Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In multicellular systems, engineering-controlled cell-cell adhesion and metabolic interdependence are vital for developing complex functionalities. This study introduces a yeast synthetic toolbox for modular cell-cell adhesion and cocultures, aiming to overcome the limitations of existing approaches that lack genetic specificity and control. First, a model yeast strain 007Δ is created with seven main flocculation and agglutination genes removed, providing a clean background for synthetic adhesion systems. Then, three distinct adhesion pair systems-Strategy 1, Strategy 2.1 and Strategy 2.2-are established involving yeast flocculation and agglutination proteins and yeast surface display systems. In addition, a quantitative assessment is conducted on the adhesive specificity and strength, alongside the capability of synthetic adhesion to generate patterns. Finally, we successfully demonstrate enhanced bioproduction of the high-value food antioxidant, resveratrol, utilizing synthetic cocultures coupled with cell adhesion systems. We anticipate that this toolkit will emerge as a valuable resource for diverse applications in synthetic biology and biomanufacturing.
Source: Nature Chemical Biology
Authors: Haohong Chen, Huadong Peng, Tom Ellis, Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $12,690
Awards: G1001745985, G1211417891, ENGINEERING SYNTHETIC MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY, G1603245850, SKIN MICROBIAL DEVICES, 19-ERACoBioTech- 33 SyCoLim, G2450587322, G2918095536, G3370235652, G3400976122, G3756107532, G3845779409, G463829175, G464244600, G4945848961, G5882754082, BBSRC IAA Imperial College London, High Performance Bio-based Functional Coatings for Wood and Decorative Applications, G7213101244, Engineering Biology Hub for Microbial Food, G765964060, G7821165569, G7954169065, G799393191, G8119910098, EEBio: Efficient Engineering and Control of Predictable and Reliable Biosystems, Harnessing Yarrowia metabolism to generate high value terpenoids, 21EBTA: EB-AI Consortium for Bioengineered Cells & Systems (AI-4-EB), G9000076850, G918354864, G982902036
OpenAlex ID: W7118162977