1
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Ji Y, Qiao Y. Tuning interfacial fluidity and colloidal stability of membranized coacervate protocells. Commun Chem 2024; 7:122. [PMID: 38831043 PMCID: PMC11148010 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01193-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The cell membrane not only serves as the boundary between the cell's interior and the external environment but also plays a crucial role in regulating fundamental cellular behaviours. Interfacial membranization of membraneless coacervates, formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), represents a reliable approach to constructing hierarchical cell-like entities known as protocells. In this study, we demonstrate the capability to modulate the interfacial membrane fluidity and thickness of dextran-bound coacervate protocells by adjusting the molecular weight of dextran or utilizing dextranase-catalyzed hydrolysis. This modulation allows for rational control over colloidal stability, interfacial molecular transport and cell-protocell interactions. Our work opens a new avenue for surface engineering of coacervate protocells, enabling the establishment of cell-mimicking structures and behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanglimin Ji
- 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, 100190, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, 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, 100190, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
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2
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Li M, Hou Y, Zhou Y, Yang Z, Zhao H, Jian T, Yu Q, Zeng F, Liu X, Zhang Z, Zhao YG. LLPS of FXR proteins drives replication organelle clustering for β-coronaviral proliferation. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202309140. [PMID: 38587486 PMCID: PMC11001562 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202309140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
β-Coronaviruses remodel host endomembranes to form double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) as replication organelles (ROs) that provide a shielded microenvironment for viral RNA synthesis in infected cells. DMVs are clustered, but the molecular underpinnings and pathophysiological functions remain unknown. Here, we reveal that host fragile X-related (FXR) family proteins (FXR1/FXR2/FMR1) are required for DMV clustering induced by expression of viral non-structural proteins (Nsps) Nsp3 and Nsp4. Depleting FXRs results in DMV dispersion in the cytoplasm. FXR1/2 and FMR1 are recruited to DMV sites via specific interaction with Nsp3. FXRs form condensates driven by liquid-liquid phase separation, which is required for DMV clustering. FXR1 liquid droplets concentrate Nsp3 and Nsp3-decorated liposomes in vitro. FXR droplets facilitate recruitment of translation machinery for efficient translation surrounding DMVs. In cells depleted of FXRs, SARS-CoV-2 replication is significantly attenuated. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 exploits host FXR proteins to cluster viral DMVs via phase separation for efficient viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Yali Hou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Yuzheng Zhou
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Zhenni Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tao Jian
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, P.R. China
| | - Qianxi Yu
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Fuxing Zeng
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
- Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Xiaotian Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Yan G. Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P.R. China
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3
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Workman RJ, Huang CJ, Lynch GC, Pettitt BM. Peptide diffusion in biomolecular condensates. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00323-0. [PMID: 38751116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffusion determines the turnover of biomolecules in liquid-liquid phase-separated condensates. We considered the mean square displacement and thus the diffusion constant for simple model systems of peptides GGGGG, GGQGG, and GGVGG in aqueous solutions after phase separation by simulating atomic-level models. These solutions readily separate into aqueous and peptide-rich droplet phases. We noted the effect of the peptides being in a solvated, surface, or droplet state on the peptide's diffusion coefficients. Both sequence and peptide conformational distribution were found to influence diffusion and condensate turnover in these systems, with sequence dominating the magnitude of the differences. We found that the most compact structures for each sequence diffused the fastest in the peptide-rich condensate phase. This model result may have implications for turnover dynamics in signaling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley J Workman
- University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas
| | - Caleb J Huang
- University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas
| | - Gillian C Lynch
- University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas
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4
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Karger S, Miali ME, Solomonov A, Eliaz D, Varsano N, Shimanovich U. Protein Compartments Modulate Fibrillar Self-Assembly. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2308069. [PMID: 38148317 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
A notable feature of complex cellular environments is protein-rich compartments that are formed via liquid-liquid phase separation. Recent studies have shown that these biomolecular condensates can play both promoting and inhibitory roles in fibrillar protein self-assembly, a process that is linked to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and various prion diseases. Yet, the exact regulatory role of these condensates in protein aggregation remains unknown. By employing microfluidics to create artificial protein compartments, the self-assembly behavior of the fibrillar protein lysozyme within them can be characterized. It is observed that the volumetric parameters of protein-rich compartments can change the kinetics of protein self-assembly. Depending on the change in compartment parameters, the lysozyme fibrillation process either accelerated or decelerated. Furthermore, the results confirm that the volumetric parameters govern not only the nucleation and growth phases of the fibrillar aggregates but also affect the crosstalk between the protein-rich and protein-poor phases. The appearance of phase-separated compartments in the vicinity of natively folded protein complexes triggers their abrupt percolation into the compartments' core and further accelerates protein aggregation. Overall, the results of the study shed more light on the complex behavior and functions of protein-rich phases and, importantly, on their interaction with the surrounding environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shay Karger
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Marco E Miali
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Aleksei Solomonov
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Dror Eliaz
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Neta Varsano
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Ulyana Shimanovich
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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5
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Qiu H, Wu X, Ma X, Li S, Cai Q, Ganzella M, Ge L, Zhang H, Zhang M. Short-distance vesicle transport via phase separation. Cell 2024; 187:2175-2193.e21. [PMID: 38552623 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.003] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
In addition to long-distance molecular motor-mediated transport, cellular vesicles also need to be moved at short distances with defined directions to meet functional needs in subcellular compartments but with unknown mechanisms. Such short-distance vesicle transport does not involve molecular motors. Here, we demonstrate, using synaptic vesicle (SV) transport as a paradigm, that phase separation of synaptic proteins with vesicles can facilitate regulated, directional vesicle transport between different presynaptic bouton sub-compartments. Specifically, a large coiled-coil scaffold protein Piccolo, in response to Ca2+ and via its C2A domain-mediated Ca2+ sensing, can extract SVs from the synapsin-clustered reserve pool condensate and deposit the extracted SVs onto the surface of the active zone protein condensate. We further show that the Trk-fused gene, TFG, also participates in COPII vesicle trafficking from ER to the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment via phase separation. Thus, phase separation may play a general role in short-distance, directional vesicle transport in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Qiu
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiandeng Wu
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shulin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qixu Cai
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Marcelo Ganzella
- Department of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Liang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518036, China; School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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6
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Chen L, Fukata Y, Murata K. In situ cryo-electron tomography: a new method to elucidate cytoplasmic zoning at the molecular level. J Biochem 2024; 175:187-193. [PMID: 38102736 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad102] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy was developed as a powerful tool for imaging biological specimens in near-native conditions. Nowadays, advances in technology, equipment and computations make it possible to obtain structures of biomolecules with near-atomic resolution. Furthermore, cryo-electron tomography combined with continuous specimen tilting allows structural analysis of heterogeneous biological specimens. In particular, when combined with a cryo-focused ion beam scanning electron microscope, it becomes possible to directly analyse the structure of the biomolecules within cells, a process known as in situ cryo-electron tomography. This technique has the potential to visualize cytoplasmic zoning, involving liquid-liquid phase separation, caused by biomolecular networks in aqueous solutions, which has been the subject of recent debate. Here, we review advances in structural studies of biomolecules to study cytoplasmic zoning by in situ cryo-electron tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- School of life sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuko Fukata
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Murata
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
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7
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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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8
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Geng Y, Cai Q. Role of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions in ALS/FTD pathogenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1322720. [PMID: 38318532 PMCID: PMC10838790 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1322720] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are progressive neurological disorders that share neurodegenerative pathways and features. The most prevalent genetic causes of ALS/FTD is the GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the first intron region of the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) gene. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the accumulating evidences elucidating the pathogenic mechanism associated with hexanucleotide repeat expansions in ALS/FTD. These mechanisms encompass the structural polymorphism of DNA and transcribed RNA, the formation of RNA foci via phase separation, and the cytoplasmic accumulation and toxicities of dipeptide-repeat proteins. Additionally, the formation of G-quadruplex structures significantly impairs the expression and normal function of the C9orf72 protein. We also discuss the sequestration of specific RNA binding proteins by GGGGCC RNA, which further contributes to the toxicity of C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions. The deeper understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of hexanucleotide repeat expansions in ALS/FTD provides multiple potential drug targets for these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Geng
