Scientists have successfully controlled the structure and function of biological membranes using DNA origami, paving the way for targeted drug delivery and revolutionizing synthetic biology.
Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in controlling the structure and function of biological membranes using DNA origami. This innovative system developed by researchers at the University of Stuttgart has the potential to revolutionize the targeted delivery of therapeutics into cells. The ability to manipulate membrane shape and permeability opens up exciting new avenues for medication and therapeutic intervention administration, adding a powerful tool to the synthetic biology arsenal.
The shape and morphology of a cell are intrinsically linked to its biological function, a principle often referred to as 'form follows function.' This concept, widely recognized in design and architecture, presents a significant challenge in the field of synthetic biology when applied to artificial cells. However, advancements in DNA nanotechnology are paving the way for innovative solutions. This technology allows the creation of novel transport channels capable of facilitating the passage of large therapeutic proteins across cell membranes.Professor Laura Na Liu and her team at the University of Stuttgart, in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, have made significant strides in this area. They have developed an innovative tool for controlling the shape and permeability of lipid membranes in synthetic cells. These membranes, composed of lipid bilayers enclosing an aqueous compartment, serve as simplified models of biological membranes and are valuable for studying membrane dynamics, protein interactions, and lipid behavior. This groundbreaking tool has the potential to pave the way for the creation of functional synthetic cells.Professor Liu's research focuses on leveraging DNA nanotechnology to influence cell behavior. Her team specializes in DNA origami structures – DNA strands meticulously folded using specifically designed shorter DNA sequences known as staples. In this study, they employed DNA origami structures as reconfigurable nanorobots capable of reversibly altering their shape and influencing their immediate microscopic environment. The researchers discovered that the transformation of these DNA nanorobots can be synchronized with the deformation of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), which are simplified, cell-sized structures mimicking living cells. This synchronized deformation leads to the formation of synthetic channels within the model GUV membranes. These channels exhibit remarkable properties, allowing large molecules to pass through while remaining capable of resealing when necessary.This discovery has profound implications for therapeutic delivery. Professor Stephan Nussberger, a co-author of the study, explains, 'It 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.' Furthermore, the lack of a direct biological equivalent for the functional mechanism of DNA nanorobots on GUVs in living cells presents a unique opportunity for exploring synthetic platforms with potentially simpler designs that can still function effectively within a biological environment.This research raises crucial questions about the potential for designing synthetic platforms that mimic the behavior of living cells with enhanced efficiency and precision. The ability to manipulate membrane permeability and facilitate the transport of specific molecules into cells offers new possibilities for therapeutic interventions. Professor Hao Yan, another co-author of the study, emphasizes the significance of this breakthrough, stating, 'Our approach opens up new possibilities to mimic the behavior of living cells. This progress could be crucial for future therapeutic strategies.'This innovative system, capable of creating large, programmable channels in cell membranes, holds immense promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The ability to transport therapeutic proteins or enzymes directly to their target locations within cells could revolutionize the treatment of a wide range of diseases
DNA Origami Synthetic Biology Drug Delivery Membrane Control Nanotechnology
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