1
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Zhu M, Xu H, Jin Y, Kong X, Xu B, Liu Y, Yu H. Synaptotagmin-1 undergoes phase separation to regulate its calcium-sensitive oligomerization. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202311191. [PMID: 38980206 PMCID: PMC11232894 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202311191] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) is a calcium sensor that regulates synaptic vesicle fusion in synchronous neurotransmitter release. Syt1 interacts with negatively charged lipids and the SNARE complex to control the fusion event. However, it remains incompletely understood how Syt1 mediates Ca2+-trigged synaptic vesicle fusion. Here, we discovered that Syt1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to form condensates both in vitro and in living cells. Syt1 condensates play a role in vesicle attachment to the PM and efficiently recruit SNAREs and complexin, which may facilitate the downstream synaptic vesicle fusion. We observed that Syt1 condensates undergo a liquid-to-gel-like phase transition, reflecting the formation of Syt1 oligomers. The phase transition can be blocked or reversed by Ca2+, confirming the essential role of Ca2+ in Syt1 oligomer disassembly. Finally, we showed that the Syt1 mutations causing Syt1-associated neurodevelopmental disorder impair the Ca2+-driven phase transition. These findings reveal that Syt1 undergoes LLPS and a Ca2+-sensitive phase transition, providing new insights into Syt1-mediated vesicle fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yulei Jin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxu Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bingkuan Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinghui Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haijia Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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2
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Bagheri Y, Rouches M, Machta B, Veatch SL. Prewetting couples membrane and protein phase transitions to greatly enhance coexistence in models and cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.26.609758. [PMID: 39253471 PMCID: PMC11383005 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.26.609758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Both membranes and biopolymers can individually separate into coexisting liquid phases. Here we explore biopolymer prewetting at membranes, a phase transition that emerges when these two thermodynamic systems are coupled. In reconstitution, we couple short poly-L-Lysine and poly-L-Glutamic Acid polyelectrolytes to membranes of saturated lipids, unsaturated lipids, and cholesterol, and detect coexisting prewet and dry surface phases well outside of the region of coexistence for each individual system. Notability, polyelectrolyte prewetting is highly sensitive to membrane lipid composition, occurring at 10 fold lower polymer concentration in a membrane close to its phase transition compared to one without a phase transition. In cells, protein prewetting is achieved using an optogenetic tool that enables titration of condensing proteins and tethering to the plasma membrane inner leaflet. Here we show that protein prewetting occurs for conditions well outside those where proteins condense in the cytoplasm, and that the stability of prewet domains is sensitive to perturbations of plasma membrane composition and structure. Our work presents an example of how thermodynamic phase transitions can impact cellular structure outside their individual coexistence regions, suggesting new possible roles for phase-separation-prone systems in cell biology.
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3
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Bonnet C, Han CS, Deng SX, Zheng JJ. Positive cooperativity in synergistic activation of Wnt proteins. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:914. [PMID: 39154310 PMCID: PMC11330945 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09831-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wnt proteins are crucial for embryonic development, stem cell growth, and tissue regeneration. Wnt signaling pathway is activated when Wnt proteins bind to cell membrane receptors. METHODS AND RESULTS We employed a luciferase reporter assay in HEK293STF cells to measure Wnt protein-induced signaling. We observed that Wnt3a uniquely promotes the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through positive cooperativity. Additionally, MFH-ND, a molecular mimic of Wnt ligands, markedly increased Wnt3a-induced signaling in a dose-responsive manner. This suggests that various Wnt ligands can synergistically enhance Wnt pathway activation. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests the likelihood of various Wnt ligands coexisting in a single signalosome on the cell membrane, providing new insights into the complexities of Wnt signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemence Bonnet
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Université Paris Cité, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Christiana S Han
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jie J Zheng
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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4
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Guo P, Li B, Dong W, Zhou H, Wang L, Su T, Carl C, Zheng Y, Hong Y, Deng H, Pan D. PI4P-mediated solid-like Merlin condensates orchestrate Hippo pathway regulation. Science 2024; 385:eadf4478. [PMID: 39116228 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf4478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent studies implicating liquid-like biomolecular condensates in diverse cellular processes, many biomolecular condensates exist in a solid-like state, and their function and regulation are less understood. We show that the tumor suppressor Merlin, an upstream regulator of the Hippo pathway, localizes to both cell junctions and medial apical cortex in Drosophila epithelia, with the latter forming solid-like condensates that activate Hippo signaling. Merlin condensation required phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P)-mediated plasma membrane targeting and was antagonistically controlled by Pez and cytoskeletal tension through plasma membrane PI4P regulation. The solid-like material properties of Merlin condensates are essential for physiological function and protect the condensates against external perturbations. Collectively, these findings uncover an essential role for solid-like condensates in normal physiology and reveal regulatory mechanisms for their formation and disassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Guo
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Huabin Zhou
- Department of Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ting Su
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Christopher Carl
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yonggang Zheng
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yang Hong
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Hua Deng
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Duojia Pan
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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5
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Kusumi A, Tsunoyama TA, Suzuki KGN, Fujiwara TK, Aladag A. Transient, nano-scale, liquid-like molecular assemblies coming of age. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 89:102394. [PMID: 38963953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
This review examines the dynamic mechanisms underlying cellular signaling, communication, and adhesion via transient, nano-scale, liquid-like molecular assemblies on the plasma membrane (PM). Traditional views posit that stable, solid-like molecular complexes perform these functions. However, advanced imaging reveals that many signaling and scaffolding proteins only briefly reside in these molecular complexes and that micron-scale protein assemblies on the PM, including cell adhesion structures and synapses, are likely made of archipelagoes of nanoliquid protein islands. Borrowing the concept of liquid-liquid phase separation to form micron-scale biocondensates, we propose that these nano-scale oligomers and assemblies are enabled by multiple weak but specific molecular interactions often involving intrinsically disordered regions. The signals from individual nanoliquid signaling complexes would occur as pulses. Single-molecule imaging emerges as a crucial technique for characterizing these transient nanoliquid assemblies on the PM, suggesting a shift toward a model where the fluidity of interactions underpins signal regulation and integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Kusumi
- Membrane Cooperativity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Taka A Tsunoyama
- Membrane Cooperativity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Kenichi G N Suzuki
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Takahiro K Fujiwara
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Amine Aladag
- Membrane Cooperativity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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6
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Chen F, Jacobs WM. Emergence of Multiphase Condensates from a Limited Set of Chemical Building Blocks. J Chem Theory Comput 2024. [PMID: 39078082 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecules composed of a limited set of chemical building blocks can colocalize into distinct, spatially segregated compartments known as biomolecular condensates. While many condensates are known to form spontaneously via phase separation, it has been unclear how immiscible condensates with precisely controlled molecular compositions assemble from a small number of chemical building blocks. We address this question by establishing a connection between the specificity of biomolecular interactions and the thermodynamic stability of coexisting condensates. By computing the minimum interaction specificity required to assemble condensates with target molecular compositions, we show how to design heteropolymer mixtures that produce compositionally complex condensates by using only a small number of monomer types. Our results provide insight into how compositional specificity arises in naturally occurring multicomponent condensates and demonstrate a rational algorithm for engineering complex artificial condensates from simple chemical building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - William M Jacobs
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
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7
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Zhou X, Weng SY, Bell SP, Amon A. A noncanonical GTPase signaling mechanism controls exit from mitosis in budding yeast. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.16.594582. [PMID: 38798491 PMCID: PMC11118470 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.16.594582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, exit from mitosis is coupled to spindle position to ensure successful genome partitioning between mother and daughter cell. This coupling occurs through a GTPase signaling cascade known as the mitotic exit network (MEN). The MEN senses spindle position via a Ras-like GTPase Tem1 which localizes to the spindle pole bodies (SPBs, yeast equivalent of centrosomes) during anaphase and signals to its effector protein kinase Cdc15. How Tem1 couples the status of spindle position to MEN activation is not fully understood. Here, we show that Cdc15 has a relatively weak preference for Tem 1 GTP and Tem1's nucleotide state does not change upon MEN activation. Instead, we find that Tem1's nucleotide cycle establishes a localization-based concentration difference in the cell where only Tem 1 GTP is recruited to the SPB, and spindle position regulates the MEN by controlling Tem1 localization. SPB localization of Tem1 primarily functions to promote Tem1-Cdc15 interaction for MEN activation by increasing the effective concentration of Tem1. Consistent with this model, we demonstrate that artificially tethering Tem1 to the SPB or concentrating Tem1 in the cytoplasm with genetically encoded multimeric nanoparticles could bypass the requirement of Tem 1 GTP and correct spindle position for MEN activation. This localization/concentration-based GTPase signaling mechanism for Tem1 differs from the canonical Ras-like GTPase signaling paradigm and is likely relevant to other localization-based signaling scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Zhou
- Department of Biology, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Shannon Y. Weng
- Department of Biology, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Stephen P. Bell
- Department of Biology, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Angelika Amon
- Department of Biology, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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8
