Gene-Expressing Liposomes as Synthetic Cells for Molecular Communication Studies

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

Pasquale Stano¹  Livia Leoni²  Francesca D'Angelo²  Giordano Rampioni² 

[1] Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy;Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy;

关键词: synthetic cells;    bottom-up synthetic biology;    molecular communications;    quorum sensing;    lipid vesicles (liposomes);    cell-free protein synthesis;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fbioe.2019.00001

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The bottom-up branch of synthetic biology includes—among others—innovative studies that combine cell-free protein synthesis with liposome technology to generate cell-like systems of minimal complexity, often referred to as synthetic cells. The functions of this type of synthetic cell derive from gene expression, hence they can be programmed in a modular, progressive and customizable manner by means of ad hoc designed genetic circuits. This experimental scenario is rapidly expanding and synthetic cell research already counts numerous successes. Here, we present a review focused on the exchange of chemical signals between liposome-based synthetic cells (operating by gene expression) and biological cells, as well as between two populations of synthetic cells. The review includes a short presentation of the “molecular communication technologies,” briefly discussing their promises and challenges.

【 授权许可】

Unknown