating a speedup of ∼100 over the same resolution on a 20 cores CPU.
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41
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Chen C, Xu J, Shi X. Multiform DNA origami arrays using minimal logic control. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:15066-15071. [PMID: 32458902 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr00783h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled DNA nanostructures significantly contribute to DNA nanotechnology. Algorithmic guiding of the assembly of DNA arrays remains a challenge in nanoarchitecture. Usually, the more sophisticated a DNA nanoarchitecture, the more DNA connections with specific sequences are required. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using the minimum pairs of DNA connection strands to implement algorithm-based self-assembly with finite DNA origamis. We found that the DNA origami linking complexity was markedly reduced. By rotating and turning the origami tile in different linking directions, we obtained 2 × 2 arrays of DNA origamis using a pair of DNA connections, 2 × 4 arrays using two pairs of DNA connections, and 4 × 4 arrays using three pairs of connection strands. We further analysed the effects of distortion on array formation. Overall, this study presents a hierarchical assembly strategy with minimal connections to generate multi-scale DNA arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congzhou Chen
- Key Laboratory of High Confidence Software Technologies of Ministry of Education, Institute of Software, School of Electronics Engineering and Computer Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Jin Xu
- Key Laboratory of High Confidence Software Technologies of Ministry of Education, Institute of Software, School of Electronics Engineering and Computer Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Xiaolong Shi
- Institute of Computing Science & Technology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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42
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Deng J, Walther A. ATP-powered molecular recognition to engineer transient multivalency and self-sorting 4D hierarchical systems. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3658. [PMID: 32694613 PMCID: PMC7374688 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17479-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological systems organize multiple hierarchical structures in parallel, and create dynamic assemblies and functions by energy dissipation. In contrast, emerging artificial non-equilibrium self-assembling systems have remained relatively simplistic concerning hierarchical design, and non-equilibrium multi-component systems are uncharted territory. Here we report a modular DNA toolbox allowing to program transient non-equilibrium multicomponent systems across hierarchical length scales by introducing chemically fueled molecular recognition orchestrated by reaction networks of concurrent ATP-powered ligation and cleavage of freely programmable DNA building blocks. Going across hierarchical levels, we demonstrate transient side-chain functionalized nucleic acid polymers, and further introduce the concept of transient cooperative multivalency as a key to bridge length scales to pioneer fuel-driven encapsulation, self-assembly of colloids, and non-equilibrium transient narcissistic colloidal self-sorting on a systems level. The fully programmable and functionalizable DNA components pave the way to design chemically fueled 4D (3 space, 1 time) molecular multicomponent systems and autonomous materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Deng
- A3BMS Lab, Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 31, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence "Living, Adaptive and Energy-Autonomous Materials Systems" (livMatS), 79110, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- A3BMS Lab, Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 31, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- DFG Cluster of Excellence "Living, Adaptive and Energy-Autonomous Materials Systems" (livMatS), 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Materials Research Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
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43
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Abstract
The cell-free molecular synthesis of biochemical systems is a rapidly growing field of research. Advances in the Human Genome Project, DNA synthesis, and other technologies have allowed the in vitro construction of biochemical systems, termed cell-free biology, to emerge as an exciting domain of bioengineering. Cell-free biology ranges from the molecular to the cell-population scales, using an ever-expanding variety of experimental platforms and toolboxes. In this review, we discuss the ongoing efforts undertaken in the three major classes of cell-free biology methodologies, namely protein-based, nucleic acids–based, and cell-free transcription–translation systems, and provide our perspectives on the current challenges as well as the major goals in each of the subfields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Noireaux
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Allen P. Liu
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, and the Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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44
