Dynamic Microcompartmentation in Synthetic Cells

An experimental model for cytoplasmic organization is presented. We demonstrate dynamic control over protein distribution within synthetic cells comprising a lipid bilayer membrane surrounding an aqueous polymer solution. This polymer solution generally exists as two immiscible aqueous phases. Prote...

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Published inProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS Vol. 102; no. 17; pp. 5920 - 5925
Main Authors Long, M. Scott, Jones, Clinton D., Helfrich, Marcus R., Mangeney-Slavin, Lauren K., Keating, Christine D., Gray, Harry B.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States National Academy of Sciences 26.04.2005
National Acad Sciences
SeriesFrom the Cover
Subjects
Artificial cells
Base Sequence
Cellular Structures - ultrastructure
Chemical composition
Chemistry
Cytoplasm
Dextrans
DNA - chemistry
DNA - genetics
Fluorescence
Lipid bilayers
Lipids
Liposomes
Membranes
Microscopy
Models, Biological
Molecular Sequence Data
Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
Physical Sciences
Polyethylene Glycols
Polymers
Proteins
Proteins - physiology
Water
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Summary:An experimental model for cytoplasmic organization is presented. We demonstrate dynamic control over protein distribution within synthetic cells comprising a lipid bilayer membrane surrounding an aqueous polymer solution. This polymer solution generally exists as two immiscible aqueous phases. Protein partitioning between these phases leads to microcompartmentation, or heterogeneous protein distribution within the "cell" interior. This model cytoplasm can be reversibly converted to a single phase by slight changes in temperature or osmolarity, such that local protein concentrations can be manipulated within the vesicle interior.
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See Commentary on page 5901.
This paper was submitted directly (Track II) to the PNAS office.
To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: keating@chem.psu.edu.
Edited by Harry B. Gray, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, and approved February 22, 2005
Abbreviations: ATPS, aqueous two-phase system; DIC, differential interference contrast; GV, giant vesicle; PEG, poly(ethylene glycol); SBA, soybean agglutinin.
ISSN:0027-8424
1091-6490
DOI:10.1073/pnas.0409333102