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Zhang X, Yuan L, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Wu Q, Li C, Wu M, Huang Y. Liquid-liquid phase separation in diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e640. [PMID: 39006762 PMCID: PMC11245632 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.640] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), an emerging biophysical phenomenon, can sequester molecules to implement physiological and pathological functions. LLPS implements the assembly of numerous membraneless chambers, including stress granules and P-bodies, containing RNA and protein. RNA-RNA and RNA-protein interactions play a critical role in LLPS. Scaffolding proteins, through multivalent interactions and external factors, support protein-RNA interaction networks to form condensates involved in a variety of diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Modulating LLPS phenomenon in multiple pathogenic proteins for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer could present a promising direction, though recent advances in this area are limited. Here, we summarize in detail the complexity of LLPS in constructing signaling pathways and highlight the role of LLPS in neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. We also explore RNA modifications on LLPS to alter diseases progression because these modifications can influence LLPS of certain proteins or the formation of stress granules, and discuss the possibility of proper manipulation of LLPS process to restore cellular homeostasis or develop therapeutic drugs for the eradication of diseases. This review attempts to discuss potential therapeutic opportunities by elaborating on the connection between LLPS, RNA modification, and their roles in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders Health Sciences Institute China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Wanlu Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Qun Wu
- Department of Pediatrics Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Chunting Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Min Wu
- Wenzhou Institute University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Wenzhou Zhejiang China
- The Joint Research Center Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Ningbo China
| | - Yongye Huang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
- Key Laboratory of Bioresource Research and Development of Liaoning Province College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
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9
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Liu Y, Zhu Y, Xu W, Li P. A phase separation-fortified bi-specific adaptor for conditional tumor killing. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1385-1397. [PMID: 38561483 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2490-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
A common approach in therapeutic protein development involves employing synthetic ligands with multivalency, enabling sophisticated control of signal transduction. Leveraging the emerging concept of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and its ability to organize cell surface receptors into functional compartments, we herein have designed modular ligands with phase-separation modalities to engineer programmable interreceptor communications and precise control of signal pathways, thus inducing the rapid, potent, and specific apoptosis of tumor cells. Despite their simplicity, these "triggers", named phase-separated Tumor Killers (hereafter referred to as psTK), are sufficient to yield interreceptor clustering of death receptors (represented by DR5) and tumor-associated receptors, with notable features: LLPS-mediated robust high-order organization, well-choreographed conditional activation, and broad-spectrum capacity to potently induce apoptosis in tumor cells. The development of novel therapeutic proteins with phase-separation modalities showcases the power of spatially reorganizing signal transduction. This approach facilitates the diversification of cell fate and holds promising potential for targeted therapies against challenging tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuting Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Weifan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Pilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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10
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Lee CT, Bell M, Bonilla-Quintana M, Rangamani P. Biophysical Modeling of Synaptic Plasticity. Annu Rev Biophys 2024; 53:397-426. [PMID: 38382115 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-072123-124954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are small, bulbous compartments that function as postsynaptic sites and undergo intense biochemical and biophysical activity. The role of the myriad signaling pathways that are implicated in synaptic plasticity is well studied. A recent abundance of quantitative experimental data has made the events associated with synaptic plasticity amenable to quantitative biophysical modeling. Spines are also fascinating biophysical computational units because spine geometry, signal transduction, and mechanics work in a complex feedback loop to tune synaptic plasticity. In this sense, ideas from modeling cell motility can inspire us to develop multiscale approaches for predictive modeling of synaptic plasticity. In this article, we review the key steps in postsynaptic plasticity with a specific focus on the impact of spine geometry on signaling, cytoskeleton rearrangement, and membrane mechanics. We summarize the main experimental observations and highlight how theory and computation can aid our understanding of these complex processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Miriam Bell
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Mayte Bonilla-Quintana
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
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11
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Sánchez MF, Faria S, Frühschulz S, Werkmann L, Winter C, Karimian T, Lanzerstorfer P, Plochberger B, Weghuber J, Tampé R. Engineering Mesoscale T Cell Receptor Clustering by Plug-and-Play Nanotools. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2310407. [PMID: 38924642 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR) clustering and formation of an immune synapse are crucial for TCR signaling. However, limited information is available about these dynamic assemblies and their connection to transmembrane signaling. In this work, TCR clustering is controlled via plug-and-play nanotools based on an engineered irreversible conjugation pair and a peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) molecule to compare receptor assembly in a ligand (pMHC)-induced or ligand-independent manner. A streptavidin-binding peptide displayed in both tools enabled their anchoring in streptavidin-pre-structured matrices. Strikingly, pMHC-induced clustering in the confined regions exhibit higher density and dynamics than the ligand-free approach, indicating that the size and architecture of the pMHC ligand influences TCR assembly. This approach enables the control of membrane receptor clustering with high specificity and provides the possibility to explore different modalities of receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Florencia Sánchez
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sevi Faria
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Frühschulz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lars Werkmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Winter
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tina Karimian
- Center of Excellence Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, 4600, Austria
| | - Peter Lanzerstorfer
- Center of Excellence Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, 4600, Austria
| | - Birgit Plochberger
- University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Campus Linz, Linz, 4020, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Donaueschingenstr. 13, Vienna, 1200, Austria
| | - Julian Weghuber
- Center of Excellence Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, 4600, Austria
- FFoQSI - Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety & Innovation, FFoQSI GmbH, Technopark 1D, Tulln an der Donau, 3430, Austria
| | - Robert Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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12
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Litschel T, Kelley CF, Cheng X, Babl L, Mizuno N, Case LB, Schwille P. Membrane-induced 2D phase separation of the focal adhesion protein talin. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4986. [PMID: 38862544 PMCID: PMC11166923 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49222-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions form liquid-like assemblies around activated integrin receptors at the plasma membrane. How they achieve their flexible properties is not well understood. Here, we use recombinant focal adhesion proteins to reconstitute the core structural machinery in vitro. We observe liquid-liquid phase separation of the core focal adhesion proteins talin and vinculin for a spectrum of conditions and interaction partners. Intriguingly, we show that binding to PI(4,5)P2-containing membranes triggers phase separation of these proteins on the membrane surface, which in turn induces the enrichment of integrin in the clusters. We suggest a mechanism by which 2-dimensional biomolecular condensates assemble on membranes from soluble proteins in the cytoplasm: lipid-binding triggers protein activation and thus, liquid-liquid phase separation of these membrane-bound proteins. This could explain how early focal adhesions maintain a structured and force-resistant organization into the cytoplasm, while still being highly dynamic and able to quickly assemble and disassemble.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Litschel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Charlotte F Kelley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Xiaohang Cheng
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Leon Babl
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Naoko Mizuno
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lindsay B Case
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Petra Schwille
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
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13
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Kamatar A, Bravo JPK, Yuan F, Wang L, Lafer EM, Taylor DW, Stachowiak JC, Parekh SH. Lipid droplets as substrates for protein phase separation. Biophys J 2024; 123:1494-1507. [PMID: 38462838 PMCID: PMC11163294 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Membrane-associated protein phase separation plays critical roles in cell biology, driving essential cellular phenomena from immune signaling to membrane traffic. Importantly, by reducing dimensionality from three to two dimensions, lipid bilayers can nucleate phase separation at far lower concentrations compared with those required for phase separation in solution. How might other intracellular lipid substrates, such as lipid droplets, contribute to nucleation of phase separation? Distinct from bilayer membranes, lipid droplets consist of a phospholipid monolayer surrounding a core of neutral lipids, and they are energy storage organelles that protect cells from lipotoxicity and oxidative stress. Here, we show that intrinsically disordered proteins can undergo phase separation on the surface of synthetic and cell-derived lipid droplets. Specifically, we find that the model disordered domains FUS LC and LAF-1 RGG separate into protein-rich and protein-depleted phases on the surfaces of lipid droplets. Owing to the hydrophobic nature of interactions between FUS LC proteins, increasing ionic strength drives an increase in its phase separation on droplet surfaces. The opposite is true for LAF-1 RGG, owing to the electrostatic nature of its interprotein interactions. In both cases, protein-rich phases on the surfaces of synthetic and cell-derived lipid droplets demonstrate molecular mobility indicative of a liquid-like state. Our results show that lipid droplets can nucleate protein condensates, suggesting that protein phase separation could be key in organizing biological processes involving lipid droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Advika Kamatar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Jack P K Bravo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Feng Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Eileen M Lafer
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - David W Taylor
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.
| | - Sapun H Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.
