Creation of a Membraneless Protocell with Earth-abundant Transition Metal Catalysts

• Project/Area Number: 24K17795
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 37020:Chemistry and chemical methodology of biomolecules-related
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Chen Chen 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 環境資源科学研究センター, 基礎科学特別研究員 (70980704)
• Project Period (FY): 2024-04-01 – 2026-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2024)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,810,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,700,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,110,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥2,080,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥480,000); Fiscal Year 2024: ¥2,730,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥630,000)
• Keywords: Protocell / LLPS

Outline of Research at the Start

Proposed as life's precursors, membraneless protocells formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) lack clarity in their evolution and functional roles, especially in mimicking enzymatic catalysis without complex biological catalysts. This research explores how protocells might utilize Earth-abundant transition metals (EATMs) from geological sources as primitive catalysts, like metalloenzymes, to drive redox reactions crucial for life. By examining the incorporation and effects of EATMs in LLPS protocells, we aim to illuminate their progression towards complex life-like cellular systems.