DNA nanorobots that can alter artificial cells offer a new tool for synthetic biology
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The shape and morphology of a cell play a key role in the biological function. This corresponds to the principle of "form follows function," which is common in modern fields of design and architecture. The transfer of this principle to artificial cells is a challenge in synthetic biology. Advances in DNA nanotechnology now offer promising solutions. They allow the creation of novel transport channels that are large enough to facilitate the passage of therapeutic proteins across cell membranes.
In this emerging field, Prof. Laura Na Liu, Director of the 2nd Physics Institute at the University of Stuttgart and Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI-FKF), has developed an innovative tool for controlling the shape and permeability of lipid membranes in synthetic cells. These membranes are made up of lipid bilayers that enclose an aqueous compartment and serve as simplified models of biological membranes. They are useful for studying membrane dynamics, protein interactions, and lipid behavior.
The work is published in Nature Materials.
A milestone in the application of DNA nanotechnology
This new tool may pave the way for the creation of functional synthetic cells. The work of Laura Na Liu aims to significantly influence the research and development of new therapies. Liu and her team have succeeded in using signal-dependent DNA nanorobots to enable programmable interactions with synthetic cells.
"This work is a milestone in the application of DNA nanotechnology to regulate cell behavior," Liu says.
The team works with giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), which are simple, cell-sized structures that mimic living cells. Using DNA nanorobots, the researchers were able to influence the shape and functionality of these synthetic cells.
New transport channels for proteins and enzymes
DNA nanotechnology is one of Laura Na Liu's main research areas. She is an expert in DNA origami structures—DNA strands that are folded by means of specifically designed shorter DNA sequences, so-called staples. The team of Liu used DNA origami structures as reconfigurable nanorobots that can reversibly change their shape and thereby influence their immediate environment in the micrometer range.
The researchers found that the transformation of these DNA nanorobots can be coupled with the deformation of the GUVs and the formation of synthetic channels in the model GUV membranes. These channels allowed large molecules to pass through the membrane and can be resealed if necessary.
Fully artificial DNA structures for biological environments
"This means that we can use DNA nanorobots to design the shape and configuration of GUVs to enable the formation of transport channels in the membrane," says Prof. Stephan Nussberger, who is a co-author of this work.
"It is extremely exciting that the functional mechanism of the DNA nanorobots on GUVs has no direct biological equivalent in living cells."
The new work raises new questions: Could synthetic platforms—such as DNA nanorobots—be designed with less complexity than their biological counterparts, which would nevertheless function in a biological environment?
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Understanding disease mechanisms and improving therapies
The new study is an important step in this direction. The system of cross-membrane channels, created by DNA nanorobots, allows efficient passage of certain molecules and substances into the cells. Most importantly, these channels are large and can be programmed to close when needed.
When applied to living cells, this system can facilitate the transportation of therapeutic proteins or enzymes to their targets in the cell. It thus offers new possibilities for the administration of drugs and other therapeutic interventions.
"Our approach opens up new possibilities to mimic the behavior of living cells. This progress could be crucial for future therapeutic strategies," says Prof. Hao Yan, one of the co-authors of this work.
More information: Sisi Fan et al, Morphological transformation and formation of membrane channels in synthetic cells through reconfigurable DNA nanotubes, Nature Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-02075-9 www.nature.com/articles/s41563-024-02075-9
Journal information: Nature Materials
Provided by University of Stuttgart