1
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Gentili PL, Stano P. Living cells and biological mechanisms as prototypes for developing chemical artificial intelligence. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 720:150060. [PMID: 38754164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a revolutionary impact on our societies. It is helping humans in facing the global challenges of this century. Traditionally, AI is developed in software or through neuromorphic engineering in hardware. More recently, a brand-new strategy has been proposed. It is the so-called Chemical AI (CAI), which exploits molecular, supramolecular, and systems chemistry in wetware to mimic human intelligence. In this work, two promising approaches for boosting CAI are described. One regards designing and implementing neural surrogates that can communicate through optical or chemical signals and give rise to networks for computational purposes and to develop micro/nanorobotics. The other approach concerns "bottom-up synthetic cells" that can be exploited for applications in various scenarios, including future nano-medicine. Both topics are presented at a basic level, mainly to inform the broader audience of non-specialists, and so favour the rise of interest in these frontier subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Luigi Gentili
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy.
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2
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Rossi F, Ristori S, Abou-Hassan A. Multiscale Approach for Tuning Communication among Chemical Oscillators Confined in Biomimetic Microcompartments. Acc Chem Res 2024. [PMID: 38991143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusInspired by the biological world, new cross-border disciplines and technologies have emerged. Relevant examples include systems chemistry, which offers a bottom-up approach toward chemical complexity, and bio/chemical information and communication technology (bio/chemical ICT), which explores the conditions for propagating signals among individual microreactors separated by selectively permeable membranes. To fabricate specific arrays of microreactors, microfluidics has been demonstrated as an excellent method. In particular, droplet-based microfluidics is a powerful tool for encapsulating biological entities and chemical reagents in artificial microenvironments, mostly water-in-oil microdroplets. In these systems, the interfaces are liquid-liquid, and their physicochemical properties are key factors for tuning the coupling between molecular diffusion. Simple and double emulsions, where aqueous domains are in equilibrium with oil domains through boundary layers of amphiphilic molecules, are organized assemblies with high interfacial-area-to-volume ratios. These membranes can be engineered to obtain different surface charges, single- or multilayer stacking, and a variable degree of defects in molecular packing. Emulsions find application in many fields, including the food industry, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics. Furthermore, micro- and nanoemulsions can be used to model the propagation of chemical species through long distances, which is not only vital for cell signaling but also significant in molecular computing. Here we present in-depth research on the faceted world of solutions confined in restricted environments. In particular, we focused on the multiscale aspects of structure and dynamics from molecular to micro and macro levels. The Belousov-Zhabotinsky chemical reaction, known for its robustness and well-documented oscillatory behavior, was selected to represent a generic signal emitter/receiver confined within microenvironments separated by liquid-liquid interfaces. In this pulse generator, the temporal and spatial progressions are governed by periodic fluctuations in the concentration of chemical species, which act as activatory or inhibitory messengers over long distances. When organized into "colonies" or arrays, these micro-oscillators exhibit emergent dynamical behaviors at the population level. These behaviors can be finely tuned by manipulating the geometrical distribution of the oscillators and the properties of the interfaces at the nanoscale. By carefully selecting the membrane composition, it is possible to drive the system toward either in-phase, antiphase, or mixed synchronization regimes among individual oscillators, depending on messenger molecules. This relatively simple lab-scale model replicates some of the communication strategies commonly found in biological systems, particularly those based on the passive diffusion of chemical and electrical signals. It can help shed light on fundamental life processes and inspire new implementations in molecular computing and smart materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Rossi
- Department of Physical Science, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Pian dei Mantellini, 44, 53100 Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Ristori
- Department of Chemistry & CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy
| | - Ali Abou-Hassan
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, PHysico-chimie des Electrolytes et Nanosystèmes InterfaciauX (PHENIX), F-75005 Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75231 Paris, France
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3
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van Veldhuisen TW, Verwiel MAM, Novosedlik S, Brunsveld L, van Hest JCM. Competitive protein recruitment in artificial cells. Commun Chem 2024; 7:148. [PMID: 38942913 PMCID: PMC11213860 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Living cells can modulate their response to environmental cues by changing their sensitivities for molecular signals. Artificial cells are promising model platforms to study intercellular communication, but populations with such differentiated behavior remain underexplored. Here, we show the affinity-regulated exchange of proteins in distinct populations of coacervate-based artificial cells via protein-protein interactions (PPI) of the hub protein 14-3-3. By loading different coacervates with different isoforms of 14-3-3, featuring varying PPI affinities, a client peptide is directed to the more strongly recruiting coacervates. By switching affinity of client proteins through phosphorylation, weaker binding partners can be outcompeted for their 14-3-3 binding, inducing their release from artificial cells. Combined, a communication system between coacervates is constructed, which leads to the transport of client proteins from strongly recruiting coacervates to weakly recruiting ones. The results demonstrate that affinity engineering and competitive binding can provide directed protein uptake and exchange between artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs W van Veldhuisen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Madelief A M Verwiel
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Novosedlik
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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4
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Zhang L, Chen M, Wang Z, Zhong M, Chen H, Li T, Wang L, Zhao Z, Zhang XB, Ke G, Liu Y, Tan W. Spatiotemporal Regulation of Cell Fate in Living Systems Using Photoactivatable Artificial DNA Membraneless Organelles. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:1201-1210. [PMID: 38947212 PMCID: PMC11212128 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.4c00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Coacervates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation emerge as important biomimetic models for studying the dynamic behaviors of membraneless organelles and synchronously motivating the creation of smart architectures with the regulation of cell fate. Despite continuous progress, it remains challenging to balance the trade-offs among structural stability, versatility, and molecular communication for regulation of cell fate and systemic investigation in a complex physiological system. Herein, we present a self-stabilizing and fastener-bound gain-of-function methodology to create a new type of synthetic DNA membraneless organelle (MO) with high stability and controlled bioactivity on the basis of DNA coacervates. Specifically, long single-strand DNA generated by rolling circle amplification (RCA) is selected as the scaffold that assembles into membraneless coacervates via phase separation. Intriguingly, the as-formed DNA MO can recruit RCA byproducts and other components to achieve self-stabilization, nanoscale condensation, and function encoding. As a proof of concept, photoactivatable DNA MO is constructed and successfully employed for time-dependent accumulation and spatiotemporal management of cancer in a mouse model. This study offers new, important insights into synthetic membraneless organelles for the basic understanding and manipulation of important life processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Mei Chen
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Aptamer
Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan
University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Minjuan Zhong
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ting Li
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Zhihui Zhao
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Zhang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Guoliang Ke
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yanlan Liu
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan
Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- The
Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics,
Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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5
