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Rothschild LJ, Averesch NJH, Strychalski EA, Moser F, Glass JI, Cruz Perez R, Yekinni IO, Rothschild-Mancinelli B, Roberts Kingman GA, Wu F, Waeterschoot J, Ioannou IA, Jewett MC, Liu AP, Noireaux V, Sorenson C, Adamala KP. Building Synthetic Cells─From the Technology Infrastructure to Cellular Entities. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:974-997. [PMID: 38530077 PMCID: PMC11037263 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00724] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The de novo construction of a living organism is a compelling vision. Despite the astonishing technologies developed to modify living cells, building a functioning cell "from scratch" has yet to be accomplished. The pursuit of this goal alone has─and will─yield scientific insights affecting fields as diverse as cell biology, biotechnology, medicine, and astrobiology. Multiple approaches have aimed to create biochemical systems manifesting common characteristics of life, such as compartmentalization, metabolism, and replication and the derived features, evolution, responsiveness to stimuli, and directed movement. Significant achievements in synthesizing each of these criteria have been made, individually and in limited combinations. Here, we review these efforts, distinguish different approaches, and highlight bottlenecks in the current research. We look ahead at what work remains to be accomplished and propose a "roadmap" with key milestones to achieve the vision of building cells from molecular parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn J. Rothschild
- Space Science
& Astrobiology Division, NASA Ames Research
Center, Moffett
Field, California 94035-1000, United States
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Nils J. H. Averesch
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | | | - Felix Moser
- Synlife, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-1661, United States
| | - John I. Glass
- J.
Craig
Venter Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Rolando Cruz Perez
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Blue
Marble
Space Institute of Science at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94035-1000, United
States
| | - Ibrahim O. Yekinni
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Brooke Rothschild-Mancinelli
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0150, United States
| | | | - Feilun Wu
- J. Craig
Venter Institute, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Jorik Waeterschoot
- Mechatronics,
Biostatistics and Sensors (MeBioS), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Ion A. Ioannou
- Department
of Chemistry, MSRH, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Michael C. Jewett
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Allen P. Liu
- Mechanical
Engineering & Biomedical Engineering, Cellular and Molecular Biology,
Biophysics, Applied Physics, University
of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Vincent Noireaux
- Physics
and Nanotechnology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carlise Sorenson
- Department
of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katarzyna P. Adamala
- Department
of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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2
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Sugii S, Hagino K, Mizuuchi R, Ichihashi N. Cell-free expression of RuBisCO for ATP production in the synthetic cells. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2023; 8:ysad016. [PMID: 38149045 PMCID: PMC10750972 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in bottom-up synthetic biology have made it possible to reconstitute cellular systems from non-living components, yielding artificial cells with potential applications in industry, medicine and basic research. Although a variety of cellular functions and components have been reconstituted in previous studies, sustained biological energy production remains a challenge. ATP synthesis via ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), a central enzyme in biological CO2 fixation, holds potential as an energy production system, but its feasibility in a cell-free expression system has not yet been tested. In this study, we test RuBisCO expression and its activity-mediated ATP synthesis in a reconstituted Escherichia coli-based cell-free translation system. We then construct a system in which ATP is synthesized by RuBisCO activity in giant vesicles and used as energy for translation reactions. These results represent an advance toward independent energy production in artificial cells. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katsumi Hagino
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Ryo Mizuuchi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Bioscience, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
- JST FOREST, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, 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
- College of Arts and Science, the University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Department of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
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3
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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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Hagino K, Ichihashi N. In Vitro Transcription/Translation-Coupled DNA Replication through Partial Regeneration of 20 Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1252-1263. [PMID: 37053032 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The in vitro reconstruction of life-like self-reproducing systems is a major challenge in in vitro synthetic biology. Self-reproduction requires regeneration of all molecules involved in DNA replication, transcription, and translation. This study demonstrated the continuous DNA replication and partial regeneration of major translation factors, 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRS), in a reconstituted transcription/translation system (PURE system) for the first time. First, we replicated each DNA that encodes one of the 20 aaRSs through aaRS expression from the DNA by serial transfer experiments. Thereafter, we successively increased the number of aaRS genes and achieved simultaneous, continuous replication of DNA that encodes all 20 aaRSs, which comprised approximately half the number of protein factors in the PURE system, except for ribosomes, by employing dialyzed reaction and sequence optimization. This study provides a step-by-step methodology for continuous DNA replication with an increasing number of self-regenerative genes toward self-reproducing artificial systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsumi Hagino