- Clinical Research Institute of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Key Laboratory of Brain Tumors Diagnosis and Precision Treatment, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qixu Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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9
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Wu H, Chen X, Shen Z, Li H, Liang S, Lu Y, Zhang M. Phosphorylation-dependent membraneless organelle fusion and fission illustrated by postsynaptic density assemblies. Mol Cell 2024; 84:309-326.e7. [PMID: 38096828 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.11.011] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Membraneless organelles formed by phase separation of proteins and nucleic acids play diverse cellular functions. Whether and, if yes, how membraneless organelles in ways analogous to membrane-based organelles also undergo regulated fusion and fission is unknown. Here, using a partially reconstituted mammalian postsynaptic density (PSD) condensate as a paradigm, we show that membraneless organelles can undergo phosphorylation-dependent fusion and fission. Without phosphorylation of the SAPAP guanylate kinase domain-binding repeats, the upper and lower layers of PSD protein mixtures form two immiscible sub-compartments in a phase-in-phase organization. Phosphorylation of SAPAP leads to fusion of the two sub-compartments into one condensate accompanied with an increased Stargazin density in the condensate. Dephosphorylation of SAPAP can reverse this event. Preventing SAPAP phosphorylation in vivo leads to increased separation of proteins from the lower and upper layers of PSD sub-compartments. Thus, analogous to membrane-based organelles, membraneless organelles can also undergo regulated fusion and fission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowei Wu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xudong Chen
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zeyu Shen
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shiqi Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Youming Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; The Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518036, China; School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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Papale A, Holcman D. Chromatin phase separated nanoregions explored by polymer cross-linker models and reconstructed from single particle trajectories. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011794. [PMID: 38266036 PMCID: PMC10843633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011794] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase separated domains (PSDs) are ubiquitous in cell biology, representing nanoregions of high molecular concentration. PSDs appear at diverse cellular domains, such as neuronal synapses but also in eukaryotic cell nucleus, limiting the access of transcription factors and thus preventing gene expression. We develop a generalized cross-linker polymer model, to study PSDs: we show that increasing the number of cross-linkers induces a polymer condensation, preventing access of diffusing molecules. To investigate how the PSDs restrict the motion of diffusing molecules, we compute the mean residence and first escaping times. Finally, we develop a method based on mean-square-displacement of single particle trajectories to reconstruct the properties of PSDs from the continuum range of anomalous exponents. We also show here that PSD generated by polymers do not induces a long-range attracting field (potential well), in contrast with nanodomains at neuronal synapses. To conclude, PSDs can result from condensed chromatin organization, where the number of cross-linkers controls molecular access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Papale
- Group of Computational Biology and Applied Mathemathics, Ecole Normale Supérieure, IBENS, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - David Holcman
- Group of Computational Biology and Applied Mathemathics, Ecole Normale Supérieure, IBENS, Université PSL, Paris, France
- Churchill College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
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11
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McDonald NA, Tao L, Dong MQ, Shen K. SAD-1 kinase controls presynaptic phase separation by relieving SYD-2/Liprin-α autoinhibition. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002421. [PMID: 38048304 PMCID: PMC10695385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002421] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal development orchestrates the formation of an enormous number of synapses that connect the nervous system. In developing presynapses, the core active zone structure has been found to assemble through liquid-liquid phase separation. Here, we find that the phase separation of Caenorhabditis elegans SYD-2/Liprin-α, a key active zone scaffold, is controlled by phosphorylation. We identify the SAD-1 kinase as a regulator of SYD-2 phase separation and determine presynaptic assembly is impaired in sad-1 mutants and increased by overactivation of SAD-1. Using phosphoproteomics, we find SAD-1 phosphorylates SYD-2 on 3 sites that are critical to activate phase separation. Mechanistically, SAD-1 phosphorylation relieves a binding interaction between 2 folded domains in SYD-2 that inhibits phase separation by an intrinsically disordered region (IDR). We find synaptic cell adhesion molecules localize SAD-1 to nascent synapses upstream of active zone formation. We conclude that SAD-1 phosphorylates SYD-2 at developing synapses, activating its phase separation and active zone assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A. McDonald
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Li Tao
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Meng-Qiu Dong
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kang Shen
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
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12
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Wang YL, Zhao WW, Shi J, Wan XB, Zheng J, Fan XJ. Liquid-liquid phase separation in DNA double-strand breaks repair. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:746. [PMID: 37968256 PMCID: PMC10651886 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06267-0] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the fatal type of DNA damage mostly induced by exposure genome to ionizing radiation or genotoxic chemicals. DSBs are mainly repaired by homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). To repair DSBs, a large amount of DNA repair factors was observed to be concentrated at the end of DSBs in a specific spatiotemporal manner to form a repair center. Recently, this repair center was characterized as a condensate derived from liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of key DSBs repair factors. LLPS has been found to be the mechanism of membraneless organelles formation and plays key roles in a variety of biological processes. In this review, the recent advances and mechanisms of LLPS in the formation of DSBs repair-related condensates are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Long Wang
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, PR China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, PR China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, PR China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Wan-Wen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
- GuangDong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Jie Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
- GuangDong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Xiang-Bo Wan
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, PR China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, PR China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, PR China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Jian Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
- GuangDong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China
| | - Xin-Juan Fan
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, PR China.
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, PR China.
- GuangDong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China.
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510655, PR China.
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13
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Sigrist SJ, Haucke V. Orchestrating vesicular and nonvesicular membrane dynamics by intrinsically disordered proteins. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57758. [PMID: 37680133 PMCID: PMC10626433 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357758] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Compartmentalization by membranes is a common feature of eukaryotic cells and serves to spatiotemporally confine biochemical reactions to control physiology. Membrane-bound organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the Golgi complex, endosomes and lysosomes, and the plasma membrane, continuously exchange material via vesicular carriers. In addition to vesicular trafficking entailing budding, fission, and fusion processes, organelles can form membrane contact sites (MCSs) that enable the nonvesicular exchange of lipids, ions, and metabolites, or the secretion of neurotransmitters via subsequent membrane fusion. Recent data suggest that biomolecule and information transfer via vesicular carriers and via MCSs share common organizational principles and are often mediated by proteins with intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) can assemble via low-affinity, multivalent interactions to facilitate membrane tethering, deformation, fission, or fusion. Here, we review our current understanding of how IDPs drive the formation of multivalent protein assemblies and protein condensates to orchestrate vesicular and nonvesicular transport with a special focus on presynaptic neurotransmission. We further discuss how dysfunction of IDPs causes disease and outline perspectives for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan J Sigrist
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, PharmacyFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Volker Haucke
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, PharmacyFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Cell BiologyLeibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP)BerlinGermany
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14
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Zhang L, Xu J, Li M, Chen X. The role of long noncoding RNAs in liquid-liquid phase separation. Cell Signal 2023; 111:110848. [PMID: 37557974 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are among the most well-characterized noncoding RNAs, have attracted much attention due to their regulatory functions and potential therapeutic options in many types of disease. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), the formation of droplet condensates, is involved in various cellular processes, but the molecular interactions of lncRNAs in LLPS are unclear. In this review, we describe the research development on LLPS, including descriptions of various methods established to identify LLPS, summarize the physiological and pathological functions of LLPS, identify the molecular interactions of lncRNAs in LLPS, and present the potential applications of leveraging LLPS in the clinic. The aim of this review is to update the knowledge on the association between LLPS and lncRNAs, which might provide a new direction for the treatment of LLPS-mediated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jinjin Xu
- Department of Imaging Medicine, The People's Hospital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot 010017, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Muxuan Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xiujuan Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, Inner Mongolia, China.