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Wang M, Zhong H, Li Y, Li J, Zhang X, He F, Wei P, Wang HH, Nie Z. Advances in Bioinspired Artificial System Enabling Biomarker-Driven Therapy. Chemistry 2024:e202401593. [PMID: 38923644 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Bioinspired molecular engineering strategies have emerged as powerful tools that significantly enhance the development of novel therapeutics, improving efficacy, specificity, and safety in disease treatment. Recent advancements have focused on identifying and utilizing disease-associated biomarkers to optimize drug activity and address challenges inherent in traditional therapeutics, such as frequent drug administrations, poor patient adherence, and increased risk of adverse effects. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in bioinspired artificial systems (BAS) that use molecular engineering to tailor therapeutic responses to drugs in the presence of disease-specific biomarkers. We examine the transition from open-loop systems, which rely on external cues, to closed-loop feedback systems capable of autonomous self-regulation in response to disease-associated biomarkers. We detail various BAS modalities designed to achieve biomarker-driven therapy, including activatable prodrug molecules, smart drug delivery platforms, autonomous artificial cells, and synthetic receptor-based cell therapies, elucidating their operational principles and practical in vivo applications. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future perspectives in the advancement of BAS-enabled technology and envision that ongoing advancements toward more programmable and customizable BAS-based therapeutics will significantly enhance precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Yangbing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Fang He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hong-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Zhou Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
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6
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Valente S, Galanti A, Maghin E, Najdi N, Piccoli M, Gobbo P. Matching Together Living Cells and Prototissues: Will There Be Chemistry? Chembiochem 2024:e202400378. [PMID: 39031571 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Scientific advancements in bottom-up synthetic biology have led to the development of numerous models of synthetic cells, or protocells. To date, research has mainly focused on increasing the (bio)chemical complexity of these bioinspired micro-compartmentalized systems, yet the successful integration of protocells with living cells remains one of the major challenges in bottom-up synthetic biology. In this review, we aim to summarize the current state of the art in hybrid protocell/living cell and prototissue/living cell systems. Inspired by recent breakthroughs in tissue engineering, we review the chemical, bio-chemical, and mechano-chemical aspects that hold promise for achieving an effective integration of non-living and living matter. The future production of fully integrated protocell/living cell systems and increasingly complex prototissue/living tissue systems not only has the potential to revolutionize the field of tissue engineering, but also paves the way for new technologies in (bio)sensing, personalized therapy, and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Valente
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Agostino Galanti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Edoardo Maghin
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Nahid Najdi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Martina Piccoli
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Gobbo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Unit of Trieste, Via G. Giusti 9, 50121, Firenze, Italy
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7
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Tseng YC, Song J, Zhang J, Shandilya E, Sen A. Chemomechanical Communication between Liposomes Based on Enzyme Cascades. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:16097-16104. [PMID: 38805671 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Communication between cells is crucial to the survival of both uni- and multicellular organisms. The primary mode of communication involves chemical cues. There is great current interest in mimicking this behavior in synthetic cells to understand the physical basis of intercellular communication and design collective functional behavior. Using liposomal cell mimics, we demonstrate how a chemical input can elicit a mechanical response (enhanced motility). We employed a single substrate to trigger enzyme cascade-induced control of the diffusion of up to three different liposome populations. Furthermore, substrate competition allows temporal control over enhanced diffusion. The use of enzyme cascades to propagate chemical signals provides a robust and efficient mechanism for diverse populations of protocells to coordinate their motion in response to signals from each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ching Tseng
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Jiaqi Song
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Ekta Shandilya
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Ayusman Sen
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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8
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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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9
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Naz M, Zhang L, Chen C, Yang S, Dou H, Mann S, Li J. Self-assembly of stabilized droplets from liquid-liquid phase separation for higher-order structures and functions. Commun Chem 2024; 7:79. [PMID: 38594355 PMCID: PMC11004187 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01168-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic microscale droplets produced by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) have emerged as appealing biomaterials due to their remarkable features. However, the instability of droplets limits the construction of population-level structures with collective behaviors. Here we first provide a brief background of droplets in the context of materials properties. Subsequently, we discuss current strategies for stabilizing droplets including physical separation and chemical modulation. We also discuss the recent development of LLPS droplets for various applications such as synthetic cells and biomedical materials. Finally, we give insights on how stabilized droplets can self-assemble into higher-order structures displaying coordinated functions to fully exploit their potentials in bottom-up synthetic biology and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish Naz
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chong Chen
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6, Turku, 20520, Finland
| | - Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Hongjing Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Stephen Mann
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, 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, BS8 1TS, UK.
| | - Jianwei Li
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6, Turku, 20520, Finland.
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10
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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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11
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Peng Z, Iwabuchi S, Izumi K, Takiguchi S, Yamaji M, Fujita S, Suzuki H, Kambara F, Fukasawa G, Cooney A, Di Michele L, Elani Y, Matsuura T, Kawano R. Lipid vesicle-based molecular robots. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:996-1029. [PMID: 38239102 PMCID: PMC10898420 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00860f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A molecular robot, which is a system comprised of one or more molecular machines and computers, can execute sophisticated tasks in many fields that span from nanomedicine to green nanotechnology. The core parts of molecular robots are fairly consistent from system to system and always include (i) a body to encapsulate molecular machines, (ii) sensors to capture signals, (iii) computers to make decisions, and (iv) actuators to perform tasks. This review aims to provide an overview of approaches and considerations to develop molecular robots. We first introduce the basic technologies required for constructing the core parts of molecular robots, describe the recent progress towards achieving higher functionality, and subsequently discuss the current challenges and outlook. We also highlight the applications of molecular robots in sensing biomarkers, signal communications with living cells, and conversion of energy. Although molecular robots are still in their infancy, they will unquestionably initiate massive change in biomedical and environmental technology in the not too distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zugui Peng
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Shoji Iwabuchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Kayano Izumi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Sotaro Takiguchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Misa Yamaji
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Shoko Fujita
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Harune Suzuki
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Fumika Kambara
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
| | - Genki Fukasawa
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama 2-12-1, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Aileen Cooney
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- FabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Tomoaki Matsuura
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama 2-12-1, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo185-8588, Japan.
