biostudies-literatureToda SNIDCR NIH HHSNIDDK NIH HHSHoward Hughes Medical InstituteDefense SciencesHoward Hughes327-331https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7986291biostudies-literatureUnknown370(6514)In metazoan tissues, cells decide their fates by sensing positional information provided by specialized morphogen proteins. To explore what features are sufficient for positional encoding, we asked whether arbitrary molecules (e.g., green fluorescent protein or mCherry) could be converted into synthetic morphogens. Synthetic morphogens expressed from a localized source formed a gradient when trapped by surface-anchoring proteins, and they could be sensed by synthetic receptors. Despite their simplicity, these morphogen systems yielded patterns reminiscent of those observed in vivo. Gradients could be reshaped by altering anchor density or by providing a source of competing inhibitor. Gradient interpretation could be altered by adding feedback loops or morphogen cascades to receiver cell response circuits. Orthogonal cell-cell communication systems provide insight into morphogen evolution and a platform for engineering tissues.Science (New York, N.Y.)Engineering synthetic morphogen systems that can program multicellular patterning.PMC7986291R35 DE026602F32 DK123939R01 DE028496Klein ODLim WAMcKeithan WLToda SHakkinen TJLopez PfalseEngineering synthetic morphogen systems that can program multicellular patterning.In metazoan tissues, cells decide their fates by sensing positional information provided by specialized morphogen proteins. To explore what features are sufficient for positional encoding, we asked whether arbitrary molecules (e.g., green fluorescent protein or mCherry) could be converted into synthetic morphogens. Synthetic morphogens expressed from a localized source formed a gradient when trapped by surface-anchoring proteins, and they could be sensed by synthetic receptors. Despite their simplicity, these morphogen systems yielded patterns reminiscent of those observed in vivo. Gradients could be reshaped by altering anchor density or by providing a source of competing inhibitor. Gradient interpretation could be altered by adding feedback loops or morphogen cascades to receiver cell response circuits. Orthogonal cell-cell communication systems provide insight into morphogen evolution and a platform for engineering tissues.2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Oct2025-04-21T23:40:41.133Z2025-04-05T19:13:38.061ZS-EPMC79862913306035710.1126/science.abc0033