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Gasior KI, Cogan NG. Untangling the Molecular Interactions Underlying Intracellular Phase Separation Using Combined Global Sensitivity Analyses. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:60. [PMID: 38641666 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01288-y] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation is an intracellular mechanism by which molecules, usually proteins and RNAs, interact and then rapidly demix from the surrounding matrix to form membrane-less compartments necessary for cellular function. Occurring in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus, properties of the resulting droplets depend on a variety of characteristics specific to the molecules involved, such as valency, density, and diffusion within the crowded environment. Capturing these complexities in a biologically relevant model is difficult. To understand the nuanced dynamics between proteins and RNAs as they interact and form droplets, as well as the impact of these interactions on the resulting droplet properties, we turn to sensitivity analysis. In this work, we examine a previously published mathematical model of two RNA species competing for the same protein-binding partner. We use the combined analyses of Morris Method and Sobol' sensitivity analysis to understand the impact of nine molecular parameters, subjected to three different initial conditions, on two observable LLPS outputs: the time of phase separation and the composition of the droplet field. Morris Method is a screening method capable of highlighting the most important parameters impacting a given output, while the variance-based Sobol' analysis can quantify both the importance of a given parameter, as well as the other model parameters it interacts with, to produce the observed phenomena. Combining these two techniques allows Morris Method to identify the most important dynamics and circumvent the large computational expense associated with Sobol', which then provides more nuanced information about parameter relationships. Together, the results of these combined methodologies highlight the complicated protein-RNA relationships underlying both the time of phase separation and the composition of the droplet field. Sobol' sensitivity analysis reveals that observed spatial and temporal dynamics are due, at least in part, to high-level interactions between multiple (3+) parameters. Ultimately, this work discourages using a single measurement to extrapolate the value of any single rate or parameter value, while simultaneously establishing a framework in which to analyze and assess the impact of these small-scale molecular interactions on large-scale droplet properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey I Gasior
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Nicholas G Cogan
- Department of Mathematics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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52
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Guan S, Tang J, Ma X, Miao R, Cheng B. CBX7C⋅PHC2 interaction facilitates PRC1 assembly and modulates its phase separation properties. iScience 2024; 27:109548. [PMID: 38600974 PMCID: PMC11004992 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
CBX7 is a key component of PRC1 complex. Cbx7C is an uncharacterized Cbx7 splicing isoform specifically expressed in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). We demonstrate that CBX7C functions as an epigenetic repressor at the classic PRC1 targets in mESCs, and its preferential interaction to PHC2 facilitates PRC1 assembly. Both Cbx7C and Phc2 are significantly upregulated during cell differentiation, and knockdown of Cbx7C abolishes the differentiation of mESCs to embryoid bodies. Interestingly, CBX7C⋅PHC2 interaction at low levels efficiently undergoes the formation of functional Polycomb bodies with high mobility, whereas the coordination of the two factors at high doses results in the formation of large, low-mobility, chromatin-free aggregates. Overall, these findings uncover the unique roles and molecular basis of the CBX7C⋅PHC2 interaction in PRC1 assembly on chromatin and Pc body formation and open a new avenue of controlling PRC1 activities via modulation of its phase separation properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanli Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Jiajia Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojun Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Ruidong Miao
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Bo Cheng
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P.R. China
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53
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Gil-Garcia M, Benítez-Mateos AI, Papp M, Stoffel F, Morelli C, Normak K, Makasewicz K, Faltova L, Paradisi F, Arosio P. Local environment in biomolecular condensates modulates enzymatic activity across length scales. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3322. [PMID: 38637545 PMCID: PMC11026464 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47435-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: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that underlie the regulation of enzymatic reactions by biomolecular condensates and how they scale with compartment size remain poorly understood. Here we use intrinsically disordered domains as building blocks to generate programmable enzymatic condensates of NADH-oxidase (NOX) with different sizes spanning from nanometers to microns. These disordered domains, derived from three distinct RNA-binding proteins, each possessing different net charge, result in the formation of condensates characterized by a comparable high local concentration of the enzyme yet within distinct environments. We show that only condensates with the highest recruitment of substrate and cofactor exhibit an increase in enzymatic activity. Notably, we observe an enhancement in enzymatic rate across a wide range of condensate sizes, from nanometers to microns, indicating that emergent properties of condensates can arise within assemblies as small as nanometers. Furthermore, we show a larger rate enhancement in smaller condensates. Our findings demonstrate the ability of condensates to modulate enzymatic reactions by creating distinct effective solvent environments compared to the surrounding solution, with implications for the design of protein-based heterogeneous biocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Gil-Garcia
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana I Benítez-Mateos
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marcell Papp
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florence Stoffel
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Morelli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karl Normak
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Makasewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lenka Faltova
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Paradisi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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54
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Lee M, Moon HC, Jeong H, Kim DW, Park HY, Shin Y. Optogenetic control of mRNA condensation reveals an intimate link between condensate material properties and functions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3216. [PMID: 38622120 PMCID: PMC11018775 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47442-x] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates, often assembled through phase transition mechanisms, play key roles in organizing diverse cellular activities. The material properties of condensates, ranging from liquid droplets to solid-like glasses or gels, are key features impacting the way resident components associate with one another. However, it remains unclear whether and how different material properties would influence specific cellular functions of condensates. Here, we combine optogenetic control of phase separation with single-molecule mRNA imaging to study relations between phase behaviors and functional performance of condensates. Using light-activated condensation, we show that sequestering target mRNAs into condensates causes translation inhibition. Orthogonal mRNA imaging reveals highly transient nature of interactions between individual mRNAs and condensates. Tuning condensate composition and material property towards more solid-like states leads to stronger translational repression, concomitant with a decrease in molecular mobility. We further demonstrate that β-actin mRNA sequestration in neurons suppresses spine enlargement during chemically induced long-term potentiation. Our work highlights how the material properties of condensates can modulate functions, a mechanism that may play a role in fine-tuning the output of condensate-driven cellular activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyungseok C Moon
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeonjeong Jeong
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Dong Wook Kim
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Park
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
| | - Yongdae Shin
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
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55
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Rana U, Wingreen NS, Brangwynne CP, Panagiotopoulos AZ. Interfacial exchange dynamics of biomolecular condensates are highly sensitive to client interactions. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:145102. [PMID: 38591689 PMCID: PMC11006425 DOI: 10.1063/5.0188461] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase separation of biomolecules can facilitate their spatiotemporally regulated self-assembly within living cells. Due to the selective yet dynamic exchange of biomolecules across condensate interfaces, condensates can function as reactive hubs by concentrating enzymatic components for faster kinetics. The principles governing this dynamic exchange between condensate phases, however, are poorly understood. In this work, we systematically investigate the influence of client-sticker interactions on the exchange dynamics of protein molecules across condensate interfaces. We show that increasing affinity between a model protein scaffold and its client molecules causes the exchange of protein chains between the dilute and dense phases to slow down and that beyond a threshold interaction strength, this slowdown in exchange becomes substantial. Investigating the impact of interaction symmetry, we found that chain exchange dynamics are also considerably slower when client molecules interact equally with different sticky residues in the protein. The slowdown of exchange is due to a sequestration effect, by which there are fewer unbound stickers available at the interface to which dilute phase chains may attach. These findings highlight the fundamental connection between client-scaffold interaction networks and condensate exchange dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ushnish Rana
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Ned S. Wingreen
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics and Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
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56
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King MR, Ruff KM, Lin AZ, Pant A, Farag M, Lalmansingh JM, Wu T, Fossat MJ, Ouyang W, Lew MD, Lundberg E, Vahey MD, Pappu RV. Macromolecular condensation organizes nucleolar sub-phases to set up a pH gradient. Cell 2024; 187:1889-1906.e24. [PMID: 38503281 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.029] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Nucleoli are multicomponent condensates defined by coexisting sub-phases. We identified distinct intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), including acidic (D/E) tracts and K-blocks interspersed by E-rich regions, as defining features of nucleolar proteins. We show that the localization preferences of nucleolar proteins are determined by their IDRs and the types of RNA or DNA binding domains they encompass. In vitro reconstitutions and studies in cells showed how condensation, which combines binding and complex coacervation of nucleolar components, contributes to nucleolar organization. D/E tracts of nucleolar proteins contribute to lowering the pH of co-condensates formed with nucleolar RNAs in vitro. In cells, this sets up a pH gradient between nucleoli and the nucleoplasm. By contrast, juxta-nucleolar bodies, which have different macromolecular compositions, featuring protein IDRs with very different charge profiles, have pH values that are equivalent to or higher than the nucleoplasm. Our findings show that distinct compositional specificities generate distinct physicochemical properties for condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kiersten M Ruff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Andrew Z Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Avnika Pant
