Towards a synthetic cell cycle.

Olivi, Lorenzo; Berger, Mareike; Creyghton, Ramon N P; De Franceschi, Nicola; Dekker, Cees; Mulder, Bela M; Claassens, Nico J; Ten Wolde, Pieter Rein et al. · Nat Commun · 2021

review · Level V

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Abstract

Recent developments in synthetic biology may bring the bottom-up generation of a synthetic cell within reach. A key feature of a living synthetic cell is a functional cell cycle, in which DNA replication and segregation as well as cell growth and division are well integrated. Here, we describe different approaches to recreate these processes in a synthetic cell, based on natural systems and/or synthetic alternatives. Although some individual machineries have recently been established, their integration and control in a synthetic cell cycle remain to be addressed. In this Perspective, we discuss potential paths towards an integrated synthetic cell cycle.

Medical subject headings