Scientists at the University of Stuttgart have made an incredible breakthrough in controlling biological membranes using DNA origami techniques. By creating reconfigurable DNA nanorobots, researchers can now manipulate synthetic cell membranes and create transportable channels for large molecules. This innovative approach could revolutionize how we deliver therapeutic treatments into cells. The research, published in Nature Materials, represents a significant advancement in synthetic biology and cellular engineering.
"This work is a milestone in the application of DNA nanotechnology to regulate cell behaviour" - Prof. Laura Na Liu
Washington, January 19: Scientists at the University of
Stuttgart have succeeded in controlling the structure and function of
biological membranes with the help of 'DNA origami'. It will help in
facilitating the transportation of large therapeutic loads into cells. It now
paves a new way for the targeted administration of medication and other
therapeutic inventions.
Key Points
1. DNA
origami enables precise manipulation of synthetic cell membranes
2. Nanorobots
can create and reseal large molecular transport channels
3. Breakthrough potentially transforms targeted medication delivery methods
The team of scientists used DNA origami structures as
reconfigurable nanorobots that can reversibly change their shape and thereby
influence their immediate environment in the micrometre range.
The researchers found that the transformation of these
DNA nanorobots can be coupled with the deformation of the giant unilamellar
vesicles (GUVs) and the formation of synthetic channels in the model GUV
membranes.
These channels allow large molecules to pass through
the membrane and can be resealed if necessary.
It is a very valuable instrument which can be added to
the toolbox of synthetic biology. Prof. Laura Na Liu and her team published
their findings in the journal Nature Materials.
The shape and morphology of a cell play a key role in
its biological function. This corresponds to the principle of "form
follows function," which is common in modern fields of design and architecture.
However, 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, scientists such as 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), have
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
behaviour.
"This work is a milestone in the application of
DNA nanotechnology to regulate cell behaviour," 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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment