Building light-activated synthetic cells that induce gene expression in bacteria via quorum sensing

Synthetic cells are modular gene-expressing compartments with promising applications in biology and medicine. However, a more diverse toolkit is needed to enhance their capabilities,

particularly in terms of controlling their gene expression and employing novel synthetic cell–to–living cell signaling pathways. In this work, photocaged promoters and cell-free synthesis of

the acyl homoserine lactone synthase BjaI were used to achieve light-activated communication between synthetic cells and living cells. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This

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ACCESS OPTIONS: * Log in * Learn about institutional subscriptions * Read our FAQs * Contact customer support REFERENCES * Krinsky, N. et al. Synthetic cells synthesize therapeutic proteins

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LIGHT-ACTIVATED DNA TO TIGHTLY CONTROL CELL-FREE PROTEIN SYNTHESIS. Article  Google Scholar  Download references ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PUBLISHER’S NOTE Springer Nature remains neutral with

regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. THIS IS A SUMMARY OF: Smith, J. M. et al. Engineering cellular communication between light-activated

synthetic cells and bacteria. _Nat. Chem. Biol_. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-023-01374-7 (2023). RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE

Building light-activated synthetic cells that induce gene expression in bacteria via quorum sensing. _Nat Chem Biol_ 19, 1052–1053 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-023-01375-6 Download

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