Cell-Free Gene Expression in Synthetic Multicellular Structures and Organelles

Compartmentalization of cell-free gene expression reactions is a common strategy towards the realization of artificial cellular systems. Based on this previous work, we have recently investigated a variety of approaches to create multi-compartmentalized structures to investigate molecular communication and division of labor within such systems.

For instance, we utilized quorum sensing signals to establish communication between compartmentalized gene expression systems and bacteria, or other small molecule signals

to realize signaling within artificial, tissue-like structures made with the droplet-interface-bilayer technique. A different type of compartmentalization was investigated using genetic templates immobilized in gel particles, which were utilized to separate transcription and translation processes into separate compartments, or “artificial organelles”.

Using such and similar systems, we hope to be able to engineer bottom-up synthetic biological systems of higher complexity, with the ability to functionally differentiate depending on environmental cues.

References:

1. M. Schwarz-Schilling, L. Aufinger, A. Mückl, F. C. Simmel, Chemical communication between bacteria and cell-free gene expression systems within linear chains of emulsion droplets. Integr. Biol. 8, 564–570 (2016).
2. L. Aufinger, F. C. Simmel, Artificial Gel-Based Organelles for Spatial Organization of Cell-Free Gene Expression Reactions. Angew Chem Int Edit. 57, 17245–17248 (2018).
3. A. Dupin, F. C. Simmel, Signalling and differentiation in emulsion-based multi-compartmentalized in vitro gene circuits. Nat Chem. 11, 32–39 (2019).