1
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Nishizawa C, Aburaya S, Kosaka Y, Sugase K, Aoki W. Optimizing in vitro expression balance of central dogma-related genes using parallel reaction monitoring. J Biosci Bioeng 2024; 138:97-104. [PMID: 38762340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2024.04.006] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The creation of a self-replicating synthetic cell is an essential to understand life self-replication. One method to create self-replicating artificial cells is to reconstitute the self-replication system of living organisms in vitro. In a living cell, self-replication is achieved via a system called the autonomous central dogma, a system in which central dogma-related factors are autonomously synthesized and genome replication, transcription, and translation are driven by nascent factors. Various studies to reconstitute some processes of the autonomous central dogma in vitro have been conducted. However, in vitro reconstitution of the entire autonomous central dogma system is difficult as it requires balanced expression of several related genes. Therefore, we developed a method to simultaneously quantify and optimize the in vitro expression balance of multiple genes. First, we developed a quantitative mass spectrometry method targeting genome replication-related proteins as a model of central dogma-related factors and acquired in vitro expression profiles of these genes. Additionally, we demonstrated that the in vitro expression balance of these genes can be easily optimized by adjusting the input gene ratio based on the data obtained by the developed method. This study facilitated the easy optimization of the in vitro expression balance of multiple genes. Therefore, extending the scope of this method to other central dogma-related factors will accelerate attempts of self-replicating synthetic cells creation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Nishizawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Shunsuke Aburaya
- Division of Metabolomics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Yuishin Kosaka
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; Japan Society for the Promotion of Science 606-8502, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Kenji Sugase
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Wataru Aoki
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Kyoto Integrated Science & Technology Bio-Analysis Center, Kyoto 600-8815, Japan.
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2
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Sato G, Miyazawa S, Doi N, Fujiwara K. Cell-Free Protein Expression by a Reconstituted Transcription-Translation System Energized by Sugar Catabolism. Molecules 2024; 29:2956. [PMID: 38998908 PMCID: PMC11243612 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29132956] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cooperation between catabolism and anabolism is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in living cells. The most fundamental systems for catabolism and anabolism are the glycolysis of sugars and the transcription-translation (TX-TL) of DNA, respectively. Despite their importance in living cells, the in vitro reconstitution of their cooperation through purified factors has not been achieved, which hinders the elucidation of the design principle in living cells. Here, we reconstituted glycolysis using sugars and integrated it with the PURE system, a commercial in vitro TX-TL kit composed of purified factors. By optimizing key parameters, such as glucokinase and initial phosphate concentrations, we determined suitable conditions for their cooperation. The optimized system showed protein synthesis at up to 33% of that of the original PURE system. We observed that ATP consumption in upstream glycolysis inhibits TX-TL and that this inhibition can be alleviated by the co-addition of glycolytic intermediates, such as glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, with glucose. Moreover, the system developed here simultaneously synthesizes a subset of its own enzymes, that is, glycolytic enzymes, in a single test tube, which is a necessary step toward self-replication. As glycolysis and TX-TL provide building blocks for constructing cells, the integrated system can be a fundamental material for reconstituting living cells from purified factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaku Sato
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Shintaro Miyazawa
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
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3
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Bartelds MW, García-Blay Ó, Verhagen PGA, Wubbolts EJ, van Sluijs B, Heus HA, de Greef TFA, Huck WTS, Hansen MMK. Noise Minimization in Cell-Free Gene Expression. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2217-2225. [PMID: 37478000 PMCID: PMC10443034 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00174] [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: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Biochemical reactions that involve small numbers of molecules are accompanied by a degree of inherent randomness that results in noisy reaction outcomes. In synthetic biology, the ability to minimize noise particularly during the reconstitution of future synthetic protocells is an outstanding challenge to secure robust and reproducible behavior. Here we show that by encapsulation of a bacterial cell-free gene expression system in water-in-oil droplets, in vitro-synthesized MazF reduces cell-free gene expression noise >2-fold. With stochastic simulations we identify that this noise minimization acts through both increased degradation and the autoregulatory feedback of MazF. Specifically, we find that the expression of MazF enhances the degradation rate of mRNA up to 18-fold in a sequence-dependent manner. This sequence specificity of MazF would allow targeted noise control, making it ideal to integrate into synthetic gene networks. Therefore, including MazF production in synthetic biology can significantly minimize gene expression noise, impacting future design principles of more complex cell-free gene circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mart W. Bartelds
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Óscar García-Blay
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter G. A. Verhagen
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elise J. Wubbolts
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bob van Sluijs
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans A. Heus
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom F. A. de Greef
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Computational
Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology,
P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Center
for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht
Alliance, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wilhelm T. S. Huck
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maike M. K. Hansen
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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4
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Seo K, Ichihashi N. Investigation of Compatibility between DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation for in Vitro Central Dogma. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1813-1822. [PMID: 37271965 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in in vitro synthetic biology have made it possible to reconstitute various cellular functions in a test tube. However, the integration of these functions remains a major challenge. This study aimed to identify a suitable condition to achieve all three reactions that constitute the central dogma: transcription, translation, and DNA replication. Specifically, we investigated the effect of the concentrations of 11 nonprotein factors required for in vitro transcription, translation, and DNA replication on each of these reactions. Our results indicate that certain factors have opposing effects on the three reactions. For example, while dNTP is necessary for DNA replication, it inhibited translation, and both rNTP and tRNA, which are essential for transcription and translation, inhibited DNA replication with several DNA polymerases. We also found that these opposing effects were partially alleviated by optimizing the magnesium concentration. Using this knowledge, we successfully demonstrated transcription/translation-coupled DNA replication with higher levels of transcription and translation while maintaining a certain level of DNA replication. These findings not only provide useful insights for the development of a complex artificial system with the central dogma but also raise the question of how natural cells overcome the incompatibility between the three reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaito Seo
