A Universal and Controllable Interface between Synthetic Cells and Living Cell

在这个项目中，我们将设计一种方法，允许从合成细胞中释放任何大小的信号分子。这将是使用合成细胞作为研究工具和智能药物输送设备的一个步骤。我们的方法将模拟大脑中神经元的交流。神经递质被保存在神经元的小隔间中。神经递质在突触处的释放是通过这些小隔室与细胞膜的融合来实现的，通过迫使它们聚集在一起。我们将产生含有小隔间的合成细胞。这些小隔间将能够充满任何大小的信号分子。设计-构建-测试循环将用于设计小隔室与合成细胞膜融合的机制，就像在神经元中看到的那样。通过将功能信号分子整合到小隔间中，我们将这些合成细胞与邻近的活细胞连接，以控制它们的功能。这种融合将通过使用光激活DNA纳米技术来启动，这将允许这种通用的信号方法被远程控制。这个项目将是真正的跨学科，采用化学，工程，生物，物理和计算的方法。

In this project, we will engineer a method that allows the release of any-sized signal molecule fromsynthetic cells. This will be a step change in the use of synthetic cells as research tools and smartdrug delivery devices. Our approach will mimic the communication of neurons in the brain.Neurotransmitters are held within neurons in small compartments. Release of neurotransmitters atthe synapse is achieved by the fusion of these small compartments to the cell membrane, by forcingthem together. We will generate synthetic cells that contain small compartments. These smallcompartments will be able to be filled with any-sized signal molecule. Design-Build-Test cycles willbe used to engineer mechanisms of fusion of the small compartment to the synthetic cellmembrane, like is seen in neurons. By incorporating functional signal molecules within the smallcompartments, we will then interface these synthetic cells with neighbouring living cells to controltheir function. This fusion will be initiated by using light-activated DNA nanotechnology, which willallow this universal signalling approach to be remote controlled. This project will be trulyinterdisciplinary, employing approaches from chemistry, engineering, biology, physics, andcomputation.