Responsive DNA artificial cells for contact and behavior regulation of mammalian cells.

ABSTRACT: Artificial cells have emerged as synthetic entities designed to mimic the functionalities of natural cells, but their interactive ability with mammalian cells remains challenging. Herein, we develop a generalizable and modular strategy to engineer DNA-empowered stimulable artificial cells designated to regulate mammalian cells (STARM) via synthetic contact-dependent communication. Constructed through temperature-controlled DNA self-assembly involving liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), STARMs feature organized all-DNA cytoplasm-mimic and membrane-mimic compartments. These compartments can integrate functional nucleic acid (FNA) modules and light-responsive gold nanorods (AuNRs) to establish a programmable sense-and-respond mechanism to specific stimuli, such as light or ions, orchestrat

SUBMITTER: Wang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11897219 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature