Calcium-triggered DNA-mediated membrane fusion in synthetic cells†
Abstract
In cells, membrane fusion is mediated by SNARE proteins, whose activities are calcium-dependent. While several non-native membrane fusion mechanisms have been demonstrated, few can respond to external stimuli. Here, we develop a calcium-triggered DNA-mediated membrane fusion strategy where fusion is regulated using surface-bound PEG chains that are cleavable by the calcium-activated protease calpain-1.
- This article is part of the themed collections: Chemical Communications HOT Articles 2023 and 2023 Pioneering Investigators