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14
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Murai T. Transmembrane signaling through single-spanning receptors modulated by phase separation at the cell surface. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151413. [PMID: 38631097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of transmembrane signals are transduced by cell-surface receptors that activate intracellular signaling molecules. In particular, receptor clustering in the plasma membrane plays a critical role in these processes. Single-spanning or single-pass transmembrane proteins are among the most significant types of membrane receptors, which include adhesion receptors, such as integrins, CD44, cadherins, and receptor tyrosine kinases. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of the activity of these receptors is of great significance. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a recently emerging paradigm in cellular physiology for the ubiquitous regulation of the spatiotemporal dynamics of various signaling pathways. This study describes the emerging features of transmembrane signaling through single-spanning receptors from the perspective of phase separation. Possible physicochemical modulations of LLPS-based transmembrane signaling are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Murai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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15
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Walker C, Chandrasekaran A, Mansour D, Graham K, Torres A, Wang L, Lafer EM, Rangamani P, Stachowiak JC. Liquid-like condensates that bind actin drive filament polymerization and bundling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.04.592527. [PMID: 38826190 PMCID: PMC11142076 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.04.592527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-like protein condensates perform diverse physiological functions. Previous work showed that VASP, a processive actin polymerase, forms condensates that polymerize and bundle actin. To minimize their curvature, filaments accumulated at the inner condensate surface, ultimately deforming the condensate into a rod-like shape, filled with a bundle of parallel filaments. Here we show that this behavior does not require proteins with specific polymerase activity. Specifically, we found that condensates composed of Lamellipodin, a protein that binds actin but is not an actin polymerase, were also capable of polymerizing and bundling actin filaments. To probe the minimum requirements for condensate-mediated actin bundling, we developed an agent-based computational model. Guided by its predictions, we hypothesized that any condensate-forming protein that binds actin could bundle filaments through multivalent crosslinking. To test this idea, we added an actin-binding motif to Eps15, a condensate-forming protein that does not normally bind actin. The resulting chimera formed condensates that drove efficient actin polymerization and bundling. Collectively, these findings broaden the family of proteins that could organize cytoskeletal filaments to include any actin-binding protein that participates in protein condensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Walker
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Aravind Chandrasekaran
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Mansour
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Kristin Graham
- Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Andrea Torres
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Eileen M. Lafer
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jeanne C. Stachowiak
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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16
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Wang J, Zhu H, Tian R, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Hu J, Wang S. Physiological and pathological effects of phase separation in the central nervous system. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:599-615. [PMID: 38441598 PMCID: PMC11055734 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02435-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Phase separation, also known as biomolecule condensate, participates in physiological processes such as transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, gene expression, and DNA damage repair by creating a membrane-free compartment. Phase separation is primarily caused by the interaction of multivalent non-covalent bonds between proteins and/or nucleic acids. The strength of molecular multivalent interaction can be modified by component concentration, the potential of hydrogen, posttranslational modification, and other factors. Notably, phase separation occurs frequently in the cytoplasm of mitochondria, the nucleus, and synapses. Phase separation in vivo is dynamic or stable in the normal physiological state, while abnormal phase separation will lead to the formation of biomolecule condensates, speeding up the disease progression. To provide candidate suggestions for the clinical treatment of nervous system diseases, this review, based on existing studies, carefully and systematically represents the physiological roles of phase separation in the central nervous system and its pathological mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongrui Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China.
- Core Facility Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei, China.
| | - Ruijia Tian
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoliang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Hu
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Lin CC, Suen KM, Lidster J, Ladbury JE. The emerging role of receptor tyrosine kinase phase separation in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:371-379. [PMID: 37777392 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-mediated signal transduction is fundamental to cell function and drives important cellular outcomes which, when dysregulated, can lead to malignant tumour growth and metastasis. The initiation of signals from plasma membrane-bound RTKs is subjected to multiple regulatory mechanisms that control downstream effector protein recruitment and function. The high propensity of RTKs to condense via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) into membraneless organelles with downstream effector proteins provides a further fundamental mechanism for signal regulation. Herein we highlight how this phenomenon contributes to cancer signalling and consider the potential impact of LLPS on outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chuan Lin
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Kin Man Suen
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jessica Lidster
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - John E Ladbury
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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18
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Kang CY, Chang Y, Zieske K. Lipid Membrane Topographies Are Regulators for the Spatial Distribution of Liquid Protein Condensates. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:4330-4335. [PMID: 38579181 PMCID: PMC11036382 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Liquid protein condensates play important roles in orchestrating subcellular organization and as biochemical reaction hubs. Recent studies have linked lipid membranes to proteins capable of forming liquid condensates, and shown that biophysical parameters, like protein enrichment and restricted diffusion at membranes, regulate condensate formation and size. However, the impact of membrane topography on liquid condensates remains poorly understood. Here, we devised a cell-free system to reconstitute liquid condensates on lipid membranes with microstructured topographies and demonstrated that lipid membrane topography is a significant biophysical regulator. Using membrane surfaces designed with microwells, we observed ordered condensate patterns. Furthermore, we demonstrate that membrane topographies influence the shape of liquid condensates. Finally, we show that capillary forces, mediated by membrane topographies, lead to the directed fusion of liquid condensates. Our results demonstrate that membrane topography is a potent biophysical regulator for the localization and shape of mesoscale liquid protein condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae Yeon Kang
- Biophysics, Max
Planck Institute for the Science of Light, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yoohyun Chang
- Biophysics, Max
Planck Institute for the Science of Light, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Katja Zieske
- Biophysics, Max
Planck Institute for the Science of Light, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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19
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Zhao T, Yang X, Duan G, Chen J, He K, Chen YX, Luo SZ. Phosphorylation-regulated phase separation of syndecan-4 and syntenin promotes the biogenesis of exosomes. Cell Prolif 2024:e13645. [PMID: 38601993 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The biogenesis of exosomes that mediate cell-to-cell communication by transporting numerous biomolecules to neighbouring cells is an essential cellular process. The interaction between the transmembrane protein syndecan-4 (SDC4) and cytosolic protein syntenin plays a key role in the biogenesis of exosomes. However, how the relatively weak binding of syntenin to SDC4 efficiently enables syntenin sorting for packaging into exosomes remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that SDC4 can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to form condensates both in vitro and in the cell membrane and that, the SDC4 cytoplasmic domain (SDC4-CD) is a key contributor to this process. The phase separation of SDC4 greatly enhances the recruitment of syntenin to the plasma membrane (PM) despite the weak SDC4-syntenin interaction, facilitating syntenin sorting for inclusion in exosomes. Interestingly, phosphorylation at the only serine (179) in the SDC4-CD (Ser179) disrupts SDC4 LLPS, and inhibited phosphorylation or dephosphorylation restores the SDC4 LLPS to promote its recruitment of syntenin to the PM and syntenin inclusion into exosomes. This research reveals a novel phosphorylation-regulated phase separation property of SDC4 in the PM through which SDC4 efficiently recruits cytosolic syntenin and facilitates the biogenesis of exosomes, providing potential intervention targets for exosome-mediated biomedical events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Guangfei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jialin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Kefeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Zhong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
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20
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Khorsand FR, Uversky VN. Liquid-liquid phase separation as triggering factor of fibril formation. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 206:143-182. [PMID: 38811080 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) refers to the phenomenon, where a homogeneous solution spontaneously undergoes a transition into two or more immiscible phases. Through transient weak multivalent macromolecular interactions, a homogeneous solution can spontaneously separate into two phases: one rich in biomolecules and the other poor in biomolecules. Phase separation is believed to serve as the physicochemical foundation for the formation of membrane-less organelles (MLOs) and bio-molecular condensates within cells. Moreover, numerous biological processes depend on LLPS, such as transcription, immunological response, chromatin architecture, DNA damage response, stress granule formation, viral infection, etc. Abnormalities in phase separation can lead to diseases, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. LLPS is regulated by various factors, such as concentration of molecules undergoing LLPS, salt concentration, pH, temperature, post-translational modifications, and molecular chaperones. Recent research on LLPS of biomolecules has progressed rapidly and led to the development of databases containing information pertaining to various aspects of the biomolecule separation analysis. However, more comprehensive research is still required to fully comprehend the specific molecular mechanisms and biological effects of LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Pushchino, Moscow, Russia; Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