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
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5
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Wagner L, Jules M, Borkowski O. What remains from living cells in bacterial lysate-based cell-free systems. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3173-3182. [PMID: 37333859 PMCID: PMC10275740 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Because they mimic cells while offering an accessible and controllable environment, lysate-based cell-free systems (CFS) have emerged as valuable biotechnology tools for synthetic biology. Historically used to uncover fundamental mechanisms of life, CFS are nowadays used for a multitude of purposes, including protein production and prototyping of synthetic circuits. Despite the conservation of fundamental functions in CFS like transcription and translation, RNAs and certain membrane-embedded or membrane-bound proteins of the host cell are lost when preparing the lysate. As a result, CFS largely lack some essential properties of living cells, such as the ability to adapt to changing conditions, to maintain homeostasis and spatial organization. Regardless of the application, shedding light on the black-box of the bacterial lysate is necessary to fully exploit the potential of CFS. Most measurements of the activity of synthetic circuits in CFS and in vivo show significant correlations because these only require processes that are preserved in CFS, like transcription and translation. However, prototyping circuits of higher complexity that require functions that are lost in CFS (cell adaptation, homeostasis, spatial organization) will not show such a good correlation with in vivo conditions. Both for prototyping circuits of higher complexity and for building artificial cells, the cell-free community has developed devices to reconstruct cellular functions. This mini-review compares bacterial CFS to living cells, focusing on functional and cellular process differences and the latest developments in restoring lost functions through complementation of the lysate or device engineering.
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6
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Seo K, Hagino K, Ichihashi N. Progresses in Cell-Free In Vitro Evolution. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 186:121-140. [PMID: 37306699 DOI: 10.1007/10_2023_219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biopolymers, such as proteins and RNA, are integral components of living organisms and have evolved through a process of repeated mutation and selection. The technique of "cell-free in vitro evolution" is a powerful experimental approach for developing biopolymers with desired functions and structural properties. Since Spiegelman's pioneering work over 50 years ago, biopolymers with a wide range of functions have been developed using in vitro evolution in cell-free systems. The use of cell-free systems offers several advantages, including the ability to synthesize a wider range of proteins without the limitations imposed by cytotoxicity, and the capacity for higher throughput and larger library sizes than cell-based evolutionary experiments. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made in the field of cell-free in vitro evolution by categorizing evolution into directed and undirected. The biopolymers produced by these methods are valuable assets in medicine and industry, and as a means of exploring the potential of biopolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaito Seo
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsumi Hagino
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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7
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Han F, Xu B, Lu N, Caliari A, Lu H, Xia Y, Su'etsugu M, Xu J, Yomo T. Optimization and compartmentalization of a cell-free mixture of DNA amplification and protein translation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:8139-8149. [PMID: 36355086 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12278-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that the reconstituted cell-free DNA replisome and in vitro transcription and translation systems from Escherichia coli are highly important in applied and synthetic biology. To date, no attempt has been made to combine those two systems. Here, we study the performance of the mixed two separately exploited systems commercially available as RCR and PURE systems. Regarding the genetic information flow from DNA to proteins, mixtures with various ratios of RCR/PURE gave low protein expression, possibly due to the well-known conflict between replication and transcription or inappropriate buffer conditions. To further increase the compatibility of the two systems, rationally designed reaction buffers with a lower concentration of nucleoside triphosphates in 50 mM HEPES (pH7.6) were evaluated, showing increased performance from RCR/PURE (85%/15%) in a time-dependent manner. The compatibility was also validated in compartmentalized cell-sized droplets encapsulating the same RCR/PURE soup. Our findings can help to better fine-tune the reaction conditions of RCR-PURE systems and provide new avenues for rewiring the central dogma of molecular biology as self-sustaining systems in synthetic cell models. KEY POINTS: • Commercial reconstituted DNA amplification (RCR) and transcription and translation (PURE) systems hamper each other upon mixing. • A newly optimized buffer with a low bias for PURE was formulated in the RCR-PURE mixture. • The performance and dynamics of RCR-PURE were investigated in either bulk or compartmentalized droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhai Han
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Boying Xu
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.,Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Nan Lu
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Adriano Caliari
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Lu
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xia
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Masayuki Su'etsugu
- Department of Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, Tokyo, 171-8501, Japan
| | - Jian Xu
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tetsuya Yomo
- Laboratory of Biology and Information Science, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Phospholipid synthesis inside phospholipid membrane vesicles. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1016. [PMID: 36167778 PMCID: PMC9515091 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03999-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Construction of living artificial cells from genes and molecules can expand our understanding of life system and establish a new aspect of bioengineering. However, growth and division of cell membrane that are basis of cell proliferation are still difficult to reconstruct because a high-yielding phospholipid synthesis system has not been established. Here, we developed a cell-free phospholipid synthesis system that combines fatty acid synthesis and cell-free gene expression system synthesizing acyltransferases. The synthesized fatty acids were sequentially converted into phosphatidic acids by the cell-free synthesized acyltransferases. Because the system can avoid the accumulation of intermediates inhibiting lipid synthesis, sub-millimolar phospholipids could be synthesized within a single reaction mixture. We also performed phospholipid synthesis inside phospholipid membrane vesicles, which encapsulated all the components, and showed the phospholipids localized onto the mother membrane. Our approach would be a platform for the construction of self-reproducing artificial cells since the membrane can grow sustainably.
