1
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King MR, Ruff KM, Pappu RV. Emergent microenvironments of nucleoli. Nucleus 2024; 15:2319957. [PMID: 38443761 PMCID: PMC10936679 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2319957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In higher eukaryotes, the nucleolus harbors at least three sub-phases that facilitate multiple functionalities including ribosome biogenesis. The three prominent coexisting sub-phases are the fibrillar center (FC), the dense fibrillar component (DFC), and the granular component (GC). Here, we review recent efforts in profiling sub-phase compositions that shed light on the types of physicochemical properties that emerge from compositional biases and territorial organization of specific types of macromolecules. We highlight roles played by molecular grammars which refers to protein sequence features including the substrate binding domains, the sequence features of intrinsically disordered regions, and the multivalence of these distinct types of domains / regions. We introduce the concept of a barcode of emergent physicochemical properties of nucleoli. Although our knowledge of the full barcode remains incomplete, we hope that the concept prompts investigations into undiscovered emergent properties and engenders an appreciation for how and why unique microenvironments control biochemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus, MO, USA
| | - Kiersten M. Ruff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus, MO, USA
| | - Rohit V. Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus, MO, USA
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2
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Kuzin S, Stolba D, Wu X, Syryamina VN, Boulos S, Jeschke G, Nyström L, Yulikov M. Quantification of Distributions of Local Proton Concentrations in Heterogeneous Soft Matter and Non-Anfinsen Biomacromolecules. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:5625-5632. [PMID: 38758534 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
A new method to quantitatively analyze heterogeneous distributions of local proton densities around paramagnetic centers in unstructured and weakly structured biomacromolecules and soft matter is introduced, and its feasibility is demonstrated on aqueous solutions of stochastically spin-labeled polysaccharides. This method is based on the pulse EPR experiment ih-RIDME (intermolecular hyperfine relaxation-induced dipolar modulation enhancement). Global analysis of a series of RIDME traces allows for a mathematically stable transformation of the time-domain data to the distribution of local proton concentrations. Two pulse sequences are proposed and tested, which combine the ih-RIDME block and the double-electron-electron resonance (DEER) experiment. Such experiments can be potentially used to correlate the local proton concentration with the macromolecular chain conformation. We anticipate an application of this approach in studies of intrinsically disordered proteins, biomolecular aggregates, and biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Kuzin
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Stolba
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xiaowen Wu
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Victoria N Syryamina
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Voevodsky Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Samy Boulos
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gunnar Jeschke
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Nyström
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maxim Yulikov
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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3
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Kacirani A, Uralcan B, Domingues TS, Haji-Akbari A. Effect of Pressure on the Conformational Landscape of Human γD-Crystallin from Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:4931-4942. [PMID: 38685567 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Human γD-crystallin belongs to a crucial family of proteins known as crystallins located in the fiber cells of the human lens. Since crystallins do not undergo any turnover after birth, they need to possess remarkable thermodynamic stability. However, their sporadic misfolding and aggregation, triggered by environmental perturbations or genetic mutations, constitute the molecular basis of cataracts, which is the primary cause of blindness in the globe according to the World Health Organization. Here, we investigate the impact of high pressure on the conformational landscape of wild-type HγD-crystallin using replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations augmented with principal component analysis. We find pressure to have a modest impact on global measures of protein stability, such as root-mean-square displacement and radius of gyration. Upon projecting our trajectories along the first two principal components from principal component analysis, however, we observe the emergence of distinct free energy basins at high pressures. By screening local order parameters previously shown or hypothesized as markers of HγD-crystallin stability, we establish correlations between a tyrosine-tyrosine aromatic contact within the N-terminal domain and the protein's end-to-end distance with projections along the first and second principal components, respectively. Furthermore, we observe the simultaneous contraction of the hydrophobic core and its intrusion by water molecules. This exploration sheds light on the intricate responses of HγD-crystallin to elevated pressures, offering insights into potential mechanisms underlying its stability and susceptibility to environmental perturbations, crucial for understanding cataract formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlind Kacirani
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Integrated Graduate Program in Physical and Engineering Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Betül Uralcan
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul 34342, Turkey
| | - Tiago S Domingues
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Graduate Program in Applied Mathematics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Amir Haji-Akbari
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
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4
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Kar M, Vogel LT, Chauhan G, Felekyan S, Ausserwöger H, Welsh TJ, Dar F, Kamath AR, Knowles TPJ, Hyman AA, Seidel CAM, Pappu RV. Solutes unmask differences in clustering versus phase separation of FET proteins. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4408. [PMID: 38782886 PMCID: PMC11116469 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48775-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase separation and percolation contribute to phase transitions of multivalent macromolecules. Contributions of percolation are evident through the viscoelasticity of condensates and through the formation of heterogeneous distributions of nano- and mesoscale pre-percolation clusters in sub-saturated solutions. Here, we show that clusters formed in sub-saturated solutions of FET (FUS-EWSR1-TAF15) proteins are affected differently by glutamate versus chloride. These differences on the nanoscale, gleaned using a suite of methods deployed across a wide range of protein concentrations, are prevalent and can be unmasked even though the driving forces for phase separation remain unchanged in glutamate versus chloride. Strikingly, differences in anion-mediated interactions that drive clustering saturate on the micron-scale. Beyond this length scale the system separates into coexisting phases. Overall, we find that sequence-encoded interactions, mediated by solution components, make synergistic and distinct contributions to the formation of pre-percolation clusters in sub-saturated solutions, and to the driving forces for phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrityunjoy Kar
- Max Planck Institute of Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Laura T Vogel
- Department of Molecular Physical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gaurav Chauhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Suren Felekyan
- Department of Molecular Physical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hannes Ausserwöger
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
| | - Timothy J Welsh
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
| | - Furqan Dar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Anjana R Kamath
- Max Planck Institute of Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anthony A Hyman
- Max Planck Institute of Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Claus A M Seidel
- Department of Molecular Physical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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5
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Mukherjee S, Poudyal M, Dave K, Kadu P, Maji SK. Protein misfolding and amyloid nucleation through liquid-liquid phase separation. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4976-5013. [PMID: 38597222 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs01065a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is an emerging phenomenon in cell physiology and diseases. The weak multivalent interaction prerequisite for LLPS is believed to be facilitated through intrinsically disordered regions, which are prevalent in neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins. These aggregation-prone proteins also exhibit an inherent property for phase separation, resulting in protein-rich liquid-like droplets. The very high local protein concentration in the water-deficient confined microenvironment not only drives the viscoelastic transition from the liquid to solid-like state but also most often nucleate amyloid fibril formation. Indeed, protein misfolding, oligomerization, and amyloid aggregation are observed to be initiated from the LLPS of various neurodegeneration-related proteins. Moreover, in these cases, neurodegeneration-promoting genetic and environmental factors play a direct role in amyloid aggregation preceded by the phase separation. These cumulative recent observations ignite the possibility of LLPS being a prominent nucleation mechanism associated with aberrant protein aggregation. The present review elaborates on the nucleation mechanism of the amyloid aggregation pathway and the possible early molecular events associated with amyloid-related protein phase separation. It also summarizes the recent advancement in understanding the aberrant phase transition of major proteins contributing to neurodegeneration focusing on the common disease-associated factors. Overall, this review proposes a generic LLPS-mediated multistep nucleation mechanism for amyloid aggregation and its implication in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semanti Mukherjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Manisha Poudyal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Kritika Dave
- Sunita Sanghi Centre of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Pradeep Kadu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Samir K Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
- Sunita Sanghi Centre of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
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6
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Workman RJ, Huang CJ, Lynch GC, Pettitt BM. Peptide diffusion in biomolecular condensates. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00323-0. [PMID: 38751116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffusion determines the turnover of biomolecules in liquid-liquid phase-separated condensates. We considered the mean square displacement and thus the diffusion constant for simple model systems of peptides GGGGG, GGQGG, and GGVGG in aqueous solutions after phase separation by simulating atomic-level models. These solutions readily separate into aqueous and peptide-rich droplet phases. We noted the effect of the peptides being in a solvated, surface, or droplet state on the peptide's diffusion coefficients. Both sequence and peptide conformational distribution were found to influence diffusion and condensate turnover in these systems, with sequence dominating the magnitude of the differences. We found that the most compact structures for each sequence diffused the fastest in the peptide-rich condensate phase. This model result may have implications for turnover dynamics in signaling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley J Workman
- University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas
| | - Caleb J Huang
- University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas
| | - Gillian C Lynch
- University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas
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7
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Yang L, Zhang Z, Jiang P, Kong D, Yu Z, Shi D, Han Y, Chen E, Zheng W, Sun J, Zhao Y, Luo Y, Shi J, Yao H, Huang H, Qian P. Phase separation-competent FBL promotes early pre-rRNA processing and translation in acute myeloid leukaemia. Nat Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41556-024-01420-z. [PMID: 38745030 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01420-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are pivotal in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a lethal disease. Although specific phase separation-competent RBPs are recognized in AML, the effect of their condensate formation on AML leukaemogenesis, and the therapeutic potential of inhibition of phase separation are underexplored. In our in vivo CRISPR RBP screen, fibrillarin (FBL) emerges as a crucial nucleolar protein that regulates AML cell survival, primarily through its phase separation domains rather than methyltransferase or acetylation domains. These phase separation domains, with specific features, coordinately drive nucleoli formation and early processing of pre-rRNA (including efflux, cleavage and methylation), eventually enhancing the translation of oncogenes such as MYC. Targeting the phase separation capability of FBL with CGX-635 leads to elimination of AML cells, suggesting an additional mechanism of action for CGX-635 that complements its established therapeutic effects. We highlight the potential of PS modulation of critical proteins as a possible therapeutic strategy for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoru Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Penglei Jiang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Delin Kong
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zebin Yu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danrong Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingli Han
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ertuo Chen
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiyan Zheng
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanmin Zhao
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jimin Shi
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - He Huang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China.
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Pengxu Qian
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University & Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, China.
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8
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Pathak S, Strader LC. GRP7 phase separation as an interpreter of temperature cues. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024:S1674-2052(24)00123-0. [PMID: 38664969 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sunita Pathak
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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9
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Maraldo A, Rnjak-Kovacina J, Marquis C. Tyrosine - a structural glue for hierarchical protein assembly. Trends Biochem Sci 2024:S0968-0004(24)00080-X. [PMID: 38653686 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Protein self-assembly, guided by the interplay of sequence- and environment-dependent liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), constitutes a fundamental process in the assembly of numerous intrinsically disordered proteins. Heuristic examination of these proteins has underscored the role of tyrosine residues, evident in their conservation and pivotal involvement in initiating LLPS and subsequent liquid-solid phase transitions (LSPT). The development of tyrosine-templated constructs, designed to mimic their natural counterparts, emerges as a promising strategy for creating adaptive, self-assembling systems with diverse applications. This review explores the central role of tyrosine in orchestrating protein self-assembly, delving into key interactions and examining its potential in innovative applications, including responsive biomaterials and bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Maraldo
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jelena Rnjak-Kovacina
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Christopher Marquis
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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10
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Dar F, Cohen SR, Mitrea DM, Phillips AH, Nagy G, Leite WC, Stanley CB, Choi JM, Kriwacki RW, Pappu RV. Biomolecular condensates form spatially inhomogeneous network fluids. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3413. [PMID: 38649740 PMCID: PMC11035652 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47602-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The functions of biomolecular condensates are thought to be influenced by their material properties, and these will be determined by the internal organization of molecules within condensates. However, structural characterizations of condensates are challenging, and rarely reported. Here, we deploy a combination of small angle neutron scattering, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to provide structural descriptions of model condensates that are formed by macromolecules from nucleolar granular components (GCs). We show that these minimal facsimiles of GCs form condensates that are network fluids featuring spatial inhomogeneities across different length scales that reflect the contributions of distinct protein and peptide domains. The network-like inhomogeneous organization is characterized by a coexistence of liquid- and gas-like macromolecular densities that engenders bimodality of internal molecular dynamics. These insights suggest that condensates formed by multivalent proteins share features with network fluids formed by systems such as patchy or hairy colloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furqan Dar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Samuel R Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Diana M Mitrea
- Dewpoint Therapeutics Inc., 451 D Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Aaron H Phillips
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Gergely Nagy
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Wellington C Leite
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Christopher B Stanley
- Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Jeong-Mo Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
| | - Richard W Kriwacki
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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11
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Hardy JC, Pool EH, Bruystens JGH, Zhou X, Li Q, Zhou DR, Palay M, Tan G, Chen L, Choi JLC, Lee HN, Strack S, Wang D, Taylor SS, Mehta S, Zhang J. Molecular determinants and signaling effects of PKA RIα phase separation. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1570-1584.e7. [PMID: 38537638 PMCID: PMC11031308 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular signaling molecules, such as the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA), ensures proper cellular function. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the ubiquitous PKA regulatory subunit RIα promotes cAMP compartmentation and signaling specificity. However, the molecular determinants of RIα LLPS remain unclear. Here, we reveal that two separate dimerization interfaces, combined with the cAMP-induced unleashing of the PKA catalytic subunit (PKA-C) from the pseudosubstrate inhibitory sequence, drive RIα condensate formation in the cytosol of mammalian cells, which is antagonized by docking to A-kinase anchoring proteins. Strikingly, we find that the RIα pseudosubstrate region is critically involved in forming a non-canonical R:C complex, which recruits active PKA-C to RIα condensates to maintain low basal PKA activity in the cytosol. Our results suggest that RIα LLPS not only facilitates cAMP compartmentation but also spatially restrains active PKA-C, thus highlighting the functional versatility of biomolecular condensates in driving signaling specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Hardy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Emily H Pool
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jessica G H Bruystens
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Qingrong Li
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daojia R Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Max Palay
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gerald Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lisa Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jaclyn L C Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ha Neul Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Stefan Strack
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Susan S Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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12
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Murai T. Transmembrane signaling through single-spanning receptors modulated by phase separation at the cell surface. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151413. [PMID: 38631097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of transmembrane signals are transduced by cell-surface receptors that activate intracellular signaling molecules. In particular, receptor clustering in the plasma membrane plays a critical role in these processes. Single-spanning or single-pass transmembrane proteins are among the most significant types of membrane receptors, which include adhesion receptors, such as integrins, CD44, cadherins, and receptor tyrosine kinases. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of the activity of these receptors is of great significance. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a recently emerging paradigm in cellular physiology for the ubiquitous regulation of the spatiotemporal dynamics of various signaling pathways. This study describes the emerging features of transmembrane signaling through single-spanning receptors from the perspective of phase separation. Possible physicochemical modulations of LLPS-based transmembrane signaling are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Murai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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13
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Fernando KS, Jahanmir G, Unarta IC, Chau Y. Multiscale Computational Framework for the Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:7607-7619. [PMID: 38546977 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The reversible assembly of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) to form membraneless organelles (MLOs) is a fundamental process involved in the spatiotemporal regulation in living cells. MLOs formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) serve as molecule-enhancing hubs to regulate cell functions. Owing to the complexity and dynamic nature of the protein assembly via a network of weak inter- and intra-molecular interactions, it is challenging to describe and predict the LLPS behavior. We have developed a multiscale computational model for IDPs, using the fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein and its variants as illustrative examples. To simplify the description of protein, FUS is represented as a linear chain of stickers interspaced by spacers, as inspired by the associative polymer theory. Low-complexity aromatic-rich kinked segments (LARKS) available in FUS were identified using LARKSdb and represented as "stickers". The pairwise potential energies of each pair of stickers and their β-sheet-forming propensity were estimated via molecular docking and all atomistic molecular dynamics (AA-MD) simulations. Subsequently, FUS chains were randomly positioned in a cubic lattice as coarse-grained (CG) beads, with the bead assignment based on the Kuhn length estimation of stickers and spacers. Stochastic FUS movements were modeled by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. In addition to the Metropolis algorithm, discretized pair potential distributions between stickers were considered in the move acceptance criteria. The chosen pair potential represents one of the possible binding energy states, with its probability determined by the frequency of the binding energy distribution histogram. The fluctuations of averaged radial distribution functions (RDFs) in successive MC trial move intervals of equilibrated lattice MC simulations were used to indicate the dynamic nature of assembly/disassembly of the protein chains. This multiscale computational framework provides an economical and efficient way of predicting and describing the LLPS behavior of IDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalindu S Fernando
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ghodsiehsadat Jahanmir
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ilona C Unarta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin─Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Ying Chau
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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14
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Li Z, Shen Q, Usher ET, Anderson AP, Iburg M, Lin R, Zimmer B, Meyer MD, Holehouse AS, You L, Chilkoti A, Dai Y, Lu GJ. Phase transition of GvpU regulates gas vesicle clustering in bacteria. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1021-1035. [PMID: 38553608 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01648-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Gas vesicles (GVs) are microbial protein organelles that support cellular buoyancy. GV engineering has multiple applications, including reporter gene imaging, acoustic control and payload delivery. GVs often cluster into a honeycomb pattern to minimize occupancy of the cytosol. The underlying molecular mechanism and the influence on cellular physiology remain unknown. Using genetic, biochemical and imaging approaches, here we identify GvpU from Priestia megaterium as a protein that regulates GV clustering in vitro and upon expression in Escherichia coli. GvpU binds to the C-terminal tail of the core GV shell protein and undergoes a phase transition to form clusters in subsaturated solution. These properties of GvpU tune GV clustering and directly modulate bacterial fitness. GV variants can be designed with controllable sensitivity to GvpU-mediated clustering, enabling design of genetically tunable biosensors. Our findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms and functional roles of GV clustering, enabling its programmability for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongru Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qionghua Shen
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emery T Usher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Manuel Iburg
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Richard Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brandon Zimmer
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew D Meyer
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lingchong You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Quantitative BioDesign, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Yifan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - George J Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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15
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Rekhi S, Garcia CG, Barai M, Rizuan A, Schuster BS, Kiick KL, Mittal J. Expanding the molecular language of protein liquid-liquid phase separation. Nat Chem 2024:10.1038/s41557-024-01489-x. [PMID: 38553587 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between a polypeptide sequence and its phase separation has important implications for analysing cellular function, treating disease and designing novel biomaterials. Several sequence features have been identified as drivers for protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), schematized as a 'molecular grammar' for LLPS. Here we further probe how sequence modulates phase separation and the material properties of the resulting condensates, targeting sequence features previously overlooked in the literature. We generate sequence variants of a repeat polypeptide with either no charged residues, high net charge, no glycine residues or devoid of aromatic or arginine residues. All but one of 12 variants exhibited LLPS, albeit to different extents, despite substantial differences in composition. Furthermore, we find that all the condensates formed behaved like viscous fluids, despite large differences in their viscosities. Our results support the model of multiple interactions between diverse residue pairs-not just a handful of residues-working in tandem to drive the phase separation and dynamics of condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Rekhi
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Mayur Barai
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Azamat Rizuan
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin S Schuster
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Kristi L Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Jeetain Mittal
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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16
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Qian D, Ausserwoger H, Sneideris T, Farag M, Pappu RV, Knowles TPJ. Dominance Analysis: A formalism to uncover dominant energetic contributions to biomolecular condensate formation in multicomponent systems. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.12.544666. [PMID: 38562796 PMCID: PMC10983860 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.12.544666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Phase separation in aqueous solutions of macromolecules is thought to underlie the generation of biomolecular condensates in cells. Condensates are membraneless bodies, representing dense, macromolecule-rich phases that coexist with the dilute, macromolecule-deficient phase. In cells, condensates comprise hundreds of different macromolecular and small molecule solutes. Do all components contribute equally or very differently to the driving forces for phase separation? Currently, we lack a coherent formalism to answer this question, a gap we remedy in this work through the introduction of a formalism we term energy dominance analysis. This approach rests on model-free analysis of shapes of the dilute arms of phase boundaries, slopes of tie lines, and changes to dilute phase concentrations in response to perturbations of concentrations of different solutes. We present the formalism that underlies dominance analysis, and establish its accuracy and flexibility by deploying it to analyse phase spaces probed in silico, in vitro , and in cellulo .
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17
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Mindel V, Brodsky S, Cohen A, Manadre W, Jonas F, Carmi M, Barkai N. Intrinsically disordered regions of the Msn2 transcription factor encode multiple functions using interwoven sequence grammars. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2260-2272. [PMID: 38109289 PMCID: PMC10954448 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are abundant in eukaryotic proteins, but their sequence-function relationship remains poorly understood. IDRs of transcription factors (TFs) can direct promoter selection and recruit coactivators, as shown for the budding yeast TF Msn2. To examine how IDRs encode both these functions, we compared genomic binding specificity, coactivator recruitment, and gene induction amongst a large set of designed Msn2-IDR mutants. We find that both functions depend on multiple regions across the > 600AA IDR. Yet, transcription activity was readily disrupted by mutations that showed no effect on the Msn2 binding specificity. Our data attribute this differential sensitivity to the integration of a relaxed, composition-based code directing binding specificity with a more stringent, motif-based code controlling the recruitment of coactivators and transcription activity. Therefore, Msn2 utilizes interwoven sequence grammars for encoding multiple functions, suggesting a new IDR design paradigm of potentially general use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Mindel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Sagie Brodsky
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Aileen Cohen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Wajd Manadre
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Felix Jonas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Miri Carmi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Naama Barkai
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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18
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Lee G, Kim S, Hwang DE, Eom YG, Jang G, Park HY, Choi JM, Ko J, Shin Y. Thermodynamic modulation of gephyrin condensation by inhibitory synapse components. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313236121. [PMID: 38466837 PMCID: PMC10963017 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313236121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase separation drives compartmentalization of intracellular contents into various biomolecular condensates. Individual condensate components are thought to differentially contribute to the organization and function of condensates. However, how intermolecular interactions among constituent biomolecules modulate the phase behaviors of multicomponent condensates remains unclear. Here, we used core components of the inhibitory postsynaptic density (iPSD) as a model system to quantitatively probe how the network of intra- and intermolecular interactions defines the composition and cellular distribution of biomolecular condensates. We found that oligomerization-driven phase separation of gephyrin, an iPSD-specific scaffold, is critically modulated by an intrinsically disordered linker region exhibiting minimal homotypic attractions. Other iPSD components, such as neurotransmitter receptors, differentially promote gephyrin condensation through distinct binding modes and affinities. We further demonstrated that the local accumulation of scaffold-binding proteins at the cell membrane promotes the nucleation of gephyrin condensates in neurons. These results suggest that in multicomponent systems, the extent of scaffold condensation can be fine-tuned by scaffold-binding factors, a potential regulatory mechanism for self-organized compartmentalization in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyehyun Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungjoon Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu42988, Republic of Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Eun Hwang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Gon Eom
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyubin Jang
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu42988, Republic of Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Park
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
| | - Jeong-Mo Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu42988, Republic of Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongdae Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
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19
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Li P, Chen P, Qi F, Shi J, Zhu W, Li J, Zhang P, Xie H, Li L, Lei M, Ren X, Wang W, Zhang L, Xiang X, Zhang Y, Gao Z, Feng X, Du W, Liu X, Xia L, Liu BF, Li Y. High-throughput and proteome-wide discovery of endogenous biomolecular condensates. Nat Chem 2024:10.1038/s41557-024-01485-1. [PMID: 38499848 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01485-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Phase separation inside mammalian cells regulates the formation of the biomolecular condensates that are related to gene expression, signalling, development and disease. However, a large population of endogenous condensates and their candidate phase-separating proteins have yet to be discovered in a quantitative and high-throughput manner. Here we demonstrate that endogenously expressed biomolecular condensates can be identified across a cell's proteome by sorting proteins across varying oligomeric states. We employ volumetric compression to modulate the concentrations of intracellular proteins and the degree of crowdedness, which are physical regulators of cellular biomolecular condensates. The changes in degree of the partition of proteins into condensates or phase separation led to varying oligomeric states of the proteins, which can be detected by coupling density gradient ultracentrifugation and quantitative mass spectrometry. In total, we identified 1,518 endogenous condensate proteins, of which 538 have not been reported before. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our strategy can identify condensate proteins that respond to specific biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjie Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fukang Qi
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jinyun Shi
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenjie Zhu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiashuo Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Han Xie
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lina Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengcheng Lei
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xueqing Ren
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenhui Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xufu Xiang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhaolong Gao
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaojun Feng
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei Du
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xin Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Yiwei Li
- The Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
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20
