Prof. Andreas Walther: Artificial Cells Built from DNA

Artificial Cells Built from DNA

Prof. Andreas Walther (University of Mainz)

Date: Thu, 23^rd of Feb 
Time: 15:30-16.30
Place: Auditorium F239a, Otakaari 3.

Abstract:

Living self-organizing systems operate far-from-equilibrium and display energy-dependent functionalities that are orchestrated through feedback loops and metabolic reaction networks to allow response, adaptation and communication in complex sensory landscapes. A cell is a formidable example that exhibits the Sense-Process-Act paradigm to sense and translate external signals, process and memorize them using Boolean and non-Boolean Algebra using its internal signaling network and act based on this outcome in order to internally adapt or communicate to the surrounding. This allows phenotype changes and communication for emergence in tissue formation and for morphogenesis.

In this talk, I will discuss the formation of DNA-based protocell architectures using a recently discovered liquid-liquid phase separation process of ssDNA. Furthermore, I will show how secondary structures can be accessed inside as an artificial cytoskeleton, and that uptake of reactive species does not follow Fickian diffusion. Towards incorporation of a metabolism, I will reveal how abiotic catalysts and DNAzymes can be embedded within these artificial cells to drive downstream morphological adaptations.

Selected References:

Review: AW “From Responsive to Adaptive and Interactive Materials and Materials Systems: A Roadmap” Adv. Mater. 1905111 (2020).

Review: RM, AW “Materials learning from life: Concepts for active, adaptive and autonomous molecular systems”. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2017, 46, 5588;

Original Works: Nat. Nanotechnol. 1856 (2020); Nature Nanotech. 13, 730 (2018); Nat. Commun. 13, 1 (2022). Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. e202208951 (2022).

P.S.  Andreas will also act as an opponent for the doctoral defense of Joonas Ryssy on Feb 24^th , https://www.aalto.fi/en/events/public-defence-in-biomedical-engineering-msc-tech-joonas-ryssy