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。这将是合成细胞作为研究工具和智能药物输送设备的一个重大变化。我们的方法将模仿大脑中神经元的交流。神经递质被保存在神经元的小隔间里。神经递质在突触的释放是通过这些小区室与细胞膜的融合，通过强迫它们在一起来实现的。我们将生成包含小隔间的合成细胞。这些小隔间可以被任何大小的信号分子填充。设计-构建-测试周期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。通过在小隔间中加入功能性信号分子，我们将把这些合成细胞与邻近的活细胞连接起来，以控制它们的功能。这种融合将通过使用光激活的DNA纳米技术来启动，这将允许远程控制这种通用的信号传导方法。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.