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Mondal S, Cui Q. Sequence Sensitivity in Membrane Remodeling by Polyampholyte Condensates. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:2087-2099. [PMID: 38407041 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c08149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered peptides (IDPs) have been found to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and produce complex coacervates that play numerous regulatory roles in the cell. Recent experimental studies have discovered that LLPS at or near the membrane surface helps in the biomolecular organization during signaling events and can significantly alter the membrane morphology. However, the molecular mechanism and microscopic details of such processes still remain unclear. Here we study the effect of polyampholyte and polyelectrolyte condensation on two different anionic membranes, as they represent a majority of naturally occurring IDPs. The polyampholytes are fifty-residue polymers, made of glutamate(E) and lysine(K) with different charge patterns. The polyelectrolytes are separate chains of E25 and K25. We first calibrate the MARTINI v3.0 force field and then perform long-time-scale coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. We find that condensates formed by all the polyampholytes get adsorbed on the membrane. However, the strong polyampholytes (i.e., blocky sequences) can remodel the membranes more prominently than the weaker ones (i.e., scrambled sequences). Condensates formed by the blocky sequences induce a significant negative curvature (∼0.1 nm-1) and local demixing of lipids, whereas those by the scrambled sequences tend to wet the membrane to a greater extent without generating significant curvature or demixing. We perform several microscopic analyses to characterize the nature of the interaction between membranes and these condensates. Our analyses of interaction energetics reveal that membrane remodeling and/or wetting are favored by enhanced interactions between polyampholytes with lipids and the counterions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Qiang Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Physics, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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21
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Das T, Zaidi F, Farag M, Ruff KM, Messing J, Taylor JP, Pappu RV, Mittag T. Metastable condensates suppress conversion to amyloid fibrils. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.28.582569. [PMID: 38464104 PMCID: PMC10925303 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.28.582569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Stress granules form via co-condensation of RNA binding proteins with prion-like low complexity domains (PLCDs) and RNA molecules released by stress-induced polysomal runoff. Homotypic interactions among PLCDs can drive amyloid fibril formation and this is enhanced by ALS-associated mutations. We find that homotypic interactions that drive condensation versus fibril formation are separable for A1-LCD, the PLCD of hnRNPA1. These separable interactions lead to condensates that are metastable versus fibrils that are globally stable. Metastable condensates suppress fibril formation, and ALS-associated mutations enhance fibril formation by weakening condensate metastability. Mutations designed to enhance A1-LCD condensate metastability restore wild-type behaviors of stress granules in cells even when ALS-associated mutations are present. This suggests that fibril formation can be suppressed by enhancing condensate metastability through condensate-driving interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapojyoti Das
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Fatima Zaidi
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mina Farag
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Kiersten M. Ruff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - James Messing
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - J. Paul Taylor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Rohit V. Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Tanja Mittag
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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22
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Maier J, Sieme D, Wong LE, Dar F, Wienands J, Becker S, Griesinger C. Quantitative description of the phase-separation behavior of the multivalent SLP65-CIN85 complex. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae079. [PMID: 38463037 PMCID: PMC10923291 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates play a major role in cell compartmentalization, besides membrane-enclosed organelles. The multivalent SLP65 and CIN85 proteins are proximal B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signal effectors and critical for proper immune responses. In association with intracellular vesicles, the two effector proteins form phase separated condensates prior to antigen stimulation, thereby preparing B lymphocytes for rapid and effective activation upon BCR ligation. Within this tripartite system, 6 proline-rich motifs (PRMs) of SLP65 interact promiscuously with 3 SH3 domains of the CIN85 monomer, establishing 18 individual SH3-PRM interactions whose individual dissociation constants we determined. Based on these 18 dissociation constants, we measured the phase-separation properties of the natural SLP65/CIN85 system as well as designer constructs that emphasize the strongest SH3/PRM interactions. By modeling these various SLP65/CIN85 constructs with the program LASSI (LAttice simulation engine for Sticker and Spacer Interactions), we reproduced the observed phase-separation properties. In addition, LASSI revealed a deviation in the experimental measurement, which was independently identified as a previously unknown intramolecular interaction. Thus, thermodynamic properties of the individual PRM/SH3 interactions allow us to model the phase-separation behavior of the SLP65/CIN85 system faithfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Maier
- Department of NMR Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Sieme
- Department of NMR Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Leo E Wong
- Department of NMR Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Furqan Dar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Jürgen Wienands
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Department of NMR Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Griesinger
- Department of NMR Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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23
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Lotthammer JM, Ginell GM, Griffith D, Emenecker RJ, Holehouse AS. Direct prediction of intrinsically disordered protein conformational properties from sequence. Nat Methods 2024; 21:465-476. [PMID: 38297184 PMCID: PMC10927563 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02159-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are ubiquitous across all domains of life and play a range of functional roles. While folded domains are generally well described by a stable three-dimensional structure, IDRs exist in a collection of interconverting states known as an ensemble. This structural heterogeneity means that IDRs are largely absent from the Protein Data Bank, contributing to a lack of computational approaches to predict ensemble conformational properties from sequence. Here we combine rational sequence design, large-scale molecular simulations and deep learning to develop ALBATROSS, a deep-learning model for predicting ensemble dimensions of IDRs, including the radius of gyration, end-to-end distance, polymer-scaling exponent and ensemble asphericity, directly from sequences at a proteome-wide scale. ALBATROSS is lightweight, easy to use and accessible as both a locally installable software package and a point-and-click-style interface via Google Colab notebooks. We first demonstrate the applicability of our predictors by examining the generalizability of sequence-ensemble relationships in IDRs. Then, we leverage the high-throughput nature of ALBATROSS to characterize the sequence-specific biophysical behavior of IDRs within and between proteomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Lotthammer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Garrett M Ginell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daniel Griffith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ryan J Emenecker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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24
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Sundaravadivelu Devarajan D, Wang J, Szała-Mendyk B, Rekhi S, Nikoubashman A, Kim YC, Mittal J. Sequence-dependent material properties of biomolecular condensates and their relation to dilute phase conformations. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1912. [PMID: 38429263 PMCID: PMC10907393 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46223-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Material properties of phase-separated biomolecular condensates, enriched with disordered proteins, dictate many cellular functions. Contrary to the progress made in understanding the sequence-dependent phase separation of proteins, little is known about the sequence determinants of condensate material properties. Using the hydropathy scale and Martini models, we computationally decipher these relationships for charge-rich disordered protein condensates. Our computations yield dynamical, rheological, and interfacial properties of condensates that are quantitatively comparable with experimentally characterized condensates. Interestingly, we find that the material properties of model and natural proteins respond similarly to charge segregation, despite different sequence compositions. Molecular interactions within the condensates closely resemble those within the single-chain ensembles. Consequently, the material properties strongly correlate with molecular contact dynamics and single-chain structural properties. We demonstrate the potential to harness the sequence characteristics of disordered proteins for predicting and engineering the material properties of functional condensates, with insights from the dilute phase properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Beata Szała-Mendyk
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Shiv Rekhi
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Arash Nikoubashman
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Young C Kim
- Center for Materials Physics and Technology, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, USA
| | - Jeetain Mittal
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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25
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Holehouse AS, Kragelund BB. The molecular basis for cellular function of intrinsically disordered protein regions. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:187-211. [PMID: 37957331 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00673-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered protein regions exist in a collection of dynamic interconverting conformations that lack a stable 3D structure. These regions are structurally heterogeneous, ubiquitous and found across all kingdoms of life. Despite the absence of a defined 3D structure, disordered regions are essential for cellular processes ranging from transcriptional control and cell signalling to subcellular organization. Through their conformational malleability and adaptability, disordered regions extend the repertoire of macromolecular interactions and are readily tunable by their structural and chemical context, making them ideal responders to regulatory cues. Recent work has led to major advances in understanding the link between protein sequence and conformational behaviour in disordered regions, yet the link between sequence and molecular function is less well defined. Here we consider the biochemical and biophysical foundations that underlie how and why disordered regions can engage in productive cellular functions, provide examples of emerging concepts and discuss how protein disorder contributes to intracellular information processing and regulation of cellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Birthe B Kragelund