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15
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Zhang Q, Deng K, Liu M, Yang S, Xu W, Feng T, Jie M, Liu Z, Sheng X, Chen H, Jiang H. Phase separation of BuGZ regulates gut regeneration and aging through interaction with m 6A regulators. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6700. [PMID: 37872148 PMCID: PMC10593810 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42474-1] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring the role of phase separation in intracellular compartment formation is an active area of research. However, the associations of phase separation with intestinal stem cell (ISC)-dependent regeneration and aging remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that BuGZ, a coacervating mitotic effector, shows age- and injury-associated condensation in Drosophila ISC nuclei during interphase. BuGZ condensation promotes ISC proliferation, affecting Drosophila gut repair and longevity. Moreover, m6A reader YT521-B acts as the transcriptional and functional downstream of BuGZ. The binding of YT521-B promotor or m6A writer Ime4/ Mettl14 to BuGZ controls its coacervation, indicating that the promotor may accelerate the phase transition of its binding transcription factor. Hence, we propose that phase separation and m6A regulators may be critical for ameliorating ISC-dependent gut regeneration and aging and requires further study.
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Grants
- National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771505); National Key Basic Research Program of China (2018YFA0108302); National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University (Z20201009, Z20191011,Z2023YY003); 1.3.5 project for disciplines of excellence, West China Hospital, Sichuan University (ZYYC20001,ZYGD20010) ; Sichuan Science and Technology Program, the Central Government Guides Local Science and Technology Development Projects, China (Grant No. 2022ZYD0078); Sichuan Science and Technology Program (Grant No. 2023YFQ0008); Project of Max Cynader Academy of Brain Workstation, WCHSCU (HXYS19005).science and technology department of Tibet, the central government guides the local science and technology development fund project (XZ202102YD0026C)
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- National Key Basic Research Program of China (2020YFA0803602); National Key Basic Research Program of China (2018YFA0108301); National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University (Z20201006);1.3.5 project for disciplines of excellence, West China Hospital, Sichuan University (ZYYC20024)
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Zhang
- Laboratory for Aging and Cancer Research, Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Aging Research, Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengyou Liu
- Laboratory for Aging and Cancer Research, Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengye Yang
- Laboratory for Aging and Cancer Research, Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Laboratory for Aging and Cancer Research, Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tong Feng
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minwen Jie
- Laboratory for Aging and Cancer Research, Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiming Liu
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Aging Research, Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao Sheng
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Aging Research, Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haiyang Chen
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Aging Research, Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Hao Jiang
- Laboratory for Aging and Cancer Research, Frontiers Science Center Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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16
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Hatzianestis IH, Mountourakis F, Stavridou S, Moschou PN. Plant condensates: no longer membrane-less? TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:1101-1112. [PMID: 37183142 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.04.006] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Cellular condensation is a reinvigorated area of study in biology, with scientific discussions focusing mainly on the forces that drive condensate formation, properties, and functions. Usually, condensates are called 'membrane-less' to highlight the absence of a surrounding membrane and the lack of associated contacts. In this opinion article we take a different direction, focusing on condensates that may be interfacing with membranes and their possible functions. We also highlight changes in condensate material properties brought about by condensate-membrane interactions, proposing how condensates-membrane interfaces could potentially affect interorganellar communication, development, and growth, but also adaptation in an evolutionary context. We would thus like to stimulate research in this area, which is much less understood in plants compared with the animal field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis H Hatzianestis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Fanourios Mountourakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Panagiotis N Moschou
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece; Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Uppsala, Sweden.
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17
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Hurtle BT, Xie L, Donnelly CJ. Disrupting pathologic phase transitions in neurodegeneration. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168549. [PMID: 37395272 DOI: 10.1172/jci168549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid-like protein deposits found in aged and diseased human brains have revealed a relationship between insoluble protein accumulations and the resulting deficits in neurologic function. Clinically diverse neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, exhibit unique and disease-specific biochemical protein signatures and abnormal protein depositions that often correlate with disease pathogenesis. Recent evidence indicates that many pathologic proteins assemble into liquid-like protein phases through the highly coordinated process of liquid-liquid phase separation. Over the last decade, biomolecular phase transitions have emerged as a fundamental mechanism of cellular organization. Liquid-like condensates organize functionally related biomolecules within the cell, and many neuropathology-associated proteins reside within these dynamic structures. Thus, examining biomolecular phase transitions enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating toxicity across diverse neurodegenerative diseases. This Review explores the known mechanisms contributing to aberrant protein phase transitions in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies and outlining potential therapeutic strategies to regulate these pathologic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan T Hurtle
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh; and
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Longxin Xie
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Christopher J Donnelly
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh; and
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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18
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Xu J, Deng X, Gu A, Cai Y, Huang Y, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Wen W, Xie Y. Ccdc85c-Par3 condensates couple cell polarity with Notch to control neural progenitor proliferation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112677. [PMID: 37352102 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Polarity proteins regulate the proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitors to generate neurons during brain development through multiple signaling pathways. However, how cell polarity couples the signaling pathways remains unclear. Here, we show that coiled-coil domain-containing protein 85c (Ccdc85c) interacts with the polarity protein Par3 to regulate the proliferation of radial glial cells (RGCs) via phase separation coupled to percolation (PSCP). We find that the interaction with Ccdc85c relieves the intramolecular auto-inhibition of Par3, which leads to PSCP of Par3. Downregulation of Ccdc85c causes RGC differentiation. Importantly, the open conformation of Par3 facilitates the recruitment of the Notch regulator Numb to the Par3 condensates, which might prevent the attenuation of Notch activity to maintain RGC proliferation. Furthermore, ectopic activation of Notch signaling rescues RGC proliferation defects caused by the downregulation of Ccdc85c. These results suggest that Ccdc85c-mediated PSCP of Par3 regulates Notch signaling to control RGC proliferation during brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Xu
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Aihong Gu
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuqun Cai
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yunyun Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yiqing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenyu Wen
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yunli Xie
- Department of Anesthesia, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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19
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McDonald NA, Tao L, Dong MQ, Shen K. SAD-1 kinase controls presynaptic phase separation by relieving SYD-2/Liprin-α autoinhibition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.12.544643. [PMID: 37398223 PMCID: PMC10312667 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.12.544643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal development orchestrates the formation of an enormous number of synapses that connect the nervous system. In developing presynapses, the core active zone structure has been found to assemble through a liquid-liquid phase separation. Here, we find that the phase separation of SYD-2/Liprin-α, a key active zone scaffold, is controlled by phosphorylation. Using phosphoproteomics, we identify the SAD-1 kinase to phosphorylate SYD-2 and a number of other substrates. Presynaptic assembly is impaired in sad-1 mutants and increased by overactivation of SAD-1. We determine SAD-1 phosphorylation of SYD-2 at three sites is critical to activate its phase separation. Mechanistically, phosphorylation relieves a binding interaction between two folded SYD-2 domains that inhibits phase separation by an intrinsically disordered region. We find synaptic cell adhesion molecules localize SAD-1 to nascent synapses upstream of active zone formation. We conclude that SAD-1 phosphorylates SYD-2 at developing synapses, enabling its phase separation and active zone assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li Tao