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9
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Okauchi H, Ichihashi N. Continuous Cell-Free Replication and Evolution of Artificial Genomic DNA in a Compartmentalized Gene Expression System. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:3507-3517. [PMID: 34781676 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In all living organisms, genomic DNA continuously replicates by the proteins encoded in itself and undergoes evolution through many generations of replication. This continuous replication coupled with gene expression and the resultant evolution are fundamental functions of living things, but they have not previously been reconstituted in cell-free systems. In this study, we combined an artificial DNA replication scheme with a reconstituted gene expression system and microcompartmentalization to realize these functions. Circular DNA replicated through rolling-circle replication followed by homologous recombination catalyzed by the proteins, phi29 DNA polymerase, and Cre recombinase expressed from the DNA. We encapsulated the system in microscale water-in-oil droplets and performed serial dilution cycles. Isolated circular DNAs at Round 30 accumulated several common mutations, and the isolated DNA clones exhibited higher replication abilities than the original DNA due to its improved ability as a replication template, increased polymerase activity, and a reduced inhibitory effect of polymerization by the recombinase. The artificial genomic DNA, which continuously replicates using self-encoded proteins and autonomously improves its sequence, provides a useful starting point for the development of more complex artificial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Okauchi
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Research Center for Complex Systems Biology, Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
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10
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Ramm F, Stech M, Zemella A, Frentzel H, Kubick S. The Pore-Forming Hemolysin BL Enterotoxin from Bacillus cereus: Subunit Interactions in Cell-Free Systems. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110807. [PMID: 34822591 PMCID: PMC8623112 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tripartite enterotoxin Hemolysin BL (Hbl) has been widely characterized as a hemolytic and cytotoxic virulence factor involved in foodborne diarrheal illness caused by Bacillus cereus. Previous studies have described the formation of the Hbl complex and aimed to identify the toxin’s mode of action. In this study, we analyzed the assembly of Hbl out of its three individual subunits L1, L2 and B in a soluble as well as a putative membrane bound composition using a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-free system. Subunits were either coexpressed or synthesized individually in separate cell-free reactions and mixed together afterwards. Hemolytic activity of cell-free synthesized subunits was demonstrated on 5% sheep blood agar and identified both synthesis procedures, coexpression as well as individual synthesis of each subunit, as functional for the synthesis of an active Hbl complex. Hbl’s ability to perforate cell membranes was evaluated using a propidium iodide uptake assay. These data suggested that coexpressed Hbl subunits augmented cytotoxic activity with increasing concentrations. Further, a pre-pore-complex of L1-L2 showed cytotoxic effects suggesting the possibility of an interaction between the cell membrane and the pre-pore-complex. Overall, this study shows that cell-free protein synthesis is a fast and efficient way to study the assembly of multiple protein subunits in soluble as well as vesicular fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Ramm
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (F.R.); (M.S.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marlitt Stech
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (F.R.); (M.S.); (A.Z.)
| | - Anne Zemella
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (F.R.); (M.S.); (A.Z.)
| | - Hendrik Frentzel
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Stefan Kubick
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (F.R.); (M.S.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Thielallee 63, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Joint Faculty of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus–Senftenberg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and the University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-331-58-187-306; Fax: +49-331-58-187-199
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11
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Deyama T, Matsui Y, Chadani Y, Sekine Y, Doi N, Fujiwara K. Transcription-translation of the Escherichia coli genome within artificial cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:10367-10370. [PMID: 34541593 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc04401j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Here we created artificial cells in which information of the genome of living cells is expressed by the elements encoded in the genome. We confirmed that the system works normally within artificial cells, which paves the way for reconstructing living cells from biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuki Deyama
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
| | - Yukino Matsui
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
| | - Yuhei Chadani
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, S2-19, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Sekine
- Department of Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
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12
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Olivi L, Berger M, Creyghton RNP, De Franceschi N, Dekker C, Mulder BM, Claassens NJ, Ten Wolde PR, van der Oost J. Towards a synthetic cell cycle. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4531. [PMID: 34312383 PMCID: PMC8313558 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24772-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in synthetic biology may bring the bottom-up generation of a synthetic cell within reach. A key feature of a living synthetic cell is a functional cell cycle, in which DNA replication and segregation as well as cell growth and division are well integrated. Here, we describe different approaches to recreate these processes in a synthetic cell, based on natural systems and/or synthetic alternatives. Although some individual machineries have recently been established, their integration and control in a synthetic cell cycle remain to be addressed. In this Perspective, we discuss potential paths towards an integrated synthetic cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Olivi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Nicola De Franceschi
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Cees Dekker
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nico J Claassens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - John van der Oost
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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13
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A Relationship between NTP and Cell Extract Concentration for Cell-Free Protein Expression. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11030237. [PMID: 33805612 PMCID: PMC7999496 DOI: 10.3390/life11030237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) that synthesizes mRNA and protein from a template DNA has been featured as an important tool to emulate living systems in vitro. However, an obstacle to emulate living cells by CFPS is the loss of activity in the case of usage of high concentration cell extracts. In this study, we found that a high concentration of NTP which inhibits in the case of lower concentration cell extract restored the loss of CFPS activity using high concentration cell extracts. The NTP restoration was independent of the energy regeneration system used, and NTP derivatives also restored the levels of CFPS using a high concentration cell extract. Experiments using dialysis mode of CFPS showed that continuous exchange of small molecule reduced levels of NTP requirement and improved reaction speed of CFPS using the high concentration of cell extract. These findings contribute to the development of a method to understand the condition of living cells by in vitro emulation, and are expected to lead to the achievement of the reconstitution of living cells from biomolecule mixtures.
