Approaches to semi-synthetic minimal cells: a review |
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Authors: | Email author" target="_blank">Pier?Luigi?LuisiEmail author Francesca?Ferri Pasquale?Stano |
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Institution: | (1) Biology Department, University of RomaTre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy;(2) Biochemistry Department, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy;(3) Centro Studi ‘E. Fermi’, Compendio del Viminale, 00184 Rome, Italy |
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Abstract: | Following is a synthetic review on the minimal living cell, defined as an artificial or a semi-artificial cell having the
minimal and sufficient number of components to be considered alive. We describe concepts and experiments based on these constructions,
and we point out that an operational definition of minimal cell does not define a single species, but rather a broad family
of interrelated cell-like structures. The relevance of these researches, considering that the minimal cell should also correspond
to the early simple cell in the origin of life and early evolution, is also explained. In addition, we present detailed data
in relation to minimal genome, with observations cited by several authors who agree on setting the theoretical full-fledged
minimal genome to a figure between 200 and 300 genes. However, further theoretical assumptions may significantly reduce this
number (i.e. by eliminating ribosomal proteins and by limiting DNA and RNA polymerases to only a few, less specific molecular
species). Generally, the experimental approach to minimal cells consists in utilizing liposomes as cell models and in filling
them with genes/enzymes corresponding to minimal cellular functions. To date, a few research groups have successfully induced
the expression of single proteins, such as the green fluorescence protein, inside liposomes. Here, different approaches are
described and compared. Present constructs are still rather far from the minimal cell, and experimental as well as theoretical
difficulties opposing further reduction of complexity are discussed. While most of these minimal cell constructions may represent
relatively poor imitations of a modern full-fledged cell, further studies will begin precisely from these constructs. In conclusion,
we give a brief outline of the next possible steps on the road map to the minimal cell.
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