We combine RNA thermometer genetic switches, cell-free protein expression and synthetic cell design to create cell-sized systems that can initiate the synthesis of soluble proteins at defined temperatures. We show that when these switches are used to control the expression of a pore-forming membrane protein, temperature-controlled cargo release is achieved, with potential future applications in biomedicine.
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This is a summary of: Monck, C. et al. Genetically programmed synthetic cells for thermo-responsive protein synthesis and cargo release. Nat. Chem. Biol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-024-01673-7 (2024).
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Genetically engineered synthetic cells activate cargo release upon temperature shift. Nat Chem Biol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-024-01701-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-024-01701-6
