Synthetic biology. Programmable on-chip DNA compartments as artificial cells.
Science
; 345(6198): 829-32, 2014 Aug 15.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25124443
ABSTRACT
The assembly of artificial cells capable of executing synthetic DNA programs has been an important goal for basic research and biotechnology. We assembled two-dimensional DNA compartments fabricated in silicon as artificial cells capable of metabolism, programmable protein synthesis, and communication. Metabolism is maintained by continuous diffusion of nutrients and products through a thin capillary, connecting protein synthesis in the DNA compartment with the environment. We programmed protein expression cycles, autoregulated protein levels, and a signaling expression gradient, equivalent to a morphogen, in an array of interconnected compartments at the scale of an embryo. Gene expression in the DNA compartment reveals a rich, dynamic system that is controlled by geometry, offering a means for studying biological networks outside a living cell.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
DNA
/
Proteins
/
Gene Expression
/
Artificial Cells
Language:
En
Journal:
Science
Year:
2014
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Israel