Constructing artificial gap junctions to mediate intercellular signal and mass transport

Area of Science:

• Biomimetic chemistry
• Supramolecular chemistry
• Cell biology

Background:

• Natural gap junctions are vital for cell-to-cell communication but have limitations in large-scale preparation and in vitro application.
• Artificial gap junctions offer a promising alternative for creating synthetic cell building blocks and protein analogs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct artificial gap junction channels using self-assembling unimolecular tubular molecules.
• To investigate the ability of these synthetic channels to insert into cell membranes and mediate intercellular communication.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of unimolecular tubular molecules with alternating charged pillar[5]arene motifs and a hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic triblock structure.
• Demonstration of spontaneous insertion into adjacent plasma membranes and formation of functional gap junctions.
• Assessment of intercellular signal coupling and reactive oxygen species transmission.

Main Results:

• Successfully constructed artificial gap junction channels capable of spanning the intercellular gap between adjacent membranes.
• Demonstrated efficient insertion of the synthetic channels into plasma membranes.
• Showcased the ability of the artificial channels to mediate intercellular signal coupling and reactive oxygen species transmission, influencing cellular activity.

Conclusions:

• Artificial gap junction channels can be synthesized from designed unimolecular tubular molecules.
• These synthetic channels effectively mimic the function of natural gap junctions, enabling intercellular communication.
• This work provides a foundation for the development of artificial cells and advanced biomaterials.