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12
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Maffeis V, Heuberger L, Nikoletić A, Schoenenberger C, Palivan CG. Synthetic Cells Revisited: Artificial Cells Construction Using Polymeric Building Blocks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305837. [PMID: 37984885 PMCID: PMC10885666 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The exponential growth of research on artificial cells and organelles underscores their potential as tools to advance the understanding of fundamental biological processes. The bottom-up construction from a variety of building blocks at the micro- and nanoscale, in combination with biomolecules is key to developing artificial cells. In this review, artificial cells are focused upon based on compartments where polymers are the main constituent of the assembly. Polymers are of particular interest due to their incredible chemical variety and the advantage of tuning the properties and functionality of their assemblies. First, the architectures of micro- and nanoscale polymer assemblies are introduced and then their usage as building blocks is elaborated upon. Different membrane-bound and membrane-less compartments and supramolecular structures and how they combine into advanced synthetic cells are presented. Then, the functional aspects are explored, addressing how artificial organelles in giant compartments mimic cellular processes. Finally, how artificial cells communicate with their surrounding and each other such as to adapt to an ever-changing environment and achieve collective behavior as a steppingstone toward artificial tissues, is taken a look at. Engineering artificial cells with highly controllable and programmable features open new avenues for the development of sophisticated multifunctional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Maffeis
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
| | - Lukas Heuberger
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
| | - Anamarija Nikoletić
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BaselMattenstrasse 22BaselCH‐4002Switzerland
- NCCR‐Molecular Systems EngineeringBPR 1095, Mattenstrasse 24aBaselCH‐4058Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience InstituteUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 82BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
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13
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Heili JM, Stokes K, Gaut NJ, Deich C, Sharon J, Hoog T, Gomez-Garcia J, Cash B, Pawlak MR, Engelhart AE, Adamala KP. Controlled exchange of protein and nucleic acid signals from and between synthetic minimal cells. Cell Syst 2024; 15:49-62.e4. [PMID: 38237551 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic minimal cells are a class of bioreactors that have some, but not all, functions of live cells. Here, we report a critical step toward the development of a bottom-up minimal cell: cellular export of functional protein and RNA products. We used cell-penetrating peptide tags to translocate payloads across a synthetic cell vesicle membrane. We demonstrated efficient transport of active enzymes and transport of nucleic acid payloads by RNA-binding proteins. We investigated influence of a concentration gradient alongside other factors on the efficiency of the translocation, and we show a method to increase product accumulation in one location. We demonstrate the use of this technology to engineer molecular communication between different populations of synthetic cells, to exchange protein and nucleic acid signals. The synthetic minimal cell production and export of proteins or nucleic acids allows experimental designs that approach the complexity and relevancy of natural biological systems. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Heili
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kaitlin Stokes
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Gaut
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christopher Deich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Judee Sharon
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Tanner Hoog
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jose Gomez-Garcia
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Brock Cash
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matthew R Pawlak
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Aaron E Engelhart
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Katarzyna P Adamala
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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14
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Llopis-Lorente A, Schotman MJG, Humeniuk HV, van Hest JCM, Dankers PYW, Abdelmohsen LKEA. Artificial cells with viscoadaptive behavior based on hydrogel-loaded giant unilamellar vesicles. Chem Sci 2024; 15:629-638. [PMID: 38179539 PMCID: PMC10763548 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04687g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Viscoadaptation is an essential process in natural cells, where supramolecular interactions between cytosolic components drive adaptation of the cellular mechanical features to regulate metabolic function. This important relationship between mechanical properties and function has until now been underexplored in artificial cell research. Here, we have created an artificial cell platform that exploits internal supramolecular interactions to display viscoadaptive behavior. As supramolecular material to mimic the cytosolic component of these artificial cells, we employed a pH-switchable hydrogelator based on poly(ethylene glycol) coupled to ureido-pyrimidinone units. The hydrogelator was membranized in its sol state in giant unilamellar lipid vesicles to include a cell-membrane mimetic component. The resulting hydrogelator-loaded giant unilamellar vesicles (designated as HL-GUVs) displayed reversible pH-switchable sol-gel behavior through multiple cycles. Furthermore, incorporation of the regulatory enzyme urease enabled us to increase the cytosolic pH upon conversion of its substrate urea. The system was able to switch between a high viscosity (at neutral pH) and a low viscosity (at basic pH) state upon addition of substrate. Finally, viscoadaptation was achieved via the incorporation of a second enzyme of which the activity was governed by the viscosity of the artificial cell. This work represents a new approach to install functional self-regulation in artificial cells, and opens new possibilities for the creation of complex artificial cells that mimic the structural and functional interplay found in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Llopis-Lorente
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology Het Kranenveld 14 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology Het Kranenveld 14, Eindhoven 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico, CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera s/n 46022 València Spain
| | - Maaike J G Schotman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology Het Kranenveld 14, Eindhoven 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Heorhii V Humeniuk
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology Het Kranenveld 14 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology Het Kranenveld 14, Eindhoven 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology Het Kranenveld 14 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology Het Kranenveld 14, Eindhoven 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven, Het Kranenveld 14 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology Het Kranenveld 14, Eindhoven 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Loai K E A Abdelmohsen
- Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry, Laboratory of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology Het Kranenveld 14 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology Het Kranenveld 14, Eindhoven 5600 MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
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15
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Caicedo A, Morales E, Moyano A, Peñaherrera S, Peña-Cisneros J, Benavides-Almeida A, Pérez-Meza ÁA, Haro-Vinueza A, Ruiz C, Robayo P, Tenesaca D, Barba D, Zambrano K, Castañeda V, Singh KK. Powering prescription: Mitochondria as "Living Drugs" - Definition, clinical applications, and industry advancements. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107018. [PMID: 38013162 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria's role as engines and beacons of metabolism and determinants of cellular health is being redefined through their therapeutic application as "Living Drugs" (LDs). Artificial mitochondrial transfer/transplant (AMT/T), encompassing various techniques to modify, enrich, or restore mitochondria in cells and tissues, is revolutionizing acellular therapies and the future of medicine. This article proposes a necessary definition for LDs within the Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs) framework. While recognizing different types of LDs as ATMPs, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells, we focus on mitochondria due to their unique attributes that distinguish them from traditional cell therapies. These attributes include their inherent living nature, diverse sources, industry applicability, validation, customizability for therapeutic needs, and their capability to adapt and respond within recipient cells. We trace the journey from initial breakthroughs in AMT/T to the current state-of-the-art applications by emerging innovative companies, highlighting the need for manufacturing standards to navigate the transition of mitochondrial therapies from concept to clinical practice. By providing a comprehensive overview of the scientific, clinical, and commercial landscape of mitochondria as LDs, this article contributes to the essential dialogue among regulatory agencies, academia, and industry to shape their future in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Caicedo
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador; Sistemas Médicos SIME, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Emilia Morales
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador; Biología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Aldana Moyano
- Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador; Instituto de investigaciones biotecnológicas IIB, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastian Peñaherrera
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador; Biología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
| | - José Peña-Cisneros
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Abigail Benavides-Almeida
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Álvaro A Pérez-Meza
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alissen Haro-Vinueza
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador; Biología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Cristina Ruiz
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Doménica Tenesaca
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Diego Barba
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Kevin Zambrano
