TY - JOUR
T1 - Self-replication of DNA by its encoded proteins in liposome-based synthetic cells
AU - Van Nies, Pauline
AU - Westerlaken, Ilja
AU - Blanken, Duco
AU - Salas, Margarita
AU - Mencía, Mario
AU - Danelon, Christophe
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - http://resolverlink.tudelft/nl:uuid:f7a5b009-6e62-4520-82be-1b8f452708bd
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85045873267&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1038/s41467-018-03926-1
DO - 10.1038/s41467-018-03926-1
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85045873267
SN - 2041-1723
VL - 9
JO - Nature Communications
JF - Nature Communications
IS - 1
M1 - 1583
ER -