- REPIN, Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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26
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Liao S, Zhang Y, Han X, Wang T, Wang X, Yan Q, Li Q, Qi Y, Zhang Z. A sequence-based model for identifying proteins undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation/forming fibril aggregates via machine learning. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4927. [PMID: 38380794 PMCID: PMC10880426 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the solid aggregate (also referred to as amyloid aggregates) formation of proteins, have gained significant attention in recent years due to their associations with various physiological and pathological processes in living organisms. The systematic investigation of the differences and connections between proteins undergoing LLPS and those forming amyloid fibrils at the sequence level has not yet been explored. In this research, we aim to address this gap by comparing the two types of proteins across 36 features using collected data available currently. The statistical comparison results indicate that, 24 of the selected 36 features exhibit significant difference between the two protein groups. A LLPS-Fibrils binary classification model built on these 24 features using random forest reveals that the fraction of intrinsically disordered residues (FIDR ) is identified as the most crucial feature. While, in the further three-class LLPS-Fibrils-Background classification model built on the same screened features, the composition of cysteine and that of leucine show more significant contributions than others. Through feature ablation analysis, we finally constructed a model FLFB (Feature-based LLPS-Fibrils-Background protein predictor) using six refined features, with an average area under the receiver operating characteristics of 0.83. This work indicates using sequence features and a machine learning model, proteins undergoing LLPS or forming amyloid fibrils can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaofeng Liao
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yujun Zhang
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xinchen Han
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Tinglan Wang
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xi Wang
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Qinglin Yan
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Qian Li
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yifei Qi
- School of PharmacyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhuqing Zhang
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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27
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Rana U, Xu K, Narayanan A, Walls MT, Panagiotopoulos AZ, Avalos JL, Brangwynne CP. Asymmetric oligomerization state and sequence patterning can tune multiphase condensate miscibility. Nat Chem 2024:10.1038/s41557-024-01456-6. [PMID: 38383656 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01456-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Endogenous biomolecular condensates, composed of a multitude of proteins and RNAs, can organize into multiphasic structures with compositionally distinct phases. This multiphasic organization is generally understood to be critical for facilitating their proper biological function. However, the biophysical principles driving multiphase formation are not completely understood. Here we use in vivo condensate reconstitution experiments and coarse-grained molecular simulations to investigate how oligomerization and sequence interactions modulate multiphase organization in biomolecular condensates. We demonstrate that increasing the oligomerization state of an intrinsically disordered protein results in enhanced immiscibility and multiphase formation. Interestingly, we find that oligomerization tunes the miscibility of intrinsically disordered proteins in an asymmetric manner, with the effect being more pronounced when the intrinsically disordered protein, exhibiting stronger homotypic interactions, is oligomerized. Our findings suggest that oligomerization is a flexible biophysical mechanism that cells can exploit to tune the internal organization of biomolecular condensates and their associated biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ushnish Rana
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Amal Narayanan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Mackenzie T Walls
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | - José L Avalos
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Clifford P Brangwynne
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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28
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Alshareedah I, Singh A, Yang S, Ramachandran V, Quinn A, Potoyan DA, Banerjee PR. Determinants of viscoelasticity and flow activation energy in biomolecular condensates. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi6539. [PMID: 38363841 PMCID: PMC10871536 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi6539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The form and function of biomolecular condensates are intimately linked to their material properties. Here, we integrate microrheology with molecular simulations to dissect the physical determinants of condensate fluid phase dynamics. By quantifying the timescales and energetics of network relaxation in a series of heterotypic viscoelastic condensates, we uncover distinctive roles of sticker motifs, binding energy, and chain length in dictating condensate dynamical properties. We find that the mechanical relaxation times of condensate-spanning networks are determined by both intermolecular interactions and chain length. We demonstrate, however, that the energy barrier for network reconfiguration, termed flow activation energy, is independent of chain length and only varies with the strengths of intermolecular interactions. Biomolecular diffusion in the dense phase depends on a complex interplay between viscoelasticity and flow activation energy. Our results illuminate distinctive roles of chain length and sequence-specific multivalent interactions underlying the complex material and transport properties of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anurag Singh
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Sean Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | | | - Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Davit A. Potoyan
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Priya R. Banerjee
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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29
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Martin EW, Iserman C, Olety B, Mitrea DM, Klein IA. Biomolecular Condensates as Novel Antiviral Targets. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168380. [PMID: 38061626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections pose a significant health risk worldwide. There is a pressing need for more effective antiviral drugs to combat emerging novel viruses and the reemergence of previously controlled viruses. Biomolecular condensates are crucial for viral replication and are promising targets for novel antiviral therapies. Herein, we review the role of biomolecular condensates in the viral replication cycle and discuss novel strategies to leverage condensate biology for antiviral drug discovery. Biomolecular condensates may also provide an opportunity to develop antivirals that are broad-spectrum or less prone to acquired drug resistance.
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30
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Wake N, Weng SL, Zheng T, Wang SH, Kirilenko V, Mittal J, Fawzi NL. Expanding the molecular grammar of polar residues and arginine in FUS prion-like domain phase separation and aggregation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.15.580391. [PMID: 38405719 PMCID: PMC10888811 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.15.580391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
A molecular grammar governing low-complexity prion-like domains phase separation (PS) has been proposed based on mutagenesis experiments that identified tyrosine and arginine as primary drivers of phase separation via aromatic-aromatic and aromatic-arginine interactions. Here we show that additional residues make direct favorable contacts that contribute to phase separation, highlighting the need to account for these contributions in PS theories and models. We find that tyrosine and arginine make important contacts beyond only tyrosine-tyrosine and tyrosine-arginine, including arginine-arginine contacts. Among polar residues, glutamine in particular contributes to phase separation with sequence/position-specificity, making contacts with both tyrosine and arginine as well as other residues, both before phase separation and in condensed phases. For glycine, its flexibility, not its small solvation volume, favors phase separation by allowing favorable contacts between other residues and inhibits the liquid-to-solid (LST) transition. Polar residue types also make sequence-specific contributions to aggregation that go beyond simple rules, which for serine positions is linked to formation of an amyloid-core structure by the FUS low-complexity domain. Hence, here we propose a revised molecular grammar expanding the role of arginine and polar residues in prion-like domain protein phase separation and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Wake
- Therapeutic Sciences Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Shuo-Lin Weng
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Tongyin Zheng
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Szu-Huan Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Valentin Kirilenko
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Jeetain Mittal
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Nicolas L Fawzi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
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31
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Dar F, Cohen SR, Mitrea DM, Phillips AH, Nagy G, Leite WC, Stanley CB, Choi JM, Kriwacki RW, Pappu RV. Biomolecular condensates form spatially inhomogeneous network fluids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.07.561338. [PMID: 37873180 PMCID: PMC10592670 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.07.561338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The functions of biomolecular condensates are thought to be influenced by their material properties, and these will be determined by the internal organization of molecules within condensates. However, structural characterizations of condensates are challenging, and rarely reported. Here, we deploy a combination of small angle neutron scattering, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to provide structural descriptions of model condensates that are formed by macromolecules from nucleolar granular components (GCs). We show that these minimal facsimiles of GCs form condensates that are network fluids featuring spatial inhomogeneities across different length scales that reflect the contributions of distinct protein and peptide domains. The network-like inhomogeneous organization is characterized by a coexistence of liquid- and gas-like macromolecular densities that engenders bimodality of internal molecular dynamics. These insights suggest that condensates formed by multivalent proteins share features with network fluids formed by systems such as patchy or hairy colloids.