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Quito, Ecuador; Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Verónica Castañeda
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Quito, Ecuador; Mito-Act Research Consortium, Quito, Ecuador; Biología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador; PhD Program in Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Keshav K Singh
- Departments of Genetics, Dermatology and Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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16
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Powers J, Jang Y. Advancing Biomimetic Functions of Synthetic Cells through Compartmentalized Cell-Free Protein Synthesis. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5539-5550. [PMID: 37962115 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cells are artificial constructs that mimic the structures and functions of living cells. They are attractive for studying diverse biochemical processes and elucidating the origins of life. While creating a living synthetic cell remains a grand challenge, researchers have successfully synthesized hundreds of unique synthetic cell platforms. One promising approach to developing more sophisticated synthetic cells is to integrate cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) mechanisms into vesicle platforms. This makes it possible to create synthetic cells with complex biomimetic functions such as genetic circuits, autonomous membrane modifications, sensing and communication, and artificial organelles. This Review explores recent advances in the use of CFPS to impart advanced biomimetic structures and functions to bottom-up synthetic cell platforms. We also discuss the potential applications of synthetic cells in biomedicine as well as the future directions of synthetic cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Powers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Yeongseon Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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17
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Sümbelli Y, Mason AF, van Hest JCM. Toward Artificial Cell-Mediated Tissue Engineering: A New Perspective. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300149. [PMID: 37565690 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300149] [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: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The fast-growing pace of regenerative medicine research has allowed the development of a range of novel approaches to tissue engineering applications. Until recently, the main points of interest in the majority of studies have been to combine different materials to control cellular behavior and use different techniques to optimize tissue formation, from 3-D bioprinting to in situ regeneration. However, with the increase of the understanding of the fundamentals of cellular organization, tissue development, and regeneration, has also come the realization that for the next step in tissue engineering, a higher level of spatiotemporal control on cell-matrix interactions is required. It is proposed that the combination of artificial cell research with tissue engineering could provide a route toward control over complex tissue development. By equipping artificial cells with the underlying mechanisms of cellular functions, such as communication mechanisms, migration behavior, or the coherent behavior of cells depending on the surrounding matrix properties, they can be applied in instructing native cells into desired differentiation behavior at a resolution not to be attained with traditional matrix materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiğitcan Sümbelli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, 5600MB, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander F Mason
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven, 5600MB, The Netherlands
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18
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Westensee IN, Städler B. Artificial cells eavesdropping on HepG2 cells. Interface Focus 2023; 13:20230007. [PMID: 37577001 PMCID: PMC10415741 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2023.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication is a fundamental feature to ensure the survival of cellular assemblies, such as multicellular tissue, via coordinated adaption to changes in their surroundings. Consequently, the development of integrated semi-synthetic systems consisting of artificial cells (ACs) and mammalian cells requires feedback-based interactions. Here, we illustrate that ACs can eavesdrop on HepG2 cells focusing on the activity of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), an enzyme from the cytochrome P450 enzyme family. Specifically, d-cysteine is sent as a signal from the ACs via the triggered reduction of disulfide bonds. Simultaneously, HepG2 cells enzymatically convert 2-cyano-6-methoxybenzothiazole into 2-cyano-6-hydroxybenzothiazole that is released in the extracellular space. d-Cysteine and 2-cyano-6-hydroxybenzothiazole react to form d-luciferin. The ACs respond to this signal by converting d-luciferin into luminescence due to the presence of encapsulated luciferase in the ACs. As a result, the ACs can eavesdrop on the mammalian cells to evaluate the level of hepatic CYP1A2 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Nymann Westensee
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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19
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Yang H, Tel J. Engineering global and local signal generators for probing temporal and spatial cellular signaling dynamics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1239026. [PMID: 37790255 PMCID: PMC10543096 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1239026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells constantly encounter a wide range of environmental signals and rely on their signaling pathways to initiate reliable responses. Understanding the underlying signaling mechanisms and cellular behaviors requires signal generators capable of providing diverse input signals to deliver to cell systems. Current research efforts are primarily focused on exploring cellular responses to global or local signals, which enable us to understand cellular signaling and behavior in distinct dimensions. This review presents recent advancements in global and local signal generators, highlighting their applications in studying temporal and spatial signaling activity. Global signals can be generated using microfluidic or photochemical approaches. Local signal sources can be created using living or artificial cells in combination with different control methods. We also address the strengths and limitations of each signal generator type, discussing challenges and potential extensions for future research. These approaches are expected to continue to facilitate on-going research to discover novel and intriguing cellular signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Yang
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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20
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Walczak M, Mancini L, Xu J, Raguseo F, Kotar J, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. A Synthetic Signaling Network Imitating the Action of Immune Cells in Response to Bacterial Metabolism. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301562. [PMID: 37156014 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301562] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
State-of-the-art bottom-up synthetic biology allows to replicate many basic biological functions in artificial-cell-like devices. To mimic more complex behaviors, however, artificial cells would need to perform many of these functions in a synergistic and coordinated fashion, which remains elusive. Here, a sophisticated biological response is considered, namely the capture and deactivation of pathogens by neutrophil immune cells, through the process of netosis. A consortium consisting of two synthetic agents is designed-responsive DNA-based particles and antibiotic-loaded lipid vesicles-whose coordinated action mimics the sought immune-like response when triggered by bacterial metabolism. The artificial netosis-like response emerges from a series of interlinked sensing and communication pathways between the live and synthetic agents, and translates into both physical and chemical antimicrobial actions, namely bacteria immobilization and exposure to antibiotics. The results demonstrate how advanced life-like responses can be prescribed with a relatively small number of synthetic molecular components, and outlines a new strategy for artificial-cell-based antimicrobial solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Walczak
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Leonardo Mancini
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Jiayi Xu
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Federica Raguseo
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
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21
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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22
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Yin Z, Gao N, Xu C, Li M, Mann S. Autonomic Integration in Nested Protocell Communities. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37369121 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The self-driven organization of model protocells into higher-order nested cytomimetic systems with coordinated structural and functional relationships offers a step toward the autonomic implementation of artificial multicellularity. Here, we describe an endosymbiotic-like pathway in which proteinosomes are captured within membranized alginate/silk fibroin coacervate vesicles by guest-mediated reconfiguration of the host protocells. We demonstrate that interchange of coacervate vesicle and droplet morphologies through proteinosome-mediated urease/glucose oxidase activity produces discrete nested communities capable of integrated catalytic activity and selective disintegration. The self-driving capacity is modulated by an internalized fuel-driven process using starch hydrolases sequestered within the host coacervate phase, and structural stabilization of the integrated protocell populations can be achieved by on-site enzyme-mediated matrix reinforcement involving dipeptide supramolecular assembly or tyramine-alginate covalent cross-linking. Our work highlights a semi-autonomous mechanism for constructing symbiotic cell-like nested communities and provides opportunities for the development of reconfigurable cytomimetic materials with structural, functional, and organizational complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuping Yin
- Centre for Protolife Research, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Ning Gao
- Centre for Protolife Research, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Can Xu
- Centre for Protolife Research, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Mei Li
- Centre for Protolife Research, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