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Meng-Qiu Dong
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Shen
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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20
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Hagan MF, Mohajerani F. Self-assembly coupled to liquid-liquid phase separation. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010652. [PMID: 37186597 PMCID: PMC10212142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid condensate droplets with distinct compositions of proteins and nucleic acids are widespread in biological cells. While it is known that such droplets, or compartments, can regulate irreversible protein aggregation, their effect on reversible self-assembly remains largely unexplored. In this article, we use kinetic theory and solution thermodynamics to investigate the effect of liquid-liquid phase separation on the reversible self-assembly of structures with well-defined sizes and architectures. We find that, when assembling subunits preferentially partition into liquid compartments, robustness against kinetic traps and maximum achievable assembly rates can be significantly increased. In particular, both the range of solution conditions leading to productive assembly and the corresponding assembly rates can increase by orders of magnitude. We analyze the rate equation predictions using simple scaling estimates to identify effects of liquid-liquid phase separation as a function of relevant control parameters. These results may elucidate self-assembly processes that underlie normal cellular functions or pathogenesis, and suggest strategies for designing efficient bottom-up assembly for nanomaterials applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Hagan
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Farzaneh Mohajerani
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
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21
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Wang WJ, Tan CP, Mao ZW. Metals and inorganic molecules in regulating protein and nucleic acid phase separation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 74:102308. [PMID: 37088005 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The realization that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) underlies the formation of membraneless compartments in cells has motivated efforts to modulate the condensation process of biomolecules. Increasing evidence shows that metals and inorganic molecules abundantly distributed in cells play important roles in the regulation of biomolecular condensation. Herein, we briefly reviewed the background of biomacromolecular phase separation and summarized the recent research progress on the roles of metals and inorganic molecules in regulating protein and nucleic acid phase separation in vitro and in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Cai-Ping Tan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Zong-Wan Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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22
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Dai Y, You L, Chilkoti A. Engineering synthetic biomolecular condensates. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:1-15. [PMID: 37359769 PMCID: PMC10107566 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The concept of phase-separation-mediated formation of biomolecular condensates provides a new framework to understand cellular organization and cooperativity-dependent cellular functions. With growing understanding of how biological systems drive phase separation and how cellular functions are encoded by biomolecular condensates, opportunities have emerged for cellular control through engineering of synthetic biomolecular condensates. In this Review, we discuss how to construct synthetic biomolecular condensates and how they can regulate cellular functions. We first describe the fundamental principles by which biomolecular components can drive phase separation. Next, we discuss the relationship between the properties of condensates and their cellular functions, which informs the design of components to create programmable synthetic condensates. Finally, we describe recent applications of synthetic biomolecular condensates for cellular control and discuss some of the design considerations and prospective applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
| | - Lingchong You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
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23
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Biomolecular condensation involving the cytoskeleton. Brain Res Bull 2023; 194:105-117. [PMID: 36690162 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensation of proteins contributes to the organization of the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. A number of condensation processes appear to be directly involved in regulating the structure, function and dynamics of the cytoskeleton. Liquid-liquid phase separation of cytoskeleton proteins, together with polymerization modulators, promotes cytoskeletal fiber nucleation and branching. Furthermore, the attachment of protein condensates to the cytoskeleton can contribute to cytoskeleton stability and organization, regulate transport, create patterns of functional reaction containers, and connect the cytoskeleton with membranes. Surface-bound condensates can exert and buffer mechanical forces that give stability and flexibility to the cytoskeleton, thus, may play a large role in cell biology. In this review, we introduce the concept and role of cellular biomolecular condensation, explain its special function on cytoskeletal fiber surfaces, and point out potential definition and experimental caveats. We review the current literature on protein condensation processes related to the actin, tubulin, and intermediate filament cytoskeleton, and discuss some of them in the context of neurobiology. In summary, we provide an overview about biomolecular condensation in relation to cytoskeleton structure and function, which offers a base for the exploration and interpretation of cytoskeletal condensates in neurobiology.
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24
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Zhang K, Huang M, Li A, Wen J, Yan L, Li Y, Guo L, Senthil KS, Zhou Y, Chen G, Liu Y, Zhang X, Yao X, Qin D, Su H. DIAPH3 condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation act as a regulatory hub for stress-induced actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111986. [PMID: 36640348 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Membraneless condensates, such as stress granules (SGs) and processing bodies (P-bodies), have attracted wide attention due to their unique feature of rapid response to stress without first requiring nuclear feedback. In this study, we identify diaphanous-related formin 3 (DIAPH3), an actin nucleator, as a scaffold protein to initiate liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and form abundant cytosolic phase-separated DIAPH3 granules (D-granules) in mammalian cells such as HeLa, HEK293, and fibroblasts under various stress conditions. Neither mRNAs nor known stress-associated condensate markers, such as G3BP1, G3BP2, and TIA1 for SGs and DCP1A for P-bodies, are detected in D-granules. Using overexpression and knockout of DIAPH3, pharmacological interventions, and optogenetics, we further demonstrate that stress-induced D-granules spatially sequester DIAPH3 within the condensation to inhibit the assembly of actin filaments in filopodia. This study reveals that D-granules formed by LLPS act as a regulatory hub for actin cytoskeletal remodeling in response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Miaodan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Lingli Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yunhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Liman Guo
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kumaran Satyanarayanan Senthil
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yangyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Guobing Chen
- Institute of Geriatric Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Laboratory of Neuroscience in Health and Disease Institute, Guangzhou First People's Hospital School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Yao
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dajiang Qin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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25
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Wu X, Qiu H, Zhang M. Interactions between Membraneless Condensates and Membranous Organelles at the Presynapse: A Phase Separation View of Synaptic Vesicle Cycle. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167629. [PMID: 35595170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Action potential-induced neurotransmitter release in presynaptic boutons involves coordinated actions of a large list of proteins that are associated directly or indirectly with membrane structures including synaptic vesicles and plasma membranes. These proteins are often highly abundant in different synaptic bouton sub-compartments, and they rarely act alone. Instead, these proteins interact with each other forming intricate and distinct molecular complexes. Many of these complexes form condensed clusters on membrane surfaces. This review summarizes findings in recent years showing that many of presynaptic protein complex assemblies are formed via phase separation. These protein condensates extensively interact with lipid membranes via distinct modes, forming various mesoscale structures by different mode of organizations between membraneless condensates and membranous organelles. We discuss that such mesoscale interactions could have deep implications on mobilization, exocytosis, and retrieval of synaptic vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiandeng Wu
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hua Qiu
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518036, China; School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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26