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14
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Dudley QM, Karim AS, Nash CJ, Jewett MC. In vitro prototyping of limonene biosynthesis using cell-free protein synthesis. Metab Eng 2020; 61:251-260. [PMID: 32464283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering of microorganisms to produce sustainable chemicals has emerged as an important part of the global bioeconomy. Unfortunately, efforts to design and engineer microbial cell factories are challenging because design-build-test cycles, iterations of re-engineering organisms to test and optimize new sets of enzymes, are slow. To alleviate this challenge, we demonstrate a cell-free approach termed in vitro Prototyping and Rapid Optimization of Biosynthetic Enzymes (or iPROBE). In iPROBE, a large number of pathway combinations can be rapidly built and optimized. The key idea is to use cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) to manufacture pathway enzymes in separate reactions that are then mixed to modularly assemble multiple, distinct biosynthetic pathways. As a model, we apply our approach to the 9-step heterologous enzyme pathway to limonene in extracts from Escherichia coli. In iterative cycles of design, we studied the impact of 54 enzyme homologs, multiple enzyme levels, and cofactor concentrations on pathway performance. In total, we screened over 150 unique sets of enzymes in 580 unique pathway conditions to increase limonene production in 24 h from 0.2 to 4.5 mM (23-610 mg/L). Finally, to demonstrate the modularity of this pathway, we also synthesized the biofuel precursors pinene and bisabolene. We anticipate that iPROBE will accelerate design-build-test cycles for metabolic engineering, enabling data-driven multiplexed cell-free methods for testing large combinations of biosynthetic enzymes to inform cellular design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin M Dudley
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Ashty S Karim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Connor J Nash
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Michael C Jewett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
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15
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Laohakunakorn N, Grasemann L, Lavickova B, Michielin G, Shahein A, Swank Z, Maerkl SJ. Bottom-Up Construction of Complex Biomolecular Systems With Cell-Free Synthetic Biology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:213. [PMID: 32266240 PMCID: PMC7105575 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free systems offer a promising approach to engineer biology since their open nature allows for well-controlled and characterized reaction conditions. In this review, we discuss the history and recent developments in engineering recombinant and crude extract systems, as well as breakthroughs in enabling technologies, that have facilitated increased throughput, compartmentalization, and spatial control of cell-free protein synthesis reactions. Combined with a deeper understanding of the cell-free systems themselves, these advances improve our ability to address a range of scientific questions. By mastering control of the cell-free platform, we will be in a position to construct increasingly complex biomolecular systems, and approach natural biological complexity in a bottom-up manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadanai Laohakunakorn
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Grasemann
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barbora Lavickova
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Michielin
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amir Shahein
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zoe Swank
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian J. Maerkl
- School of Engineering, Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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16
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Ramm F, Dondapati SK, Thoring L, Zemella A, Wüstenhagen DA, Frentzel H, Stech M, Kubick S. Mammalian cell-free protein expression promotes the functional characterization of the tripartite non-hemolytic enterotoxin from Bacillus cereus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2887. [PMID: 32076011 PMCID: PMC7031377 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59634-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus is increasingly recognized as an opportunistic pathogen causing local and systemic infections. The causative strains typically produce three pore-forming enterotoxins. This study focusses on the tripartite non-hemolytic enterotoxin (Nhe). Until today, studies have tried to elucidate the structure, complex formation and cell binding mechanisms of the tripartite Nhe toxin. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of the functional tripartite Nhe toxin using eukaryotic cell-free systems. Single subunits, combinations of two Nhe subunits as well as the complete tripartite toxin were tested. Functional activity was determined by hemolytic activity on sheep blood agar plates, planar lipid bilayer measurements as well as cell viability assessment using the MTT assay. Our results demonstrate that cell-free protein synthesis based on translationally active eukaryotic lysates is a platform technology for the fast and efficient synthesis of functionally active, multicomponent toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Ramm
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.,Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry - Biochemistry, Takustr. 6, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Srujan Kumar Dondapati
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Lena Thoring
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Anne Zemella
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Doreen Anja Wüstenhagen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Hendrik Frentzel
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marlitt Stech
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stefan Kubick
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, joint Faculty of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus - Senftenberg, the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and the University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
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17
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Libicher K, Hornberger R, Heymann M, Mutschler H. In vitro self-replication and multicistronic expression of large synthetic genomes. Nat Commun 2020; 11:904. [PMID: 32060271 PMCID: PMC7021806 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14694-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of a chemical system capable of replication and evolution is a key objective of synthetic biology. This could be achieved by in vitro reconstitution of a minimal self-sustaining central dogma consisting of DNA replication, transcription and translation. Here, we present an in vitro translation system, which enables self-encoded replication and expression of large DNA genomes under well-defined, cell-free conditions. In particular, we demonstrate self-replication of a multipartite genome of more than 116 kb encompassing the full set of Escherichia coli translation factors, all three ribosomal RNAs, an energy regeneration system, as well as RNA and DNA polymerases. Parallel to DNA replication, our system enables synthesis of at least 30 encoded translation factors, half of which are expressed in amounts equal to or greater than their respective input levels. Our optimized cell-free expression platform could provide a chassis for the generation of a partially self-replicating in vitro translation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Libicher
- Biomimetic Systems, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - R Hornberger
- Biomimetic Systems, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - M Heymann
- Intelligent Biointegrative Systems Group, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - H Mutschler
- Biomimetic Systems, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
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18
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Yoshida A, Kohyama S, Fujiwara K, Nishikawa S, Doi N. Regulation of spatiotemporal patterning in artificial cells by a defined protein expression system. Chem Sci 2019; 10:11064-11072. [PMID: 32190256 PMCID: PMC7066863 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc02441g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatiotemporal patterning is a fundamental mechanism for developmental differentiation and homeostasis in living cells. Because spatiotemporal patterns are based on higher-order collective motions of elements synthesized from genes, their behavior dynamically changes according to the element amounts. Thus, to understand life and use this process for material application, creation of artificial cells with time development of spatiotemporal patterning by changes of element levels is necessary. However, realizing coupling between spatiotemporal patterning and synthesis of elements in artificial cells has been particularly challenging. In this study, we established a system that can synthesize a patterning mechanism of the bacterial cell division plane (the so-called Min system) in artificial cells by modifying a defined protein expression system and demonstrated that artificial cells can show time development of spatiotemporal patterning similar to living cells. This system also allows generation and disappearance of spatiotemporal patterning, is controllable by a small molecule in artificial cells, and has the ability for application in cargo transporters. The system developed here provides a new material and a technique for understanding life, development of drug delivery tools, and creation of molecular robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoi Yoshida
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics , Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi , Kohoku-ku , Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan .