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Hua M, Hao J, Gong Y, Zhang F, Wei J, Yang Z, Pileni MP. Discrete Supracrystalline Heterostructures from Integrative Assembly of Nanocrystals and Porous Organic Cages. ACS NANO 2020; 14:5517-5528. [PMID: 32374985 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b09686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although self-assembly across multiple length scales has been well recognized and intensively investigated in natural biological system, the design of artificial heterostructures enabled by integrative self-assembly is still in its infancy. Here we report a strategy toward the growth of discrete supracrystalline heterostructures from inorganic nanocrystals and porous organic cages (CC3-R), which in principle relies on the host-guest interactions between alkyl chains coated on nanocrystals and the cavity of cage molecules. Density functional theory calculation indicates that an attractive energy of ∼-2 kBT is present between an alkyl chain and the cavity of a CC3-R molecule, which is responsible for the assembly of nanocrystal superlattices on the CC3-R octahedral crystals. Of particular interest is that, determined by the shape of the nanocrystals, two distinct assembly modes can be controlled at the mesoscale level, which eventually produce either a core/shell or heterodimer supracrystalline structure. Our results highlight opportunities for the development of such a noncovalent integrative self-assembly not limited to a particular length scale and that could be generally applicable for flexible integration of supramolecular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Hua
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjie Hao
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjun Gong
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China
| | - Fenghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China
| | - Marie-Paule Pileni
- Chemistry Department, Sorbonne Université, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France
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45
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Walther A. Viewpoint: From Responsive to Adaptive and Interactive Materials and Materials Systems: A Roadmap. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1905111. [PMID: 31762134 PMCID: PMC7612550 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201905111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Soft matter systems and materials are moving toward adaptive and interactive behavior, which holds outstanding promise to make the next generation of intelligent soft materials systems inspired from the dynamics and behavior of living systems. But what is an adaptive material? What is an interactive material? How should classical responsiveness or smart materials be delineated? At present, the literature lacks a comprehensive discussion on these topics, which is however of profound importance in order to identify landmark advances, keep a correct and noninflating terminology, and most importantly educate young scientists going into this direction. By comparing different levels of complex behavior in biological systems, this Viewpoint strives to give some definition of the various different materials systems characteristics. In particular, the importance of thinking in the direction of training and learning materials, and metabolic or behavioral materials is highlighted, as well as communication and information-processing systems. This Viewpoint aims to also serve as a switchboard to further connect the important fields of systems chemistry, synthetic biology, supramolecular chemistry and nano- and microfabrication/3D printing with advanced soft materials research. A convergence of these disciplines will be at the heart of empowering future adaptive and interactive materials systems with increasingly complex and emergent life-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Walther
- A3BMS Lab-Active, Adaptive and Autonomous Bioinspired Materials, Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 31, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 21, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 19, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
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46
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Chen S, Seelig G. Programmable patterns in a DNA-based reaction-diffusion system. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:3555-3563. [PMID: 32219296 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm02413a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biology offers compelling proof that macroscopic "living materials" can emerge from reactions between diffusing biomolecules. Here, we show that molecular self-organization could be a similarly powerful approach for engineering functional synthetic materials. We introduce a programmable DNA embedded hydrogel that produces tunable patterns at the centimeter length scale. We generate these patterns by implementing chemical reaction networks through synthetic DNA complexes, embedding the complexes in the hydrogel, and triggering with locally applied input DNA strands. We first demonstrate ring pattern formation around a circular input cavity and show that the ring width and intensity can be predictably tuned. Then, we create patterns of increasing complexity, including concentric rings and non-isotropic patterns. Finally, we show "destructive" and "constructive" interference patterns, by combining several ring-forming modules in the gel and triggering them from multiple sources. We further show that computer simulations based on the reaction-diffusion model can predict and inform the programming of target patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sifang Chen
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, USA
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47
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Buddingh' BC, Elzinga J, van Hest JCM. Intercellular communication between artificial cells by allosteric amplification of a molecular signal. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1652. [PMID: 32246068 PMCID: PMC7125153 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15482-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicellular organisms rely on intercellular communication to coordinate the behaviour of individual cells, which enables their differentiation and hierarchical organization. Various cell mimics have been developed to establish fundamental engineering principles for the construction of artificial cells displaying cell-like organization, behaviour and complexity. However, collective phenomena, although of great importance for a better understanding of life-like behaviour, are underexplored. Here, we construct collectives of giant vesicles that can communicate with each other through diffusing chemical signals that are recognized and processed by synthetic enzymatic cascades. Similar to biological cells, the Receiver vesicles can transduce a weak signal originating from Sender vesicles into a strong response by virtue of a signal amplification step, which facilitates the propagation of signals over long distances within the artificial cell consortia. This design advances the development of interconnected artificial cells that can exchange metabolic and positional information to coordinate their higher-order organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastiaan C Buddingh'
