Advances in DNA-empowered membrane surface engineering for artificial manipulation and visual analysis of cell-cell communication

Abstract

The artificial manipulation of cell-cell communication is essential for exploring the key physiological processes, which facilitate insights into the signal transduction pathways that ensure intercellular interactions. Benefiting from the controllable topology and precise self-assembly abilities of DNA nanostructures, the developed nanoplatforms have demonstrated the predictable spatial structures and customized functions. Once anchored to the cell surface, DNA-based nanoplatforms can programmatically modulate cell-cell assembly, offering a modular tool for exploring intercellular interactions. More importantly, by interfacing with cell-surface receptors, the engineered manipulation strategies have both basic and applied research in the controllable regulation of intercellular communication. Focusing on the key signaling pathways involved in the natural cell-cell communication, we will highlight the design principles of artificial regulation and visual analysis of cell-cell communication through DNA-based membrane surface engineering, and summarize the latest advancements in the potential for precision treatment of diseases. Finally, the challenges and outlook on using DNA nanotechnology to manipulate cellular interactions are discussed.