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Zhai RG. The Architecture of the Presynaptic Release Site. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:1-21. [PMID: 37615861 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The architecture of the presynaptic release site is exquisitely designed to facilitate and regulate synaptic vesicle exocytosis. With the identification of some of the building blocks of the active zone and the advent of super resolution imaging techniques, we are beginning to understand the morphological and functional properties of synapses in great detail. Presynaptic release sites consist of the plasma membrane, the cytomatrix, and dense projections. These three components are morphologically distinct but intimately connected with each other and with postsynaptic specializations, ensuring the fidelity of synaptic vesicle tethering, docking, and fusion, as well as signal detection. Although the morphology and molecular compositions of active zones may vary among species, tissues, and cells, global architectural design of the release sites is highly conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Grace Zhai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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27
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Workman RJ, Gorle S, Pettitt BM. Effects of Conformational Constraint on Peptide Solubility Limits. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:10510-10518. [PMID: 36450134 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c06458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation of proteins preferentially involves intrinsically disordered proteins or disordered regions. Understanding the solution chemistry of these phase separations is key to learning how to quantify and manipulate systems that involve such processes. Here, we investigate the effect of cyclization on the liquid-liquid phase separation of short polyglycine peptides. We simulated separate aqueous systems of supersaturated cyclic and linear GGGGG and observed spontaneous liquid-liquid phase separation in each of the solutions. The cyclic GGGGG phase separates less robustly than linear GGGGG and has a higher aqueous solubility, even though linear GGGGG has a more favorable single molecule solvation free energy. The versatile and abundant interpeptide contacts formed by the linear GGGGG stabilize the condensed droplet phase, driving the phase separation in this system. In particular, we find that van der Waals close contact interactions are enriched in the droplet phase as opposed to electrostatic interactions. An analysis of the change in backbone conformational entropy that accompanies the phase transition revealed that cyclic peptides lose significantly less entropy in this process as expected. However, we find that the enhanced interaction enthalpy of linear GGGGG in the droplet phase is enough to compensate for a larger decrease in conformational entropy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley J Workman
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0304, United States
| | - Suresh Gorle
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0304, United States
| | - B Montgomery Pettitt
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0304, United States
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28
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Par3 promotes breast cancer invasion and migration through pull tension and protein nanoparticle-induced osmotic pressure. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113739. [PMID: 36179489 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell invasion and metastasis are closely related to intracellular tension. The cell-polarity protein, Par3, is a mechanical transmitter that affects cytoskeletal forces and determines breast cancer aggressiveness. Increased Par3 tension caused by aPKC inactivation is involved in filopodia and lamellipodia formation. Blocking the connection between Par3 and aPKC increases breast cancer aggressiveness both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, aPKC-induced Par3 cytoplasmic translocation results in JAM-A phase separation and microfilament depolymerization, which is associated with increased intracellular protein nanoparticle-induced osmotic pressure. This study demonstrated the effects of aPKC on Par3 tension and osmotic pressure in breast cancer metastasis, and introduced Par3-associated mechanical mechanisms as potential targets for breast cancer treatment.
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29
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Shillcock JC, Lagisquet C, Alexandre J, Vuillon L, Ipsen JH. Model biomolecular condensates have heterogeneous structure quantitatively dependent on the interaction profile of their constituent macromolecules. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:6674-6693. [PMID: 36004748 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00387b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates play numerous roles in cells by selectively concentrating client proteins while excluding others. These functions are likely to be sensitive to the spatial organization of the scaffold proteins forming the condensate. We use coarse-grained molecular simulations to show that model intrinsically-disordered proteins phase separate into a heterogeneous, structured fluid characterized by a well-defined length scale. The proteins are modelled as semi-flexible polymers with punctate, multifunctional binding sites in good solvent conditions. Their dense phase is highly solvated with a spatial structure that is more sensitive to the separation of the binding sites than their affinity. We introduce graph theoretic measures to quantify their heterogeneity, and find that it increases with increasing binding site number, and exhibits multi-timescale dynamics. The model proteins also swell on passing from the dilute solution to the dense phase. The simulations predict that the structure of the dense phase is modulated by the location and affinity of binding sites distant from the termini of the proteins, while sites near the termini more strongly affect its phase behaviour. The relations uncovered between the arrangement of weak interaction sites on disordered proteins and the material properties of their dense phase can be experimentally tested to give insight into the biophysical properties, pathological effects, and rational design of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C Shillcock
- Blue Brain Project and Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Clément Lagisquet
- LAMA, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LAMA, 73376 Le Bourget du Lac, France.
| | - Jérémy Alexandre
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Vuillon
- LAMA, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LAMA, 73376 Le Bourget du Lac, France.
| | - John H Ipsen
- Dept. of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
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30
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Bai Q, Chen X, Chen J, Liu Z, Lin YN, Yang S, Liang D. Morphology and Dynamics of Coexisting Phases in Coacervate Solely Controlled by Crowded Environment. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:1107-1111. [PMID: 36006377 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The membraneless organelles (MLOs) play a key role in the cell, yet it is unclear what controls the morphology and dynamics of MLOs in crowded cell medium. Using a biphasic coacervate droplet as a model of MLO, we online monitored the liquid-liquid phase separation process in crowded medium provided by poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or dextran. In PEO solution, which has an affinity with the inner phase, the spherical droplets evolve into clusters, networks, and completely phase inverted spheres in sequence with increasing PEO concentration, while in dextran solution, which has an affinity with the outer phase, the coacervates maintain the morphology but vary in phase ratio. Flower-like and even Janus structures are formed in the mixed PEO/dextran medium. Our work demonstrates that MLOs could be controlled solely by the crowded cell medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhijun Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ya-Nan Lin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Dehai Liang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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31
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Energetic determinants of animal cell polarity regulator Par-3 interaction with the Par complex. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102223. [PMID: 35787373 PMCID: PMC9352551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The animal cell polarity regulator Par-3 recruits the Par complex (consisting of Par-6 and atypical PKC, aPKC) to specific sites on the cell membrane. Although numerous physical interactions have been reported between Par-3 and the Par complex, it is unclear how each of these interactions contributes to the overall binding. Using a purified, intact Par complex and a quantitative binding assay, here, we found that the energy required for this interaction is provided by the second and third PDZ protein interaction domains of Par-3. We show that both Par-3 PDZ domains bind to the PDZ-binding motif of aPKC in the Par complex, with additional binding energy contributed from the adjacent catalytic domain of aPKC. In addition to highlighting the role of Par-3 PDZ domain interactions with the aPKC kinase domain and PDZ-binding motif in stabilizing Par-3–Par complex assembly, our results indicate that each Par-3 molecule can potentially recruit two Par complexes to the membrane during cell polarization. These results provide new insights into the energetic determinants and structural stoichiometry of the Par-3–Par complex assembly.
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32
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Interactions of Bacterial Toxin CNF1 and Host JAK1/2 Driven by Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Enhance Macrophage Polarization. mBio 2022; 13:e0114722. [PMID: 35766380 PMCID: PMC9426534 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01147-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a global public health concern, which is mainly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1) is a key UPEC toxin and regulates multiple host cellular processes through activating the Rho GTPases; however, the effect of CNF1 on macrophage polarization remains unknown. Here, we found that CNF1 promoted M1 macrophage polarization through regulating NF-κB and JAK-STAT1 signaling pathways in kidney at an early stage of acute UTIs. Notably, we identified CNF1 could directly interact with JAK1/2 through its domain without Rho GTPases activation, which induced JAK1/2 phosphorylation, subsequent STAT1 activation and M1 polarization. Moreover, CNF1 exhibited liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to induce a CNF1-JAK1/2 complex, promoting macrophage reprogramming. These findings highlight the LLPS-dependent and Rho GTPase-independent effect of CNF1 as an adaptor on interfering with host cell signals.
