Self-organized spatial targeting of contractile actomyosin rings for synthetic cell division

María Reverte-López, Nishu Kanwa, Yusuf Qutbuddin, Viktoriia Belousova, Marion Jasnin and Petra Schwille ()
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María Reverte-López: Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
Nishu Kanwa: Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
Yusuf Qutbuddin: Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
Viktoriia Belousova: Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
Marion Jasnin: Technical University of Munich
Petra Schwille: Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract A key challenge for bottom-up synthetic biology is engineering a minimal module for self-division of synthetic cells. Actin-based cytokinetic rings are considered a promising structure to produce the forces required for the controlled excision of cell-like compartments such as giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). Despite prior demonstrations of actin ring targeting to GUV membranes and myosin-induced constriction, large-scale vesicle deformation has been precluded due to the lacking spatial control of these contractile structures. Here we show the combined reconstitution of actomyosin rings and the bacterial MinDE protein system within GUVs. Incorporating this spatial positioning tool, able to induce active transport of membrane-attached diffusible molecules, yields self-organized equatorial assembly of actomyosin rings in vesicles. Remarkably, the synergistic effect of Min oscillations and the contractility of actomyosin bundles induces mid-vesicle deformations and vesicle blebbing. Our system showcases how functional machineries from various organisms may be combined in vitro, leading to the emergence of functionalities towards a synthetic division system.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54807-9

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