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21
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Lujan P, Garcia-Cabau C, Wakana Y, Vera Lillo J, Rodilla-Ramírez C, Sugiura H, Malhotra V, Salvatella X, Garcia-Parajo MF, Campelo F. Sorting of secretory proteins at the trans-Golgi network by human TGN46. eLife 2024; 12:RP91708. [PMID: 38466628 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Secretory proteins are sorted at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) for export into specific transport carriers. However, the molecular players involved in this fundamental process remain largely elusive. Here, we identified the human transmembrane protein TGN46 as a receptor for the export of secretory cargo protein PAUF in CARTS - a class of protein kinase D-dependent TGN-to-plasma membrane carriers. We show that TGN46 is necessary for cargo sorting and loading into nascent carriers at the TGN. By combining quantitative fluorescence microscopy and mutagenesis approaches, we further discovered that the lumenal domain of TGN46 encodes for its cargo sorting function. In summary, our results define a cellular function of TGN46 in sorting secretory proteins for export from the TGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Lujan
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Garcia-Cabau
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yuichi Wakana
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Javier Vera Lillo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodilla-Ramírez
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hideaki Sugiura
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Vivek Malhotra
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Salvatella
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria F Garcia-Parajo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felix Campelo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Mondal S, Cui Q. Sequence Sensitivity in Membrane Remodeling by Polyampholyte Condensates. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:2087-2099. [PMID: 38407041 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c08149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered peptides (IDPs) have been found to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and produce complex coacervates that play numerous regulatory roles in the cell. Recent experimental studies have discovered that LLPS at or near the membrane surface helps in the biomolecular organization during signaling events and can significantly alter the membrane morphology. However, the molecular mechanism and microscopic details of such processes still remain unclear. Here we study the effect of polyampholyte and polyelectrolyte condensation on two different anionic membranes, as they represent a majority of naturally occurring IDPs. The polyampholytes are fifty-residue polymers, made of glutamate(E) and lysine(K) with different charge patterns. The polyelectrolytes are separate chains of E25 and K25. We first calibrate the MARTINI v3.0 force field and then perform long-time-scale coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. We find that condensates formed by all the polyampholytes get adsorbed on the membrane. However, the strong polyampholytes (i.e., blocky sequences) can remodel the membranes more prominently than the weaker ones (i.e., scrambled sequences). Condensates formed by the blocky sequences induce a significant negative curvature (∼0.1 nm-1) and local demixing of lipids, whereas those by the scrambled sequences tend to wet the membrane to a greater extent without generating significant curvature or demixing. We perform several microscopic analyses to characterize the nature of the interaction between membranes and these condensates. Our analyses of interaction energetics reveal that membrane remodeling and/or wetting are favored by enhanced interactions between polyampholytes with lipids and the counterions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Qiang Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Physics, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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23
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Huang WYC, Boxer SG, Ferrell JE. Membrane localization accelerates association under conditions relevant to cellular signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319491121. [PMID: 38427601 PMCID: PMC10927583 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319491121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Translocation of cytoplasmic molecules to the plasma membrane is commonplace in cell signaling. Membrane localization has been hypothesized to increase intermolecular association rates; however, it has also been argued that association should be faster in the cytosol because membrane diffusion is slow. Here, we directly compare an identical association reaction, the binding of complementary DNA strands, in solution and on supported membranes. The measured rate constants show that for a 10-µm-radius spherical cell, association is 22- to 33-fold faster at the membrane than in the cytoplasm. The kinetic advantage depends on cell size and is essentially negligible for typical ~1 µm prokaryotic cells. The rate enhancement is attributable to a combination of higher encounter rates in two dimensions and a higher reaction probability per encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Y. C. Huang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Steven G. Boxer
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - James E. Ferrell
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
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24
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Ahangama Liyanage L, Ditlev JA. Mesoscale condensates organize the cytoplasm. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:310-312. [PMID: 38424272 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01331-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Leshani Ahangama Liyanage
- Programs in Molecular Medicine and Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathon A Ditlev
- Programs in Molecular Medicine and Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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25
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Vural A, Lanier SM. Properties of biomolecular condensates defined by Activator of G-protein Signaling 3. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261326. [PMID: 38264908 PMCID: PMC10911133 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Activator of G-protein signaling 3 (AGS3; also known as GPSM1), a receptor-independent activator of G-protein signaling, oscillates among defined subcellular compartments and biomolecular condensates (BMCs) in a regulated manner that is likely related to the functional diversity of the protein. We determined the influence of cell stress on the cellular distribution of AGS3 and core material properties of AGS3 BMCs. Cellular stress (oxidative, pHi and thermal) induced the formation of AGS3 BMCs in HeLa and COS-7 cells, as determined by fluorescent microscopy. Oxidative stress-induced AGS3 BMCs were distinct from G3BP1 stress granules and from RNA processing BMCs defined by the P-body protein Dcp1a. Immunoblots indicated that cellular stress shifted AGS3, but not the stress granule protein G3BP1 to a membrane pellet fraction following cell lysis. The stress-induced generation of AGS3 BMCs was reduced by co-expression of the signaling protein Gαi3, but not the AGS3-binding partner DVL2. Fluorescent recovery following photobleaching of individual AGS3 BMCs indicated that there are distinct diffusion kinetics and restricted fluidity for AGS3 BMCs. These data suggest that AGS3 BMCs represent a distinct class of stress granules that serve as a previously unrecognized signal processing node.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Vural
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Stephen M. Lanier
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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26
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Li L, Wang J, Zhong X, Jiang Y, Pei G, Yang X, Zhang K, Shen S, Jin X, Sun G, Su C, Chen S, Yin H. ADP-Hep-Induced Liquid Phase Condensation of TIFA-TRAF6 Activates ALPK1/TIFA-Dependent Innate Immune Responses. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0315. [PMID: 38357697 PMCID: PMC10865109 DOI: 10.34133/research.0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The ALPK1 (alpha-kinase 1)-TIFA (TRAF-interacting protein with fork head-associated domain)-TRAF6 signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating inflammatory processes, with TIFA and TRAF6 serving as key molecules in this cascade. Despite its significance, the functional mechanism of TIFA-TRAF6 remains incompletely understood. In this study, we unveil that TIFA undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) induced by ALPK1 in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-β-D-manno-heptose (ADP-Hep) recognition. The phase separation of TIFA is primarily driven by ALPK1, the pT9-FHA domain, and the intrinsically disordered region segment. Simultaneously, TRAF6 exhibits phase separation during ADP-Hep-induced inflammation, a phenomenon observed consistently across various inflammatory signal pathways. Moreover, TRAF6 is recruited within the TIFA condensates, facilitating lysine (K) 63-linked polyubiquitin chain synthesis. The subsequent recruitment, enrichment, and activation of downstream effectors within these condensates contribute to robust inflammatory signal transduction. Utilizing a novel chemical probe (compound 22), our analysis demonstrates that the activation of the ALPK1-TIFA-TRAF6 signaling pathway in response to small molecules necessitates the phase separation of TIFA. In summary, our findings reveal TIFA as a sensor for upstream signals, initiating the LLPS of itself and downstream proteins. This process results in the formation of membraneless condensates within the ALPK1-TIFA-TRAF6 pathway, suggesting potential applications in therapeutic biotechnology development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Cancer Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology,
Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xincheng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yaoyao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gaofeng Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences,
Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xikang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kaixiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Siqi Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xue Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gaoge Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chaofei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuzhen Chen
- Department of Cancer Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Precision Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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27
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Lee WJ, Kim SJ, Ahn Y, Park J, Jin S, Jang J, Jeong J, Park M, Lee YS, Lee J, Seo D. From Homogeneity to Turing Pattern: Kinetically Controlled Self-Organization of Transmembrane Protein. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:1882-1890. [PMID: 38198287 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c03637] [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: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the spatial organization of membrane proteins is crucial for unraveling key principles in cell biology. The reaction-diffusion model is commonly used to understand biochemical patterning; however, applying reaction-diffusion models to subcellular phenomena is challenging because of the difficulty in measuring protein diffusivity and interaction kinetics in the living cell. In this work, we investigated the self-organization of the plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP), which creates regular arrangements of fenestrated ultrastructures, using single-molecule tracking. We demonstrated that the spatial organization of the ultrastructures is associated with a decrease in the association rate by actin destabilization. We also constructed a reaction-diffusion model that accurately generates a hexagonal array with the same 130 nm spacing as the actual scale and informs the stoichiometry of the ultrastructure, which can be discerned only through electron microscopy. Through this study, we integrated single-molecule experiments and reaction-diffusion modeling to surpass the limitations of static imaging tools and proposed emergent properties of the PLVAP ultrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonhee John Lee