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33
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Khan S. Endoplasmic Reticulum in Metaplasticity: From Information Processing to Synaptic Proteostasis. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5630-5655. [PMID: 35739409 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02916-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ER (endoplasmic reticulum) is a Ca2+ reservoir and the unique protein-synthesizing machinery which is distributed throughout the neuron and composed of multiple different structural domains. One such domain is called EMC (endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein complex), pleiotropic nature in cellular functions. The ER/EMC position inside the neurons unmasks its contribution to synaptic plasticity via regulating various cellular processes from protein synthesis to Ca2+ signaling. Since presynaptic Ca2+ channels and postsynaptic ionotropic receptors are organized into the nanodomains, thus ER can be a crucial player in establishing TMNCs (transsynaptic molecular nanocolumns) to shape efficient neural communications. This review hypothesized that ER is not only involved in stress-mediated neurodegeneration but also axon regrowth, remyelination, neurotransmitter switching, information processing, and regulation of pre- and post-synaptic functions. Thus ER might not only be a protein-synthesizing and quality control machinery but also orchestrates plasticity of plasticity (metaplasticity) within the neuron to execute higher-order brain functions and neural repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumsuzzaman Khan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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34
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Bai G, Zhang M. Inhibitory postsynaptic density from the lens of phase separation. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 1:kvac003. [PMID: 38596704 PMCID: PMC10913824 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
To faithfully transmit and decode signals released from presynaptic termini, postsynaptic compartments of neuronal synapses deploy hundreds of various proteins. In addition to distinct sets of proteins, excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic apparatuses display very different organization features and regulatory properties. Decades of extensive studies have generated a wealth of knowledge on the molecular composition, assembly architecture and activity-dependent regulatory mechanisms of excitatory postsynaptic compartments. In comparison, our understanding of the inhibitory postsynaptic apparatus trails behind. Recent studies have demonstrated that phase separation is a new paradigm underlying the formation and plasticity of both excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic molecular assemblies. In this review, we discuss molecular composition, organizational and regulatory features of inhibitory postsynaptic densities through the lens of the phase separation concept and in comparison with the excitatory postsynaptic densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanhua Bai
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518036, China
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35
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Navarro AM, Orti F, Martínez-Pérez E, Alonso M, Simonetti FL, Iserte JA, Marino-Buslje C. DisPhaseDB: an integrative database of diseases related variations in liquid-liquid phase separation proteins. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2551-2557. [PMID: 35685370 PMCID: PMC9156858 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase separation proteins involved in membraneless organelles are increasingly implicated in several complex human diseases. DisPhaseDB integrates ten repositories for analyzing clinically relevant mutations in phase separation proteins. Contains over a million disease-related mutations mapped onto the protein sequences along with extensive metadata. It is a comprehensive meta-database, implemented in an user-friendly web with visualization tools and downloadable datasets. DisPhaseDB will contribute deciphering still not fully understood human disease mechanisms under the lens of phase separation.
Motivation Proteins involved in liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) and membraneless organelles (MLOs) are recognized to be decisive for many biological processes and also responsible for several diseases. The recent explosion of research in the area still lacks tools for the analysis and data integration among different repositories. Currently, there is not a comprehensive and dedicated database that collects all disease-related variations in combination with the protein location, biological role in the MLO, and all the metadata available for each protein and disease. Disease-related protein variants and additional features are dispersed and the user has to navigate many databases, with a different focus, formats, and often not user friendly. Results We present DisPhaseDB, a database dedicated to disease-related variants of liquid–liquid phase separation proteins. It integrates 10 databases, contains 5,741 proteins, 1,660,059 variants, and 4,051 disease terms. It also offers intuitive navigation and an informative display. It constitutes a pivotal starting point for further analysis, encouraging the development of new computational tools. The database is freely available at http://disphasedb.leloir.org.ar.
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36
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Myosin 1D and the branched actin network control the condensation of p62 bodies. Cell Res 2022; 32:659-669. [PMID: 35477997 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-022-00662-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensation driven by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is key to assembly of membraneless organelles in numerous crucial pathways. It is largely unknown how cellular structures or components spatiotemporally regulate LLPS and condensate formation. Here we reveal that cytoskeletal dynamics can control the condensation of p62 bodies comprising the autophagic adaptor p62/SQSTM1 and poly-ubiquitinated cargos. Branched actin networks are associated with p62 bodies and are required for their condensation. Myosin 1D, a branched actin-associated motor protein, drives coalescence of small nanoscale p62 bodies into large micron-scale condensates along the branched actin network. Impairment of actin cytoskeletal networks compromises the condensation of p62 bodies and retards substrate degradation by autophagy in both cellular models and Myosin 1D knockout mice. Coupling of LLPS scaffold to cytoskeleton systems may represent a general mechanism by which cells exert spatiotemporal control over phase condensation processes.
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37
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Kinoshita N, Yamamoto TS, Yasue N, Takagi C, Fujimori T, Ueno N. Force-dependent remodeling of cytoplasmic ZO-1 condensates contributes to cell-cell adhesion through enhancing tight junctions. iScience 2022; 25:103846. [PMID: 35198899 PMCID: PMC8850805 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological importance of biomolecular condensates is widely recognized, but how it is controlled in time and space during development is largely unknown. Here, we show that a tight junction protein ZO-1 forms cytoplasmic condensates in the trophectoderm (TE) of the mouse embryo before E4.0. These disappear via dissolution, and ZO-1 accumulates at the cell junction as the blastocyst cavity grows and internal pressure on TE cells increases. In contrast, this dissolution was less evident in TE cells attached to the inner cell mass because they receive weaker tensile forces. Furthermore, analyses using MDCK cells demonstrated that the ZO-1 condensates are generated and maintained by liquid-liquid phase separation. Our study also highlights that the dynamics of these condensates depends on the physical environment via an interaction between ZO-1 and F-actin. We propose that the force-dependent regulation of ZO-1 condensation contributes to the establishment of robust cell-cell adhesion during early development. ZO-1 forms cytoplasmic droplets via liquid-liquid phase separation In hatching mouse embryos, ZO-1 droplets dissolve and it localizes to cell junctions In MDCK cells, ZO-1 forms droplets in response to mechanical environments Interaction with F-actin negatively regulates ZO-1 phase separation
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Kinoshita
- Division of Morphogenesis, Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.,School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Takamasa S Yamamoto
- Division of Morphogenesis, Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Naoko Yasue
- Division of Morphogenesis, Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Chiyo Takagi
- Division of Morphogenesis, Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Fujimori
- Division of Embryology, Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 5-1 Higashiyama Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Naoto Ueno
- Division of Morphogenesis, Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.,School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.,Unit of Quantitative and Imaging Biology, International Research Collaboration Center, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
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38
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Ma Z, Sun Y, Zhu X, Yang L, Chen X, Miao Y. Membrane nanodomains modulate formin condensation for actin remodeling in Arabidopsis innate immune responses. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:374-394. [PMID: 34726756 PMCID: PMC8774048 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The assembly of macromolecules on the plasma membrane concentrates cell surface biomolecules into nanometer- to micrometer-scale clusters (nano- or microdomains) that help the cell initiate or respond to signals. In plant-microbe interactions, the actin cytoskeleton undergoes rapid remodeling during pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). The nanoclustering of formin-actin nucleator proteins at the cell surface has been identified as underlying actin nucleation during plant innate immune responses. Here, we show that the condensation of nanodomain constituents and the self-assembly of remorin proteins enables this mechanism of controlling formin condensation and activity during innate immunity in Arabidopsis thaliana. Through intrinsically disordered region-mediated remorin oligomerization and formin interaction, remorin gradually recruits and condenses formins upon PTI activation in lipid bilayers, consequently increasing actin nucleation in a time-dependent manner postinfection. Such nanodomain- and remorin-mediated regulation of plant surface biomolecules is expected to be a general feature of plant innate immune responses that creates spatially separated biochemical compartments and fine tunes membrane physicochemical properties for transduction of immune signals in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Ma
