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Gene-Expressing Liposomes as Synthetic Cells for Molecular Communication Studies

2019; Frontiers Media; Volume: 7; Linguagem: Inglês

10.3389/fbioe.2019.00001

2296-4185

Giordano Rampioni, Francesca D’Angelo, Livia Leoni, Pasquale Stano,

Gene Regulatory Network Analysis

The bottom-up branch of synthetic biology includes – among others – innovative studies that combine cell-free protein synthesis with liposome technology to generate cell-like systems of minimal complexity, often referred to as synthetic cells. The functions of this type of synthetic cell derive from gene expression, hence they can be programmed in a modular, progressive and customizable manner by means of ad hoc designed genetic circuits. This experimental scenario is rapidly expanding and synthetic cell research already counts numerous successes. Here we present a review focused on the exchange of chemical signals between liposome-based synthetic cells (operating by gene expression) and biological cells, as well as between two populations of synthetic cells. The review includes a short presentation of the “molecular communication technologies”, briefly discussing their promises and challenges.