Check out the new article from Andreas Walther on “DNA-empowered synthetic cells as minimalistic life forms” just published on Nature Reviews Chemistry.
Abstract
Cells, the fundamental units of life, orchestrate intricate functions — motility, adaptation, replication, communication, and self-organization within tissues. Originating from spatiotemporally organized structures and machinery, coupled with information processing in signalling networks, cells embody the ‘sensor–processor–actuator’ paradigm. Can we glean insights from these processes to construct primitive artificial systems with life-like properties? Using de novo design approaches, what can we uncover about the evolutionary path of life? This Review discusses the strides made in crafting synthetic cells, utilizing the powerful toolbox of structural and dynamic DNA nanoscience. We describe how DNA can serve as a versatile tool for engineering entire synthetic cells or subcellular entities, and how DNA enables complex behaviour, including motility and information processing for adaptive and interactive processes. We chart future directions for DNA-empowered synthetic cells, envisioning interactive systems wherein synthetic cells communicate within communities and with living cells.
Cells, the fundamental units of life, orchestrate intricate functions — motility, adaptation, replication, communication, and self-organization within tissues. Originating from spatiotemporally organized structures and machinery, coupled with information processing in signalling networks, cells embody the ‘sensor–processor–actuator’ paradigm. Can we glean insights from these processes to construct primitive artificial systems with life-like properties? Using de novo design approaches, what can we uncover about the evolutionary path of life? This Review discusses the strides made in crafting synthetic cells, utilizing the powerful toolbox of structural and dynamic DNA nanoscience. We describe how DNA can serve as a versatile tool for engineering entire synthetic cells or subcellular entities, and how DNA enables complex behaviour, including motility and information processing for adaptive and interactive processes. We chart future directions for DNA-empowered synthetic cells, envisioning interactive systems wherein synthetic cells communicate within communities and with living cells.
Andreas Walther is a group leader within the SFB1551 developing Project 13: “Pronuclei as a Platform to study Phase Behaviour and Biological Function of Arginine/Glycine-Rich Proteins”.
Congratulations to Andreas Walther and all the authors: Avik Samanta, Lorena Baranda Pellejero and Marcos Masukawa!