A Chemical Reaction Network Drives Complex Population Dynamics in Oscillating Self-Reproducing Vesicles

Zhang, Zhiheng; Howlett, Michael G.; Silvester, Emma; Kukura, Philipp; Fletcher, Stephen P.

doi:10.1021/jacs.4c00860

Cited by 8 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 54 publications

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“…13 However, oscillators in which the properties and function of molecular assemblies are direct components of the oscillating reactions, as observed in biology, remain sparse. 14,15,16 Here, we developed synthetic cells endowed with active droplets. When the cells are constantly supplied with chemical energy, they produce active droplets that spontaneously oscillate in their organelle number, size, and position with a tunable period in the minute range.We found that the oscillations rely on a combination of a recently proposed size control mechanism, 17,18 and gravitationally induced fusion of droplets.…”

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confidence: 99%

Size control and oscillations of active droplets in synthetic cells

Sastre,

Thatte,

Bergmann

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Oscillations in the formation and dissolution of molecular assemblies inside living cells are pivotal in orchestrating various cellular functions and processes. However, designing such rhythmic patterns in synthetic cells remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate the spontaneous emergence of spatio-temporal oscillations in the number of droplets, size, and position within a synthetic cell. The coacervate-based droplets in these synthetic cells sediment and fuse at the cell's bottom. Through a newly discovered size control mechanism, the sedimented, large droplets shrink by expelling droplet material. The expelled molecules nucleate new droplets at the top of the synthetic cell, which grow and sediment again. These oscillations are sustained by converting chemical fuel into waste and can continue for hundreds of periods without evidence of fatigue. Strikingly, the period of the oscillation is in the minute's regime and tunable. The design of oscillating organelles in synthetic cells brings us closer to creating more life-like materials and de novo life.

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

Size control and oscillations of active droplets in synthetic cells

Sastre,

Thatte,

Bergmann

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Non‐Equilibrium Dissipative Assembly with Switchable Biological Functions

Zhao,

et al. 2024

Angewandte Chemie

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Natural dissipative assembly (DSA) often exhibit energy‐driven shifts in natural functions. However, creating man‐made DSA that can mimic such biological activities transformation remains relatively rare. Herein, we introduce a cytomembrane‐like dissipative assembly system based on chiral supramolecules. This system employs benzoyl cysteine in an out of equilibrium manner, enabling the shifts in biofunctions while minimizing material use. Specifically, aroyl‐cystine derivatives primarily assemble into stable M‐helix nanofibers under equilibrium conditions. These nanofibers enhance fibroblast adhesion and proliferation through stereospecific interactions with chiral cellular membranes. Upon the addition of chemical fuels, these functional nanofibers temporarily transform into non‐equilibrium nanospheres, facilitating efficient drug delivery. Subsequently, these nanospheres revert to their original nanofiber state, effectively recycling the drug. The programmable function‐shifting ability of this DSA establishes it as a novel, fuel‐driven drug delivery vehicle. And the bioactive DSA not only addresses a gap in synthetic DSAs within biological applications but also sets the stage for innovative designs of 'living' materials.

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Transient transition from Stable to Dissipative Assemblies in Response to the Spatiotemporal Availability of a Chemical Fuel

Kar,

Chen,

Das

et al. 2024

Angewandte Chemie

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The transition from inactive to active matter implies a transition from thermodynamically stable to energy‐dissipating structures. Here, we show how the spatiotemporal availability of a chemical fuel causes a thermodynamically stable self‐assembled structure to transiently pass to an energy‐dissipating state. The system relies on the local injection of a weak affinity phosphodiester substrate into an agarose hydrogel containing surfactant‐based structures templated by ATP. Injection of substrate leads to the inclusion of additional surfactant molecules in the assemblies leading to the formation of catalytic hotspots for substrate conversion. After the local disappearance of the substrate as a result of chemical conversion and diffusion the assemblies spontaneously return to the stable state, which can be reactivated upon the injection of a new batch of fuel. The study illustrates how a dissipating self‐assembled system can cope with the intermittent availability of chemical energy without compromising long‐term structural stability.

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A Chemical Reaction Network Drives Complex Population Dynamics in Oscillating Self-Reproducing Vesicles

Cited by 8 publications

References 54 publications

Size control and oscillations of active droplets in synthetic cells

Size control and oscillations of active droplets in synthetic cells

Non‐Equilibrium Dissipative Assembly with Switchable Biological Functions

Transient transition from Stable to Dissipative Assemblies in Response to the Spatiotemporal Availability of a Chemical Fuel

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