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mina Farag
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jared M Lalmansingh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tingting Wu
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Martin J Fossat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Wei Ouyang
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Science for Life Laboratory, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew D Lew
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, James F. McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Emma Lundberg
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Science for Life Laboratory, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael D Vahey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, James McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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57
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Hadži S, Živič Z, Kovačič M, Zavrtanik U, Haesaerts S, Charlier D, Plavec J, Volkov AN, Lah J, Loris R. Fuzzy recognition by the prokaryotic transcription factor HigA2 from Vibrio cholerae. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3105. [PMID: 38600130 PMCID: PMC11006873 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47296-3] [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: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Disordered protein sequences can exhibit different binding modes, ranging from well-ordered folding-upon-binding to highly dynamic fuzzy binding. The primary function of the intrinsically disordered region of the antitoxin HigA2 from Vibrio cholerae is to neutralize HigB2 toxin through ultra-high-affinity folding-upon-binding interaction. Here, we show that the same intrinsically disordered region can also mediate fuzzy interactions with its operator DNA and, through interplay with the folded helix-turn-helix domain, regulates transcription from the higBA2 operon. NMR, SAXS, ITC and in vivo experiments converge towards a consistent picture where a specific set of residues in the intrinsically disordered region mediate electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions while "hovering" over the DNA operator. Sensitivity of the intrinsically disordered region to scrambling the sequence, position-specific contacts and absence of redundant, multivalent interactions, point towards a more specific type of fuzzy binding. Our work demonstrates how a bacterial regulator achieves dual functionality by utilizing two distinct interaction modes within the same disordered sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- San Hadži
- Structural Biology Brussels, Department of Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Zala Živič
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matic Kovačič
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova, 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Zavrtanik
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sarah Haesaerts
- Structural Biology Brussels, Department of Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Daniel Charlier
- Research group of Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova, 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexander N Volkov
- Structural Biology Brussels, Department of Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Jean Jeener NMR Centre, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jurij Lah
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Remy Loris
- Structural Biology Brussels, Department of Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
- Centre for Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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58
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Chen D, Shi C, Xu W, Rong Q, Wu Q. Regulation of phase separation and antiviral activity of Cactin by glycolytic enzyme PGK via phosphorylation in Drosophila. mBio 2024; 15:e0137823. [PMID: 38446061 PMCID: PMC11005415 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01378-23] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays a crucial role in various biological processes in eukaryotic organisms, including immune responses in mammals. However, the specific function of LLPS in immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster remains poorly understood. Cactin, a highly conserved protein in eukaryotes, is involved in a non-canonical signaling pathway associated with Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-related pathways in Drosophila. In this study, we investigated the role of Cactin in LLPS and its implications for immune response modulation. We discovered that Cactin undergoes LLPS, forming droplet-like particles, primarily mediated by its intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Utilizing immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis, we identified two phosphorylation sites at serine residues 99 and 104 within the IDR1 domain of Cactin. Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry further revealed phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) as a Cactin-interacting protein responsible for regulating its phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of Cactin by PGK induced a transition from stable aggregates to dynamic liquid droplets, enhancing its ability to interact with other components in the cellular environment. Overexpression of PGK inhibited Drosophila C virus (DCV) replication, while PGK knockdown increased replication. DCV infection also increased Cactin phosphorylation. We also found that phosphorylation enhances the antiviral ability of Cactin by promoting liquid-phase droplet formation. These findings demonstrate the role of Cactin-phase separation in regulating DCV replication and highlight the modulation of its antiviral function through phosphorylation, providing insights into the interplay between LLPS and antiviral defense mechanisms. IMPORTANCE Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays an integral role in various biological processes in eukaryotic organisms. Although several studies have highlighted its crucial role in modulating immune responses in mammals, its function in immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster remains poorly understood. Our study investigated the role of Cactin in LLPS and its implications for immune response modulation. We identified that phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), an essential enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, phosphorylates Cactin, facilitating its transition from a relatively stable aggregated state to a more dynamic liquid droplet phase during the phase separation process. This transformation allows Cactin to rapidly interact with other cellular components, enhancing its antiviral properties and ultimately inhibiting virus replication. These findings expand our understanding of the role of LLPS in the antiviral defense mechanism, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying immune responses in D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchao Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqi Rong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qingfa Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Pharmaceutical Preparations and Clinical Pharmacy, Hefei, Anhui, China
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59
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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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60
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Maneix L, Iakova P, Lee CG, Moree SE, Lu X, Datar GK, Hill CT, Spooner E, King JCK, Sykes DB, Saez B, Di Stefano B, Chen X, Krause DS, Sahin E, Tsai FTF, Goodell MA, Berk BC, Scadden DT, Catic A. Cyclophilin A supports translation of intrinsically disordered proteins and affects haematopoietic stem cell ageing. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:593-603. [PMID: 38553595 PMCID: PMC11021199 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01387-x] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Loss of protein function is a driving force of ageing. We have identified peptidyl-prolyl isomerase A (PPIA or cyclophilin A) as a dominant chaperone in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Depletion of PPIA accelerates stem cell ageing. We found that proteins with intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are frequent PPIA substrates. IDRs facilitate interactions with other proteins or nucleic acids and can trigger liquid-liquid phase separation. Over 20% of PPIA substrates are involved in the formation of supramolecular membrane-less organelles. PPIA affects regulators of stress granules (PABPC1), P-bodies (DDX6) and nucleoli (NPM1) to promote phase separation and increase cellular stress resistance. Haematopoietic stem cell ageing is associated with a post-transcriptional decrease in PPIA expression and reduced translation of IDR-rich proteins. Here we link the chaperone PPIA to the synthesis of intrinsically disordered proteins, which indicates that impaired protein interaction networks and macromolecular condensation may be potential determinants of haematopoietic stem cell ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Maneix
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program at the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Polina Iakova
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program at the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Charles G Lee
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shannon E Moree
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program at the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xuan Lu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gandhar K Datar
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cedric T Hill
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric Spooner
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jordon C K King
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program at the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David B Sykes
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Borja Saez
- Center for Applied Medical Research, Hematology-Oncology Unit, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Bruno Di Stefano
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program at the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniela S Krause
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ergun Sahin
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Francis T F Tsai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Margaret A Goodell
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program at the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bradford C Berk
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - David T Scadden
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - André Catic
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Cell and Gene Therapy Program at the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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61
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Lim S, Clark DS. Phase-separated biomolecular condensates for biocatalysis. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:496-509. [PMID: 37925283 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.10.003] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Nature often uses dynamically assembling multienzymatic complexes called metabolons to achieve spatiotemporal control of complex metabolic reactions. Researchers are aiming to mimic this strategy of organizing enzymes to enhance the performance of artificial biocatalytic systems. Biomolecular condensates formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) can serve as a powerful tool to drive controlled assembly of enzymes. Diverse enzymatic pathways have been reconstituted within catalytic condensates in vitro as well as synthetic membraneless organelles in living cells. Furthermore, in vivo condensates have been engineered to regulate metabolic pathways by selectively sequestering enzymes. Thus, harnessing LLPS for controlled organization of enzymes provides an opportunity to dynamically regulate biocatalytic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lim
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Douglas S Clark
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA..
