TY - JOUR
T1 - Programmable on-chip DNA compartments as artificial cells
AU - Karzbrun, Eyal
AU - Tayar, Alexandra M.
AU - Noireaux, Vincent
AU - Bar-Ziv, Roy H.
PY - 2014/8/15
Y1 - 2014/8/15
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
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U2 - 10.1126/science.1255550
DO - 10.1126/science.1255550
M3 - Article
C2 - 25124443
AN - SCOPUS:84906094708
SN - 0036-8075
VL - 345
SP - 829
EP - 832
JO - Science
JF - Science
IS - 6198
ER -