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jin Kim
- Department of Medical Science, AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongdeok Ahn
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiseong Park
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Siwoo Jin
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhee Jang
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinju Jeong
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsoo Park
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sam Lee
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyeop Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Translational Biomedical Research Group, Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeha Seo
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
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28
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Sang CC, Moore G, Tereshchenko M, Nosella ML, Zhang H, Alderson TR, Dasovich M, Leung A, Finkelstein IJ, Forman-Kay JD, Lee HO. PARP1 condensates differentially partition DNA repair proteins and enhance DNA ligation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.20.575817. [PMID: 38328070 PMCID: PMC10849519 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.20.575817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is one of the first responders to DNA damage and plays crucial roles in recruiting DNA repair proteins through its activity - poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation). The enrichment of DNA repair proteins at sites of DNA damage has been described as the formation of a biomolecular condensate. However, it is not understood how PARP1 and PARylation contribute to the formation and organization of DNA repair condensates. Using recombinant human PARP1 in vitro, we find that PARP1 readily forms viscous biomolecular condensates in a DNA-dependent manner and that this depends on its three zinc finger (ZnF) domains. PARylation enhances PARP1 condensation in a PAR chain-length dependent manner and increases the internal dynamics of PARP1 condensates. DNA and single-strand break repair proteins XRCC1, LigIII, Polβ, and FUS partition in PARP1 condensates, although in different patterns. While Polβ and FUS are both homogeneously mixed within PARP1 condensates, FUS enrichment is greatly enhanced upon PARylation whereas Polβ partitioning is not. XRCC1 and LigIII display an inhomogeneous organization within PARP1 condensates; their enrichment in these multiphase condensates is enhanced by PARylation. Functionally, PARP1 condensates concentrate short DNA fragments and facilitate compaction of long DNA and bridge DNA ends. Furthermore, the presence of PARP1 condensates significantly promotes DNA ligation upon PARylation. These findings provide insight into how PARP1 condensation and PARylation regulate the assembly and biochemical activities in DNA repair foci, which may inform on how PARPs function in other PAR-driven condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaelen Moore
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Maria Tereshchenko
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Michael L. Nosella
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Hongshan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - T. Reid Alderson
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Morgan Dasovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Anthony Leung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Oncology, and Department of Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ilya J. Finkelstein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Julie D. Forman-Kay
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Hyun O. Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
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29
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Kumar M, Michael S, Alvarado-Valverde J, Zeke A, Lazar T, Glavina J, Nagy-Kanta E, Donagh J, Kalman Z, Pascarelli S, Palopoli N, Dobson L, Suarez C, Van Roey K, Krystkowiak I, Griffin J, Nagpal A, Bhardwaj R, Diella F, Mészáros B, Dean K, Davey N, Pancsa R, Chemes L, Gibson T. ELM-the Eukaryotic Linear Motif resource-2024 update. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D442-D455. [PMID: 37962385 PMCID: PMC10767929 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Short Linear Motifs (SLiMs) are the smallest structural and functional components of modular eukaryotic proteins. They are also the most abundant, especially when considering post-translational modifications. As well as being found throughout the cell as part of regulatory processes, SLiMs are extensively mimicked by intracellular pathogens. At the heart of the Eukaryotic Linear Motif (ELM) Resource is a representative (not comprehensive) database. The ELM entries are created by a growing community of skilled annotators and provide an introduction to linear motif functionality for biomedical researchers. The 2024 ELM update includes 346 novel motif instances in areas ranging from innate immunity to both protein and RNA degradation systems. In total, 39 classes of newly annotated motifs have been added, and another 17 existing entries have been updated in the database. The 2024 ELM release now includes 356 motif classes incorporating 4283 individual motif instances manually curated from 4274 scientific publications and including >700 links to experimentally determined 3D structures. In a recent development, the InterPro protein module resource now also includes ELM data. ELM is available at: http://elm.eu.org.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjeet Kumar
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Sushama Michael
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Jesús Alvarado-Valverde
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Germany
| | - András Zeke
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Tamas Lazar
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Department of Bioengineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Juliana Glavina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CP 1650, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, CP1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eszter Nagy-Kanta
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter u. 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Juan Mac Donagh
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Zsofia E Kalman
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter u. 50/A, Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Stefano Pascarelli
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Palopoli
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - László Dobson
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó u. 7, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Carmen Florencia Suarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CP 1650, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, CP1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kim Van Roey
- Health Services Research, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Izabella Krystkowiak
- Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Juan Esteban Griffin
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anurag Nagpal
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa campus, Zuarinagar, Goa 403726, India
| | - Rajesh Bhardwaj
- Inselspital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Diella
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Bálint Mészáros
- Department of Structural Biology and Center of Excellence for Data Driven Discovery, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kellie Dean
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 3.91 Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Norman E Davey
- Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Rita Pancsa
- Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Lucía B Chemes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CP 1650, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia, CP1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Toby J Gibson
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
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30
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Mehta N, Mondal S, Watson ET, Cui Q, Chapman ER. The juxtamembrane linker of synaptotagmin 1 regulates Ca 2+ binding via liquid-liquid phase separation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:262. [PMID: 38177243 PMCID: PMC10766989 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44414-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptotagmin (syt) 1, a Ca2+ sensor for synaptic vesicle exocytosis, functions in vivo as a multimer. Syt1 senses Ca2+ via tandem C2-domains that are connected to a single transmembrane domain via a juxtamembrane linker. Here, we show that this linker segment harbors a lysine-rich, intrinsically disordered region that is necessary and sufficient to mediate liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Interestingly, condensate formation negatively regulates the Ca2+-sensitivity of syt1. Moreover, Ca2+ and anionic phospholipids facilitate the observed phase separation, and increases in [Ca2+]i promote the fusion of syt1 droplets in living cells. Together, these observations suggest a condensate-mediated feedback loop that serves to fine-tune the ability of syt1 to trigger release, via alterations in Ca2+ binding activity and potentially through the impact of LLPS on membrane curvature during fusion reactions. In summary, the juxtamembrane linker of syt1 emerges as a regulator of syt1 function by driving self-association via LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikunj Mehta
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Sayantan Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Emma T Watson
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Qiang Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Edwin R Chapman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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31
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Su WC, Ho JCS, Gettel DL, Rowland AT, Keating CD, Parikh AN. Kinetic control of shape deformations and membrane phase separation inside giant vesicles. Nat Chem 2024; 16:54-62. [PMID: 37414881 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
A variety of cellular processes use liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to create functional levels of organization, but the kinetic pathways by which it proceeds remain incompletely understood. Here in real time, we monitor the dynamics of LLPS of mixtures of segregatively phase-separating polymers inside all-synthetic, giant unilamellar vesicles. After dynamically triggering phase separation, we find that the ensuing relaxation-en route to the new equilibrium-is non-trivially modulated by a dynamic interplay between the coarsening of the evolving droplet phase and the interactive membrane boundary. The membrane boundary is preferentially wetted by one of the incipient phases, dynamically arresting the progression of coarsening and deforming the membrane. When the vesicles are composed of phase-separating mixtures of common lipids, LLPS within the vesicular interior becomes coupled to the membrane's compositional degrees of freedom, producing microphase-separated membrane textures. This coupling of bulk and surface phase-separation processes suggests a physical principle by which LLPS inside living cells might be dynamically regulated and communicated to the cellular boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chih Su
- Chemistry Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - James C S Ho
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering and Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Douglas L Gettel
- Chemical Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Andrew T Rowland
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Christine D Keating
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Atul N Parikh
- Chemistry Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering and Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
