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Building a Synthetic Cell Together

Author

Listed:
  • S. Giaveri

    (Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology
    Ri.MED Foundation)

  • Z. Abil

    (University of Florida)

  • S. Kohyama

    (The University of Tokyo)

  • M. Fu

    (Institute of synthetic biology)

  • A. Levrier

    (University of Minnesota
    Sorbonne Université)

  • K. Adamala

    (University of Minnesota)

  • W. Chinantuya

    (Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology
    Mahidol University)

  • C. Dekker

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • N. Deng

    (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering)

  • J. Fredens

    (National University of Singapore)

  • K. Hagino

    (The University of Tokyo
    University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • K. Jahnke

    (Harvard University)

  • X. Li

    (Institute of synthetic biology)

  • A. B. Lindner

    (Sorbonne Université)

  • C. Liu

    (Institute of synthetic biology)

  • S. Majumder

    (The University of Washington)

  • V. Noireaux

    (University of Minnesota)

  • P. Schwille

    (Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry)

  • I. N. Westensee

    (Queensland University of Technology
    Aarhus University)

Abstract

Synthetic cells (SynCells) are artificial constructs designed to mimic cellular functions, offering insights into fundamental biology, as well as promising impact in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and bioengineering. Achieving a functional SynCell from the bottom up, i.e. by assembling it from molecular components, requires a global collaboration to overcome the many challenges of engineering and assembling life-like modules while addressing biosafety, equity, and ethical concerns in order to guide responsible innovation. Here, we highlight major scientific hurdles, such as the integration of functional modules by ensuring compatibility across diverse synthetic subsystems, and we propose strategies to advance the field.

Suggested Citation

  • S. Giaveri & Z. Abil & S. Kohyama & M. Fu & A. Levrier & K. Adamala & W. Chinantuya & C. Dekker & N. Deng & J. Fredens & K. Hagino & K. Jahnke & X. Li & A. B. Lindner & C. Liu & S. Majumder & V. Noire, 2025. "Building a Synthetic Cell Together," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-6, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62778-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62778-8
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