- 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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Miyachi R, Shimizu Y, Ichihashi N. Transfer RNA Synthesis-Coupled Translation and DNA Replication in a Reconstituted Transcription/Translation System. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2791-2799. [PMID: 35848947 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are key molecules involved in translation. In vitro synthesis of tRNAs and their coupled translation are important challenges in the construction of a self-regenerative molecular system. Here, we first purified EF-Tu and ribosome components in a reconstituted translation system of Escherichia coli to remove residual tRNAs. Next, we expressed 15 types of tRNAs in the repurified translation system and performed translation of the reporter luciferase gene depending on the expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated DNA replication through expression of a tRNA encoded by DNA, mimicking information processing within the cell. Our findings highlight the feasibility of an in vitro self-reproductive system, in which tRNAs can be synthesized from replicating DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Miyachi
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Shimizu
- Laboratory for Cell-Free Protein Synthesis, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Suita 565-0874, Osaka, 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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6
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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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7
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Mizuuchi R, Ichihashi N. Primitive Compartmentalization for the Sustainable Replication of Genetic Molecules. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11030191. [PMID: 33670881 PMCID: PMC7997230 DOI: 10.3390/life11030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainable replication and evolution of genetic molecules such as RNA are likely requisites for the emergence of life; however, these processes are easily affected by the appearance of parasitic molecules that replicate by relying on the function of other molecules, while not contributing to their replication. A possible mechanism to repress parasite amplification is compartmentalization that segregates parasitic molecules and limits their access to functional genetic molecules. Although extent cells encapsulate genomes within lipid-based membranes, more primitive materials or simple geological processes could have provided compartmentalization on early Earth. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the types and roles of primitive compartmentalization regarding sustainable replication of genetic molecules, especially from the perspective of the prevention of parasite replication. In addition, we also describe the ability of several environments to selectively accumulate longer genetic molecules, which could also have helped select functional genetic molecules rather than fast-replicating short parasitic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Mizuuchi
- Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- JST, PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (N.I.)
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (N.I.)
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8
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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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9
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Mizuuchi R, Usui K, Ichihashi N. Structural transition of replicable RNAs during in vitro evolution with Qβ replicase. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:83-90. [PMID: 31690585 PMCID: PMC6913131 DOI: 10.1261/rna.073106.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) are utilized as genomes in some viruses and also in experimental models of ancient life-forms, owing to their simplicity. One of the largest problems for ssRNA replication is the formation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a dead-end product for ssRNA replication. A possible strategy to avoid dsRNA formation is to create strong intramolecular secondary structures of ssRNA. To design ssRNAs that efficiently replicate by Qβ replicase with minimum dsRNA formation, we previously proposed the "fewer unpaired GC rule." According to this rule, ssRNAs that have fewer unpaired G and C bases in the secondary structure should efficiently replicate with less dsRNA formation. However, the validity of this rule still needs to be examined, especially for longer ssRNAs. Here, we analyze nine long ssRNAs that successively appeared during an in vitro evolution of replicable ssRNA by Qβ replicase and examine whether this rule can explain the structural transitions of the RNAs. We found that these ssRNAs improved their template abilities step-by-step with decreasing dsRNA formation as mutations accumulated. We then examine the secondary structures of all the RNAs by a chemical modification method. The analysis of the structures revealed that the probabilities of unpaired G and C bases tended to decrease gradually in the course of evolution. The decreases were caused by the local structural changes around the mutation sites in most of the cases. These results support the validity of the "fewer unpaired GC rule" to efficiently design replicable ssRNAs by Qβ replicase, useful for more complex ssRNA replication systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Mizuuchi
- Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- JST, PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Kimihito Usui
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Komaba Institute for Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Science, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
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