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62
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Meier SM, Steinmetz MO, Barral Y. Microtubule specialization by +TIP networks: from mechanisms to functional implications. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:318-332. [PMID: 38350804 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.005] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
To fulfill their actual cellular role, individual microtubules become functionally specialized through a broad range of mechanisms. The 'search and capture' model posits that microtubule dynamics and functions are specified by cellular targets that they capture (i.e., a posteriori), independently of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) they emerge from. However, work in budding yeast indicates that MTOCs may impart a functional identity to the microtubules they nucleate, a priori. Key effectors in this process are microtubule plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs), which track microtubule tips to regulate their dynamics and facilitate their targeted interactions. In this review, we discuss potential mechanisms of a priori microtubule specialization, focusing on recent findings indicating that +TIP networks may undergo liquid biomolecular condensation in different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro M Meier
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, and Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland; Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michel O Steinmetz
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland; University of Basel, Biozentrum, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Yves Barral
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, and Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zürich, Switzerland; Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zürich, Switzerland.
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63
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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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64
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Guo D, Xiong Y, Fu B, Sha Z, Li B, Wu H. Liquid-Liquid phase separation in bacteria. Microbiol Res 2024; 281:127627. [PMID: 38262205 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127627] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Cells are the essential building blocks of living organisms, responsible for carrying out various biochemical reactions and performing specific functions. In eukaryotic cells, numerous membrane organelles have evolved to facilitate these processes by providing specific spatial locations. In recent years, it has also been discovered that membraneless organelles play a crucial role in the subcellular organization of bacteria, which are single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms characterized by their simple structure and small size. These membraneless organelles in bacteria have been found to undergo Liquid-Liquid phase separation (LLPS), a molecular mechanism that allows for their assembly. Through extensive research, the occurrence of LLPS and its role in the spatial organization of bacteria have been better understood. Various biomacromolecules have been identified to exhibit LLPS properties in different bacterial species. LLPS which is introduced into synthetic biology applies to bacteria has important implications, and three recent research reports have shed light on its potential applications in this field. Overall, this review investigates the molecular mechanisms of LLPS occurrence and its significance in bacteria while also considering the future prospects of implementing LLPS in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Beibei Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhou Sha
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Bohao Li
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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65
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Valyaeva AA, Sheval EV. Nonspecific Interactions in Transcription Regulation and Organization of Transcriptional Condensates. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:688-700. [PMID: 38831505 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924040084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells are characterized by a high degree of compartmentalization of their internal contents, which ensures precise and controlled regulation of intracellular processes. During many processes, including different stages of transcription, dynamic membraneless compartments termed biomolecular condensates are formed. Transcription condensates contain various transcription factors and RNA polymerase and are formed by high- and low-specificity interactions between the proteins, DNA, and nearby RNA. This review discusses recent data demonstrating important role of nonspecific multivalent protein-protein and RNA-protein interactions in organization and regulation of transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Valyaeva
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Eugene V Sheval
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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66
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Alfano C, Fichou Y, Huber K, Weiss M, Spruijt E, Ebbinghaus S, De Luca G, Morando MA, Vetri V, Temussi PA, Pastore A. Molecular Crowding: The History and Development of a Scientific Paradigm. Chem Rev 2024; 124:3186-3219. [PMID: 38466779 PMCID: PMC10979406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
It is now generally accepted that macromolecules do not act in isolation but "live" in a crowded environment, that is, an environment populated by numerous different molecules. The field of molecular crowding has its origins in the far 80s but became accepted only by the end of the 90s. In the present issue, we discuss various aspects that are influenced by crowding and need to consider its effects. This Review is meant as an introduction to the theme and an analysis of the evolution of the crowding concept through time from colloidal and polymer physics to a more biological perspective. We introduce themes that will be more thoroughly treated in other Reviews of the present issue. In our intentions, each Review may stand by itself, but the complete collection has the aspiration to provide different but complementary perspectives to propose a more holistic view of molecular crowding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Alfano
- Structural
Biology and Biophysics Unit, Fondazione
Ri.MED, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Yann Fichou
- CNRS,
Bordeaux INP, CBMN UMR 5248, IECB, University
of Bordeaux, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Klaus Huber
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Paderborn, 33098 Paderborn, Germany
| | - Matthias Weiss
- Experimental
Physics I, Physics of Living Matter, University
of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Evan Spruijt
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Ebbinghaus
- Lehrstuhl
für Biophysikalische Chemie and Research Center Chemical Sciences
and Sustainability, Research Alliance Ruhr, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Giuseppe De Luca
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Vetri
- Dipartimento
di Fisica e Chimica − Emilio Segrè, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Pastore
- King’s
College London, Denmark
Hill Campus, SE5 9RT London, United Kingdom
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67
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Wegeng WR, Bogus SM, Ruiz M, Chavez SR, Noori KSM, Niesman IR, Ernst AM. A Hollow TFG Condensate Spatially Compartmentalizes the Early Secretory Pathway. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.26.586876. [PMID: 38585729 PMCID: PMC10996658 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.26.586876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
In the early secretory pathway, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi membranes form a nearly spherical interface. In this ribosome-excluding zone, bidirectional transport of cargo coincides with a spatial segregation of anterograde and retrograde carriers by an unknown mechanism. We show that at physiological conditions, Trk-fused gene (TFG) self-organizes to form a hollow, anisotropic condensate that matches the dimensions of the ER-Golgi interface. Regularly spaced hydrophobic residues in TFG control the condensation mechanism and result in a porous condensate surface. We find that TFG condensates act as a molecular sieve, enabling molecules corresponding to the size of anterograde coats (COPII) to access the condensate interior while restricting retrograde coats (COPI). We propose that a hollow TFG condensate structures the ER-Golgi interface to create a diffusion-limited space for bidirectional transport. We further propose that TFG condensates optimize membrane flux by insulating secretory carriers in their lumen from retrograde carriers outside TFG cages.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R. Wegeng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Savannah M. Bogus
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Miguel Ruiz
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Sindy R. Chavez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Khalid S. M. Noori
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Ingrid R. Niesman
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182 USA
| | - Andreas M. Ernst
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
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68
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Sun J, Qu J, Zhao C, Zhang X, Liu X, Wang J, Wei C, Liu X, Wang M, Zeng P, Tang X, Ling X, Qing L, Jiang S, Chen J, Chen TSR, Kuang Y, Gao J, Zeng X, Huang D, Yuan Y, Fan L, Yu H, Ding J. Precise prediction of phase-separation key residues by machine learning. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2662. [PMID: 38531854 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46901-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding intracellular phase separation is crucial for deciphering transcriptional control, cell fate transitions, and disease mechanisms. However, the key residues, which impact phase separation the most for protein phase separation function have remained elusive. We develop PSPHunter, which can precisely predict these key residues based on machine learning scheme. In vivo and in vitro validations demonstrate that truncating just 6 key residues in GATA3 disrupts phase separation, enhancing tumor cell migration and inhibiting growth. Glycine and its motifs are enriched in spacer and key residues, as revealed by our comprehensive analysis. PSPHunter identifies nearly 80% of disease-associated phase-separating proteins, with frequent mutated pathological residues like glycine and proline often residing in these key residues. PSPHunter thus emerges as a crucial tool to uncover key residues, facilitating insights into phase separation mechanisms governing transcriptional control, cell fate transitions, and disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiale Qu
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cai Zhao
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyao Zhang
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia Wang
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Chao Wei
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mulan Wang
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Pengguihang Zeng
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiuxiao Tang
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoru Ling
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Qing
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaoshuai Jiang
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahao Chen
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tara S R Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Yalan Kuang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinhang Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zeng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dongfeng Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Lili Fan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Haopeng Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Junjun Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China.
