Darwinian evolution in a translation-coupled RNA replication system within a cell-like compartment

Norikazu Ichihashi, Kimihito Usui, Yasuaki Kazuta, Takeshi Sunami, Tomoaki Matsuura and Tetsuya Yomo ()
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Norikazu Ichihashi: Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Osaka University
Kimihito Usui: Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Osaka University
Yasuaki Kazuta: Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Osaka University
Takeshi Sunami: Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Osaka University
Tomoaki Matsuura: Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Osaka University
Tetsuya Yomo: Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Osaka University

Nature Communications, 2013, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract The ability to evolve is a key characteristic that distinguishes living things from non-living chemical compounds. The construction of an evolvable cell-like system entirely from non-living molecules has been a major challenge. Here we construct an evolvable artificial cell model from an assembly of biochemical molecules. The artificial cell model contains artificial genomic RNA that replicates through the translation of its encoded RNA replicase. We perform a long-term (600-generation) replication experiment using this system, in which mutations are spontaneously introduced into the RNA by replication error, and highly replicable mutants dominate the population according to Darwinian principles. During evolution, the genomic RNA gradually reinforces its interaction with the translated replicase, thereby acquiring competitiveness against selfish (parasitic) RNAs. This study provides the first experimental evidence that replicating systems can be developed through Darwinian evolution in a cell-like compartment, even in the presence of parasitic replicators.

Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3494

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