- Chemical Engineering Graduate Program, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Programs, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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32
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Gorsheneva NA, Sopova JV, Azarov VV, Grizel AV, Rubel AA. Biomolecular Condensates: Structure, Functions, Methods of Research. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:S205-S223. [PMID: 38621751 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924140116] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The term "biomolecular condensates" is used to describe membraneless compartments in eukaryotic cells, accumulating proteins and nucleic acids. Biomolecular condensates are formed as a result of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Often, they demonstrate properties of liquid-like droplets or gel-like aggregates; however, some of them may appear to have a more complex structure and high-order organization. Membraneless microcompartments are involved in diverse processes both in cytoplasm and in nucleus, among them ribosome biogenesis, regulation of gene expression, cell signaling, and stress response. Condensates properties and structure could be highly dynamic and are affected by various internal and external factors, e.g., concentration and interactions of components, solution temperature, pH, osmolarity, etc. In this review, we discuss variety of biomolecular condensates and their functions in live cells, describe their structure variants, highlight domain and primary sequence organization of the constituent proteins and nucleic acids. Finally, we describe current advances in methods that characterize structure, properties, morphology, and dynamics of biomolecular condensates in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia V Sopova
- St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
| | | | - Anastasia V Grizel
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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33
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Mehta N, Mondal S, Watson ET, Cui Q, Chapman ER. The juxtamembrane linker of synaptotagmin 1 regulates Ca 2+ binding via liquid-liquid phase separation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.11.551903. [PMID: 37609296 PMCID: PMC10441399 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.11.551903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Synaptotagmin (syt) 1, a Ca2+ sensor for synaptic vesicle exocytosis, functions in vivo as a multimer. Syt1 senses Ca2+ via tandem C2-domains that are connected to a single transmembrane domain via a juxtamembrane linker. Here, we show that this linker segment harbors a lysine-rich, intrinsically disordered region that is necessary and sufficient to mediate liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Interestingly, condensate formation negatively regulates the Ca2+-sensitivity of syt1. Moreover, Ca2+ and anionic phospholipids facilitate the observed phase separation, and increases in [Ca2+]i promote the fusion of syt1 droplets in living cells. Together, these observations suggest a condensate-mediated feedback loop that serves to fine-tune the ability of syt1 to trigger release, via alterations in Ca2+ binding activity and potentially through the impact of LLPS on membrane curvature during fusion reactions. In summary, the juxtamembrane linker of syt1 emerges as a regulator of syt1 function by driving self-association via LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikunj Mehta
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Sayantan Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Emma T. Watson
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Qiang Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Edwin R. Chapman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States
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34
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Parra AS, Johnston CA. Phase Separation as a Driver of Stem Cell Organization and Function during Development. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:45. [PMID: 38132713 PMCID: PMC10743522 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11040045] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A properly organized subcellular composition is essential to cell function. The canonical organizing principle within eukaryotic cells involves membrane-bound organelles; yet, such structures do not fully explain cellular complexity. Furthermore, discrete non-membrane-bound structures have been known for over a century. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has emerged as a ubiquitous mode of cellular organization without the need for formal lipid membranes, with an ever-expanding and diverse list of cellular functions that appear to be regulated by this process. In comparison to traditional organelles, LLPS can occur across wider spatial and temporal scales and involves more distinct protein and RNA complexes. In this review, we discuss the impacts of LLPS on the organization of stem cells and their function during development. Specifically, the roles of LLPS in developmental signaling pathways, chromatin organization, and gene expression will be detailed, as well as its impacts on essential processes of asymmetric cell division. We will also discuss how the dynamic and regulated nature of LLPS may afford stem cells an adaptable mode of organization throughout the developmental time to control cell fate. Finally, we will discuss how aberrant LLPS in these processes may contribute to developmental defects and disease.
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35
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Lee Y, Park S, Yuan F, Hayden CC, Wang L, Lafer EM, Choi SQ, Stachowiak JC. Transmembrane coupling of liquid-like protein condensates. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8015. [PMID: 38049424 PMCID: PMC10696066 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation of proteins occurs on both surfaces of cellular membranes during diverse physiological processes. In vitro reconstitution could provide insight into the mechanisms underlying these events. However, most existing reconstitution techniques provide access to only one membrane surface, making it difficult to probe transmembrane phenomena. To study protein phase separation simultaneously on both membrane surfaces, we developed an array of freestanding planar lipid membranes. Interestingly, we observed that liquid-like protein condensates on one side of the membrane colocalized with those on the other side, resulting in transmembrane coupling. Our results, based on lipid probe partitioning and mobility of lipids, suggest that protein condensates locally reorganize membrane lipids, a process which could be explained by multiple effects. These findings suggest a mechanism by which signals originating on one side of a biological membrane, triggered by protein phase separation, can be transferred to the opposite side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohan Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sujin Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Feng Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Carl C Hayden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Eileen M Lafer
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Siyoung Q Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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36
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Ramšak M, Ramirez DA, Hough LE, Shirts MR, Vidmar S, Eleršič Filipič K, Anderluh G, Jerala R. Programmable de novo designed coiled coil-mediated phase separation in mammalian cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7973. [PMID: 38042897 PMCID: PMC10693550 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43742-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Membraneless liquid compartments based on phase-separating biopolymers have been observed in diverse cell types and attributed to weak multivalent interactions predominantly based on intrinsically disordered domains. The design of liquid-liquid phase separated (LLPS) condensates based on de novo designed tunable modules that interact in a well-understood, controllable manner could improve our understanding of this phenomenon and enable the introduction of new features. Here we report the construction of CC-LLPS in mammalian cells, based on designed coiled-coil (CC) dimer-forming modules, where the stability of CC pairs, their number, linkers, and sequential arrangement govern the transition between diffuse, liquid and immobile condensates and are corroborated by coarse-grained molecular simulations. Through modular design, we achieve multiple coexisting condensates, chemical regulation of LLPS, condensate fusion, formation from either one or two polypeptide components or LLPS regulation by a third polypeptide chain. These findings provide further insights into the principles underlying LLPS formation and a design platform for controlling biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maruša Ramšak
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Interdisciplinary doctoral study of biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dominique A Ramirez
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Loren E Hough
- Department of Physics and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Michael R Shirts
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Sara Vidmar
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Interdisciplinary doctoral study of biomedicine, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kristina Eleršič Filipič
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Anderluh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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37
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Cai L, Wang GG. Through the lens of phase separation: intrinsically unstructured protein and chromatin looping. Nucleus 2023; 14:2179766. [PMID: 36821650 PMCID: PMC9980480 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2023.2179766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment, maintenance and dynamic regulation of three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structures provide an important means for partitioning of genome into functionally distinctive domains, which helps to define specialized gene expression programs associated with developmental stages and cell types. Increasing evidence supports critical roles for intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) harbored within transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin-modulatory proteins in inducing phase separation, a phenomenon of forming membrane-less condensates through partitioning of biomolecules. Such a process is also critically involved in the establishment of high-order chromatin structures and looping. IDR- and phase separation-driven 3D genome (re)organization often goes wrong in disease such as cancer. This review discusses about recent advances in understanding how phase separation of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) modulates chromatin looping and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Cai
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Ling Cai Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC27599, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,CONTACT Gang Greg Wang Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC27599, USA
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38
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Oh D, Liu X, Sheetz MP, Kenney LJ. Small, Dynamic Clusters of Tir-Intimin Seed Actin Polymerization. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2302580. [PMID: 37649226 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of actin pedestal formation by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) relies mainly on static ensemble information obtained from cell lysates. Here, the dynamic nature of signaling components on the subsecond timescale, which resemble phase condensates, is demonstrated. Unlike in vitro phase condensates, transfected intimin receptor (Tir) and downstream component form clusters 200 nm in diameter that are spaced ≈500 nm on average, indicating cellular regulation. On supported lipid bilayers with diffusive intimin, Tir-expressing fibroblasts formed Tir-intimin clusters even without Tir tyrosines, although Tir tyrosine phosphorylation is necessary for actin polymerization from clusters. Single-molecule tracking showed that Tir is diffusive in the clusters and exchanges with Tir in the plasma membrane. Further, Nck and N-WASP bind to the clusters and exchange with cytoplasmic molecules. Tir has a similar cluster lifetime to Nck, but longer than that of N-WASP. Actin polymerization from the clusters requires N-WASP binding, involved Arp2/3 activation, and stabilized N-WASP clusters. These dynamic properties are distinct from larger in vitro systems and do not depend significantly upon crosslinking. Thus, Tir-intimin clusters in the plasma membrane are limited in size by exchange and enhance signaling needed for actin polymerization that enables strong and stable bacterial attachment to host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmyung Oh
