Eukaryotic cells are highly ordered and complex structures and constitute the smallest functional units of multicellular organisms. We aimed to mimic capabilities and organization of natural eukaryotic cells in a synthetic, non-living artificial cell. Using a microfluidic method we produce porous polymeric capsules with an artificial nucleus where DNA is immobilized. Upon addition of transcription and translation reagents capsules synthesize proteins encoded in their nuclei. Proteins can be targeted to different locations in the artificial cell such as the nucleus or the cell wall by specific binding interactions. Arranged in synthetic tissues artificial cells communicate with each other through diffusible signals that influence gene expression in neighboring cells. Our results suggest that artificial cells may serve as simplified models to study spatial organization in natural, living cells and tissues.

Gene expression in a synthetic eukaryotic cell-mimic

255th National Meeting (2018)

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