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69
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Jia L, Gao S, Qiao Y. Optical Control over Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2301724. [PMID: 38530063 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is responsible for the emergence of intracellular membrane-less organelles and the development of coacervate protocells. Benefitting from the advantages of simplicity, precision, programmability, and noninvasiveness, light has become an effective tool to regulate the assembly dynamics of LLPS, and mediate various biochemical processes associated with LLPS. In this review, recent advances in optically controlling membrane-less organelles within living organisms are summarized, thereby modulating a series of biological processes including irreversible protein aggregation pathologies, transcription activation, metabolic flux, genomic rearrangements, and enzymatic reactions. Among these, the intracellular systems (i.e., optoDroplet, Corelet, PixELL, CasDrop, and other optogenetic systems) that enable the photo-mediated control over biomolecular condensation are highlighted. The design of photoactive complex coacervate protocells in laboratory settings by utilizing photochromic molecules such as azobenzene and diarylethene is further discussed. This review is expected to provide in-depth insights into phase separation-associated biochemical processes, bio-metabolism, and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Jia
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Orthopedic, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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70
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Tariq D, Maurici N, Bartholomai BM, Chandrasekaran S, Dunlap JC, Bah A, Crane BR. Phosphorylation, disorder, and phase separation govern the behavior of Frequency in the fungal circadian clock. eLife 2024; 12:RP90259. [PMID: 38526948 PMCID: PMC10963029 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90259] [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] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks are composed of transcription-translation negative feedback loops that pace rhythms of gene expression to the diurnal cycle. In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, the proteins Frequency (FRQ), the FRQ-interacting RNA helicase (FRH), and Casein-Kinase I (CK1) form the FFC complex that represses expression of genes activated by the white-collar complex (WCC). FRQ orchestrates key molecular interactions of the clock despite containing little predicted tertiary structure. Spin labeling and pulse-dipolar electron spin resonance spectroscopy provide domain-specific structural insights into the 989-residue intrinsically disordered FRQ and the FFC. FRQ contains a compact core that associates and organizes FRH and CK1 to coordinate their roles in WCC repression. FRQ phosphorylation increases conformational flexibility and alters oligomeric state, but the changes in structure and dynamics are non-uniform. Full-length FRQ undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to sequester FRH and CK1 and influence CK1 enzymatic activity. Although FRQ phosphorylation favors LLPS, LLPS feeds back to reduce FRQ phosphorylation by CK1 at higher temperatures. Live imaging of Neurospora hyphae reveals FRQ foci characteristic of condensates near the nuclear periphery. Analogous clock repressor proteins in higher organisms share little position-specific sequence identity with FRQ; yet, they contain amino acid compositions that promote LLPS. Hence, condensate formation may be a conserved feature of eukaryotic clocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniyal Tariq
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Nicole Maurici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical UniversitySyracuseUnited States
| | - Bradley M Bartholomai
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at DartmouthHanoverUnited States
| | | | - Jay C Dunlap
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at DartmouthHanoverUnited States
| | - Alaji Bah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical UniversitySyracuseUnited States
| | - Brian R Crane
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
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71
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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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72
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Uozumi R, Mori K, Gotoh S, Miyamoto T, Kondo S, Yamashita T, Kawabe Y, Tagami S, Akamine S, Ikeda M. PABPC1 mediates degradation of C9orf72-FTLD/ALS GGGGCC repeat RNA. iScience 2024; 27:109303. [PMID: 38444607 PMCID: PMC10914486 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 causes frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expanded GGGGCC repeat RNA accumulates within RNA foci and is translated into toxic dipeptide repeat proteins; thus, efficient repeat RNA degradation may alleviate diseases. hnRNPA3, one of the repeat RNA-binding proteins, has been implicated in the destabilization of repeat RNA. Using APEX2-mediated proximity biotinylation, here, we demonstrate PABPC1, a cytoplasmic poly (A)-binding protein, interacts with hnRNPA3. Knockdown of PABPC1 increased the accumulation of repeat RNA and RNA foci to the same extent as the knockdown of hnRNPA3. Proximity ligation assays indicated PABPC1-hnRNPA3 and PABPC1-RNA exosomes, a complex that degrades repeat RNA, preferentially co-localized when repeat RNA was present. Our results suggest that PABPC1 functions as a mediator of polyadenylated GGGGCC repeat RNA degradation through interactions with hnRNPA3 and RNA exosome complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Uozumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kohji Mori
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shiho Gotoh
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tesshin Miyamoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shizuko Kondo
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yamashita
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuya Kawabe
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Psychiatry, Minoh Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Minoh, Osaka 562-0004, Japan
| | - Shinji Tagami
- Psychiatry, Minoh Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Minoh, Osaka 562-0004, Japan
- Health and Counseling Center, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Shoshin Akamine
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Manabu Ikeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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73
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Gan P, Eppert M, De La Cruz N, Lyons H, Shah AM, Veettil RT, Chen K, Pradhan P, Bezprozvannaya S, Xu L, Liu N, Olson EN, Sabari BR. Coactivator condensation drives cardiovascular cell lineage specification. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk7160. [PMID: 38489358 PMCID: PMC10942106 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk7160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
During development, cells make switch-like decisions to activate new gene programs specifying cell lineage. The mechanisms underlying these decisive choices remain unclear. Here, we show that the cardiovascular transcriptional coactivator myocardin (MYOCD) activates cell identity genes by concentration-dependent and switch-like formation of transcriptional condensates. MYOCD forms such condensates and activates cell identity genes at critical concentration thresholds achieved during smooth muscle cell and cardiomyocyte differentiation. The carboxyl-terminal disordered region of MYOCD is necessary and sufficient for condensate formation. Disrupting this region's ability to form condensates disrupts gene activation and smooth muscle cell reprogramming. Rescuing condensate formation by replacing this region with disordered regions from functionally unrelated proteins rescues gene activation and smooth muscle cell reprogramming. Our findings demonstrate that MYOCD condensate formation is required for gene activation during cardiovascular differentiation. We propose that the formation of transcriptional condensates at critical concentrations of cell type-specific regulators provides a molecular switch underlying the activation of key cell identity genes during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiheng Gan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Mikayla Eppert
- Laboratory of Nuclear Organization, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Nancy De La Cruz
- Laboratory of Nuclear Organization, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Heankel Lyons
- Laboratory of Nuclear Organization, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Akansha M. Shah
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Reshma T. Veettil
- Laboratory of Nuclear Organization, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Prashant Pradhan
- Laboratory of Nuclear Organization, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Svetlana Bezprozvannaya
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Eric N. Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Sabari
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Laboratory of Nuclear Organization, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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74
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Nomura S, Miyasaka A, Maruyama A, Shimada N. Spontaneous Liquid Droplet-to-Gel Transition of Citrulline Polypeptide Complexed with Nucleic Acids. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1473-1480. [PMID: 38404112 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01716] [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] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Inside cells, proteins complex with nucleic acids to form liquid droplets resulting from liquid-liquid phase separation. The presence of mutated proteins can change the state of these liquid droplets to solids or gels, triggering neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanism of the liquid to solid or gel transition is still unclear. Solutions of poly(l-ornithine-co-l-citrulline) (PLOC) copolymers, which exhibit upper critical solution temperature-type behavior, change state upon cooling. In this study, we evaluated the effect of nucleic acids complexed with PLOC on phase changes. In the presence of nucleic acids, such as polyC and polyU, PLOC formed liquid droplets at low temperatures. The droplets dissolved at temperatures above the phase separation temperature. The phase separation temperature depended on the chemical structure of the nucleobase, implying that electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions between the nucleic acid and PLOC influenced phase separation. Furthermore, the liquid droplets spontaneously changed to gel-like precipitates due to spontaneous release of nucleic acids from the complex. The rate of the liquid droplet-to-gel transition depended on the magnitude of electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions between PLOC and nucleic acid. PLOC complexed with mRNA also underwent a liquid droplet-to-gel transition upon the release of mRNA. This work provides insights into the mechanism of pathogenic transitions of the cellular droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouhei Nomura
