De novo synthesized Min proteins drive oscillatory liposome deformation and regulate FtsA-FtsZ cytoskeletal patterns

Elisa Godino, Jonás Noguera López, David Foschepoth, Céline Cleij, Anne Doerr, Clara Ferrer Castellà and Christophe Danelon ()
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Elisa Godino: Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology
Jonás Noguera López: Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology
David Foschepoth: Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology
Céline Cleij: Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology
Anne Doerr: Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology
Clara Ferrer Castellà: Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology
Christophe Danelon: Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract The Min biochemical network regulates bacterial cell division and is a prototypical example of self-organizing molecular systems. Cell-free assays relying on purified proteins have shown that MinE and MinD self-organize into surface waves and oscillatory patterns. In the context of developing a synthetic cell from elementary biological modules, harnessing Min oscillations might allow us to implement higher-order cellular functions. To convey hereditary information, the Min system must be encoded in a DNA molecule that can be copied, transcribed, and translated. Here, the MinD and MinE proteins are synthesized de novo from their genes inside liposomes. Dynamic protein patterns and accompanying liposome shape deformation are observed. When integrated with the cytoskeletal proteins FtsA and FtsZ, the synthetic Min system is able to dynamically regulate FtsZ patterns. By enabling genetic control over Min protein self-organization and membrane remodeling, our methodology offers unique opportunities towards directed evolution of bacterial division processes in vitro.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12932-w

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