One of the key aspects that defines a cell as a living entity is its ability to self-reproduce. In this process, membrane biogenesis is an essential element. Here, we developed an in vitro phospholipid biosynthesis pathway based on a cascade of eight enzymes, starting from simple fatty acid building blocks and glycerol 3-phosphate. The reconstituted system yields multiple phospholipid species that vary in acyl-chain and polar headgroup compositions. Due to the high fidelity and versatility, complete conversion of the fatty acid substrates into multiple phospholipid species is achieved simultaneously, leading to membrane expansion as a first step toward a synthetic minimal cell.

中文翻译：

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由游离脂肪酸连续磷脂生物合成体外生长膜

将细胞定义为生命实体的关键方面之一是其自我繁殖的能力。在此过程中，膜生物发生是必不可少的元素。在这里，我们开发了一种基于八种酶的级联的体外磷脂生物合成途径，从简单的脂肪酸构件和3-磷酸甘油开始。重构的系统产生了多种磷脂，这些磷脂的酰基链和极性头基组成各不相同。由于高保真度和多功能性，可同时实现脂肪酸底物向多种磷脂物质的完全转化，从而导致膜膨胀，这是朝着合成的最小细胞迈进的第一步。