Artificial Organelles: Towards Adding or Restoring Intracellular Activity

Roy A.J.F. Oerlemans, Suzanne B.P.E. Timmermans, Jan C.M. van Hest (Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

43 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Compartmentalization is one of the main characteristics that define living systems. Creating a physically separated microenvironment allows nature a better control over biological processes, as is clearly specified by the role of organelles in living cells. Inspired by this phenomenon, researchers have developed a range of different approaches to create artificial organelles: compartments with catalytic activity that add new function to living cells. In this review we will discuss three complementary lines of investigation. First, orthogonal chemistry approaches are discussed, which are based on the incorporation of catalytically active transition metal-containing nanoparticles in living cells. The second approach involves the use of premade hybrid nanoreactors, which show transient function when taken up by living cells. The third approach utilizes mostly genetic engineering methods to create bio-based structures that can be ultimately integrated with the cell's genome to make them constitutively active. The current state of the art and the scope and limitations of the field will be highlighted with selected examples from the three approaches.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2051-2078
Number of pages28
JournalChemBioChem
Volume22
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jun 2021

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the ERC Advanced grant Artisym 694120 and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Gravitation program 024.001.035) for funding.

FundersFunder number
European Union's Horizon 2020 - Research and Innovation Framework Programme694120
H2020 European Research Council
Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap024.001.035

    Keywords

    • artificial organelles
    • intracellular catalysis
    • nanoreactors
    • nanotechnology
    • synthetic biology

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