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23
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Xie W, Chen M, Shen Y, Liu Y, Zhang H, Weng Q. Vomeronasal Receptors Associated with Circulating Estrogen Processing Chemosensory Cues in Semi-Aquatic Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10724. [PMID: 37445898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In numerous animals, one essential chemosensory organ that detects chemical signals is the vomeronasal organ (VNO), which is involved in species-specific behaviors, including social and sexual behaviors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism underlying the processing of chemosensory cues in semi-aquatic mammals using muskrats as the animal model. Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) has a sensitive VNO system that activates seasonal breeding behaviors through receiving specific substances, including pheromones and hormones. Vomeronasal organ receptor type 1 (V1R) and type 2 (V2R) and estrogen receptor α and β (ERα and ERβ) were found in sensory epithelial cells, non-sensory epithelial cells and lamina propria cells of the female muskrats' VNO. V2R and ERα mRNA levels in the VNO during the breeding period declined sharply, in comparison to those during the non-breeding period, while V1R and ERβ mRNA levels were detected reversely. Additionally, transcriptomic study in the VNO identified that differently expressed genes might be related to estrogen signal and metabolic pathways. These findings suggested that the seasonal structural and functional changes in the VNO of female muskrats with different reproductive status and estrogen was regulated through binding to ERα and ERβ in the female muskrats' VNO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Meiqi Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuyao Shen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuning Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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24
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Ji Y, Chakraborty T, Wegner SV. Self-Regulated and Bidirectional Communication in Synthetic Cell Communities. ACS NANO 2023; 17:8992-9002. [PMID: 37156507 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c09908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is not limited to a sender releasing a signaling molecule and a receiver perceiving it but is often self-regulated and bidirectional. Yet, in communities of synthetic cells, such features that render communication efficient and adaptive are missing. Here, we report the design and implementation of adaptive two-way signaling with lipid-vesicle-based synthetic cells. The first layer of self-regulation derives from coupling the temporal dynamics of the signal, H2O2, production in the sender to adhesions between sender and receiver cells. This way the receiver stays within the signaling range for the duration sender produces the signal and detaches once the signal fades. Specifically, H2O2 acts as both a forward signal and a regulator of the adhesions by activating photoswitchable proteins at the surface for the duration of the chemiluminescence. The second layer of self-regulation arises when the adhesions render the receiver permeable and trigger the release of a backward signal, resulting in bidirectional exchange. These design rules provide a concept for engineering multicellular systems with adaptive communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Ji
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Taniya Chakraborty
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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25
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Zhang Y, Obuchi H, Toyota T. A Practical Guide to Preparation and Applications of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles Formed via Centrifugation of Water-in-Oil Emulsion Droplets. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:440. [PMID: 37103867 PMCID: PMC10144487 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Giant vesicles (GVs), which are closed lipid bilayer membranes with a diameter of more than 1 μm, have attracted attention not only as model cell membranes but also for the construction of artificial cells. For encapsulating water-soluble materials and/or water-dispersible particles or functionalizing membrane proteins and/or other synthesized amphiphiles, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have been applied in various fields, such as supramolecular chemistry, soft matter physics, life sciences, and bioengineering. In this review, we focus on a preparation technique for GUVs that encapsulate water-soluble materials and/or water-dispersible particles. It is based on the centrifugation of a water-in-oil emulsion layered on water and does not require special equipment other than a centrifuge, which makes it the first choice for laboratory use. Furthermore, we review recent studies on GUV-based artificial cells prepared using this technique and discuss their future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Zhang
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Haruto Obuchi
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Taro Toyota
- Department of Basic Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
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26
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Liu L, Wang C, Liu F, Zhao H. Polymerization-Induced Proteinosome Formation Initiated by Artificial Cells. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:4456-4465. [PMID: 36926885 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cellular communication is essential for living cells to coordinate the individual cellular responses and make collective behaviors. In the past decade, the communications between artificial cells have aroused great interest due to the potential applications of the structures in bioscience and biotechnology. To mimic the cellular communication, artificial cell assisted synthesis of proteinosomes was studied in this research. Multienzyme proteinosomes with glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) decorated on the membranes were synthesized by the thermally triggered self-assembly approach. Free radicals produced in a cascade reaction taking place on the surfaces of the multienzyme proteinosomes initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of NIPAM at a temperature above LCST of PNIPAM in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) or alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)/acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and daughter proteinosomes with BSA or ADH/ALDH on the surfaces were fabricated. The structures of the GOx/HRP initiator proteinosomes, and the synthesized daughter proteinosomes were characterized with transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and micro-DSC. Enzyme activity assays demonstrate the high bioactivities of the enzymes on the surfaces of the initiator and the synthesized daughter proteinosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hanying Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300071, China
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27
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Søgaard AB, Pedersen AB, Løvschall KB, Monge P, Jakobsen JH, Džabbarova L, Nielsen LF, Stevanovic S, Walther R, Zelikin AN. Transmembrane signaling by a synthetic receptor in artificial cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1646. [PMID: 36964156 PMCID: PMC10039019 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37393-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction across biological membranes is among the most important evolutionary achievements. Herein, for the design of artificial cells, we engineer fully synthetic receptors with the capacity of transmembrane signaling, using tools of chemistry. Our receptors exhibit similarity with their natural counterparts in having an exofacial ligand for signal capture, being membrane anchored, and featuring a releasable messenger molecule that performs enzyme activation as a downstream signaling event. The main difference from natural receptors is the mechanism of signal transduction, which is achieved using a self-immolative linker. The receptor scaffold is modular and can readily be re-designed to respond to diverse activation signals including biological or chemical stimuli. We demonstrate an artificial signaling cascade that achieves transmembrane enzyme activation, a hallmark of natural signaling receptors. Results of this work are relevant for engineering responsive artificial cells and interfacing them and/or biological counterparts in co-cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Bretschneider Søgaard
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- iNano Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | | | - Pere Monge
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Raoul Walther
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Alexander N Zelikin
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
- iNano Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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28
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Cook A, Novosedlik S, van Hest JCM. Complex Coacervate Materials as Artificial Cells. ACCOUNTS OF MATERIALS RESEARCH 2023; 4:287-298. [PMID: 37009061 PMCID: PMC10043873 DOI: 10.1021/accountsmr.2c00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Cells have evolved to be self-sustaining compartmentalized systems that consist of many thousands of biomolecules and metabolites interacting in complex cycles and reaction networks. Numerous subtle intricacies of these self-assembled structures are still largely unknown. The importance of liquid-liquid phase separation (both membraneless and membrane bound) is, however, recognized as playing an important role in achieving biological function that is controlled in time and space. Reconstituting biochemical reactions in vitro has been a success of the last decades, for example, establishment of the minimal set of enzymes and nutrients able to replicate cellular activities like the in vitro transcription translation of genes to proteins. Further than this though, artificial cell research has the aim of combining synthetic materials and nonliving macromolecules into ordered assemblies with the ability to carry out more complex and ambitious cell-like functions. These activities can provide insights into fundamental cell processes in simplified and idealized systems but could also have an applied impact in synthetic biology and biotechnology in the future. To date, strategies for the bottom-up fabrication of micrometer scale life-like artificial cells have included stabilized water-in-oil droplets, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV's), hydrogels, and complex coacervates. Water-in-oil droplets are a valuable and easy to produce model system for studying cell-like processes; however, the lack of a crowded interior can limit these artificial cells in mimicking life more closely. Similarly membrane stabilized vesicles, such as GUV's, have the additional membrane feature of cells but still lack a macromolecularly crowded cytoplasm. Hydrogel-based artificial cells have a macromolecularly dense interior (although cross-linked) that better mimics cells, in addition to mechanical properties more similar to the viscoelasticity seen in cells but could be seen as being not dynamic in nature and limiting to the diffusion of biomolecules. On the other hand, liquid-liquid phase separated complex coacervates are an ideal platform for artificial cells as they can most accurately mimic the crowded, viscous, highly charged nature of the eukaryotic cytoplasm. Other important key features that researchers in the field target include stabilizing semipermeable membranes, compartmentalization, information transfer/communication, motility, and metabolism/growth. In this Account, we will briefly cover aspects of coacervation theory and then outline key cases of synthetic coacervate materials used as artificial cells (ranging from polypeptides, modified polysaccharides, polyacrylates, and polymethacrylates, and allyl polymers), finishing with envisioned opportunities and potential applications for coacervate artificial cells moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander
