Integrating artificial with natural cells to translate chemical messages that direct E. coli behaviour

Roberta Lentini, Silvia Perez Santero, Fabio Chizzolini, Dario Cecchi, Jason Fontana, Marta Marchioretto, Cristina Del Bianco, Jessica L. Terrell, Amy C. Spencer, Laura Martini, Michele Forlin, Michael Assfalg, Mauro Dalla Serra, William E. Bentley and Sheref S. Mansy ()
Additional contact information
Roberta Lentini: CIBIO, University of Trento
Silvia Perez Santero: CIBIO, University of Trento
Fabio Chizzolini: CIBIO, University of Trento
Dario Cecchi: CIBIO, University of Trento
Jason Fontana: CIBIO, University of Trento
Marta Marchioretto: National Research Council—Institute of Biophysics & Bruno Kessler Foundation
Cristina Del Bianco: CIBIO, University of Trento
Jessica L. Terrell: University of Maryland
Amy C. Spencer: CIBIO, University of Trento
Laura Martini: CIBIO, University of Trento
Michele Forlin: CIBIO, University of Trento
Michael Assfalg: University of Verona
Mauro Dalla Serra: National Research Council—Institute of Biophysics & Bruno Kessler Foundation
William E. Bentley: University of Maryland
Sheref S. Mansy: CIBIO, University of Trento

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-6

Abstract: Abstract Previous efforts to control cellular behaviour have largely relied upon various forms of genetic engineering. Once the genetic content of a living cell is modified, the behaviour of that cell typically changes as well. However, other methods of cellular control are possible. All cells sense and respond to their environment. Therefore, artificial, non-living cellular mimics could be engineered to activate or repress already existing natural sensory pathways of living cells through chemical communication. Here we describe the construction of such a system. The artificial cells expand the senses of Escherichia coli by translating a chemical message that E. coli cannot sense on its own to a molecule that activates a natural cellular response. This methodology could open new opportunities in engineering cellular behaviour without exploiting genetically modified organisms.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5012

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