Chemical communication at the synthetic cell/living cell interface

AbstractAlthough the complexity of synthetic cells has continued to increase in recent years, chemical communication between protocell models and living organisms remains a key challenge in bottom-up synthetic biology and bioengineering. In this Review, we discuss how communication channels and modes of signal processing can be established between living cells and cytomimetic agents such as giant unilamellar lipid vesicles, proteinosomes, polysaccharidosomes, polymer-based giant vesicles and membrane-less coacervate micro-droplets. We describe three potential modes of chemical communication in consortia of synthetic and living cells based on mechanisms of distributed communication and signal processing, physical embodiment and nested communication, and network-based contact-dependent communication. We survey the potential for applying synthetic cell/living cell communication systems in biomedicine, including the in situ production of therapeutics and development of new bioreactors. Finally, we present a short summary of our findings.

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Hands-free control of heterologous gene expression in batch cultures

10.1101/150375 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Olivier Borkowski ◽

Drew Endy ◽

Pakpoom Subsoontorn

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Batch Culture ◽

Communication Systems ◽

Heterologous Gene Expression ◽

Cell Communication ◽

Culture Conditions ◽

Heterologous Gene ◽

Synthetic Cell ◽

Genetic Systems ◽

Application Specific

AbstractBackgroundAutonomous cell-based control of heterologous gene expression can simplify batch-culture bioprocessing by eliminating external monitoring and extrinsic control of culture conditions. Existing approaches use auto-induction media, synthetic cell-cell communication systems, or application-specific biosensors. A simpler, resource-efficient, and general-purpose expression control system responsive to common changes during batch culture would be useful.ResultsWe used nativeE.colipromoters and recombinase-based switches to repurpose endogenous transcription signals for control of heterologous gene expression. Specifically, natural changes in transcription from endogenous promoters result in recombinase expression at different phases of batch culture. So-expressed recombinases invert a constitutive promoter regulating expression of arbitrary heterologous genes. We realized reversible and single-use switching, reduced static and dynamic cell-to-cell variation, and overall expression amplification. We used “off-the-shelf” genetic parts and abstraction-based composition frameworks to realize reliable forward engineering of our synthetic genetic systems.ConclusionWe engineered autonomous control systems for regulating heterologous gene expression. Our system uses generic endogenous promoters to sense and control heterologous expression during growth-phase transitions. Our system does not require specialized auto-induction media, production or activation of quorum sensing, or the development of application-specific biosensors. Cells programmed to control themselves could simplify existing bioprocess operations and enable the development of more powerful synthetic genetic systems.

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Controlling Synthetic Cell-Cell Communication

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences ◽

10.3389/fmolb.2021.809945 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Jefferson M. Smith ◽

Razia Chowdhry ◽

Michael J. Booth

Keyword(s):

Small Molecules ◽

Cell Communication ◽

Cellular Function ◽

Living Cells ◽

Cellular Communication ◽

Synthetic Cell ◽

Synthetic Cells ◽

Chemical Inputs ◽

Cell Cell

Synthetic cells, which mimic cellular function within a minimal compartment, are finding wide application, for instance in studying cellular communication and as delivery devices to living cells. However, to fully realise the potential of synthetic cells, control of their function is vital. An array of tools has already been developed to control the communication of synthetic cells to neighbouring synthetic cells or living cells. These tools use either chemical inputs, such as small molecules, or physical inputs, such as light. Here, we examine these current methods of controlling synthetic cell communication and consider alternative mechanisms for future use.

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Plant peptide hormone signalling

Essays in Biochemistry ◽

10.1042/bse0580115 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 58 ◽

pp. 115-131 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Ayane Motomitsu ◽

Shinichiro Sawa ◽

Takashi Ishida

Keyword(s):

Communication Systems ◽

Cell Communication ◽

Peptide Hormone ◽

Peptide Hormones ◽

Target Cells ◽

Signalling Molecules ◽

Receptor Complexes ◽

Environmental Responses ◽

Plant Life Cycle ◽

Multicellular Organisms

The ligand–receptor-based cell-to-cell communication system is one of the most important molecular bases for the establishment of complex multicellular organisms. Plants have evolved highly complex intercellular communication systems. Historical studies have identified several molecules, designated phytohormones, that function in these processes. Recent advances in molecular biological analyses have identified phytohormone receptors and signalling mediators, and have led to the discovery of numerous peptide-based signalling molecules. Subsequent analyses have revealed the involvement in and contribution of these peptides to multiple aspects of the plant life cycle, including development and environmental responses, similar to the functions of canonical phytohormones. On the basis of this knowledge, the view that these peptide hormones are pivotal regulators in plants is becoming increasingly accepted. Peptide hormones are transcribed from the genome and translated into peptides. However, these peptides generally undergo further post-translational modifications to enable them to exert their function. Peptide hormones are expressed in and secreted from specific cells or tissues. Apoplastic peptides are perceived by specialized receptors that are located at the surface of target cells. Peptide hormone–receptor complexes activate intracellular signalling through downstream molecules, including kinases and transcription factors, which then trigger cellular events. In this chapter we provide a comprehensive summary of the biological functions of peptide hormones, focusing on how they mature and the ways in which they modulate plant functions.

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