B. Cook
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Helix, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Novosedlik
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Helix, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Helix, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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29
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Li H, Yan Y, Chen J, Shi K, Song C, Ji Y, Jia L, Li J, Qiao Y, Lin Y. Artificial receptor-mediated phototransduction toward protocellular subcompartmentalization and signaling-encoded logic gates. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade5853. [PMID: 36857444 PMCID: PMC9977178 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade5853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Engineering artificial cellular systems capable of perceiving and transmitting external signals across membranes to activate downstream targets and coordinate protocellular responses is key to build cell-cell communications and protolife. Here, we report a synthetic photoreceptor-mediated signaling pathway with the integration of light harvesting, photo-to-chemical energy conversion, signal transmission, and amplification in synthetic cells, which ultimately resulted in protocell subcompartmentalization. Key to our design is a ruthenium-bipyridine complex that acts as a membrane-anchored photoreceptor to convert visible light into chemical information and transduce signals across the lipid membrane via flip-flop motion. By coupling receptor-mediated phototransduction with biological recognition and enzymatic cascade reactions, we further develop protocell signaling-encoded Boolean logic gates. Our results illustrate a minimal cell model to mimic the photoreceptor cells that can transduce the energy of light into intracellular responses and pave the way to modular control over the flow of information for complex metabolic and signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yue Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ke Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chuwen Song
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yanglimin Ji
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liyan Jia
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianming Li
- Research Center of New Energy, Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development (RIPED), PetroChina, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiyang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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30
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Heidari A, Sentürk OI, Yang S, Joesaar A, Gobbo P, Mann S, de Greef TFA, Wegner SV. Orthogonal Light-Dependent Membrane Adhesion Induces Social Self-Sorting and Member-Specific DNA Communication in Synthetic Cell Communities. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206474. [PMID: 36599623 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Developing orthogonal chemical communication pathways in diverse synthetic cell communities is a considerable challenge due to the increased crosstalk and interference associated with large numbers of different types of sender-receiver pairs. Herein, the authors control which sender-receiver pairs communicate in a three-membered community of synthetic cells through red and blue light illumination. Semipermeable protein-polymer-based synthetic cells (proteinosomes) with complementary membrane-attached protein adhesion communicate through single-stranded DNA oligomers and synergistically process biochemical information within a community consisting of one sender and two different receiver populations. Different pairs of red and blue light-responsive protein-protein interactions act as membrane adhesion mediators between the sender and receivers such that they self-assemble and socially self-sort into different multicellular structures under red and blue light. Consequently, distinct sender-receiver pairs come into the signaling range depending on the light illumination and are able to communicate specifically without activation of the other receiver population. Overall, this work shows how photoswitchable membrane adhesion gives rise to different self-sorting protocell patterns that mediate member-specific DNA-based communication in ternary populations of synthetic cells and provides a step towards the design of orthogonal chemical communication networks in diverse communities of synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Heidari
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Oya I Sentürk
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Shuo Yang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Joesaar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Pierangelo Gobbo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, 34127, Italy
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Tom F A de Greef
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
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31
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Raab M, Zeininger J, Suchorski Y, Tokuda K, Rupprechter G. Emergence of chaos in a compartmentalized catalytic reaction nanosystem. Nat Commun 2023; 14:736. [PMID: 36759520 PMCID: PMC9911747 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36434-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In compartmentalized systems, chemical reactions may proceed in differing ways even in adjacent compartments. In compartmentalized nanosystems, the reaction behaviour may deviate from that observed on the macro- or mesoscale. In situ studies of processes in such nanosystems meet severe experimental challenges, often leaving the field to theoretical simulations. Here, a rhodium nanocrystal surface consisting of different nm-sized nanofacets is used as a model of a compartmentalized reaction nanosystem. Using field emission microscopy, different reaction modes are observed, including a transition to spatio-temporal chaos. The transitions between different modes are caused by variations of the hydrogen pressure modifying the strength of diffusive coupling between individual nanofacets. Microkinetic simulations, performed for a network of 52 coupled oscillators, reveal the origins of the different reaction modes. Since diffusive coupling is characteristic for many living and non-living compartmentalized systems, the current findings may be relevant for a wide class of reaction systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Raab
- grid.5329.d0000 0001 2348 4034Institute of Materials Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Zeininger
- grid.5329.d0000 0001 2348 4034Institute of Materials Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuri Suchorski
- grid.5329.d0000 0001 2348 4034Institute of Materials Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Keita Tokuda
- grid.20515.330000 0001 2369 4728Department of Computer Science, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
| | - Günther Rupprechter
- Institute of Materials Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria.
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32
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Gentili PL, Stano P. Monitoring the advancements in the technology of artificial cells by determining their complexity degree: Hints from complex systems descriptors. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1132546. [PMID: 36815888 PMCID: PMC9928734 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1132546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pier Luigi Gentili
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy,*Correspondence: Pier Luigi Gentili, ; Pasquale Stano,
| | - Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Ecotekne, Lecce, Italy,*Correspondence: Pier Luigi Gentili, ; Pasquale Stano,
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33
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Toward Interdisciplinary Synergies in Molecular Communications: Perspectives from Synthetic Biology, Nanotechnology, Communications Engineering and Philosophy of Science. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010208. [PMID: 36676156 PMCID: PMC9861838 DOI: 10.3390/life13010208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Within many chemical and biological systems, both synthetic and natural, communication via chemical messengers is widely viewed as a key feature. Often known as molecular communication, such communication has been a concern in the fields of synthetic biologists, nanotechnologists, communications engineers, and philosophers of science. However, interactions between these fields are currently limited. Nevertheless, the fact that the same basic phenomenon is studied by all of these fields raises the question of whether there are unexploited interdisciplinary synergies. In this paper, we summarize the perspectives of each field on molecular communications, highlight potential synergies, discuss ongoing challenges to exploit these synergies, and present future perspectives for interdisciplinary efforts in this area.
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34