| | - Shunshi Kohyama
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics , Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi , Kohoku-ku , Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan .
| | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics , Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi , Kohoku-ku , Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan .
| | - Saki Nishikawa
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics , Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi , Kohoku-ku , Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan .
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics , Keio University , 3-14-1 Hiyoshi , Kohoku-ku , Yokohama 223-8522 , Japan .
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19
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Hürtgen D, Mascarenhas J, Heymann M, Murray SM, Schwille P, Sourjik V. Reconstitution and Coupling of DNA Replication and Segregation in a Biomimetic System. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2633-2642. [PMID: 31344304 PMCID: PMC6899551 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A biomimetic system capable of replication and segregation of genetic material constitutes an essential component for the future design of a minimal synthetic cell. Here we have used the simple T7 bacteriophage system and the plasmid-derived ParMRC system to establish in vitro DNA replication and DNA segregation, respectively. These processes were incorporated into biomimetic compartments providing an enclosed reaction space. The functional lifetime of the encapsulated segregation system could be prolonged by equipping it with ATP-regenerating and oxygen-scavenging systems. Finally, we showed that DNA replication and segregation processes could be coupled in vitro by using condensed DNA nanoparticles resulting from DNA replication. ParM spindles extended over tens of micrometers and could thus be used for segregation in compartments that are significantly longer than bacterial cell size. Overall, this work demonstrates the successful bottom-up assembly and coupling of molecular machines that mediate replication and segregation, thus providing an important step towards the development of a fully functional minimal cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hürtgen
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology &LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (Synmikro)Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 1635043MarburgGermany
| | - Judita Mascarenhas
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology &LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (Synmikro)Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 1635043MarburgGermany
| | - Michael Heymann
- Max Planck Institute of BiochemistryAm Klopferspitz 1882152MartinsriedGermany
| | - Seán M. Murray
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology &LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (Synmikro)Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 1635043MarburgGermany
| | - Petra Schwille
- Max Planck Institute of BiochemistryAm Klopferspitz 1882152MartinsriedGermany
| | - Victor Sourjik
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology &LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (Synmikro)Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 1635043MarburgGermany
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20
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Ueda K, Mizuuchi R, Matsuda F, Ichihashi N. A Fusion Method to Develop an Expanded Artificial Genomic RNA Replicable by Qβ Replicase. Chembiochem 2019; 20:2331-2335. [PMID: 31037814 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
RNA-based genomes are used to synthesize artificial cells that harbor genome replication systems. Previously, continuous replication of an artificial genomic RNA that encoded an RNA replicase was demonstrated. The next important challenge is to expand such genomes by increasing the number of encoded genes. However, technical difficulties are encountered during such expansions because the introduction of new genes disrupts the secondary structure of RNA and makes RNA nonreplicable through replicase. Herein, a fusion method that enables the construction of a longer RNA from two replicable RNAs, while retaining replication capability, is proposed. Two replicable RNAs that encode different genes at various positions are fused, and a new parameter, the unreplicable index, which negatively correlates with the replication ability of the fused RNAs better than that of the previous parameter, is determined. The unreplicable index represents the expected value of the number of G or C nucleotides that are unpaired in both the template and complementary strands. It is also observed that some of the constructed fused RNAs replicate efficiently by using the internally translated replicase. The method proposed herein could contribute to the development of an expanded RNA genome that can be used for the purpose of artificial cell synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Ueda
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryo Mizuuchi
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 97207, USA
| | - Fumio Matsuda
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
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21
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Ichihashi N. What can we learn from the construction of in vitro replication systems? Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1447:144-156. [PMID: 30957237 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Replication is a central function of living organisms. Several types of replication systems have been constructed in vitro from various molecules, including peptides, DNA, RNA, and proteins. In this review, I summarize the progress in the construction of replication systems over the past few decades and discuss what we can learn from their construction. I introduce various types of replication systems, supporting the feasibility of the spontaneous appearance of replication early in Earth's history. In the latter part of the review, I focus on parasitic replicators, one of the largest obstacles for sustainable replication. Compartmentalization is discussed as a possible solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Ichihashi
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Le Vay K, Weise LI, Libicher K, Mascarenhas J, Mutschler H. Templated Self‐Replication in Biomimetic Systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3:e1800313. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Le Vay
- Biomimetic SystemsMax Planck Institute of Biochemistry Martinsried Germany
| | - Laura Isabel Weise
- Biomimetic SystemsMax Planck Institute of Biochemistry Martinsried Germany
| | - Kai Libicher
- Biomimetic SystemsMax Planck Institute of Biochemistry Martinsried Germany