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32
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Davis RB, Supakar A, Ranganath AK, Moosa MM, Banerjee PR. Heterotypic interactions can drive selective co-condensation of prion-like low-complexity domains of FET proteins and mammalian SWI/SNF complex. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1168. [PMID: 38326345 PMCID: PMC10850361 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44945-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Prion-like domains (PLDs) are low-complexity protein sequences enriched within nucleic acid-binding proteins including those involved in transcription and RNA processing. PLDs of FUS and EWSR1 play key roles in recruiting chromatin remodeler mammalian SWI/SNF (mSWI/SNF) complex to oncogenic FET fusion protein condensates. Here, we show that disordered low-complexity domains of multiple SWI/SNF subunits are prion-like with a strong propensity to undergo intracellular phase separation. These PLDs engage in sequence-specific heterotypic interactions with the PLD of FUS in the dilute phase at sub-saturation conditions, leading to the formation of PLD co-condensates. In the dense phase, homotypic and heterotypic PLD interactions are highly cooperative, resulting in the co-mixing of individual PLD phases and forming spatially homogeneous condensates. Heterotypic PLD-mediated positive cooperativity in protein-protein interaction networks is likely to play key roles in the co-phase separation of mSWI/SNF complex with transcription factors containing homologous low-complexity domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richoo B Davis
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Anushka Supakar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | | | | | - Priya R Banerjee
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
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33
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Brown WH, Potoyan DA. Phase separation of multicomponent peptide mixtures into dehydrated clusters with hydrophilic cores. Biophys J 2024; 123:349-360. [PMID: 38163950 PMCID: PMC10870168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase separation of biomolecules underlies the formation and regulation of various membraneless condensates in cells. How condensates function reliably while surrounded by heterogeneous and dynamic mixtures of biomolecular components with specific and nonspecific interactions is yet to be understood. Studying multicomponent biomolecular mixtures with designer peptides has recently become an attractive avenue for learning about physicochemical principles governing cellular condensates. In this work, we employed long-timescale atomistic simulations of multicomponent tripeptide mixtures with all residue substitutions to illuminate the nature of direct and water-mediated interactions in a prototypical cellular condensate environment. We find that peptide mixtures form clusters with inverse hydrophobic order. Most multivalent and charged residues are localized in the cluster's core, with a large fraction of nonaromatic hydrophobic residues remaining on the surface. This inverse hydrophobic order in peptide clusters is partly driven by the expulsion of nonspecifically bound water molecules following peptide cluster growth. The growth of clusters is also accompanied by the formation of increasing numbers of specific water-mediated interactions between polar and charged residues. While the present study focused on the condensation of short peptide motifs, the general findings and analysis techniques should be helpful for future studies on larger peptides and protein condensation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Davit A Potoyan
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa; Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
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34
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Welles RM, Sojitra KA, Garabedian MV, Xia B, Wang W, Guan M, Regy RM, Gallagher ER, Hammer DA, Mittal J, Good MC. Determinants that enable disordered protein assembly into discrete condensed phases. Nat Chem 2024:10.1038/s41557-023-01423-7. [PMID: 38316988 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01423-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cells harbour numerous mesoscale membraneless compartments that house specific biochemical processes and perform distinct cellular functions. These protein- and RNA-rich bodies are thought to form through multivalent interactions among proteins and nucleic acids, resulting in demixing via liquid-liquid phase separation. Proteins harbouring intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) predominate in membraneless organelles. However, it is not known whether IDR sequence alone can dictate the formation of distinct condensed phases. We identified a pair of IDRs capable of forming spatially distinct condensates when expressed in cells. When reconstituted in vitro, these model proteins do not co-partition, suggesting condensation specificity is encoded directly in the polypeptide sequences. Through computational modelling and mutagenesis, we identified the amino acids and chain properties governing homotypic and heterotypic interactions that direct selective condensation. These results form the basis of physicochemical principles that may direct subcellular organization of IDRs into specific condensates and reveal an IDR code that can guide construction of orthogonal membraneless compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Welles
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kandarp A Sojitra
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mikael V Garabedian
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Boao Xia
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wentao Wang
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Muyang Guan
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Graduate Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Roshan M Regy
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Gallagher
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel A Hammer
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Graduate Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jeetain Mittal
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Matthew C Good
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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35
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Tesei G, Trolle AI, Jonsson N, Betz J, Knudsen FE, Pesce F, Johansson KE, Lindorff-Larsen K. Conformational ensembles of the human intrinsically disordered proteome. Nature 2024; 626:897-904. [PMID: 38297118 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-07004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (collectively, IDRs) are pervasive across proteomes in all kingdoms of life, help to shape biological functions and are involved in numerous diseases. IDRs populate a diverse set of transiently formed structures and defy conventional sequence-structure-function relationships1. Developments in protein science have made it possible to predict the three-dimensional structures of folded proteins at the proteome scale2. By contrast, there is a lack of knowledge about the conformational properties of IDRs, partly because the sequences of disordered proteins are poorly conserved and also because only a few of these proteins have been characterized experimentally. The inability to predict structural properties of IDRs across the proteome has limited our understanding of the functional roles of IDRs and how evolution shapes them. As a supplement to previous structural studies of individual IDRs3, we developed an efficient molecular model to generate conformational ensembles of IDRs and thereby to predict their conformational properties from sequences4,5. Here we use this model to simulate nearly all of the IDRs in the human proteome. Examining conformational ensembles of 28,058 IDRs, we show how chain compaction is correlated with cellular function and localization. We provide insights into how sequence features relate to chain compaction and, using a machine-learning model trained on our simulation data, show the conservation of conformational properties across orthologues. Our results recapitulate observations from previous studies of individual protein systems and exemplify how to link-at the proteome scale-conformational ensembles with cellular function and localization, amino acid sequence, evolutionary conservation and disease variants. Our freely available database of conformational properties will encourage further experimental investigation and enable the generation of hypotheses about the biological roles and evolution of IDRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Tesei
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Anna Ida Trolle
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolas Jonsson
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johannes Betz
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frederik E Knudsen
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesco Pesce
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer E Johansson
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kresten Lindorff-Larsen
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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36
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Saikia B, Baruah A. Recent advances in de novo computational design and redesign of intrinsically disordered proteins and intrinsically disordered protein regions. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 752:109857. [PMID: 38097100 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In the early 2000s, the concept of "unstructured biology" has emerged to be an important field in protein science by generating various new research directions. Many novel strategies and methods have been developed that are focused on effectively identifying/predicting intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs), identifying their potential functions, disorder based drug design etc. Due to the range of functions of IDPs/IDPRs and their involvement in various debilitating diseases they are of contemporary interest to the scientific community. Recent researches are focused on designing/redesigning specific IDPs/IDPRs de novo. These de novo design/redesigns of IDPs/IDPRs are carried out by altering compositional biases and specific sequence patterning parameters. The main focus of these researches is to influence specific molecular functions, phase behavior, cellular phenotypes etc. In this review, we first provide the differences of natively folded and natively unfolded or IDPs with respect to their potential energy landscapes. Here, we provide current understandings on the different computational design strategies and methods that have been utilized in de novo design and redesigns of IDPs and IDPRs. Finally, we conclude the review by discussing the challenges that have been faced during the computational design/design attempts of IDPs/IDPRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bondeepa Saikia
- Department of Chemistry, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, 786004, Assam, India
| | - Anupaul Baruah
- Department of Chemistry, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, 786004, Assam, India.
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37
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Garg A, González-Foutel NS, Gielnik MB, Kjaergaard M. Design of functional intrinsically disordered proteins. Protein Eng Des Sel 2024; 37:gzae004. [PMID: 38431892 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Many proteins do not fold into a fixed three-dimensional structure, but rather function in a highly disordered state. These intrinsically disordered proteins pose a unique challenge to protein engineering and design: How can proteins be designed de novo if not by tailoring their structure? Here, we will review the nascent field of design of intrinsically disordered proteins with focus on applications in biotechnology and medicine. The design goals should not necessarily be the same as for de novo design of folded proteins as disordered proteins have unique functional strengths and limitations. We focus on functions where intrinsically disordered proteins are uniquely suited including disordered linkers, desiccation chaperones, sensors of the chemical environment, delivery of pharmaceuticals, and constituents of biomolecular condensates. Design of functional intrinsically disordered proteins relies on a combination of computational tools and heuristics gleaned from sequence-function studies. There are few cases where intrinsically disordered proteins have made it into industrial applications. However, we argue that disordered proteins can perform many roles currently performed by organic polymers, and that these proteins might be more designable due to their modularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Garg
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Maciej B Gielnik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Magnus Kjaergaard
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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38
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Devarajan DS, Wang J, Szała-Mendyk B, Rekhi S, Nikoubashman A, Kim YC, Mittal J. Sequence-Dependent Material Properties of Biomolecular Codensates and their Relation to Dilute Phase Conformations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.09.540038. [PMID: 37215004 PMCID: PMC10197689 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.09.540038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Material properties of phase-separated biomolecular assemblies, enriched with disordered proteins, dictate their ability to participate in many cellular functions. Despite the significant effort dedicated to understanding how the sequence of the disordered protein drives its phase separation to form condensates, little is known about the sequence determinants of condensate material properties. Here, we computationally decipher these relationships for charged disordered proteins using model sequences comprised of glutamic acid and lysine residues as well as naturally occurring sequences of LAF1's RGG domain and DDX4's N-terminal domain. We do so by delineating how the arrangement of oppositely charged residues within these sequences influences the dynamical, rheological, and interfacial properties of the condensed phase through equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular simulations using the hydropathy scale and Martini models. Our computations yield material properties that are quantitatively comparable with experimentally characterized condensate systems. Interestingly, we find that the material properties of both the model and natural proteins respond similarly to the segregation of charges, despite their very different sequence compositions. Condensates of the highly charge-segregated sequences exhibit slower dynamics than the uniformly charge-patterned sequences, because of their comparatively long-lived molecular contacts between oppositely charged residues. Surprisingly, the molecular interactions within the condensate are highly similar to those within a single-chain for all sequences. Consequently, the condensate material properties of charged disordered proteins are strongly correlated with their dense phase contact dynamics and their single-chain structural properties. Our findings demonstrate the potential to harness the sequence characteristics of disordered proteins for predicting and engineering the material properties of functional condensates, with insights from the dilute phase properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Beata Szała-Mendyk
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Shiv Rekhi
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Arash Nikoubashman
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Young C. Kim
- Center for Materials Physics and Technology, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States
| | - Jeetain Mittal
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
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39
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Chen J, Tsuchida A, Malay AD, Tsuchiya K, Masunaga H, Tsuji Y, Kuzumoto M, Urayama K, Shintaku H, Numata K. Replicating shear-mediated self-assembly of spider silk through microfluidics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:527. [PMID: 38225234 PMCID: PMC10789810 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44733-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of artificial spider silk with properties similar to native silk has been a challenging task in materials science. In this study, we use a microfluidic device to create continuous fibers based on recombinant MaSp2 spidroin. The strategy incorporates ion-induced liquid-liquid phase separation, pH-driven fibrillation, and shear-dependent induction of β-sheet formation. We find that a threshold shear stress of approximately 72 Pa is required for fiber formation, and that β-sheet formation is dependent on the presence of polyalanine blocks in the repetitive sequence. The MaSp2 fiber formed has a β-sheet content (29.2%) comparable to that of native dragline with a shear stress requirement of 111 Pa. Interestingly, the polyalanine blocks have limited influence on the occurrence of liquid-liquid phase separation and hierarchical structure. These results offer insights into the shear-induced crystallization and sequence-structure relationship of spider silk and have significant implications for the rational design of artificially spun fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Chen
- Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
- Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Arata Tsuchida
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ali D Malay
- Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kousuke Tsuchiya
- Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Masunaga
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1, Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo, 679-5198, Japan
| | - Yui Tsuji
- Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Mako Kuzumoto
- Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kenji Urayama
- Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shintaku
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Keiji Numata
- Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
- Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan.