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Gao N, Mann S. Membranized Coacervate Microdroplets: from Versatile Protocell Models to Cytomimetic Materials. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:297-307. [PMID: 36625520 PMCID: PMC9910039 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Although complex coacervate microdroplets derived from associative phase separation of counter-charged electrolytes have emerged as a broad platform for the bottom-up construction of membraneless, molecularly crowded protocells, the absence of an enclosing membrane limits the construction of more sophisticated artificial cells and their use as functional cytomimetic materials. To address this problem, we and others have recently developed chemical-based strategies for the membranization of preformed coacervate microdroplets. In this Account, we review our recent work on diverse coacervate systems using a range of membrane building blocks and assembly processes. First, we briefly introduce the unusual nature of the coacervate/water interface, emphasizing the ultralow interfacial tension and broad interfacial width as physiochemical properties that require special attention in the judicious design of membranized coacervate microdroplets. Second, we classify membrane assembly into two different approaches: (i) interfacial self-assembly by using diverse surface-active building blocks such as molecular amphiphiles (fatty acids, phospholipids, block copolymers, protein-polymer conjugates) or nano- and microscale objects (liposomes, nanoparticle surfactants, cell fragments, living cells) with appropriate wettability; and (ii) coacervate droplet-to-vesicle reconfiguration by employing auxiliary surface reconstruction agents or triggering endogenous transitions (self-membranization) under nonstoichiometric (charge mismatched) conditions. We then discuss the key cytomimetic behaviors of membranized coacervate-based model protocells. Customizable permeability is achieved by synergistic effects operating between the molecularly crowded coacervate interior and surrounding membrane. In contrast, metabolic-like endogenous reactivity, diffusive chemical signaling, and collective chemical operations occur specifically in protocell networks comprising diverse populations of membranized coacervate microdroplets. In each case, these cytomimetic behaviors can give rise to functional microscale materials capable of promising cell-like applications. For example, immobilizing spatially segregated enzyme-loaded phospholipid-coated coacervate protocells in concentrically tubular hydrogels delivers prototissue-like bulk materials that generate nitric oxide in vitro, enabling platelet deactivation and inhibition of blood clot formation. Alternatively, therapeutic protocells with in vivo vasoactivity, high hemocompatibility, and increased blood circulation times are constructed by spontaneous assembly of hemoglobin-containing cell-membrane fragments on the surface of enzyme-loaded coacervate microdroplets. Higher-order properties such as artificial endocytosis are achieved by using nanoparticle-caged coacervate protocell hosts that selectively and actively capture guest nano- and microscale objects by responses to exogenous stimuli or via endogenous enzyme-mediated reactions. Finally, we discuss the current limitations in the design and programming of membranized coacervate microdroplets, which may help to guide future directions in this emerging research area. Taken together, we hope that this Account will inspire new advances in membranized coacervate microdroplets and promote their application in the development of integrated protocell models and functional cytomimetic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Gao
- Max
Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, BristolBS8 1TS, United
Kingdom,Centre
for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry,
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, BristolBS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Mann
- Max
Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, BristolBS8 1TS, United
Kingdom,Centre
for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry,
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, BristolBS8 1TS, United Kingdom,School
of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai
Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai200240, PR China,Zhangjiang
Institute for Advanced Study (ZIAS), Shanghai
Jiao Tong University, 429 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai201203, PR China,
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35
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Zong W, Shao X, Li J, Chai Y, Hu X, Zhang X. Synthetic Intracellular Environments: From Basic Science to Applications. Anal Chem 2023; 95:535-549. [PMID: 36625127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Xiaotong Shao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Synthesis for Fine Chemicals, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Yunhe Chai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Optoelectronic Devices (Wenzhou), College of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou325035, China
| | - Xunan Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
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36
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López‐Cuevas P, Xu C, Severn CE, Oates TCL, Cross SJ, Toye AM, Mann S, Martin P. Macrophage Reprogramming with Anti-miR223-Loaded Artificial Protocells Enhances In Vivo Cancer Therapeutic Potential. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202717. [PMID: 36314048 PMCID: PMC9762313 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Several immune cell-expressed miRNAs (miRs) are associated with altered prognostic outcome in cancer patients, suggesting that they may be potential targets for development of cancer therapies. Here, translucent zebrafish (Danio rerio) is utilized to demonstrate that genetic knockout or knockdown of one such miR, microRNA-223 (miR223), globally or specifically in leukocytes, does indeed lead to reduced cancer progression. As a first step toward potential translation to a clinical therapy, a novel strategy is described for reprogramming neutrophils and macrophages utilizing miniature artificial protocells (PCs) to deliver anti-miRs against the anti-inflammatory miR223. Using genetic and live imaging approaches, it is shown that phagocytic uptake of anti-miR223-loaded PCs by leukocytes in zebrafish (and by human macrophages in vitro) effectively prolongs their pro-inflammatory state by blocking the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which, in turn, drives altered immune cell-cancer cell interactions and ultimately leads to a reduced cancer burden by driving reduced proliferation and increased cell death of tumor cells. This PC cargo delivery strategy for reprogramming leukocytes toward beneficial phenotypes has implications also for treating other systemic or local immune-mediated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paco López‐Cuevas
- School of BiochemistryBiomedical Sciences BuildingUniversity WalkUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TDUK
| | - Can Xu
- Centre for Protolife ResearchSchool of ChemistryUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TSUK
| | - Charlotte E. Severn
- School of BiochemistryBiomedical Sciences BuildingUniversity WalkUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TDUK
- National Institute for Health Research Blood and Transplant Research Unit (NIHR BTRU) in Red Blood Cell ProductsUniversity of BristolBristolBS34 7QHUK
| | - Tiah C. L. Oates
- School of BiochemistryBiomedical Sciences BuildingUniversity WalkUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TDUK
- National Institute for Health Research Blood and Transplant Research Unit (NIHR BTRU) in Red Blood Cell ProductsUniversity of BristolBristolBS34 7QHUK
| | - Stephen J. Cross
- Wolfson Bioimaging FacilityBiomedical Sciences BuildingUniversity WalkUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TDUK
| | - Ashley M. Toye
- School of BiochemistryBiomedical Sciences BuildingUniversity WalkUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TDUK
- National Institute for Health Research Blood and Transplant Research Unit (NIHR BTRU) in Red Blood Cell ProductsUniversity of BristolBristolBS34 7QHUK
| | - Stephen Mann
- Centre for Protolife ResearchSchool of ChemistryUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TSUK
- Max Planck Bristol Centre for Minimal BiologySchool of ChemistryUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TSUK
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240P. R. China
| | - Paul Martin
- School of BiochemistryBiomedical Sciences BuildingUniversity WalkUniversity of BristolBristolBS8 1TDUK
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37
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Stimuli-responsive vesicles as distributed artificial organelles for bacterial activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206563119. [PMID: 36223394 PMCID: PMC9586261 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206563119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular communication is a hallmark of living systems. As such, engineering artificial cells that possess this behavior has been at the heart of activities in bottom-up synthetic biology. Communication between artificial and living cells has potential to confer novel capabilities to living organisms that could be exploited in biomedicine and biotechnology. However, most current approaches rely on the exchange of chemical signals that cannot be externally controlled. Here, we report two types of remote-controlled vesicle-based artificial organelles that translate physical inputs into chemical messages that lead to bacterial activation. Upon light or temperature stimulation, artificial cell membranes are activated, releasing signaling molecules that induce protein expression in Escherichia coli. This distributed approach differs from established methods for engineering stimuli-responsive bacteria. Here, artificial cells (as opposed to bacterial cells themselves) are the design unit. Having stimuli-responsive elements compartmentalized in artificial cells has potential applications in therapeutics, tissue engineering, and bioremediation. It will underpin the design of hybrid living/nonliving systems where temporal control over population interactions can be exerted.
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38
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Implanted synthetic cells trigger tissue angiogenesis through de novo production of recombinant growth factors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2207525119. [PMID: 36095208 PMCID: PMC9499519 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2207525119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in bottom-up synthetic biology has stimulated the development of synthetic cells (SCs), autonomous protein-manufacturing particles, as dynamic biomimetics for replacing diseased natural cells and addressing medical needs. Here, we report that SCs genetically encoded to produce proangiogenic factors triggered the physiological process of neovascularization in mice. The SCs were constructed of giant lipid vesicles and were optimized to facilitate enhanced protein production. When introduced with the appropriate genetic code, the SCs synthesized a recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), reaching expression levels of up to 9⋅106 protein copies per SC. In culture, the SCs induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and angiogenesis-related intracellular signaling, confirming their proangiogenic activity. Integrating the SCs with bioengineered constructs bearing endothelial cells promoted the remodeling of mature vascular networks, supported by a collagen-IV basement membrane-like matrix. In vivo, prolonged local administration of the SCs in mice triggered the infiltration of blood vessels into implanted Matrigel plugs without recorded systemic immunogenicity. These findings emphasize the potential of SCs as therapeutic platforms for activating physiological processes by autonomously producing biological drugs inside the body.
