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.
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References
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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).
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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
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-023-01375-6
