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Self-replication of DNA by its encoded proteins in liposome-based synthetic cells

Author

Listed:
  • Pauline van Nies

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Ilja Westerlaken

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Duco Blanken

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Margarita Salas

    (Universidad Autónoma)

  • Mario Mencía

    (Universidad Autónoma)

  • Christophe Danelon

    (Delft University of Technology)

Abstract

Replication of DNA-encoded information and its conversion into functional proteins are universal properties of life. In an effort toward the construction of a synthetic minimal cell, we implement here the DNA replication machinery of the Φ29 virus in a cell-free gene expression system. Amplification of a linear DNA template by self-encoded, de novo synthesized Φ29 proteins is demonstrated. Complete information transfer is confirmed as the copied DNA can serve as a functional template for gene expression, which can be seen as an autocatalytic DNA replication cycle. These results show how the central dogma of molecular biology can be reconstituted and form a cycle in vitro. Finally, coupled DNA replication and gene expression is compartmentalized inside phospholipid vesicles providing the chassis for evolving functions in a prospective synthetic cell relying on the extant biology.

Suggested Citation

  • Pauline van Nies & Ilja Westerlaken & Duco Blanken & Margarita Salas & Mario Mencía & Christophe Danelon, 2018. "Self-replication of DNA by its encoded proteins in liposome-based synthetic cells," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-03926-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03926-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhanar Abil & Ana María Restrepo Sierra & Andreea R. Stan & Amélie Châne & Alicia Prado & Miguel Vega & Yannick Rondelez & Christophe Danelon, 2024. "Darwinian Evolution of Self-Replicating DNA in a Synthetic Protocell," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Omer Adir & Mia R. Albalak & Ravit Abel & Lucien E. Weiss & Gal Chen & Amit Gruber & Oskar Staufer & Yaniv Kurman & Ido Kaminer & Jeny Shklover & Janna Shainsky-Roitman & Ilia Platzman & Lior Gepstein, 2022. "Synthetic cells with self-activating optogenetic proteins communicate with natural cells," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, December.

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