基于FtsZ的合成细胞分裂机器的研究进展：从Z环组装到膜收缩

龚晗; 杜世燊

doi:10.12211/2096-8280.2026-079

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基于FtsZ的合成细胞分裂机器的研究进展：从Z环组装到膜收缩

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- 基于FtsZ的合成细胞分裂机器的研究进展：从Z环组装到膜收缩
- Progress on FtsZ-based division machinery in synthetic cell： from Z-ring assembly to membrane constriction
- 合成生物学 2026年页码：1-10
- 作者机构：
  
  1.武汉大学生命科学学院复杂生命体代谢与调控全国重点实验室，湖北武汉 430072
  2.武汉大学生命科学学院细胞稳态湖北省重点实验室，湖北武汉 430072
- 作者简介：
  
  龚晗（1997—），女，博士后。研究方向为大肠杆菌Z环形成机制和分裂体组装机制等。 E-mail：gonghan@whu.edu.cn
  杜世燊（1984—），男，教授，博士，博士生导师。研究方向为细菌和古菌细胞生长和分裂的调控机制，细胞壁的合成和抗生素的研发等。 E-mail：ssdu@whu.edu.cn
- 基金信息：
  
  国家自然科学基金面上项目(32270049);国家自然科学基金青年科学基金(326001091);国家资助博士后研究人员计划(GZB20250601);江苏省自然科学基金青年科学基金(SBK20260401455)
- DOI：10.12211/2096-8280.2026-079
  中图分类号： Q933;Q23
- 收稿：2026-08-17，
  
  修回：2026-10-12，
  
  网络首发：2026-10-16，
- 稿件说明：
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龚晗，杜世燊. 基于FtsZ的合成细胞分裂机器的研究进展：从Z环组装到膜收缩［J］. 合成生物学， 2026， 7. DOI： 10.12211/2096-8280.2026-079

GONG Han， DU Shishen. Progress on FtsZ-based division machinery in synthetic cell： from Z-ring assembly to membrane constriction［J］. Synthetic Biology Journal， 2026， 7. DOI： 10.12211/2096-8280.2026-079
龚晗，杜世燊. 基于FtsZ的合成细胞分裂机器的研究进展：从Z环组装到膜收缩［J］. 合成生物学， 2026， 7. DOI： 10.12211/2096-8280.2026-079 DOI：

GONG Han， DU Shishen. Progress on FtsZ-based division machinery in synthetic cell： from Z-ring assembly to membrane constriction［J］. Synthetic Biology Journal， 2026， 7. DOI： 10.12211/2096-8280.2026-079 DOI：

摘要

自主分裂能力是所有细胞型生命体的基本特征。实现合成细胞的自主分裂，不仅是合成生命领域的重大挑战，也是从“理解生命”迈向“创造生命”的关键里程碑。目前，以单细胞原核生物（细菌和古菌）的分裂蛋白为元件构建合成细胞分裂系统是该领域的主流策略之一。骨架蛋白FtsZ聚合形成的Z环是驱动原核生物细胞分裂的核心元件，利用FtsZ及其膜锚定蛋白在脂质体囊泡内重构Z环，以实现膜的形变、收缩乃至完全分裂是当前的研究重点。然而，体外重构的Z环直径通常较小，难以驱动巨型单层囊泡（GUVs）产生显著的膜形变与分裂。近期，德国马克斯·普朗克生物化学研究所Petra Schwille团队发现，FtsN蛋白的胞质结构域（cytoFtsN）能够促使FtsZ纤维组装成直径与GUV尺寸相匹配的闭合环状结构，并驱动脂膜的大幅度收缩，使囊泡由球形转变为哑铃状。该工作突破了长期困扰合成细胞研究的Z环尺寸不匹配瓶颈，同时极大简化了分裂所需的蛋白组分，为实现可自主分裂的合成细胞提供了全新的策略。本文将系统介绍上述研究成果，并结合领域的相关进展进行讨论，为推动合成细胞相关研究提供参考。

Abstract

The ability to undergo autonomous division is a hallmark of cellular life. Achieving autonomous division is not only a major challenge in the construction of synthetic cells

but also a milestone from "understanding life" to "creating life". Currently

building division systems in synthetic cells using division proteins derived from unicellular prokaryotic organisms (Bacteria and Archaea) represents one of the prevailing strategies in this area. The Z-ring

which is formed by polymers of the cytoskeletal protein FtsZ

functions as a scaffold for the assembly of the bacterial/archaeal division machineries and a master organizer of the division process. Current research efforts have focused on the reconstitution of the Z-ring within liposomes using FtsZ and its membrane anchors

aiming to achieve membrane deformation and ultimately complete division. However

the diameter of reconstituted Z-rings in vitro is typically too small to induce significant membrane deformation in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). Recently

the Petra Schwille group at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Germany discovered that the cytoplasmic domain of FtsN (cytoFtsN)

which is an essential division protein in many Gram-negative bacteria

can reorganize FtsZ filaments into closed ring structures with diameters matching those of GUVs. Moreover

these Z-rings can cause substantial membrane contraction

leading to the generation of dumbbell-shaped GUVs within hours. As a result

this work not only overcomes the long-standing bottleneck of building large Z-rings capable of inducing contraction in GUVs

but also greatly simplifies the protein components required for reconstitution of an FtsZ-based division machine

paving the way for the realization of autonomously dividing synthetic cells. This commentary will introduce the aforementioned research findings and discuss them in the context of related advances in the field

with the aim of advancing researches on synthetic cells.

关键词

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references

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