{
  "abstract": "The integration of biological functions into a single operating system is considered a major challenge in the construction of a synthetic cell. We present autocatalytic selection (ACS) of gene functions as a driver for integrating biological modules in vitro. A gene of interest (GOI) is introduced into a minimal DNA self-replicator and the function of the GOI is linked to transcription, translation or DNA replication through a positive feedback loop. As the encoded function eventually promotes DNA self-replication, the gene variants with greater activity are selected. Using different coupling mechanisms, we demonstrate ACS of three functions: transcription, in situ regeneration of dGTP from dGMP to support DNA replication, and β-galactosidase activity. The latter example illustrates how a function that is not directly related to the Central Dogma can be selected. In addition, we show that metabolically active replicators can be enriched from a library of variants generated by random mutagenesis. This work paves the way for ACS-driven Darwinian evolution of virtually any biomolecule in vitro, streamlining the construction of increasingly complex synthetic cells as well as the engineering of biotechnologically relevant enzymes.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [],
  "article_type": null,
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  "author_total": 2,
  "authors": [
    {
      "name": "Laura Sierra Heras"
    },
    {
      "name": "Christophe Danelon"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/2zmftp2j8mcmt.bib",
  "cited_by": 2,
  "doi": "10.1038/s42003-026-10372-z",
  "fulltext_url": null,
  "id": "2zmftp2j8mcmt",
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  "language": "en",
  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
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  "pdf_url": "https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05799798/document",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": "42203954",
  "published": "2026-05-27",
  "publisher": "Nature Publishing Group",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/2zmftp2j8mcmt.ris",
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    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:17:57Z",
      "native_id": "hal-05799798",
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      "url": "https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05799798v1"
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  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "biochemistry",
      "origin": "hal:2.sdv.bbm.gtp",
      "subfield": "proteomics-metabolomics"
    },
    {
      "field": "biology",
      "origin": "hal:1.sdv.bc",
      "subfield": "cell-biology"
    },
    {
      "field": "biology",
      "origin": "hal:1.sdv.gen",
      "subfield": "genetics-genomics"
    },
    {
      "field": "earth",
      "origin": "hal:0.sdu",
      "subfield": "general"
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  ],
  "title": "Autocatalytic selection of gene functions in synthetic cells",
  "title_text": "Autocatalytic selection of gene functions in synthetic cells",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:17:57Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/2zmftp2j8mcmt",
  "venue": "Communications Biology",
  "versions": []
}