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8501, Japan
| | - Ayano Miyasaka
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8501, Japan
| | - Atsushi Maruyama
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8501, Japan
| | - Naohiko Shimada
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8501, Japan
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75
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Hou S, Hu J, Yu Z, Li D, Liu C, Zhang Y. Machine learning predictor PSPire screens for phase-separating proteins lacking intrinsically disordered regions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2147. [PMID: 38459060 PMCID: PMC10923898 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46445-y] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The burgeoning comprehension of protein phase separation (PS) has ushered in a wealth of bioinformatics tools for the prediction of phase-separating proteins (PSPs). These tools often skew towards PSPs with a high content of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), thus frequently undervaluing potential PSPs without IDRs. Nonetheless, PS is not only steered by IDRs but also by the structured modular domains and interactions that aren't necessarily reflected in amino acid sequences. In this work, we introduce PSPire, a machine learning predictor that incorporates both residue-level and structure-level features for the precise prediction of PSPs. Compared to current PSP predictors, PSPire shows a notable improvement in identifying PSPs without IDRs, which underscores the crucial role of non-IDR, structure-based characteristics in multivalent interactions throughout the PS process. Additionally, our biological validation experiments substantiate the predictive capacity of PSPire, with 9 out of 11 chosen candidate PSPs confirmed to form condensates within cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiaojiao Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhaowei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology and Medical Innovation Center, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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76
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Ray S, Buell AK. Emerging experimental methods to study the thermodynamics of biomolecular condensate formation. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:091001. [PMID: 38445729 DOI: 10.1063/5.0190160] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The formation of biomolecular condensates in vivo is increasingly recognized to underlie a multitude of crucial cellular functions. Furthermore, the evolution of highly dynamic protein condensates into progressively less reversible assemblies is thought to be involved in a variety of disorders, from cancer over neurodegeneration to rare genetic disorders. There is an increasing need for efficient experimental methods to characterize the thermodynamics of condensate formation and that can be used in screening campaigns to identify and rationally design condensate modifying compounds. Theoretical advances in the field are also identifying the key parameters that need to be measured in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying interactions and driving forces. Here, we review recent progress in the development of efficient and quantitative experimental methods to study the driving forces behind and the temporal evolution of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumik Ray
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alexander K Buell
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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77
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Hou S, Zhang J, Jiang X, Yang Y, Shan B, Zhang M, Liu C, Yuan J, Xu D. PARP5A and RNF146 phase separation restrains RIPK1-dependent necroptosis. Mol Cell 2024; 84:938-954.e8. [PMID: 38272024 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.12.041] [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] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Phase separation is a vital mechanism that mediates the formation of biomolecular condensates and their functions. Necroptosis is a lytic form of programmed cell death mediated by RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL downstream of TNFR1 and has been implicated in mediating many human diseases. However, whether necroptosis is regulated by phase separation is not yet known. Here, we show that upon the induction of necroptosis and recruitment by the adaptor protein TAX1BP1, PARP5A and its binding partner RNF146 form liquid-like condensates by multivalent interactions to perform poly ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) and PARylation-dependent ubiquitination (PARdU) of activated RIPK1 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We show that PARdU predominantly occurs on the K376 residue of mouse RIPK1, which promotes proteasomal degradation of kinase-activated RIPK1 to restrain necroptosis. Our data demonstrate that PARdU on K376 of mouse RIPK1 provides an alternative cell death checkpoint mediated by phase separation-dependent control of necroptosis by PARP5A and RNF146.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouqiao Hou
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yuanxin Yang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Bing Shan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai 201210, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Junying Yuan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Daichao Xu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai 201210, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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78
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Lin L, Huang Y, McIntyre J, Chang CH, Colmenares S, Lee YCG. Prevalent fast evolution of genes involved in heterochromatin functions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.03.583199. [PMID: 38496614 PMCID: PMC10942301 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.03.583199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Heterochromatin is a gene-poor and repeat-rich genomic compartment ubiquitously found in eukaryotes. Despite its low transcriptional activity, heterochromatin plays important roles in maintaining genome stability, organizing chromosomes, and suppressing transposable elements (TEs). Given the importance of these functions, it is expected that the genes involved in heterochromatin regulation would be highly conserved. Yet, a handful of these genes have been found to evolve rapidly. To investigate whether these previous findings are anecdotal or general to genes modulating heterochromatin, we compiled an exhaustive list of 106 candidate genes involved in heterochromatin functions and investigated their evolution over both short and long evolutionary time scales in Drosophila. Our analyses found that these genes exhibit significantly more frequent evolutionary changes, both in the forms of amino acid substitutions and gene copy number variation, when compared to genes involved in Polycomb-based repressive chromatin. While positive selection drives amino acid changes within both structured domains with diverse functions and irregular disordered regions (IDRs), purifying selection may have maintained the proportions of IDRs. Together with the observed negative associations between rates of protein evolution of these genes and genomic TE abundance, we propose an evolutionary model where the fast evolution of genes involved in heterochromatin functions is an inevitable outcome of the unique molecular features of the heterochromatin environment, while the rapid evolution of TEs may be an effect rather than cause. Our study provides an important global view of the evolution of genes involved in this critical cellular domain and provides insights into the factors driving the distinctive evolution of heterochromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Lin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
| | - Yuheng Huang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
| | - Jennifer McIntyre
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
| | | | - Serafin Colmenares
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Yuh Chwen G. Lee
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
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79
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Esteban-Hofer L, Emmanouilidis L, Yulikov M, Allain FHT, Jeschke G. Ensemble structure of the N-terminal domain (1-267) of FUS in a biomolecular condensate. Biophys J 2024; 123:538-554. [PMID: 38279531 PMCID: PMC10938082 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Solutions of some proteins phase separate into a condensed state of high protein concentration and a dispersed state of low concentration. Such behavior is observed in living cells for a number of RNA-binding proteins that feature intrinsically disordered domains. It is relevant for cell function via the formation of membraneless organelles and transcriptional condensates. On a basic level, the process can be studied in vitro on protein domains that are necessary and sufficient for liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). We have performed distance distribution measurements by electron paramagnetic resonance for 13 sections in an N-terminal domain (NTD) construct of the protein fused in sarcoma (FUS), consisting of the QGSY-rich domain and the RGG1 domain, in the denatured, dispersed, and condensed state. Using 10 distance distribution restraints for ensemble modeling and three such restraints for model validation, we have found that FUS NTD behaves as a random-coil polymer under good-solvent conditions in both the dispersed and condensed state. Conformation distribution in the biomolecular condensate is virtually indistinguishable from the one in an unrestrained ensemble, with the latter one being based on only residue-specific Ramachandran angle distributions. Over its whole length, FUS NTD is slightly more compact in the condensed than in the dispersed state, which is in line with the theory for random coils in good solvent proposed by de Gennes, Daoud, and Jannink. The estimated concentration in the condensate exceeds the overlap concentration resulting from this theory. The QGSY-rich domain is slightly more extended, slightly more hydrated, and has slightly higher propensity for LLPS than the RGG1 domain. Our results support previous suggestions that LLPS of FUS is driven by multiple transient nonspecific hydrogen bonding and π-sp2 interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Esteban-Hofer
- ETH Zurich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Maxim Yulikov
- ETH Zurich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Gunnar Jeschke
- ETH Zurich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Zurich, Switzerland.