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Janneke Elzinga
- Radboud University, PO Box 9102, 6500 HC, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
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48
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Fu S, Li N, Li J, Deng Y, Xu L, Yu C, Su X. Engineering high-robustness DNA molecular circuits by utilizing nucleases. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:6964-6970. [PMID: 32195488 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr09979d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) as an important player in DNA nanotechnology has been widely utilized for engineering non-enzymatic molecular circuits. However, these circuits suffer from uncontrollable leakage and unsatisfactory response speed. We utilized site-specific and sequence-independent nucleases to engineer high- robustness DNA molecular circuits. First, we found that the kinetics of the APE1-catalyzed reaction is highly dependent on substrate stability, allowing for the elimination of asymptotic leakage of DNA split circuits. Second, we obtained strict substrate preference of λ exonuclease (λexo) by optimizing the reaction conditions. Robust single-layer and cascade gates with leak resistance were established by using λ exo. Owing to the remarkably fast kinetics of these nucleases, all the circuits yield a high speed of computation. Compared to TMSD-based approaches, nuclease-powered circuits render advanced features such as leakage resistance, hundreds of times higher speed, and simplified structures, representing a class of promising artificial molecule systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Fu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
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Maguire OR, Wong ASY, Baltussen MG, van Duppen P, Pogodaev AA, Huck WTS. Dynamic Environments as a Tool to Preserve Desired Output in a Chemical Reaction Network. Chemistry 2020; 26:1676-1682. [PMID: 31808965 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201904725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Current efforts to design functional molecular systems have overlooked the importance of coupling out-of-equilibrium behaviour with changes in the environment. Here, the authors use an oscillating reaction network and demonstrate that the application of environmental forcing, in the form of periodic changes in temperature and in the inflow of the concentration of one of the network components, removes the dependency of the periodicity of this network on temperature or flow rates and enforces a stable periodicity across a wide range of conditions. Coupling a system to a dynamic environment can thus be used as a simple tool to regulate the output of a network. In addition, the authors show that coupling can also induce an increase in behavioural complexity to include quasi-periodic oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R Maguire
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525, AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Albert S Y Wong
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Mathieu G Baltussen
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525, AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peer van Duppen
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525, AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Aleksandr A Pogodaev
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525, AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wilhelm T S Huck
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525, AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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50
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Mognetti BM, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Programmable interactions with biomimetic DNA linkers at fluid membranes and interfaces. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2019; 82:116601. [PMID: 31370052 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ab37ca] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
At the heart of the structured architecture and complex dynamics of biological systems are specific and timely interactions operated by biomolecules. In many instances, biomolecular agents are spatially confined to flexible lipid membranes where, among other functions, they control cell adhesion, motility and tissue formation. Besides being central to several biological processes, multivalent interactions mediated by reactive linkers confined to deformable substrates underpin the design of synthetic-biological platforms and advanced biomimetic materials. Here we review recent advances on the experimental study and theoretical modelling of a heterogeneous class of biomimetic systems in which synthetic linkers mediate multivalent interactions between fluid and deformable colloidal units, including lipid vesicles and emulsion droplets. Linkers are often prepared from synthetic DNA nanostructures, enabling full programmability of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of their mutual interactions. The coupling of the statistical effects of multivalent interactions with substrate fluidity and deformability gives rise to a rich emerging phenomenology that, in the context of self-assembled soft materials, has been shown to produce exotic phase behaviour, stimuli-responsiveness, and kinetic programmability of the self-assembly process. Applications to (synthetic) biology will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bortolo Matteo Mognetti
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Interdisciplinary Center for Nonlinear Phenomena and Complex Systems, Campus Plaine, CP 231, Blvd. du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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