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39
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Aliev TA, Timralieva AA, Kurakina TA, Katsuba KE, Egorycheva YA, Dubovichenko MV, Kutyrev MA, Shilovskikh VV, Orekhov N, Kondratyuk N, Semenov SN, Kolpashchikov DM, Skorb EV. Designed assembly and disassembly of DNA in supramolecular structure: From ion regulated nuclear formation and machine learning recognition to running DNA cascade. NANO SELECT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202200092] [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] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nikita Orekhov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Moscow Russia
- Joint Institute for High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University Moscow Russia
| | - Nikolay Kondratyuk
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Moscow Russia
- Joint Institute for High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
- National Research University Higher School of Economics Moscow Russia
| | - Sergey N. Semenov
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot Israel
| | - Dmitry M. Kolpashchikov
- ITMO University Saint Petersburg Russia
- University of Central Florida Chemistry Department Orlando Florida USA
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences University of Central Florida Orlando Florida USA
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40
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Stano P. Exploring Information and Communication Theories for Synthetic Cell Research. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:927156. [PMID: 35910013 PMCID: PMC9334554 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.927156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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41
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Lee H, Park J, Kim N, Youn W, Yun G, Han SY, Nguyen DT, Choi IS. Cell-in-Catalytic-Shell Nanoarchitectonics: Catalytic Empowerment of Individual Living Cells by Single-Cell Nanoencapsulation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201247. [PMID: 35641454 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cell-in-shell biohybrid structures, synthesized by encapsulating individual living cells with exogenous materials, have emerged as exciting functional entities for engineered living materials, with emergent properties outside the scope of biochemical modifications. Artificial exoskeletons have, to date, provided physicochemical shelters to the cells inside in the first stage of technological development, and further advances in the field demand catalytically empowered, cellular hybrid systems that augment the biological functions of cells and even introduce completely new functions to the cells. This work describes a facile and generalizable strategy for empowering living cells with extrinsic catalytic capability through nanoencapsulation of living cells with a supramolecular metal-organic complex of Fe3+ and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (BTC). A series of enzymes are embedded in situ, without loss of catalytic activity, in the Fe3+ -BTC shells, not to mention the superior characteristics of cytocompatible and rapid shell-forming processes. The nanoshell enhances the catalytic efficiency of multienzymatic cascade reactions by confining reaction intermediates to its internal voids and the nanoencapsulated cells acquire exogenous biochemical functions, including enzymatic cleavage of lethal octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside into d-glucose, with autonomous cytoprotection. The system will provide a versatile, nanoarchitectonic tool for interfacing biological cells with functional materials, especially for catalytic bioempowerment of living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojae Lee
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Joohyouck Park
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Nayoung Kim
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Wongu Youn
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Gyeongwon Yun
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Sang Yeong Han
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Duc Tai Nguyen
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Insung S Choi
- Center for Cell-Encapsulation Research, Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
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42
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Karoui H, Patwal PS, Pavan Kumar BVVS, Martin N. Chemical Communication in Artificial Cells: Basic Concepts, Design and Challenges. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:880525. [PMID: 35720123 PMCID: PMC9199989 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.880525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, the focus of bottom-up synthetic biology has shifted from the design of complex artificial cell architectures to the design of interactions between artificial cells mediated by physical and chemical cues. Engineering communication between artificial cells is crucial for the realization of coordinated dynamic behaviours in artificial cell populations, which would have implications for biotechnology, advanced colloidal materials and regenerative medicine. In this review, we focus our discussion on molecular communication between artificial cells. We cover basic concepts such as the importance of compartmentalization, the metabolic machinery driving signaling across cell boundaries and the different modes of communication used. The various studies in artificial cell signaling have been classified based on the distance between sender and receiver cells, just like in biology into autocrine, juxtacrine, paracrine and endocrine signaling. Emerging tools available for the design of dynamic and adaptive signaling are highlighted and some recent advances of signaling-enabled collective behaviours, such as quorum sensing, travelling pulses and predator-prey behaviour, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedi Karoui
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR 5031, Pessac, France
| | - Pankaj Singh Patwal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - B. V. V. S. Pavan Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
- *Correspondence: B. V. V. S. Pavan Kumar, ; Nicolas Martin,
| | - Nicolas Martin
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, UMR 5031, Pessac, France
- *Correspondence: B. V. V. S. Pavan Kumar, ; Nicolas Martin,
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43
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Yu X, Zhou L, Wang G, Wang L, Dou H. Hierarchical Structures in Macromolecule-assembled Synthetic Cells. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100926. [PMID: 35445490 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100926] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Various models of synthetic cells have been developed as researchers have sought to explore the origin of life. Based on the fact that structural complexity is the foundation of higher-order functions, this review will focus on hierarchical structures in synthetic cell models that are inspired by living systems, in which macromolecules are the dominant participants. We discuss the underlying advantages and functions provided by biomimetic higher-order structures from four perspectives, including hierarchical structures in membranes, in the composite construction of membrane-coated artificial cytoplasm, in organelle-like subcellular compartments, as well as in synthetic cell-cell assembled synthetic tissues. In parallel, various feasible driving forces and approaches for the fabrication of such higher-order structures are showcased. Furthermore, we highlight both the implemented and potential applications of biomimetic systems, bottom-up biosynthesis, biomedical tissue engineering, and disease therapy. This thriving field is gradually narrowing the gap between fundamental research and applied science. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Long Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Gangyang Wang, Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Hongjing Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
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44
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Di Iorio D, Wegner SV. Towards applications of synthetic cells in nanotechnology. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 68:102145. [PMID: 35461027 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cells, which are assembled anew from well-defined molecular parts, open-up new possibilities for nanotechnological applications due to their reduced complexity and high functionality. In this review, we discuss how synthetic cells are being implemented in different fields ranging from biomedicine to material science. On one hand, synthetic cells can serve as microreactors that house metabolic networks and as therapeutic carriers that directly communicate with living cells. On the other hand, synthetic cells can become active components in a new-generation of materials that process inputs and result in autonomous and adaptive behavior. These early examples highlight the potential impact that synthetic cells will have in future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Di Iorio
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Germany
| | - Seraphine V Wegner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Germany.
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45
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Identifying and Manipulating Giant Vesicles: Review of Recent Approaches. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13050644. [PMID: 35630111 PMCID: PMC9144095 DOI: 10.3390/mi13050644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Giant vesicles (GVs) are closed bilayer membranes that primarily comprise amphiphiles with diameters of more than 1 μm. Compared with regular vesicles (several tens of nanometers in size), GVs are of greater scientific interest as model cell membranes and protocells because of their structure and size, which are similar to those of biological systems. Biopolymers and nano-/microparticles can be encapsulated in GVs at high concentrations, and their application as artificial cell bodies has piqued interest. It is essential to develop methods for investigating and manipulating the properties of GVs toward engineering applications. In this review, we discuss current improvements in microscopy, micromanipulation, and microfabrication technologies for progress in GV identification and engineering tools. Combined with the advancement of GV preparation technologies, these technological advancements can aid the development of artificial cell systems such as alternative tissues and GV-based chemical signal processing systems.
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46
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Smith JM, Chowdhry R, Booth MJ. Controlling Synthetic Cell-Cell Communication. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:809945. [PMID: 35071327 PMCID: PMC8766733 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.809945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cells, which mimic cellular function within a minimal compartment, are finding wide application, for instance in studying cellular communication and as delivery devices to living cells. However, to fully realise the potential of synthetic cells, control of their function is vital. An array of tools has already been developed to control the communication of synthetic cells to neighbouring synthetic cells or living cells. These tools use either chemical inputs, such as small molecules, or physical inputs, such as light. Here, we examine these current methods of controlling synthetic cell communication and consider alternative mechanisms for future use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael J. Booth
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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47
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Grimes PJ, Galanti A, Gobbo P. Bioinspired Networks of Communicating Synthetic Protocells. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:804717. [PMID: 35004855 PMCID: PMC8740067 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.804717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bottom-up synthesis of cell-like entities or protocells from inanimate molecules and materials is one of the grand challenges of our time. In the past decade, researchers in the emerging field of bottom-up synthetic biology have developed different protocell models and engineered them to mimic one or more abilities of biological cells, such as information transcription and translation, adhesion, and enzyme-mediated metabolism. Whilst thus far efforts have focused on increasing the biochemical complexity of individual protocells, an emerging challenge in bottom-up synthetic biology is the development of networks of communicating synthetic protocells. The possibility of engineering multi-protocellular systems capable of sending and receiving chemical signals to trigger individual or collective programmed cell-like behaviours or for communicating with living cells and tissues would lead to major scientific breakthroughs with important applications in biotechnology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This mini-review will discuss this new, emerging area of bottom-up synthetic biology and will introduce three types of bioinspired networks of communicating synthetic protocells that have recently emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Grimes
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Agostino Galanti
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Gobbo
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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