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80
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McGory JM, Verma V, Barcelos DM, Maresca TJ. Multimerization of a disordered kinetochore protein promotes accurate chromosome segregation by localizing a core dynein module. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202211122. [PMID: 38180477 PMCID: PMC10770731 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202211122] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Kinetochores connect chromosomes and spindle microtubules to maintain genomic integrity through cell division. Crosstalk between the minus-end directed motor dynein and kinetochore-microtubule attachment factors promotes accurate chromosome segregation by a poorly understood pathway. Here, we identify a linkage between the intrinsically disordered protein Spc105 (KNL1 orthologue) and dynein using an optogenetic oligomerization assay. Core pools of the checkpoint protein BubR1 and the adaptor complex RZZ contribute to the linkage. Furthermore, a minimal segment of Spc105 with a propensity to multimerize and which contains protein binding motifs is sufficient to link Spc105 to RZZ/dynein. Deletion of the minimal region from Spc105 compromises the recruitment of its binding partners to kinetochores and elevates chromosome missegregation due to merotelic attachments. Restoration of normal chromosome segregation and localization of BubR1 and RZZ requires both protein binding motifs and oligomerization of Spc105. Together, our results reveal that higher-order multimerization of Spc105 contributes to localizing a core pool of RZZ that promotes accurate chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. McGory
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Vikash Verma
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | - Thomas J. Maresca
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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81
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Stief T, Vormann K, Lakomek NA. Sensitivity-enhanced NMR 15N R 1 and R 1ρ relaxation experiments for the investigation of intrinsically disordered proteins at high magnetic fields. Methods 2024; 223:1-15. [PMID: 38242384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.01.008] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
NMR relaxation experiments provide residue-specific insights into the structural dynamics of proteins. Here, we present an optimized set of sensitivity-enhanced 15N R1 and R1ρ relaxation experiments applicable to fully protonated proteins. The NMR pulse sequences are conceptually similar to the set of TROSY-based sequences and their HSQC counterpart (Lakomek et al., J. Biomol. NMR 2012). Instead of the TROSY read-out scheme, a sensitivity-enhanced HSQC read-out scheme is used, with improved and easier optimized water suppression. The presented pulse sequences are applied on the cytoplasmic domain of the SNARE protein Synpatobrevin-2 (Syb-2), which is intrinsically disordered in its monomeric pre-fusion state. A two-fold increase in the obtained signal-to-noise ratio is observed for this intrinsically disordered protein, therefore offering a four-fold reduction of measurement time compared to the TROSY-detected version. The inter-scan recovery delay can be shortened to two seconds. Pulse sequences were tested at 600 MHz and 1200 MHz 1H Larmor frequency, thus applicable over a wide magnetic field range. A comparison between protonated and deuterated protein samples reveals high agreement, indicating that reliable 15N R1 and R1ρ rate constants can be extracted for fully protonated and deuterated samples. The presented pulse sequences will benefit not only for IDPs but also for an entire range of low and medium-sized proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Stief
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Physical Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina Vormann
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Physical Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nils-Alexander Lakomek
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Physical Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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82
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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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83
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Santofimia-Castaño P, Fraunhoffer N, Liu X, Bessone IF, di Magliano MP, Audebert S, Camoin L, Estaras M, Brenière M, Modesti M, Lomberk G, Urrutia R, Soubeyran P, Neira JL, Iovanna J. Targeting NUPR1-dependent stress granules formation to induce synthetic lethality in Kras G12D-driven tumors. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:475-505. [PMID: 38360999 PMCID: PMC10940650 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00032-2] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
We find that NUPR1, a stress-associated intrinsically disordered protein, induced droplet formation via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). NUPR1-driven LLPS was crucial for the creation of NUPR1-dependent stress granules (SGs) in pancreatic cancer cells since genetic or pharmacological inhibition by ZZW-115 of NUPR1 activity impeded SGs formation. The KrasG12D mutation induced oncogenic stress, NUPR1 overexpression, and promoted SGs development. Notably, enforced NUPR1 expression induced SGs formation independently of mutated KrasG12D. Mechanistically, KrasG12D expression strengthened sensitivity to NUPR1 inactivation, inducing cell death, activating caspase 3 and releasing LDH. Remarkably, ZZW-115-mediated SG-formation inhibition hampered the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs) in Pdx1-cre;LSL-KrasG12D (KC) mice. ZZW-115-treatment of KC mice triggered caspase 3 activation, DNA fragmentation, and formation of the apoptotic bodies, leading to cell death, specifically in KrasG12D-expressing cells. We further demonstrated that, in developed PanINs, short-term ZZW-115 treatment prevented NUPR1-associated SGs presence. Lastly, a four-week ZZW-115 treatment significantly reduced the number and size of PanINs in KC mice. This study proposes that targeting NUPR1-dependent SGs formation could be a therapeutic approach to induce cell death in KrasG12D-dependent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Santofimia-Castaño
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France.
| | - Nicolas Fraunhoffer
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Facultad de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Xi Liu
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Ivan Fernandez Bessone
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | | | - Stephane Audebert
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Luc Camoin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Matias Estaras
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Manon Brenière
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Mauro Modesti
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Raul Urrutia
- Genomic Science and Precision Medicine Center (GSPMC), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Philippe Soubeyran
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Jose Luis Neira
- IDIBE, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Edificio Torregaitán, Avda. del Ferrocarril s/n, 03202, Elche, Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Juan Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France.
- Equipe Labellisée La Ligue, 2022, Marseille, France.
- Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Cruce, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- University Arturo Jauretche, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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84
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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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85
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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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86
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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: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [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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87
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Sato K, Takayama KI, Inoue S. Stress granule-mediated RNA regulatory mechanism in Alzheimer's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24 Suppl 1:7-14. [PMID: 37726158 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14663] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Living organisms experience a range of stresses. To cope effectively with these stresses, eukaryotic cells have evolved a sophisticated mechanism involving the formation of stress granules (SGs), which play a crucial role in protecting various types of RNA species under stress, such as mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). SGs are non-membranous cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, and the RNAs they contain are translationally stalled. Importantly, SGs have been thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). SGs also contain multiple RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), several of which have been implicated in AD progression. SGs are transient structures that dissipate after stress relief. However, the chronic stresses associated with aging lead to the persistent formation of SGs and subsequently to solid-like pathological SGs, which could impair cellular RNA metabolism and also act as a nidus for the aberrant aggregation of AD-associated proteins. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of the physical basis of SG-enriched RNAs and SG-resident RBPs. We then review the characteristics of AD-associated gene transcripts and their similarity to the SG-enriched RNAs. Furthermore, we summarize and discuss the functional implications of SGs in neuronal RNA metabolism and the aberrant aggregation of AD-associated proteins mediated by SG-resident RBPs in the context of AD pathogenesis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 7-14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Sato
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
- Integrated Research Initiative for Living Well with Dementia, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Takayama
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
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88
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Yan X, Zhang M, Wang D. Interplay between posttranslational modifications and liquid‒liquid phase separation in tumors. Cancer Lett 2024; 584:216614. [PMID: 38246226 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216614] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Liquid‒liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a general phenomenon recently recognized to be critically involved in the regulation of a variety of cellular biological processes, such as transcriptional regulation, heterochromatin formation and signal transduction, through the compartmentalization of proteins or nucleic acids into droplet-like condensates. These processes are directly or indirectly related to tumor initiation and treatment. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), which represent a rapid and reversible mechanism involved in the functional regulation of proteins, have emerged as key events in modulating LLPS under physiological or pathophysiological conditions, including tumorigenesis and antitumor therapy. In this review, we introduce the biological functions participated in cancer-associated LLPS, discuss the potential roles of LLPS during tumor onset or therapy, and emphasize the mechanistic characteristics of LLPS regulated by PTMs and its effects on tumor progression. We then provide a perspective on further studies on LLPS and its regulation by PTMs in cancer research. This review aims to broaden the understanding of the functions of LLPS and its regulation by PTMs under normal or aberrant cellular conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases & Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases & Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Donglai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases & Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
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89
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Dumelie JG, Chen Q, Miller D, Attarwala N, Gross SS, Jaffrey SR. Biomolecular condensates create phospholipid-enriched microenvironments. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:302-313. [PMID: 37973889 PMCID: PMC10922641 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01474-4] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Proteins and RNA can phase separate from the aqueous cellular environment to form subcellular compartments called condensates. This process results in a protein-RNA mixture that is chemically different from the surrounding aqueous phase. Here, we use mass spectrometry to characterize the metabolomes of condensates. To test this, we prepared mixtures of phase-separated proteins and extracts of cellular metabolites and identified metabolites enriched in the condensate phase. Among the most condensate-enriched metabolites were phospholipids, due primarily to the hydrophobicity of their fatty acyl moieties. We found that phospholipids can alter the number and size of phase-separated condensates and in some cases alter their morphology. Finally, we found that phospholipids partition into a diverse set of endogenous condensates as well as artificial condensates expressed in cells. Overall, these data show that many condensates are protein-RNA-lipid mixtures with chemical microenvironments that are ideally suited to facilitate phospholipid biology and signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason G Dumelie
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qiuying Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dawson Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nabeel Attarwala
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven S Gross
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
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90
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Zerze GH. Optimizing the Martini 3 Force Field Reveals the Effects of the Intricate Balance between Protein-Water Interaction Strength and Salt Concentration on Biomolecular Condensate Formation. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:1646-1655. [PMID: 37043540 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c01273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Condensation/dissolution has become a widely acknowledged biological macromolecular assembly phenomenon in subcellular compartmentalization. The MARTINI force field offers a coarse-grained protein model with a resolution that preserves molecular details with an explicit (CG) solvent. Despite its relatively higher resolution, it can still achieve condensate formation in a reasonable computing time with explicit solvent and ionic species. Therefore, it is highly desirable to tune this force field to be able to reproduce the experimentally observed properties of the condensate formation. In this work, we studied the condensate formation of the low-sequence complexity domain of fused in sarcoma protein using a MARTINI 3 force field by systematically modifying (increasing) the protein-water interaction strength and varying the salt concentration. We found that the condensate formation is sensitive both to the protein-water interaction strength and the presence of salt. While the unmodified MARTINI force field yields a complete collapse of proteins into one dense phase (i.e., no dilute phase), we reported a range of modified protein-water interaction strength that is capable of capturing the experimentally found transfer free energy between dense and dilute phases. We also found that the condensates lose their spherical shape upon the addition of salt, especially when the protein-water interactions are weak. Interchain amino acid contact map analysis showed one explanation for this observation: the protein-protein contact fraction reduces as salt is added to systems (when the protein-water interactions are weak), consistent with electrostatic screening effects. This reduction might be responsible for the condensates becoming nonspherical upon the addition of salt by reducing the need for minimizing the interfacial area. However, as the protein-water interactions become stronger to the extent that makes the transfer free energy agree well with experimentally observed transfer free energy, we found an increase in the protein-protein contact fraction upon the addition of salt, consistent with the salting-out effects. Therefore, we concluded that there is an intricate balance between screening effects and salting-out effects upon the addition of salt and this balance is highly sensitive to the strength of protein-water interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gül H Zerze
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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91
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Wang X, Liu J, Mao C, Mao Y. Phase separation-mediated biomolecular condensates and their relationship to tumor. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:143. [PMID: 38383403 PMCID: PMC10880379 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01518-9] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase separation is a cellular phenomenon where macromolecules aggregate or segregate, giving rise to biomolecular condensates resembling "droplets" and forming distinct, membrane-free compartments. This process is pervasive in biological cells, contributing to various essential cellular functions. However, when phase separation goes awry, leading to abnormal molecular aggregation, it can become a driving factor in the development of diseases, including tumor. Recent investigations have unveiled the intricate connection between dysregulated phase separation and tumor pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target. This article provides an overview of recent phase separation research, with a particular emphasis on its role in tumor, its therapeutic implications, and outlines avenues for further exploration in this intriguing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Jiameng Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Chaoming Mao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Yufei Mao
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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92
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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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93
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Subramanya AR, Boyd-Shiwarski CR. Molecular Crowding: Physiologic Sensing and Control. Annu Rev Physiol 2024; 86:429-452. [PMID: 37931170 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-042222-025920] [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] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The cytoplasm is densely packed with molecules that contribute to its nonideal behavior. Cytosolic crowding influences chemical reaction rates, intracellular water mobility, and macromolecular complex formation. Overcrowding is potentially catastrophic; to counteract this problem, cells have evolved acute and chronic homeostatic mechanisms that optimize cellular crowdedness. Here, we provide a physiology-focused overview of molecular crowding, highlighting contemporary advances in our understanding of its sensing and control. Long hypothesized as a form of crowding-induced microcompartmentation, phase separation allows cells to detect and respond to intracellular crowding through the action of biomolecular condensates, as indicated by recent studies. Growing evidence indicates that crowding is closely tied to cell size and fluid volume, homeostatic responses to physical compression and desiccation, tissue architecture, circadian rhythm, aging, transepithelial transport, and total body electrolyte and water balance. Thus, molecular crowding is a fundamental physiologic parameter that impacts diverse functions extending from molecule to organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arohan R Subramanya
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; ,
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pittsburgh Center for Kidney Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cary R Boyd-Shiwarski
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; ,
- Pittsburgh Center for Kidney Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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94