| | - Judita Mascarenhas
- Department of Systems and Synthetic MicrobiologyMax Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology Marburg Germany
| | - Hannes Mutschler
- Biomimetic SystemsMax Planck Institute of Biochemistry Martinsried Germany
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23
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Hürtgen D, Murray SM, Mascarenhas J, Sourjik V. DNA Segregation in Natural and Synthetic Minimal Systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3:e1800316. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hürtgen
- MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology and LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (Synmikro) Marburg 35043 Germany
| | - Seán M. Murray
- MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology and LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (Synmikro) Marburg 35043 Germany
| | - Judita Mascarenhas
- MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology and LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (Synmikro) Marburg 35043 Germany
| | - Victor Sourjik
- MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology and LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology (Synmikro) Marburg 35043 Germany
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24
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Self-replication of circular DNA by a self-encoded DNA polymerase through rolling-circle replication and recombination. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13089. [PMID: 30166584 PMCID: PMC6117322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31585-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in constructing artificial cells is the establishment of a recursive genome replication system coupled with gene expression from the genome itself. One of the simplest schemes of recursive DNA replication is the rolling-circle replication of a circular DNA coupled with recombination. In this study, we attempted to develop a replication system based on this scheme using self-encoded phi29 DNA polymerase and externally supplied Cre recombinase. We first identified that DNA polymerization is significantly inhibited by Cre recombinase. To overcome this problem, we performed in vitro evolution and obtained an evolved circular DNA that can replicate efficiently in the presence of the recombinase. We also showed evidence that during replication of the evolved DNA, the circular DNA was reproduced through recombination by Cre recombinase. These results demonstrate that the evolved circular DNA can reproduce itself through gene expression of a self-encoded polymerase. This study provides a step forward in developing a simple recursive DNA replication system for use in an artificial cell.
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25
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Yoshiyama T, Ichii T, Yomo T, Ichihashi N. Automated in vitro evolution of a translation-coupled RNA replication system in a droplet flow reactor. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11867. [PMID: 30089835 PMCID: PMC6082869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30374-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Automation is a useful strategy to make laborious evolutionary experiments faster and easier. To date, several types of continuous flow reactors have been developed for the automated evolutionary experiments of viruses and bacteria. However, the development of a flow reactor applicable to compartmentalized in vitro self-replication systems is still a challenge. In this study, we demonstrate automated in vitro evolution of a translation-coupled RNA system in a droplet flow reactor for the first time. This reactor contains approximately 1010 micro-scale droplets (average diameter is approximately 0.8 μm), which continuously fuse and divide among each other at a controllable rate. In the droplets, an RNA (artificial genomic RNA) replicate through the translation of self-encoded RNA replicase with spontaneously appearing parasitic RNA. We performed two automated replication experiments for more than 400 hours with different mixing intensities. We found that several mutations displayed increased frequencies in the genomic RNA populations and the dominant RNA mutants acquired the ability to replicate faster or acquired resistance to the parasitic RNA, demonstrating that Darwinian evolution occurred during the long-term replication. The droplet flow reactor we developed can be a useful tool to perform in vitro evolutionary experiments of translation-coupled systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Yoshiyama
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ichii
- Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yomo
- Institute of Biology and Information Science, East China Normal University, 3663 Zhongshan North Rd., Shanghai, 200062, P.R. China
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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26
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van Nies P, Westerlaken I, Blanken D, Salas M, Mencía M, Danelon C. Self-replication of DNA by its encoded proteins in liposome-based synthetic cells. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1583. [PMID: 29679002 PMCID: PMC5910420 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Replication of DNA-encoded information and its conversion into functional proteins are universal properties of life. In an effort toward the construction of a synthetic minimal cell, we implement here the DNA replication machinery of the Φ29 virus in a cell-free gene expression system. Amplification of a linear DNA template by self-encoded, de novo synthesized Φ29 proteins is demonstrated. Complete information transfer is confirmed as the copied DNA can serve as a functional template for gene expression, which can be seen as an autocatalytic DNA replication cycle. These results show how the central dogma of molecular biology can be reconstituted and form a cycle in vitro. Finally, coupled DNA replication and gene expression is compartmentalized inside phospholipid vesicles providing the chassis for evolving functions in a prospective synthetic cell relying on the extant biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline van Nies
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Ilja Westerlaken
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Duco Blanken
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Margarita Salas
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma, Canto Blanco, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Mario Mencía
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma, Canto Blanco, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Christophe Danelon
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, 2629 HZ, The Netherlands.