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Yanbiao Sun
- Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Horticultural Plant Biology and Metabolomics Centre, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xinlu Zhu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Haixia Institute of Science and Technology, Horticultural Plant Biology and Metabolomics Centre, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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39
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Lin YH, Wu H, Jia B, Zhang M, Chan HS. Assembly of model postsynaptic densities involves interactions auxiliary to stoichiometric binding. Biophys J 2022; 121:157-171. [PMID: 34637756 PMCID: PMC8758407 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of functional biomolecular condensates often involves liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins with multiple modular domains, which can be folded or conformationally disordered to various degrees. To understand the LLPS-driving domain-domain interactions, a fundamental question is how readily the interactions in the condensed phase can be inferred from interdomain interactions in dilute solutions. In particular, are the interactions leading to LLPS exclusively those underlying the formation of discrete interdomain complexes in homogeneous solutions? We address this question by developing a mean-field LLPS theory of two stoichiometrically constrained solute species. The theory is applied to the neuronal proteins SynGAP and PSD-95, whose complex coacervate serves as a rudimentary model for neuronal postsynaptic densities (PSDs). The predicted phase behaviors are compared with experiments. Previously, a three SynGAP/two PSD-95 ratio was determined for SynGAP/PSD-95 complexes in dilute solutions. However, when this 3:2 stoichiometry is uniformly imposed in our theory encompassing both dilute and condensed phases, the tie-line pattern of the predicted SynGAP/PSD-95 phase diagram differs drastically from that obtained experimentally. In contrast, theories embodying alternate scenarios postulating auxiliary SynGAP-PSD-95 as well as SynGAP-SynGAP and PSD-95-PSD-95 interactions, in addition to those responsible for stoichiometric SynGAP/PSD-95 complexes, produce tie-line patterns consistent with experiment. Hence, our combined theoretical-experimental analysis indicates that weaker interactions or higher-order complexes beyond the 3:2 stoichiometry, but not yet documented, are involved in the formation of SynGAP/PSD-95 condensates, imploring future efforts to ascertain the nature of these auxiliary interactions in PSD-like LLPS and underscoring a likely general synergy between stoichiometric, structurally specific binding and stochastic, multivalent "fuzzy" interactions in the assembly of functional biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Haowei Wu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bowen Jia
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China,School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China,Corresponding author
| | - Hue Sun Chan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Corresponding author
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40
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Hosokawa T, Liu PW. Regulation of the Stability and Localization of Post-synaptic Membrane Proteins by Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:795757. [PMID: 34975543 PMCID: PMC8716852 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.795757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is a cellular mechanism of learning and memory. The synaptic strength can be persistently upregulated or downregulated to update the information sent to the neuronal network and form a memory engram. For its molecular mechanism, the stability of α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate-type glutamate receptor (AMPAR), a glutamatergic ionotropic receptor, on the postsynaptic membrane has been studied for these two decades. Since AMPAR is not saturated on the postsynaptic membrane during a single event of neurotransmitter release, the number and nanoscale localization of AMPAR is critical for regulating the efficacy of synaptic transmission. The observation of AMPAR on the postsynaptic membrane by super-resolution microscopy revealed that AMPAR forms a nanodomain that is defined as a stable segregated cluster on the postsynaptic membrane to increase the efficacy of synaptic transmission. Postsynaptic density (PSD), an intracellular protein condensate underneath the postsynaptic membrane, regulates AMPAR dynamics via the intracellular domain of Stargazin, an auxiliary subunit of AMPAR. Recently, it was reported that PSD is organized by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to form liquid-like protein condensates. Furthermore, the calcium signal induced by the learning event triggers the persistent formation of sub-compartments of different protein groups inside protein condensates. This explains the formation of nanodomains via synaptic activation. The liquid-like properties of LLPS protein condensates are ideal for the molecular mechanism of synaptic plasticity. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the properties and regulation of synaptic plasticity, postsynaptic receptors, PSD, and LLPS.
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41
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Pronot M, Kieffer F, Gay AS, Debayle D, Forquet R, Poupon G, Schorova L, Martin S, Gwizdek C. Proteomic Identification of an Endogenous Synaptic SUMOylome in the Developing Rat Brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:780535. [PMID: 34887727 PMCID: PMC8650717 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.780535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are highly specialized structures that interconnect neurons to form functional networks dedicated to neuronal communication. During brain development, synapses undergo activity-dependent rearrangements leading to both structural and functional changes. Many molecular processes are involved in this regulation, including post-translational modifications by the Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier SUMO. To get a wider view of the panel of endogenous synaptic SUMO-modified proteins in the mammalian brain, we combined subcellular fractionation of rat brains at the post-natal day 14 with denaturing immunoprecipitation using SUMO2/3 antibodies and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Our screening identified 803 candidate SUMO2/3 targets, which represents about 18% of the synaptic proteome. Our dataset includes neurotransmitter receptors, transporters, adhesion molecules, scaffolding proteins as well as vesicular trafficking and cytoskeleton-associated proteins, defining SUMO2/3 as a central regulator of the synaptic organization and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Pronot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Félicie Kieffer
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Gay
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Delphine Debayle
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Raphaël Forquet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Gwénola Poupon
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Lenka Schorova
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Stéphane Martin
- Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Carole Gwizdek
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
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42
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Adachi K, Kawaguchi K. Surface wetting by kinetic control of liquid-liquid phase separation. Phys Rev E 2021; 104:L042801. [PMID: 34781488 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.104.l042801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Motivated by the observations of intracellular phase separations and the wetting of cell membranes by protein droplets, we study the nonequilibrium surface wetting by Monte Carlo simulations of a lattice gas model involving particle creation. We find that, even when complete wetting should occur in equilibrium, the fast creation of particles can hinder the surface wetting for a long time due to the bulk droplet formation. Performing molecular dynamics simulations, we show that this situation also holds in colloidal particle systems when the disorder density is sufficiently high. The results suggest an intracellular control mechanism of surface wetting by changing the speed of component synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyosuke Adachi
- Nonequilibrium Physics of Living Matter RIKEN Hakubi Research Team, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
- RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kyogo Kawaguchi
- Nonequilibrium Physics of Living Matter RIKEN Hakubi Research Team, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
- RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
- Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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43
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Phase Separation and Mechanical Forces in Regulating Asymmetric Cell Division of Neural Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910267. [PMID: 34638607 PMCID: PMC8508713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric cell division (ACD) of neural stem cells and progenitors not only renews the stem cell population but also ensures the normal development of the nervous system, producing various types of neurons with different shapes and functions in the brain. One major mechanism to achieve ACD is the asymmetric localization and uneven segregation of intracellular proteins and organelles into sibling cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) provides a potential mechanism for the formation of membrane-less biomolecular condensates that are asymmetrically distributed on limited membrane regions. Moreover, mechanical forces have emerged as pivotal regulators of asymmetric neural stem cell division by generating sibling cell size asymmetry. In this review, we will summarize recent discoveries of ACD mechanisms driven by LLPS and mechanical forces.
