DC09: Transmembrane signalling for memory in synthetic cells

DNA nanotechnology has facilitated the creation of structural and, to some extent, functional analogs of cellular protein components. Previously, we used DNA nanotechnology to design cytoskeleton mimics or nanopores. However, synthetic cells cannot produce DNA origami themselves. In this regard, co-transcriptional folding of RNA origami could represent a new and thus far unexplored frontier for custom-made molecular hardware produced directly by synthetic cells themselves. In this ITN project, we will capitalize on membrane-binding RNA aptamers to realize liposome display based on RNA origami nanostructures. We will use directed evolution to optimize the RNA origami and thus our synthetic cells.

To apply, send an email including your CV, a short motivation letter, transcript of grades and 2 reference letters (or the contacts of two referents) at k.goepfrich@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de