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Liu Y, Feng W, Wang Y, Wu B. Crosstalk between protein post-translational modifications and phase separation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:110. [PMID: 38347544 PMCID: PMC10860296 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01380-1] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of phase separation is quite common in cells, and it is involved in multiple processes of life activities. However, the current research on the correlation between protein modifications and phase separation and the interference with the tendency of phase separation has some limitations. Here we focus on several post-translational modifications of proteins, including protein phosphorylation modification at multiple sites, methylation modification, acetylation modification, ubiquitination modification, SUMOylation modification, etc., which regulate the formation of phase separation and the stability of phase separation structure through multivalent interactions. This regulatory role is closely related to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, viral infections, and other diseases, and also plays essential functions in environmental stress, DNA damage repair, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, and cell homeostasis of living organisms, which provides an idea to explore the interaction between novel protein post-translational modifications and phase separation. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenjuan Feng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Basic Medical Research Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| | - Bin Wu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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95
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Sathyavageeswaran A, Bonesso Sabadini J, Perry SL. Self-Assembling Polypeptides in Complex Coacervation. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:386-398. [PMID: 38252962 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00689] [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: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular compartmentalization plays a pivotal role in cellular function, with membrane-bound organelles and membrane-less biomolecular "condensates" playing key roles. These condensates, formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), enable selective compartmentalization without the barrier of a lipid bilayer, thereby facilitating rapid formation and dissolution in response to stimuli. Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or proteins with intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), which are often rich in charged and polar amino acid sequences, scaffold many condensates, often in conjunction with RNA.Comprehending the impact of IDP/IDR sequences on phase separation poses a challenge due to the extensive chemical diversity resulting from the myriad amino acids and post-translational modifications. To tackle this hurdle, one approach has been to investigate LLPS in simplified polypeptide systems, which offer a narrower scope within the chemical space for exploration. This strategy is supported by studies that have demonstrated how IDP function can largely be understood based on general chemical features, such as clusters or patterns of charged amino acids, rather than residue-level effects, and the ways in which these kinds of motifs give rise to an ensemble of conformations.Our laboratory has utilized complex coacervates assembled from oppositely charged polypeptides as a simplified material analogue to the complexity of liquid-liquid phase separated biological condensates. Complex coacervation is an associative LLPS that occurs due to the electrostatic complexation of oppositely charged macro-ions. This process is believed to be driven by the entropic gains resulting from the release of bound counterions and the reorganization of water upon complex formation. Apart from their direct applicability to IDPs, polypeptides also serve as excellent model polymers for investigating molecular interactions due to the wide range of available side-chain functionalities and the capacity to finely regulate their sequence, thus enabling precise control over interactions with guest molecules.Here, we discuss fundamental studies examining how charge patterning, hydrophobicity, chirality, and architecture affect the phase separation of polypeptide-based complex coacervates. These efforts have leveraged a combination of experimental and computational approaches that provide insight into molecular level interactions. We also examine how these parameters affect the ability of complex coacervates to incorporate globular proteins and viruses. These efforts couple directly with our fundamental studies into coacervate formation, as such "guest" molecules should not be considered as experiencing simple encapsulation and are instead active participants in the electrostatic assembly of coacervate materials. Interestingly, we observed trends in the incorporation of proteins and viruses into coacervates formed using different chain length polypeptides that are not well explained by simple electrostatic arguments and may be the result of more complex interactions between globular and polymeric species. Additionally, we describe experimental evidence supporting the potential for complex coacervates to improve the thermal stability of embedded biomolecules, such as viral vaccines.Ultimately, peptide-based coacervates have the potential to help unravel the physics behind biological condensates, while paving the way for innovative methods in compartmentalization, purification, and biomolecule stabilization. These advancements could have implications spanning medicine to biocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Sathyavageeswaran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 10003, United States
| | - Júlia Bonesso Sabadini
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 10003, United States
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Sarah L Perry
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 10003, United States
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96
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Rosa E Silva I, Smetana JHC, de Oliveira JF. A comprehensive review on DDX3X liquid phase condensation in health and neurodevelopmental disorders. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129330. [PMID: 38218270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129330] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
DEAD-box helicases are global regulators of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a process that assembles membraneless organelles inside cells. An outstanding member of the DEAD-box family is DDX3X, a multi-functional protein that plays critical roles in RNA metabolism, including RNA transcription, splicing, nucleocytoplasmic export, and translation. The diverse functions of DDX3X result from its ability to bind and remodel RNA in an ATP-dependent manner. This capacity enables the protein to act as an RNA chaperone and an RNA helicase, regulating ribonucleoprotein complex assembly. DDX3X and its orthologs from mouse, yeast (Ded1), and C. elegans (LAF-1) can undergo LLPS, driving the formation of neuronal granules, stress granules, processing bodies or P-granules. DDX3X has been related to several human conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Although the research into the pathogenesis of aberrant biomolecular condensation in neurodegenerative diseases is increasing rapidly, the role of LLPS in neurodevelopmental disorders is underexplored. This review summarizes current findings relevant for DDX3X phase separation in neurodevelopment and examines how disturbances in the LLPS process can be related to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Rosa E Silva
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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97
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Fu Q, Zhang B, Chen X, Chu L. Liquid-liquid phase separation in Alzheimer's disease. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:167-181. [PMID: 38167731 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02407-3] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The pathological aggregation and misfolding of tau and amyloid-β play a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. Emerging evidences indicate that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has great impacts on regulating human health and diseases, especially neurodegenerative diseases. A series of studies have revealed the significance of LLPS in AD. In this review, we summarize the latest progress of LLPS in AD, focusing on the impact of metal ions, small-molecule inhibitors, and proteinaceous partners on tau LLPS and aggregation, as well as toxic oligomerization, the role of LLPS on amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, and the cross-interactions between amyloidogenic proteins in AD. Eventually, the fundamental methods and techniques used in LLPS study are introduced. We expect to present readers a deeper understanding of the relationship between LLPS and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinggang Fu
- Hepatic Surgery Center and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Liang Chu
- Hepatic Surgery Center and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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98
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Gupta MN, Uversky VN. Biological importance of arginine: A comprehensive review of the roles in structure, disorder, and functionality of peptides and proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128646. [PMID: 38061507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128646] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Arginine shows Jekyll and Hyde behavior in several respects. It participates in protein folding via ionic and H-bonds and cation-pi interactions; the charge and hydrophobicity of its side chain make it a disorder-promoting amino acid. Its methylation in histones; RNA binding proteins; chaperones regulates several cellular processes. The arginine-centric modifications are important in oncogenesis and as biomarkers in several cardiovascular diseases. The cross-links involving arginine in collagen and cornea are involved in pathogenesis of tissues but have also been useful in tissue engineering and wound-dressing materials. Arginine is a part of active site of several enzymes such as GTPases, peroxidases, and sulfotransferases. Its metabolic importance is obvious as it is involved in production of urea, NO, ornithine and citrulline. It can form unusual functional structures such as molecular tweezers in vitro and sprockets which engage DNA chains as part of histones in vivo. It has been used in design of cell-penetrating peptides as drugs. Arginine has been used as an excipient in both solid and injectable drug formulations; its role in suppressing opalescence due to liquid-liquid phase separation is particularly very promising. It has been known as a suppressor of protein aggregation during protein refolding. It has proved its usefulness in protein bioseparation processes like ion-exchange, hydrophobic and affinity chromatographies. Arginine is an amino acid, whose importance in biological sciences and biotechnology continues to grow in diverse ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munishwar Nath Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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99
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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: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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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100
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Hannon CE, Eisen MB. Intrinsic protein disorder is insufficient to drive subnuclear clustering in embryonic transcription factors. eLife 2024; 12:RP88221. [PMID: 38275292 PMCID: PMC10945700 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88221] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Modern microscopy has revealed that core nuclear functions, including transcription, replication, and heterochromatin formation, occur in spatially restricted clusters. Previous work from our lab has shown that subnuclear high-concentration clusters of transcription factors may play a role in regulating RNA synthesis in the early Drosophila embryo. A nearly ubiquitous feature of eukaryotic transcription factors is that they contain intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that often arise from low complexity amino acid sequences within the protein. It has been proposed that IDRs within transcription factors drive co-localization of transcriptional machinery and target genes into high-concentration clusters within nuclei. Here, we test that hypothesis directly, by conducting a broad survey of the subnuclear localization of IDRs derived from transcription factors. Using a novel algorithm to identify IDRs in the Drosophila proteome, we generated a library of IDRs from transcription factors expressed in the early Drosophila embryo. We used this library to perform a high-throughput imaging screen in Drosophila Schneider-2 (S2) cells. We found that while subnuclear clustering does not occur when the majority of IDRs are expressed alone, it is frequently seen in full-length transcription factors. These results are consistent in live Drosophila embryos, suggesting that IDRs are insufficient to drive the subnuclear clustering behavior of transcription factors. Furthermore, the clustering of transcription factors in living embryos was unaffected by the deletion of IDR sequences. Our results demonstrate that IDRs are unlikely to be the primary molecular drivers of the clustering observed during transcription, suggesting a more complex and nuanced role for these disordered protein sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen E Hannon
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of CaliforniaBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Michael B Eisen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of CaliforniaBerkeleyUnited States
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