Biologists at the University of Minnesota have successfully engineered a synthetic cell, dubbed “SpudCell,” capable of performing core biological life cycles including nutrient intake, growth, DNA replication, and division. According to a preprint posted July 2 on bioRxiv, the cell is constructed entirely from non-living chemical components and functions with a 90,000-base-pair genome, significantly smaller than the 113,000-pair threshold previously speculated by researchers.
How does SpudCell function without natural evolutionary machinery?
Unlike natural cells that rely on billions of years of inherited biological systems, the SpudCell is assembled from scratch using chemically defined parts. As reported by Dr. Katarzyna Adamala and her colleagues, the synthetic structure utilizes fatty membranes formed into liposomes and a stripped-down system for protein production. The cell’s 90,000-base-pair genome is distributed across seven or eight plasmids, which contain the instructions necessary for self-sustenance and reproduction.
The SpudCell genome is remarkably compact. While a human genome consists of approximately 3 billion base pairs, these synthetic cells manage to replicate and divide with a genome of just 90,000 pairs.
What is the mechanism for feeding and division?
To acquire nutrients, SpudCell relies on a fusion process with smaller “feeder” liposomes. These feeders contain lipids, enzymes, and essential molecules. According to the research team, the synthetic cell produces a modified bacterial pore protein that displays a chemical tag on its surface. This tag latches onto a corresponding marker on the feeder liposome, merging the two and providing the cell with raw materials. For division, the researchers engineered a mechanism that bypasses the need for a cellular skeleton; instead, proteins crowd together on the cell surface to physically pinch the membrane apart, as described in the study by Gaut et al. (doi: 10.64898/2026.07.01.735724).
Can synthetic cells undergo Darwinian selection?
The research team demonstrated that synthetic systems are capable of evolutionary competition. By engineering a version of the feeding protein with a stronger genetic promoter, researchers created cells that fused with feeder liposomes more efficiently. When these faster-growing cells were placed in a mixed population with slower-growing counterparts, they increased their population share from an even split to as much as 61% over five generations. When resources were restricted, this competitive advantage intensified, with faster-growing cells outnumbering others by more than two to one.
Pro Tip: Tracking Synthetic Lineages
Researchers tracked the efficacy of these cells by embedding chemical markers within the feeder liposomes. This allowed them to monitor a single cell lineage through five generations, confirming that approximately 30% of daughter cells retained a complete copy of the seven-part genome, even without the complex DNA-sorting systems found in natural biology.
What are the future implications for biological engineering?
Dr. Adamala stated that the project proves fundamental life functions like growth and replication do not require a “mysterious magical spark.” By replicating these behaviors in a laboratory setting, the team has established a proof-of-concept for engineering basic cellular functions from the ground up. Future progress, however, will likely require international collaboration to move from a controlled laboratory environment toward robust, practical applications of synthetic cellular technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is SpudCell? It is a synthetic cell built from non-living chemical components that can grow, divide, and pass on mutations.
- How small is the SpudCell genome? The genome consists of 90,000 base pairs, which is smaller than the 113,000-pair threshold previously hypothesized by biologists.
- Do these cells have a cellular skeleton? No. The cells use protein crowding on the membrane surface to induce division rather than relying on a traditional cellular skeleton.
- How do these cells feed? They fuse with smaller “feeder” liposomes using a specialized bacterial pore protein that acts as a chemical latch.
Interested in the latest breakthroughs in synthetic biology? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on genetic engineering and biotechnology research.