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A novel missense variant in ACAA1 contributes to early-onset Alzheimer's disease, impairs lysosomal function, and facilitates amyloid-β pathology and cognitive decline. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:325. [PMID: 34465723 PMCID: PMC8408221 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00748-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive synaptic dysfunction, neuronal death, and brain atrophy, with amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposits and hyperphosphorylated tau neurofibrillary tangle accumulation in the brain tissue, which all lead to loss of cognitive function. Pathogenic mutations in the well-known AD causal genes including APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 impair a variety of pathways, including protein processing, axonal transport, and metabolic homeostasis. Here we identified a missense variant rs117916664 (c.896T>C, p.Asn299Ser [p.N299S]) of the acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 1 (ACAA1) gene in a Han Chinese AD family by whole-genome sequencing and validated its association with early-onset familial AD in an independent cohort. Further in vitro and in vivo evidence showed that ACAA1 p.N299S contributes to AD by disturbing its enzymatic activity, impairing lysosomal function, and aggravating the Aβ pathology and neuronal loss, which finally caused cognitive impairment in a murine model. Our findings reveal a fundamental role of peroxisome-mediated lysosomal dysfunction in AD pathogenesis.
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45
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Abstract
Cells are biochemically and morphologically polarized, which allows them to produce different cell shapes for various functions. Remarkably, some polarity protein complexes are asymmetrically recruited and concentrated on limited membrane regions, which is essential for the establishment and maintenance of diverse cell polarity. Though the components and mutual interactions within these protein complexes have been extensively investigated, how these proteins autonomously concentrate at local membranes and whether they have the same organization mechanism in the condensed assembly as that in aqueous solution remain elusive. A number of recent studies suggest that these highly concentrated polarity protein assemblies are membraneless biomolecular condensates which form through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of specific proteins. In this perspective, we summarize the LLPS-driven condensed protein assemblies found in asymmetric cell division, epithelial cell polarity, and neuronal synapse formation and function. These findings suggest that LLPS may be a general strategy for cells to achieve local condensation of specific proteins, thus establishing cell polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyang Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenyu Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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46
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Ismail H, Liu X, Yang F, Li J, Zahid A, Dou Z, Liu X, Yao X. Mechanisms and regulation underlying membraneless organelle plasticity control. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 13:239-258. [PMID: 33914074 PMCID: PMC8339361 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolution has enabled living cells to adopt their structural and functional complexity by organizing intricate cellular compartments, such as membrane-bound and membraneless organelles (MLOs), for spatiotemporal catalysis of physiochemical reactions essential for cell plasticity control. Emerging evidence and view support the notion that MLOs are built by multivalent interactions of biomolecules via phase separation and transition mechanisms. In healthy cells, dynamic chemical modifications regulate MLO plasticity, and reversible phase separation is essential for cell homeostasis. Emerging evidence revealed that aberrant phase separation results in numerous neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and other diseases. In this review, we provide molecular underpinnings on (i) mechanistic understanding of phase separation, (ii) unifying structural and mechanistic principles that underlie this phenomenon, (iii) various mechanisms that are used by cells for the regulation of phase separation, and (iv) emerging therapeutic and other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazrat Ismail
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xu Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Keck Center for Organoids Plasticity Control, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Fengrui Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Keck Center for Organoids Plasticity Control, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Junying Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ayesha Zahid
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Zhen Dou
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xing Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xuebiao Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
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47
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Ramsey AM, Tang AH, LeGates TA, Gou XZ, Carbone BE, Thompson SM, Biederer T, Blanpied TA. Subsynaptic positioning of AMPARs by LRRTM2 controls synaptic strength. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/34/eabf3126. [PMID: 34417170 PMCID: PMC8378824 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf3126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that nano-organization of proteins within synapses may control the strength of communication between neurons in the brain. The unique subsynaptic distribution of glutamate receptors, which cluster in nanoalignment with presynaptic sites of glutamate release, supports this hypothesis. However, testing it has been difficult because mechanisms controlling subsynaptic organization remain unknown. Reasoning that transcellular interactions could position AMPA receptors (AMPARs), we targeted a key transsynaptic adhesion molecule implicated in controlling AMPAR number, LRRTM2, using engineered, rapid proteolysis. Severing the LRRTM2 extracellular domain led quickly to nanoscale declustering of AMPARs away from release sites, not prompting their escape from synapses until much later. This rapid remodeling of AMPAR position produced significant deficits in evoked, but not spontaneous, postsynaptic receptor activation. These results dissociate receptor numbers from their nanopositioning in determination of synaptic function and support the novel concept that adhesion molecules acutely position receptors to dynamically control synaptic strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Ramsey
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Ai-Hui Tang
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Tara A LeGates
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Beatrice E Carbone
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Scott M Thompson
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Thomas Biederer
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Thomas A Blanpied
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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48
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Feng Z, Jia B, Zhang M. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Biology: Specific Stoichiometric Molecular Interactions vs Promiscuous Interactions Mediated by Disordered Sequences. Biochemistry 2021; 60:2397-2406. [PMID: 34291921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Extensive studies in the past few years have shown that nonmembrane bound organelles are likely assembled via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a process that is driven by multivalent protein-protein and/or protein-nucleic acid interactions. Both stoichiometric molecular interactions and intrinsically disordered region (IDR)-driven interactions can promote the assembly of membraneless organelles, and the field is currently dominated by IDR-driven biological condensate formation. Here we discuss recent studies that demonstrate the importance of specific biomolecular interactions for functions of diverse physiological condensates. We suggest that phase separation based on combinations of specific interactions and promiscuous IDR-driven interactions is likely a general feature of biological condensation under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Feng
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong China.,School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Bowen Jia
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Workman RJ, Pettitt BM. Thermodynamic Compensation in Peptides Following Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:6431-6439. [PMID: 34110175 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c02093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation of proteins often incorporates intrinsically disordered proteins or those with disordered regions. Examining these processes via the entropy change is desirable for establishing a quantitative foundation with which to probe and understand these phase transitions. Of interest is the effect of residue sequence on the entropy of the peptide backbone. In this work we model these systems via all atom simulations of liquid-liquid phase separation of peptides. Systems of supersaturated pentapeptides separate into a peptide-dense liquid droplet phase as well as a dilute (saturated) aqueous phase. An analysis of the change in backbone conformational entropy associated with the phase transition was performed. We examined systems of four different pentapeptides (GGGGG, GGQGG, GGNGG, and GGVGG) in order to explore the effect of sequence variation on the conformational entropy, as well as the effect of side chain variation on the physical characteristics of the droplet phases. We find that the loss of conformational entropy that accompanies aqueous → droplet transitions is more than compensated by a decrease in interaction enthalpy as contributions to the free energy change for the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley J Workman
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - B Montgomery Pettitt
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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50
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The m 6A-epitranscriptome in brain plasticity, learning and memory. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 125:110-121. [PMID: 34053866 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Activity-dependent gene expression and protein translation underlie the ability of neurons to dynamically adjust their synaptic strength in response to sensory experience and during learning. The emerging field of epitranscriptomics (RNA modifications) has rapidly shifted our views on the mechanisms that regulate gene expression. Among hundreds of biochemical modifications on RNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant reversible mRNA modification in the brain. Its dynamic nature and ability to regulate all aspects of mRNA processing have positioned m6A as an important and versatile regulator of nervous system functions, including neuronal plasticity, learning and memory. In this review, we summarise recent experimental evidence that supports the role of m6A signalling in learning and memory, as well as providing an overview of the underlying molecular mechanisms in neurons. We also discuss the consequences of perturbed m6A signalling and/or its regulatory networks which are increasingly being linked to various cognitive disorders in humans.
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