Séminaire
Prof. Yutetsu Kuruma
from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)
October 20, 2025 – 2:00 PM / IEMN – Amphitheater
Construction of artificial cells capable of self-reproduction and its application
Abstract:
Artificial cell research—rebuilding minimal cells from defined molecules and genes—leads a constructive understanding of biological systems and provides hints to soluving the mystery of the origin of life. By encapsulating reaction networks in cell-sized phospholipid vesicles, functions such as protein synthesis, energy generation, and even division-like events have been reconstituted. However, autonomous self-replication, which is the most remarkable feature of life, remains challenge because sustained membrane growth by assembling molecules has been difficult to achieve. We have constructed a lipid-synthesizing artificial cell by assembling a cell-free protein synthesis system, fatty acid synthesis system, and an acetyl-CoA–generating module, that achieved de novo phospholipids (phosphatidic acids) synthesis within the membrane vesicles. In vitro quantification showed almost 100 µM phospholipid produced inside. Because 1 mM is required to double membrane surface area, we are redesigning and developing the system to increase productivity. Especially, we are focusing on NADH supply—the key cofactor for fatty-acid synthesis—by coupling the network to a lactate degradation pathway to create an NADH self-replenishing artificial cell. Furthermore, as application study, we developed a cell-free platform in which antibodies synthesized in cell-free system are displayed on 100 nm liposome membranes, producing immunoliposomes that bind selectively to target cancer cells. This approach can be used as a technology for drug delivery and gene transfer.
