Dynamic Transcription Machineries in Protocells

Transcription machineries play key roles in nature by regulating diverse cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, the control of intracellular metabolic balance, and cell differentiation and growth. These processes are regulated by the programmed transcription factor-mediated operation of transcription machineries and cellular environmental cues dictating spatiotemporal gene expression, demonstrating amplification and bistable, switchable, and transient dynamic features. Emulating these native pathways through artificial means not only advances the area of Systems Chemistry by providing principles for the evolution of life but also introduces novel catalytic and theranostic applications of the system. The perspective addresses recent advances in developing transcription-machinery-loaded protocell assemblies, consisting of liposomes, microdroplets, proteinsomes, and microcapsules. Stimuli-responsive transcription machineries integrated into liposomes, Fe³⁺-cross-linked tannic acid membranes, and nucleic acid-functionalized hydrogel microcapsules acting as protocells are triggered by light, redox agents, and switchable refiguration of transcription templates. Moreover, temporally modulated oscillatory transcription circuitries integrated in microemulsion droplets acting as protocells were demonstrated, and the transcription-guided transient assembly and disassembly of DNA nanotubes mimicking formation and dissociation of motor filaments in native cells was accomplished. In addition, the dynamic transcription-mediated diffusive signaling and communication of microdroplets and proteinosome-based protocell assemblies are presented. Future challenges of the topic and potential practical applications of these systems are addressed in the conclusion section.