Organization of an Artificial Multicellular System with a Tunable DNA Patch on a Membrane Surface

Area of Science:

• Synthetic Biology
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Coordinating artificial cellular compartments into artificial multicellular systems (AMS) is crucial for bottom-up synthetic biology.
• Fabricating AMS with controlled arrangements of cellular compartments remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile DNA patch-based strategy for directing the interconnection of vesicles into higher-order artificial multicellular systems (AMS).
• To investigate the potential of these engineered AMS for applications in synthetic cell research and intercellular communication.

Main Methods:

• Utilized in situ DNA hybridization chain reaction on membrane surfaces to create DNA patches.
• Engineered DNA patches to generate heterotrophic adhesion for vesicle attachment and controlled self-assembly.
• Fabricated hybrid AMS comprising live cells and vesicles.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced AMS with higher-order structures through a straightforward and effective DNA patch strategy.
• Demonstrated that hybrid AMS with higher-order structures facilitate efficient molecular transportation from vesicles to live cells.
• Showcased the versatility of the DNA patch strategy for modulating AMS self-assembly.

Conclusions:

• The developed DNA patch strategy offers a versatile approach for engineering artificial multicellular systems (AMS).
• This method enables programmable manipulation of intercellular communications, advancing synthetic cell research.
• The findings expand capabilities in designing complex synthetic biological systems.