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, 997-0017, Japan.
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40
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Zhang Y, Li S, Gong X, Chen J. Toward Accurate Simulation of Coupling between Protein Secondary Structure and Phase Separation. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:342-357. [PMID: 38112495 PMCID: PMC10842759 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) frequently mediate phase separation that underlies the formation of a biomolecular condensate. Together with theory and experiment, efficient coarse-grained (CG) simulations have been instrumental in understanding the sequence-specific phase separation of IDPs. However, the widely used Cα-only models are limited in capturing the peptide nature of IDPs, particularly backbone-mediated interactions and effects of secondary structures, in phase separation. Here, we describe a hybrid resolution (HyRes) protein model toward a more accurate description of the backbone and transient secondary structures in phase separation. With an atomistic backbone and coarse-grained side chains, HyRes can semiquantitatively capture the residue helical propensity and overall chain dimension of monomeric IDPs. Using GY-23 as a model system, we show that HyRes is efficient enough for the direct simulation of spontaneous phase separation and, at the same time, appears accurate enough to resolve the effects of single His to Lys mutations. HyRes simulations also successfully predict increased β-structure formation in the condensate, consistent with available experimental CD data. We further utilize HyRes to study the phase separation of TPD-43, where several disease-related mutants in the conserved region (CR) have been shown to affect residual helicities and modulate the phase separation propensity as measured by the saturation concentration. The simulations successfully recapitulate the effect of these mutants on the helicity and phase separation propensity of TDP-43 CR. Analyses reveal that the balance between backbone and side chain-mediated interactions, but not helicity itself, actually determines phase separation propensity. These results support that HyRes represents an effective protein model for molecular simulation of IDP phase separation and will help to elucidate the coupling between transient secondary structures and phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiping Gong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jianhan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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41
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Alshareedah I, Borcherds WM, Cohen SR, Singh A, Posey AE, Farag M, Bremer A, Strout GW, Tomares DT, Pappu RV, Mittag T, Banerjee PR. Sequence-specific interactions determine viscoelasticity and aging dynamics of protein condensates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.06.535902. [PMID: 37066350 PMCID: PMC10104120 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.06.535902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are viscoelastic materials. Here, we report results from investigations into molecular-scale determinants of sequence-encoded and age-dependent viscoelasticity of condensates formed by prion-like low-complexity domains (PLCDs). The terminally viscous forms of PLCD condensates are Maxwell fluids. Measured viscoelastic moduli of these condensates are reproducible using a Rouse-Zimm model that accounts for the network-like organization engendered by reversible physical crosslinks among PLCDs in the dense phase. Measurements and computations show that the strengths of aromatic inter-sticker interactions determine the sequence-specific amplitudes of elastic and viscous moduli as well as the timescales over which elastic properties dominate. PLCD condensates also undergo physical aging on sequence-specific timescales. This is driven by mutations to spacer residues that weaken the metastability of terminally viscous phases. The aging of PLCD condensates is accompanied by disorder-to-order transitions, leading to the formation of non-fibrillar, beta-sheet-containing, semi-crystalline, terminally elastic, Kelvin-Voigt solids. Our results suggest that sequence grammars, which refer to the identities of stickers versus spacers in PLCDs, have evolved to afford control over the metastabilities of terminally viscous fluid phases of condensates. This selection can, in some cases, render barriers for conversion from metastable fluids to globally stable solids to be insurmountable on functionally relevant timescales.
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42
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Marshall AC, Cummins J, Kobelke S, Zhu T, Widagdo J, Anggono V, Hyman A, Fox AH, Bond CS, Lee M. Different Low-complexity Regions of SFPQ Play Distinct Roles in the Formation of Biomolecular Condensates. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168364. [PMID: 37952770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Demixing of proteins and nucleic acids into condensed liquid phases is rapidly emerging as a ubiquitous mechanism underlying the complex spatiotemporal organisation of molecules within the cell. Long disordered regions of low sequence complexity (LCRs) are a common feature of proteins that form liquid-like microscopic biomolecular condensates. In particular, RNA-binding proteins with prion-like regions have emerged as key drivers of liquid demixing to form condensates such as nucleoli, paraspeckles and stress granules. Splicing factor proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ) is an RNA- and DNA-binding protein essential for DNA repair and paraspeckle formation. SFPQ contains two LCRs of different length and composition. Here, we show that the shorter C-terminal LCR of SFPQ is the main region responsible for the condensation of SFPQ in vitro and in the cell nucleus. In contrast, we find that the longer N-terminal prion-like LCR of SFPQ attenuates condensation of the full-length protein, suggesting a more regulatory role in preventing aberrant condensate formation in the cell. The compositions of these respective LCRs are discussed with reference to current literature. Our data add nuance to the emerging understanding of biomolecular condensation, by providing the first example of a common multifunctional nucleic acid-binding protein with an extensive prion-like region that serves to regulate rather than drive condensate formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Marshall
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jerry Cummins
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Simon Kobelke
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Tianyi Zhu
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jocelyn Widagdo
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Victor Anggono
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Anthony Hyman
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Archa H Fox
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Charles S Bond
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Mihwa Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
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43
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Wu T, King MR, Farag M, Pappu RV, Lew MD. Single fluorogen imaging reveals distinct environmental and structural features of biomolecular condensates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.26.525727. [PMID: 36747818 PMCID: PMC9900924 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent computations suggest that biomolecular condensates that form via macromolecular phase separation are network fluids featuring spatially inhomogeneous organization of the underlying molecules. Computations also point to unique conformations of molecules at condensate interfaces. Here, we test these predictions using high-resolution structural characterizations of condensates formed by intrinsically disordered prion-like low complexity domains (PLCDs). We leveraged the localization and orientational preferences of freely diffusing fluorogens and the solvatochromic effect whereby specific fluorogens are turned on in response to the physic-chemical properties of condensate microenvironments to facilitate single-molecule tracking and super-resolution imaging. We deployed three different fluorogens to probe internal microenvironments and molecular organization of PLCD condensates. The spatiotemporal resolution and environmental sensitivity afforded by single-fluorogen imaging shows that the internal environments of condensates are more hydrophobic than coexisting dilute phases. Molecules within condensates are organized in a spatially inhomogeneous manner featuring slow-moving nanoscale molecular clusters or hubs that coexist with fast-moving molecules. Finally, molecules at interfaces of condensates are found to have distinct orientational preferences when compared to the interiors. Our findings, which affirm computational predictions, help provide a structural basis for condensate viscoelasticity and dispel the notion of protein condensates being isotropic liquids defined by uniform internal densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wu
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Matthew R King
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Mina Farag
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Matthew D Lew
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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44
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Hardy JC, Pool EH, Bruystens JGH, Zhou X, Li Q, Zhou DR, Palay M, Tan G, Chen L, Choi JLC, Lee HN, Strack S, Wang D, Taylor SS, Mehta S, Zhang J. Molecular Determinants and Signaling Effects of PKA RIα Phase Separation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.10.570836. [PMID: 38168176 PMCID: PMC10760030 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.10.570836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular signaling molecules, such as the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA), ensures the specific execution of various cellular functions. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the ubiquitously expressed PKA regulatory subunit RIα was recently identified as a major driver of cAMP compartmentation and signaling specificity. However, the molecular determinants of RIα LLPS remain unclear. Here, we reveal that two separate dimerization interfaces combined with the cAMP-induced release of the PKA catalytic subunit (PKA-C) from the pseudosubstrate inhibitory sequence are required to drive RIα condensate formation in cytosol, which is antagonized by docking to A-kinase anchoring proteins. Strikingly, we find that the RIα pseudosubstrate region is critically involved in the formation of a non-canonical R:C complex, which serves to maintain low basal PKA activity in the cytosol by enabling the recruitment of active PKA-C to RIα condensates. Our results suggest that RIα LLPS not only facilitates cAMP compartmentation but also spatially restrains active PKA-C, thus highlighting the functional versatility of biomolecular condensates in driving signaling specificity.
