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Simple, Affordable, and Modular Patterning of Cells using DNA
Published on: February 24, 2021
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Programmable DNA shell scaffolds for directional membrane budding
Michael T Pinner1,2, Hendrik Dietz3,4
1Laboratory for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching bei München, Germany.
Nature Communications
|October 9, 2025
Summary
Researchers mimicked virus assembly using DNA origami to control cellular membrane budding. This DNA-based system creates vesicles with DNA shells, replicating natural cell processes for drug delivery and synthetic biology.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Synthetic Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Controlling cellular membrane dynamics is crucial for replicating biological processes at the nanoscale.
- Understanding membrane budding is key to endocytic and exocytic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a system mimicking virus assembly for controlled directional membrane budding.
- To utilize DNA origami for precise control over vesicle formation and DNA shell encapsulation.
Main Methods:
- Employing three-dimensional DNA origami to create cholesterol-modified triangles.
- Self-assembly of DNA triangles into polyhedral shells on lipid vesicles.
- Strategic cholesterol positioning to direct bud growth and vesicle formation.
Main Results:
- Achieved controlled directional membrane budding and spontaneous neck scission.
- Produced daughter vesicles with DNA endo- or exoskeletons, resembling clathrin-coated vesicles.
- Demonstrated rapid kinetics and compatibility with various lipid compositions.
- Created nested bivesicular objects with encapsulated DNA shells.
Conclusions:
- The DNA origami system effectively mimics viral assembly to control membrane budding.
- This approach replicates key aspects of natural endocytic and exocytic pathways.
- Opens new avenues for membrane mechanics research, targeted drug delivery, and synthetic biology applications.
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