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27
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Furusato T, Horie F, Matsubayashi HT, Amikura K, Kuruma Y, Ueda T. De Novo Synthesis of Basal Bacterial Cell Division Proteins FtsZ, FtsA, and ZipA Inside Giant Vesicles. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:953-961. [PMID: 29510621 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell division is the most dynamic event in the cell cycle. Recently, efforts have been made to reconstruct it using the individual component proteins to obtain a better understanding of the process of self-reproduction of cells. However, such reconstruction studies are frequently hampered by difficulties in preparing membrane-associated proteins. Here we demonstrate a de novo synthesis approach based on a cell-free translation system. Genes for fundamental cell division proteins, FtsZ, FtsA, and ZipA, were expressed inside the lipid compartment of giant vesicles (GVs). The synthesized proteins showed polymerization, membrane localization, and eventually membrane deformation. Notably, we found that this morphological change of the vesicle is forced by only FtsZ and ZipA, which form clusters on the membrane at the vesicle interior. Our cell-free approach provides a platform for studying protein dynamics associated with lipid membrane and paves the way to create a synthetic cell that undergoes self-reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Furusato
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bldg. FSB-401, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Horie
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bldg. FSB-401, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Hideaki T. Matsubayashi
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bldg. FSB-401, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Amikura
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bldg. FSB-401, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Yutetsu Kuruma
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-IE-1, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan
| | - Takuya Ueda
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bldg. FSB-401, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
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28
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Fujiwara K, Sawamura T, Niwa T, Deyama T, Nomura SIM, Taguchi H, Doi N. In vitro transcription-translation using bacterial genome as a template to reconstitute intracellular profile. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:11449-11458. [PMID: 28977538 PMCID: PMC5737407 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro transcription–translation systems (TX–TL) can synthesize most of individual genes encoded in genomes by using strong promoters and translation initiation sequences. This fact raises a possibility that TX–TL using genome as a template can reconstitute the profile of RNA and proteins in living cells. By using cell extracts and genome prepared from different organisms, here we developed a system for in vitro genome transcription–translation (iGeTT) using bacterial genome and cell extracts, and surveyed de novo synthesis of RNA and proteins. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and nano LC–MS/MS showed that proteins were actually expressed by iGeTT. Quantitation of transcription levels of 50 genes for intracellular homeostasis revealed that the levels of RNA synthesis by iGeTT are highly correlated with those in growth phase cells. Furthermore, activity of iGeTT was influenced by transcription derived from genome structure and gene location in genome. These results suggest that intracellular profiles and characters of genome can be emulated by TX–TL using genome as a template.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +81 45 566 1533;
| | - Tsunehito Sawamura
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Niwa
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Deyama
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
| | - Shin-ichiro M. Nomura
- Department of Robotics, School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Hideki Taguchi
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
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29
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Progress in programming spatiotemporal patterns and machine-assembly in cell-free protein expression systems. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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30
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Perez JG, Stark JC, Jewett MC. Cell-Free Synthetic Biology: Engineering Beyond the Cell. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2016; 8:cshperspect.a023853. [PMID: 27742731 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a023853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) technologies have enabled inexpensive and rapid recombinant protein expression. Numerous highly active CFPS platforms are now available and have recently been used for synthetic biology applications. In this review, we focus on the ability of CFPS to expand our understanding of biological systems and its applications in the synthetic biology field. First, we outline a variety of CFPS platforms that provide alternative and complementary methods for expressing proteins from different organisms, compared with in vivo approaches. Next, we review the types of proteins, protein complexes, and protein modifications that have been achieved using CFPS systems. Finally, we introduce recent work on genetic networks in cell-free systems and the use of cell-free systems for rapid prototyping of in vivo networks. Given the flexibility of cell-free systems, CFPS holds promise to be a powerful tool for synthetic biology as well as a protein production technology in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica G Perez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120.,Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120
| | - Jessica C Stark
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120.,Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120
| | - Michael C Jewett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120.,Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3120.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3068.,Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2875
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31
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Ichihashi N, Yomo T. Constructive Approaches for Understanding the Origin of Self-Replication and Evolution. Life (Basel) 2016; 6:life6030026. [PMID: 27420098 PMCID: PMC5041002 DOI: 10.3390/life6030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mystery of the origin of life can be divided into two parts. The first part is the origin of biomolecules: under what physicochemical conditions did biomolecules such as amino acids, nucleotides, and their polymers arise? The second part of the mystery is the origin of life-specific functions such as the replication of genetic information, the reproduction of cellular structures, metabolism, and evolution. These functions require the coordination of many different kinds of biological molecules. A direct strategy to approach the second part of the mystery is the constructive approach, in which life-specific functions are recreated in a test tube from specific biological molecules. Using this approach, we are able to employ design principles to reproduce life-specific functions, and the knowledge gained through the reproduction process provides clues as to their origins. In this mini-review, we introduce recent insights gained using this approach, and propose important future directions for advancing our understanding of the origins of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Ichihashi
- Department of Bioinformatics Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Yomo
- Department of Bioinformatics Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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32
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Cell-Free Synthesis of Macromolecular Complexes. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016. [PMID: 27165320 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-27216-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis based on E. coli cell extracts has been described for the first time more than 50 years ago. To date, cell-free synthesis is widely used for the preparation of toxic proteins, for studies of the translation process and its regulation as well as for the incorporation of artificial or labeled amino acids into a polypeptide chain. Many efforts have been directed towards establishing cell-free expression as a standard method for gene expression, with limited success. In this chapter we will describe the state-of-the-art of cell-free expression, extract preparation methods and recent examples for successful applications of cell-free synthesis of macromolecular complexes.
