title: Piecing Together Cell-like Systems.
abstract: Several laboratories are pursuing the synthesis of cellular systems from different directions, including those that begin with simple chemicals to those that exploit existing cells. The methods that begin with nonliving components tend to focus on mimicking specific features of life, such as genomic replication, protein synthesis, sensory systems, and compartment formation, growth, and division. Conversely, the more prevalent synthetic biology approaches begin with something that is already alive and seek to impart new behavior on existing cells. Here we discuss advances in building cell-like systems that mimic key features of life with defined components.
authors.affiliation: CIBIO, University of Trento, via delle Regole 101, 38123 Mattarello (TN), Italy.
authors.forename: Domenica
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Torino
authors.affiliation: CIBIO, University of Trento, via delle Regole 101, 38123 Mattarello (TN), Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Martini
authors.affiliation: CIBIO, University of Trento, via delle Regole 101, 38123 Mattarello (TN), Italy.
authors.forename: Sheref S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Mansy
keywords: Cell-like; minimal cell; origin of life; protocell; riboswitch; synthetic biology.