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, bukit timah, 117411, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Xuyao Liu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, bukit timah, 117411, Singapore
| | - Michael P Sheetz
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, bukit timah, 117411, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Linda J Kenney
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, bukit timah, 117411, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
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39
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Cheng X, Case LB. Phase separation in chemical and mechanical signal transduction. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 85:102243. [PMID: 37788587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Signal transduction enables cells to sense and respond to chemical and mechanical information in the extracellular environment. Recently, phase separation has emerged as a physical mechanism that can influence the spatial organization of signaling molecules and regulate downstream signaling. Although many molecular components of signaling pathways, including receptors, kinases, and transcription factors, have been observed to undergo phase separation, understanding the functional consequences of their phase separation in signal transduction remains an ongoing area of research. In this review, we will discuss recent studies investigating how cells potentially use phase separation to regulate different signaling pathways by initiating signaling, amplifying signaling, or inhibiting signaling. We will also discuss recent observations that suggest a role for phase separation in mechanosensing in the Hippo pathway and at focal adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohang Cheng
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lindsay B Case
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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40
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Lu T, Javed S, Bonfio C, Spruijt E. Interfacing Coacervates with Membranes: From Artificial Organelles and Hybrid Protocells to Intracellular Delivery. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300294. [PMID: 37354057 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Compartmentalization is crucial for the functioning of cells. Membranes enclose and protect the cell, regulate the transport of molecules entering and exiting the cell, and organize cellular machinery in subcompartments. In addition, membraneless condensates, or coacervates, offer dynamic compartments that act as biomolecular storage centers, organizational hubs, or reaction crucibles. Emerging evidence shows that phase-separated membraneless bodies in the cell are involved in a wide range of functional interactions with cellular membranes, leading to transmembrane signaling, membrane remodeling, intracellular transport, and vesicle formation. Such functional and dynamic interplay between phase-separated droplets and membranes also offers many potential benefits to artificial cells, as shown by recent studies involving coacervates and liposomes. Depending on the relative sizes and interaction strength between coacervates and membranes, coacervates can serve as artificial membraneless organelles inside liposomes, as templates for membrane assembly and hybrid artificial cell formation, as membrane remodelers for tubulation and possibly division, and finally, as cargo containers for transport and delivery of biomolecules across membranes by endocytosis or direct membrane crossing. Here, recent experimental examples of each of these functions are reviewed and the underlying physicochemical principles and possible future applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiemei Lu
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Sadaf Javed
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Bonfio
- Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), CNRS UMR 7006, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67083, France
| | - Evan Spruijt
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
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41
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Banerjee T, Matsuoka S, Biswas D, Miao Y, Pal DS, Kamimura Y, Ueda M, Devreotes PN, Iglesias PA. A dynamic partitioning mechanism polarizes membrane protein distribution. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7909. [PMID: 38036511 PMCID: PMC10689845 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43615-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane is widely regarded as the hub of the numerous signal transduction activities. Yet, the fundamental biophysical mechanisms that spatiotemporally compartmentalize different classes of membrane proteins remain unclear. Using multimodal live-cell imaging, here we first show that several lipid-anchored membrane proteins are consistently depleted from the membrane regions where the Ras/PI3K/Akt/F-actin network is activated. The dynamic polarization of these proteins does not depend upon the F-actin-based cytoskeletal structures, recurring shuttling between membrane and cytosol, or directed vesicular trafficking. Photoconversion microscopy and single-molecule measurements demonstrate that these lipid-anchored molecules have substantially dissimilar diffusion profiles in different regions of the membrane which enable their selective segregation. When these diffusion coefficients are incorporated into an excitable network-based stochastic reaction-diffusion model, simulations reveal that the altered affinity mediated selective partitioning is sufficient to drive familiar propagating wave patterns. Furthermore, normally uniform integral and lipid-anchored membrane proteins partition successfully when membrane domain-specific peptides are optogenetically recruited to them. We propose "dynamic partitioning" as a new mechanism that can account for large-scale compartmentalization of a wide array of lipid-anchored and integral membrane proteins during various physiological processes where membrane polarizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsat Banerjee
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Satomi Matsuoka
- Laboratory for Cell Signaling Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Single Molecule Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Debojyoti Biswas
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yuchuan Miao
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dhiman Sankar Pal
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yoichiro Kamimura
- Laboratory for Cell Signaling Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ueda
- Laboratory for Cell Signaling Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Single Molecule Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Peter N Devreotes
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Pablo A Iglesias
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Guo K, Zhang J, Huang P, Xu Y, Pan W, Li K, Chen L, Luo L, Yu W, Chen S, He S, Wei Z, Yu C. KANK1 shapes focal adhesions by orchestrating protein binding, mechanical force sensing, and phase separation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113321. [PMID: 37874676 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) are dynamic protein assemblies that connect cytoskeletons to the extracellular matrix and are crucial for cell adhesion and migration. KANKs are scaffold proteins that encircle FAs and act as key regulators of FA dynamics, but the molecular mechanism underlying their specified localization and functions remains poorly understood. Here, we determine the KANK1 structures in complex with talin and liprin-β, respectively. These structures, combined with our biochemical and cellular analyses, demonstrate how KANK1 scaffolds the FA core and associated proteins to modulate the FA shape in response to mechanical force. Additionally, we find that KANK1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which is important for its localization at the FA edge and cytoskeleton connections to FAs. Our findings not only indicate the molecular basis of KANKs in bridging the core and periphery of FAs but also provide insights into the LLPS-mediated dynamic regulation of FA morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitong Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China; Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Pei Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuqun Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wenfei Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Kaiyue Li
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Lu Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Weichun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Sicong He
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zhiyi Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Cong Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China.
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43
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Wibbe N, Ebnet K. Cell Adhesion at the Tight Junctions: New Aspects and New Functions. Cells 2023; 12:2701. [PMID: 38067129 PMCID: PMC10706136 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJ) are cell-cell adhesive structures that define the permeability of barrier-forming epithelia and endothelia. In contrast to this seemingly static function, TJs display a surprisingly high molecular complexity and unexpected dynamic regulation, which allows the TJs to maintain a barrier in the presence of physiological forces and in response to perturbations. Cell-cell adhesion receptors play key roles during the dynamic regulation of TJs. They connect individual cells within cellular sheets and link sites of cell-cell contacts to the underlying actin cytoskeleton. Recent findings support the roles of adhesion receptors in transmitting mechanical forces and promoting phase separation. In this review, we discuss the newly discovered functions of cell adhesion receptors localized at the TJs and their role in the regulation of the barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolina Wibbe
- Institute-Associated Research Group "Cell Adhesion and Cell Polarity", Institute of Medical Biochemistry, ZMBE, University of Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Ebnet
- Institute-Associated Research Group "Cell Adhesion and Cell Polarity", Institute of Medical Biochemistry, ZMBE, University of Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Münster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003-CiM), University of Münster, D-48419 Münster, Germany
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44
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Zhang X, Xiao Q, Zeng L, Hashmi F, Su X. IDR-induced CAR condensation improves the cytotoxicity of CAR-Ts against low-antigen cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.02.560460. [PMID: 37873222 PMCID: PMC10592880 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell-based therapies demonstrate remarkable efficacy for the treatment of otherwise intractable cancers, particularly B-cell malignancies. However, existing FDA-approved CAR-Ts are limited by low antigen sensitivity, rendering their insufficient targeting to low antigen-expressing cancers. To improve the antigen sensitivity of CAR-Ts, we engineered CARs targeting CD19, CD22, and HER2 by including intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that promote signaling condensation. The "IDR CARs" triggered enhanced membrane-proximal signaling in the CAR-T synapse, which led to an increased release of cytotoxic factors, a higher killing activity towards low antigen-expressing cancer cells in vitro, and an improved anti-tumor efficacy in vivo. No elevated tonic signaling was observed in IDR CAR-Ts. Together, we demonstrated IDRs as a new tool set to enhance CAR-T cytotoxicity and to broaden CAR-T's application to low antigen-expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Longhui Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Fawzaan Hashmi