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45
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Sementa D, Dave D, Fisher RS, Wang T, Elbaum-Garfinkle S, Ulijn RV. Sequence-Tunable Phase Behavior and Intrinsic Fluorescence in Dynamically Interacting Peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202311479. [PMID: 37934145 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202311479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
A conceptual framework towards understanding biological condensed phases is emerging, derived from biological, biomimetic, and synthetic sequences. However, de novo peptide condensate design remains a challenge due to an incomplete understanding of the structural and interactive complexity. We designed peptide modules based on a simple repeat motif composed of tripeptide spacers (GSG, SGS, GLG) interspersed with adhesive amino acids (R/H and Y). We show, using sequence editing and a combination of computation and experiment, that n→π* interactions in GLG backbones are a dominant factor in providing sufficient backbone structure, which in turn regulates the water interface, collectively promoting liquid droplet formation. Moreover, these R(GLG)Y and H(GLG)Y condensates unexpectedly display sequence-dependent emission that is a consequence of their non-covalent network interactions, and readily observable by confocal microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Sementa
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Dhwanit Dave
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry and Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rachel S Fisher
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Tong Wang
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Shana Elbaum-Garfinkle
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Rein V Ulijn
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry and Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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46
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Sahin C, Leppert A, Landreh M. Advances in mass spectrometry to unravel the structure and function of protein condensates. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:3653-3661. [PMID: 37907762 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00900-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-less organelles assemble through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of partially disordered proteins into highly specialized microenvironments. Currently, it is challenging to obtain a clear understanding of the relationship between the structure and function of phase-separated protein assemblies, owing to their size, dynamics and heterogeneity. In this Perspective, we discuss recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS) that offer several promising approaches for the study of protein LLPS. We survey MS tools that have provided valuable insights into other insoluble protein systems, such as amyloids, and describe how they can also be applied to study proteins that undergo LLPS. On the basis of these recent advances, we propose to integrate MS into the experimental workflow for LLPS studies. We identify specific challenges and future opportunities for the analysis of protein condensate structure and function by MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cagla Sahin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet-Biomedicum, Solna, Sweden.
- Structural Biology and NMR laboratory and the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Axel Leppert
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet-Biomedicum, Solna, Sweden
| | - Michael Landreh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet-Biomedicum, Solna, Sweden.
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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47
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Sood A, Zhang B. Preserving condensate structure and composition by lowering sequence complexity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.29.569249. [PMID: 38076908 PMCID: PMC10705451 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.569249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Biological condensates play a vital role in organizing cellular chemistry. They selectively partition biomolecules, preventing unwanted cross-talk and buffering against chemical noise. Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) serve as primary components of these condensates due to their flexibility and ability to engage in multivalent, non-specific interactions, leading to spontaneous aggregation. Theoretical advancements are critical at connecting IDP sequences with condensate emergent properties to establish the so-called molecular grammar. We proposed an extension to the stickers and spacers model, incorporating non-specific pairwise interactions between spacers alongside specific interactions among stickers. Our investigation revealed that while spacer interactions contribute to phase separation and co-condensation, their non-specific nature leads to disorganized condensates. Specific sticker-sticker interactions drive the formation of condensates with well-defined structures and molecular composition. We discussed how evolutionary pressures might emerge to affect these interactions, leading to the prevalence of low complexity domains in IDP sequences. These domains suppress spurious interactions and facilitate the formation of biologically meaningful condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amogh Sood
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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48
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Crabtree MD, Holland J, Pillai AS, Kompella PS, Babl L, Turner NN, Eaton JT, Hochberg GKA, Aarts DGAL, Redfield C, Baldwin AJ, Nott TJ. Ion binding with charge inversion combined with screening modulates DEAD box helicase phase transitions. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113375. [PMID: 37980572 PMCID: PMC10935546 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Membraneless organelles, or biomolecular condensates, enable cells to compartmentalize material and processes into unique biochemical environments. While specific, attractive molecular interactions are known to stabilize biomolecular condensates, repulsive interactions, and the balance between these opposing forces, are largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that repulsive and attractive electrostatic interactions regulate condensate stability, internal mobility, interfaces, and selective partitioning of molecules both in vitro and in cells. We find that signaling ions, such as calcium, alter repulsions between model Ddx3 and Ddx4 condensate proteins by directly binding to negatively charged amino acid sidechains and effectively inverting their charge, in a manner fundamentally dissimilar to electrostatic screening. Using a polymerization model combined with generalized stickers and spacers, we accurately quantify and predict condensate stability over a wide range of pH, salt concentrations, and amino acid sequences. Our model provides a general quantitative treatment for understanding how charge and ions reversibly control condensate stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Crabtree
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Jack Holland
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Arvind S Pillai
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Purnima S Kompella
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Leon Babl
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Noah N Turner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - James T Eaton
- Department of Chemistry, Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK; Kavli Insititute of Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Sherrington Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Georg K A Hochberg
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany; Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 14, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Dirk G A L Aarts
- Department of Chemistry, Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK
| | - Christina Redfield
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Andrew J Baldwin
- Department of Chemistry, Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK; Kavli Insititute of Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Sherrington Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
| | - Timothy J Nott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
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49
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Shi G, Schweizer KS. Theory of the center-of-mass diffusion and viscosity of microstructured and variable sequence copolymer liquids. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:8893-8910. [PMID: 37955602 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01193c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates formed through the phase separation of proteins and nucleic acids are widely observed, offering a fundamental means of organizing intracellular materials in a membrane-less fashion. Traditionally, these condensates have been regarded as homogeneous isotropic liquids. However, in analogy with some synthetic copolymer systems, our recent theoretical research has demonstrated that model biomolecular condensates can exhibit a microemulsion-like internal structure, contingent upon the specific sequence, inter-chain site-site interactions, and concentrated phase polymer density. Motivated by these considerations, here we present a microscopic dynamical theory for the self-diffusion constant and viscosity of a simpler class of model systems - concentrated unentangled A/B regular multiblock copolymer solutions. Our approach integrates static equilibrium local and microdomain scale structural information obtained from PRISM integral equation theory and the time evolution of the autocorrelation function of monomer scale forces at the center-of-mass level to determine the polymer diffusion constant and viscosity in a weak caging regime far from a glass or gel transition. We focus on regular multi-block systems both for simplicity and for its relevance to synthetic macromolecular science. The impact of sequence and inter-chain attraction strength on the slowing down of copolymer mass transport and flow due to local clustering enhanced collisional friction and emergent microdomain scale ordering are established. Analytic analysis and metrics employed in the study of biomolecular condensates are employed to identify key order parameters that quantity how attractive forces, packing structure, multiblock sequence, and copolymer density determine dynamical slowing down above and below the crossover to a fluctuating polymeric microemulsion state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Shi
- Department of Materials Science, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
| | - Kenneth S Schweizer
- Department of Materials Science, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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50
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Holland J, Castrejón-Pita AA, Tuinier R, Aarts DGAL, Nott TJ. Surface tension measurement and calculation of model biomolecular condensates. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:8706-8716. [PMID: 37791635 PMCID: PMC10663989 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00820g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The surface tension of liquid-like protein-rich biomolecular condensates is an emerging physical principle governing the mesoscopic interior organisation of biological cells. In this study, we present a method to evaluate the surface tension of model biomolecular condensates, through straighforward sessile drop measurements of capillary lengths and condensate densities. Our approach bypasses the need for characterizing condensate viscosities, which was required in previously reported techniques. We demonstrate this method using model condensates comprising two mutants of the intrinsically disordered protein Ddx4N. Notably, we uncover a detrimental impact of increased protein net charge on the surface tension of Ddx4N condensates. Furthermore, we explore the application of Scheutjens-Fleer theory, calculating condensate surface tensions through a self-consistent mean-field framework using Flory-Huggins interaction parameters. This relatively simple theory provides semi-quantitative accuracy in predicting Ddx4N condensate surface tensions and enables the evaluation of molecular organisation at condensate surfaces. Our findings shed light on the molecular details of fluid-fluid interfaces in biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Holland
- Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK.
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
| | | | - Remco Tuinier
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry & Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk G A L Aarts
- Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK.
| | - Timothy J Nott
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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