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Sun J, Chen Y, Bi R, Yuan Y, Yu H. Bioinformatic approaches of liquid-liquid phase separation in human disease. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1912-1925. [PMID: 39033393 PMCID: PMC11332758 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003249] [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: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Biomolecular aggregation within cellular environments via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) spontaneously forms droplet-like structures, which play pivotal roles in diverse biological processes. These structures are closely associated with a range of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and infectious diseases, highlighting the significance of understanding LLPS mechanisms for elucidating disease pathogenesis, and exploring potential therapeutic interventions. In this review, we delineate recent advancements in LLPS research, emphasizing its pathological relevance, therapeutic considerations, and the pivotal role of bioinformatic tools and databases in facilitating LLPS investigations. Additionally, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of bioinformatic resources dedicated to LLPS research in order to elucidate their functionality and applicability. By providing comprehensive insights into current LLPS-related bioinformatics resources, this review highlights its implications for human health and disease.
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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, Sichuan 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yilong Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ruiye Bi
- Department of Orthognathic and TMJ Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Haopeng Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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Qu M, He Q, Bao H, Ji X, Shen T, Barkat MQ, Wu X, Zeng LH. Multiple roles of arsenic compounds in phase separation and membraneless organelles formation determine their therapeutic efficacy in tumors. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100957. [PMID: 39253293 PMCID: PMC11381784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Arsenic compounds are widely used for the therapeutic intervention of multiple diseases. Ancient pharmacologists discovered the medicinal utility of these highly toxic substances, and modern pharmacologists have further recognized the specific active ingredients in human diseases. In particular, Arsenic trioxide (ATO), as a main component, has therapeutic effects on various tumors (including leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, etc.). However, its toxicity limits its efficacy, and controlling the toxicity has been an important issue. Interestingly, recent evidence has pointed out the pivotal roles of arsenic compounds in phase separation and membraneless organelles formation, which may determine their toxicity and therapeutic efficacy. Here, we summarize the arsenic compounds-regulating phase separation and membraneless organelles formation. We further hypothesize their potential involvement in the therapy and toxicity of arsenic compounds, highlighting potential mechanisms underlying the clinical application of arsenic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyu Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Qiangqiang He
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hangyang Bao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xing Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, Hangzhou City University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Tingyu Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Muhammad Qasim Barkat
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ling-Hui Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, Hangzhou City University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310015, China
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Zheng LW, Liu CC, Yu KD. Phase separations in oncogenesis, tumor progressions and metastasis: a glance from hallmarks of cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:123. [PMID: 38110976 PMCID: PMC10726551 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a novel principle for interpreting precise spatiotemporal coordination in living cells through biomolecular condensate (BMC) formation via dynamic aggregation. LLPS changes individual molecules into membrane-free, droplet-like BMCs with specific functions, which coordinate various cellular activities. The formation and regulation of LLPS are closely associated with oncogenesis, tumor progressions and metastasis, the specific roles and mechanisms of LLPS in tumors still need to be further investigated at present. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the conditions of LLPS and identify mechanisms involved in abnormal LLPS in cancer processes, including tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis from the perspective of cancer hallmarks. We have also reviewed the clinical applications of LLPS in oncologic areas. This systematic summary of dysregulated LLPS from the different dimensions of cancer hallmarks will build a bridge for determining its specific functions to further guide basic research, finding strategies to intervene in LLPS, and developing relevant therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Wei Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cui-Cui Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ke-Da Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Cai Z, Mei S, Zhou L, Ma X, Wuyun Q, Yan J, Ding H. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Sheds New Light upon Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15418. [PMID: 37895097 PMCID: PMC10607581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a biophysical process that mediates the precise and complex spatiotemporal coordination of cellular processes. Proteins and nucleic acids are compartmentalized into micron-scale membrane-less droplets via LLPS. These droplets, termed biomolecular condensates, are highly dynamic, have concentrated components, and perform specific functions. Biomolecular condensates have been observed to organize diverse key biological processes, including gene transcription, signal transduction, DNA damage repair, chromatin organization, and autophagy. The dysregulation of these biological activities owing to aberrant LLPS is important in cardiovascular diseases. This review provides a detailed overview of the regulation and functions of biomolecular condensates, provides a comprehensive depiction of LLPS in several common cardiovascular diseases, and discusses the revolutionary therapeutic perspective of modulating LLPS in cardiovascular diseases and new treatment strategies relevant to LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Cai
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shuai Mei
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaozhu Ma
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qidamugai Wuyun
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jiangtao Yan
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hu Ding
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Zhou S, Zhou Y, Liu T, Zheng J, Jia C. PredLLPS_PSSM: a novel predictor for liquid-liquid protein separation identification based on evolutionary information and a deep neural network. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:bbad299. [PMID: 37609923 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad299] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of biomolecular condensates by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has become a universal mechanism for spatiotemporal coordination of biological activities in cells and has been widely observed to directly regulate the key cellular processes involved in cancer cell pathology. However, the complexity of protein sequences and the diversity of conformations are inherently disordered, which poses great challenges for LLPS protein calculations and experimental research. Herein, we proposed a novel predictor named PredLLPS_PSSM for LLPS protein identification based only on sequence evolution information. Because finding real and reliable samples is the cornerstone of building predictors, we collected anew and collated the LLPS proteins from the latest versions of three databases. By comparing the performance of the position-specific score matrix (PSSM) and word embedding, PredLLPS_PSSM combined PSSM-based information and two deep learning frameworks. Independent tests using three existing independent test datasets and two newly constructed independent test datasets demonstrated the superiority of PredLLPS_PSSM compared with state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, we tested PredLLPS_PSSM on nine experimentally identified LLPS proteins from three insects that were not included in any of the databases. In addition, the powerful Shapley Additive exPlanation algorithm and heatmap were applied to find the most critical amino acids relevant to LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengming Zhou
- School of Science, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Yetong Zhou
- School of Science, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Tian Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jia Zheng
- School of Science, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Cangzhi Jia
- School of Science, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
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