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33
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Fujiwara K, Doi N. Biochemical Preparation of Cell Extract for Cell-Free Protein Synthesis without Physical Disruption. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154614. [PMID: 27128597 PMCID: PMC4851396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a powerful tool for the preparation of toxic proteins, directed protein evolution, and bottom-up synthetic biology. The transcription-translation machinery for CFPS is provided by cell extracts, which usually contain 20–30 mg/mL of proteins. In general, these cell extracts are prepared by physical disruption; however, this requires technical experience and special machinery. Here, we report a method to prepare cell extracts for CFPS using a biochemical method, which disrupts cells through the combination of lysozyme treatment, osmotic shock, and freeze-thaw cycles. The resulting cell extracts showed similar features to those obtained by physical disruption, and was able to synthesize active green fluorescent proteins in the presence of appropriate chemicals to a concentration of 20 μM (0.5 mg/mL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223–8522, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Nobuhide Doi
- Department of Biosciences & Informatics, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223–8522, Japan
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34
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Morita M, Onoe H, Yanagisawa M, Ito H, Ichikawa M, Fujiwara K, Saito H, Takinoue M. Droplet-Shooting and Size-Filtration (DSSF) Method for Synthesis of Cell-Sized Liposomes with Controlled Lipid Compositions. Chembiochem 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201500354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masamune Morita
- Department of Computational Intelligence and Systems Science; Tokyo Institute of Technology; Kanagawa 226-8502 Japan
| | - Hiroaki Onoe
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; Keio University; Kanagawa 223-8522 Japan
| | - Miho Yanagisawa
- Department of Applied Physics; Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology; Tokyo 184-8588 Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ito
- Department of Physics; Kyoto University; Kyoto 606-8502 Japan
| | | | - Kei Fujiwara
- Department of Bioscience and Informatics; Keio University; Kanagawa 223-8522 Japan
| | - Hirohide Saito
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA); Kyoto University; Kyoto 606-8507 Japan
| | - Masahiro Takinoue
- Department of Computational Intelligence and Systems Science; Tokyo Institute of Technology; Kanagawa 226-8502 Japan
- PRESTO; Japan Science and Technology Agency; Saitama 332-0012 Japan
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35
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36
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Awai T, Ichihashi N, Yomo T. Activities of 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases expressed in a reconstituted translation system in Escherichia coli. Biochem Biophys Rep 2015; 3:140-143. [PMID: 29124177 PMCID: PMC5668874 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant challenge in the field of in vitro synthetic biology is the construction of a self-reproducing cell-free translation system, which reproduces its components, such as translation proteins, through translation and transcription by itself. As a first step for such construction, in this study we expressed and evaluated the activity of 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), a major component of a translation system, in a reconstituted translation system (PURE system). We found that 19 aaRS with the exception of phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (PheRS) are expressed as soluble proteins and their activities are comparable to those expressed in Escherichia coli . This study provides basic information on the properties of aaRSs expressed in the PURE system, which will be helpful for the future reconstitution of a self-reproducing translation system. We expressed 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in a reconstituted translation system. All aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are expressed as soluble proteins. All aaRSs with the exception of phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase are active. Their activities are comparable to those expressed in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Awai
- Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, Japan
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Bioinformatics Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yomo
- Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Bioinformatics Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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37
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Yamashita H, Morita M, Sugiura H, Fujiwara K, Onoe H, Takinoue M. Generation of monodisperse cell-sized microdroplets using a centrifuge-based axisymmetric co-flowing microfluidic device. J Biosci Bioeng 2015; 119:492-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2014.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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38
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Matsubayashi H, Kuruma Y, Ueda T. Cell-free synthesis of SecYEG translocon as the fundamental protein transport machinery. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2014; 44:331-4. [PMID: 25585802 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-014-9389-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The cell membrane has many indispensable functions for sustaining cell alive besides a role as merely outer envelope. The most of such functions are implemented by membrane embedded proteins that are emerged through the membrane integration machinery, SecYEG translocon. Here, we synthesized SecYEG by expressing the corresponding gene in vitro to study the process of functionalization of the cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Matsubayashi
- Department of Medical Genome Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
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39
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Matsubayashi H, Ueda T. Purified cell-free systems as standard parts for synthetic biology. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2014; 22:158-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2014.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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40
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Caschera F, Noireaux V. Synthesis of 2.3 mg/ml of protein with an all Escherichia coli cell-free transcription-translation system. Biochimie 2013; 99:162-8. [PMID: 24326247 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2013.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis is becoming a useful technique for synthetic biology. As more applications are developed, the demand for novel and more powerful in vitro expression systems is increasing. In this work, an all Escherichia coli cell-free system, that uses the endogenous transcription and translation molecular machineries, is optimized to synthesize up to 2.3 mg/ml of a reporter protein in batch mode reactions. A new metabolism based on maltose allows recycling of inorganic phosphate through its incorporation into newly available glucose molecules, which are processed through the glycolytic pathway to produce more ATP. As a result, the ATP regeneration is more efficient and cell-free protein synthesis lasts up to 10 h. Using a commercial E. coli strain, we show for the first time that more than 2 mg/ml of protein can be synthesized in run-off cell-free transcription-translation reactions by optimizing the energy regeneration and waste products recycling. This work suggests that endogenous enzymes present in the cytoplasmic extract can be used to implement new metabolic pathways for increasing protein yields. This system is the new basis of a cell-free gene expression platform used to construct and to characterize complex biochemical processes in vitro such as gene circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caschera
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, 116 Church Street SE, Minneapolis 55455, Minnesota, United States
| | - Vincent Noireaux
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, 116 Church Street SE, Minneapolis 55455, Minnesota, United States.
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41
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Abstract
Living cells maintain a steady state of biochemical reaction rates by exchanging energy and matter with the environment. These exchanges usually do not occur in in vitro systems, which consequently go to chemical equilibrium. This in turn has severely constrained the complexity of biological networks that can be implemented in vitro. We developed nanoliter-scale microfluidic reactors that exchange reagents at dilution rates matching those of dividing bacteria. In these reactors we achieved transcription and translation at steady state for 30 h and implemented diverse regulatory mechanisms on the transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational levels, including RNA polymerases, transcriptional repression, translational activation, and proteolysis. We constructed and implemented an in vitro genetic oscillator and mapped its phase diagram showing that steady-state conditions were necessary to produce oscillations. This reactor-based approach will allow testing of whether fundamental limits exist to in vitro network complexity.
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42
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Daube SS, Bar-Ziv RH. Protein nanomachines assembly modes: cell-free expression and biochip perspectives. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 5:613-28. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shirley S. Daube
- Materials and Interfaces; Weizmann Institute of Science; Rehovot Israel
| | - Roy H. Bar-Ziv
- Materials and Interfaces; Weizmann Institute of Science; Rehovot Israel
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