Protein-regulated artificial cell populations and tissues

Introduction

Artificial cells are soft matter, micron-sized compartments that display features which are normally associated with living cells only. These include aspects such as metabolism, growth, and communication.

Motivation for Research

Artificial cell research is motivated by the fact that the creation of synthetic compartments with lifelike features leads to a better understanding of the complexity of living cells and to the ability to design systems with interactive behavior. Research has until now been mostly focused on the development of individual artificial cells.

Interdependence of Cells

However, in biology, living cells don’t act fully independently; their behavior is much affected by the proximity of other cells. Cells therefore display interdependence for both:

1. Single cell populations of bacteria
2. More strongly integrated multicellular systems such as tissues

Objectives of PRO-ARTIS

With PRO-ARTIS, I aim to explore a new direction in artificial cell research by creating artificial cell populations with interdependent and autonomous function.

Methodology

To achieve this goal, I will optimally benefit from our recently developed artificial cell platform that allows the dynamic uptake and release of proteins. This is a powerful method for the exchange of active components that can be employed in process regulation.

Significance of the Investigation

This investigation is of great interest as it allows me to take the functional integration of different artificial cells to an advanced level.

Fundamental Insights

From a fundamental point of view, this will shed more light on how natural multicellular processes are governed.

Future Opportunities

It furthermore provides exciting opportunities to develop concepts that can be translated to a next generation of dynamic soft matter systems.

Integration of Artificial and Living Cells

I furthermore aim to functionally integrate artificial and living cells. This ambitious objective addresses an underexplored area in synthetic biology with much potential in biomedicine.

Conclusion

If the challenging task of integration succeeds, I will have developed a technology that directs and modulates biological processes with unprecedented precision.