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale College, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Xiaolei Su
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT 06520
- Yale Stem Cell Center, New Haven, CT 06520
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45
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Cao F, Deliz‐Aguirre R, Gerpott FHU, Ziska E, Taylor MJ. Myddosome clustering in IL-1 receptor signaling regulates the formation of an NF-kB activating signalosome. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57233. [PMID: 37602973 PMCID: PMC10561168 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) signaling can activate thresholded invariant outputs and proportional outputs that scale with the amount of stimulation. Both responses require the Myddosome, a multiprotein complex. The Myddosome is required for polyubiquitin chain formation and NF-kB signaling. However, how these signals are spatially and temporally regulated to drive switch-like and proportional outcomes is not understood. During IL-1R signaling, Myddosomes dynamically reorganize into multi-Myddosome clusters at the cell membrane. Blockade of clustering using nanoscale extracellular barriers reduces NF-kB activation. Myddosomes function as scaffolds that assemble an NF-kB signalosome consisting of E3-ubiquitin ligases TRAF6 and LUBAC, K63/M1-linked polyubiquitin chains, phospho-IKK, and phospho-p65. This signalosome preferentially assembles at regions of high Myddosome density, which enhances the recruitment of TRAF6 and LUBAC. Extracellular barriers that restrict Myddosome clustering perturbed the recruitment of both ligases. We find that LUBAC was especially sensitive to clustering with 10-fold lower recruitment to single Myddosomes than clustered Myddosomes. These data reveal that the clustering behavior of Myddosomes provides a basis for digital and analog IL-1R signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakun Cao
- Max Planck Institute for Infection BiologyBerlinGermany
| | | | | | - Elke Ziska
- Max Planck Institute for Infection BiologyBerlinGermany
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46
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Dragwidge JM, Van Damme D. Protein phase separation in plant membrane biology: more than just a compartmentalization strategy. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3162-3172. [PMID: 37352127 PMCID: PMC10473209 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The formation of biomolecular condensates through phase separation is an important strategy to compartmentalize cellular functions. While it is now well established that condensates exist throughout eukaryotic cells, how condensates assemble and function on lipid membranes is only beginning to be understood. In this perspective, we highlight work from plant, animal, and yeast model systems showing that condensates assemble on many endomembrane surfaces to carry out diverse functions. In vesicle trafficking, condensation has reported roles in the formation of endocytic vesicles and autophagosomes and in the inactivation of secretory COPII vesicles. We briefly discuss how membranes and membrane lipids regulate the formation and function of membrane-associated condensates. This includes how membranes act as surfaces for condensate assembly, with lipids mediating the nucleation of condensates during endocytosis and other processes. Additionally, membrane-condensate interactions give rise to the biophysical property of "wetting", which has functional importance in shaping autophagosomal and vacuolar membranes. We also speculate on the existence of membrane-associated condensates during cell polarity in plants and discuss how condensation may help to establish functional plasma membrane domains. Lastly, we provide advice on relevant in vitro and in vivo approaches and techniques to study membrane-associated phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Michael Dragwidge
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniël Van Damme
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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47
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Wang Q, Fu R, Li G, Xiong S, Zhu Y, Zhang H. Hedgehog receptors exert immune-surveillance roles in the epidermis across species. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112929. [PMID: 37527037 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112929] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling plays pivotal roles in the development and homeostasis of epithelial barrier tissues. However, whether and how Hedgehog signaling directly regulates innate immunity in epithelial cells remains unknown. By utilizing C. elegans epidermis as the model, we found that several Hedgehog receptors are involved in cell-autonomous regulation of the innate immune response in the epidermis. Particularly, loss of the Patched family receptor induces aberrant up-regulation of epidermal antimicrobial peptides in a STAT-dependent manner. External or internal insult to the epidermis triggers rapid rearrangement of Patched distribution along the plasma membrane, indicating that the Hedgehog (Hh) receptor is likely involved in recognition and defense against epidermal damage. Loss of PTCH1 function in primary human keratinocytes and intact mouse skin also results in STAT-dependent immune activation. These findings reveal an evolutionally conserved immune-surveillance function of Hedgehog receptors and an insult-sensing and response strategy of epithelial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Gang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shaojie Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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48
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Poruthoor AJ, Sharma A, Grossfield A. Understanding the Free Energy Landscape of Phase Separation in Lipid Bilayers using Molecular Dynamics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.31.526537. [PMID: 36778479 PMCID: PMC9915641 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.31.526537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) inside the cell often results in biological condensates that can critically impact cell homeostasis. Such phase separation events occur in multiple parts of cells, including the cell membranes, where the so-called "lipid raft" hypothesis posits the formation of ordered domains floating in a sea of disordered lipids. The resulting lipid domains often have functional roles. However, the thermodynamics of lipid phase separation and their resulting mechanistic effects on cell function and dysfunction are poorly understood. Understanding such complex phenomena in cell membranes, with their diverse lipid compositions, is exceptionally difficult. For this reasons, simple model systems that can recapitulate similar behavior are widely used to study this phenomenon. Despite these simplifications, the timescale and and length scales of domain formation pose a challenge for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Thus, most MD studies focus on spontaneous lipid phase separation - essentially measuring the sign (but not the amplitude) of the free energy change upon separation - rather than directly interrogating the thermodynamics. Here, we propose a proof-of-concept pipeline that can directly measure this free energy by combining coarse-grained MD with enhanced sampling protocols using a novel collective variable. This approach will be a useful tool to help connect the thermodynamics of phase separation with the mechanistic insights already available from molecular dynamics simulations. SIGNIFICANCE Standard molecular dynamics simulations can determine the sign the free energy change upon phase separation, but not the amplitude. We present a new method to determine the phase separation free energy for lipid membranes, based on a enhanced sampling using the weighted ensemble method combined with a novel collective variable, validated using coarse-grained simulations applied to several simple systems. The new method will be valuable as a way to develop models that connect molecular-level structural features to the thermodynamics of phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlin J. Poruthoor
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Akshara Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Alan Grossfield
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
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Worboys JD, Vowell KN, Hare RK, Ambrose AR, Bertuzzi M, Conner MA, Patel FP, Zammit WH, Gali-Moya J, Hazime KS, Jones KL, Rey C, Jonjic S, Rovis TL, Tannahill GM, Cruz De Matos GDS, Waight JD, Davis DM. TIGIT can inhibit T cell activation via ligation-induced nanoclusters, independent of CD226 co-stimulation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5016. [PMID: 37596248 PMCID: PMC10439114 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
TIGIT is an inhibitory receptor expressed on lymphocytes and can inhibit T cells by preventing CD226 co-stimulation through interactions in cis or through competition of shared ligands. Whether TIGIT directly delivers cell-intrinsic inhibitory signals in T cells remains unclear. Here we show, by analysing lymphocytes from matched human tumour and peripheral blood samples, that TIGIT and CD226 co-expression is rare on tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. Using super-resolution microscopy and other techniques, we demonstrate that ligation with CD155 causes TIGIT to reorganise into dense nanoclusters, which coalesce with T cell receptor (TCR)-rich clusters at immune synapses. Functionally, this reduces cytokine secretion in a manner dependent on TIGIT's intracellular ITT-like signalling motif. Thus, we provide evidence that TIGIT directly inhibits lymphocyte activation, acting independently of CD226, requiring intracellular signalling that is proximal to the TCR. Within the subset of tumours where TIGIT-expressing cells do not commonly co-express CD226, this will likely be the dominant mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Worboys
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Roseanna K Hare
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ashley R Ambrose
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Margherita Bertuzzi
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - William H Zammit
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Judit Gali-Moya
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Khodor S Hazime
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Katherine L Jones
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Camille Rey
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stipan Jonjic
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Tihana Lenac Rovis
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | | | | | - Daniel M Davis
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK.
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Parra AS, Moezzi CA, Johnston CA. Drosophila Adducin facilitates phase separation and function of a conserved spindle orientation complex. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1220529. [PMID: 37655159 PMCID: PMC10467427 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1220529] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric cell division (ACD) allows stem cells to generate differentiating progeny while simultaneously maintaining their own pluripotent state. ACD involves coupling mitotic spindle orientation with cortical polarity cues to direct unequal segregation of cell fate determinants. In Drosophila neural stem cells (neuroblasts; NBs), spindles orient along an apical-basal polarity axis through a conserved complex of Partner of Inscuteable (Pins; human LGN) and Mushroom body defect (Mud; human NuMA). While many details of its function are well known, the molecular mechanics that drive assembly of the cortical Pins/Mud complex remain unclear, particularly with respect to the mutually exclusive Pins complex formed with the apical scaffold protein Inscuteable (Insc). Here we identify Hu li tai shao (Hts; human Adducin) as a direct Mud-binding protein, using an aldolase fold within its head domain (HtsHEAD) to bind a short Mud coiled-coil domain (MudCC) that is adjacent to the Pins-binding domain (MudPBD). Hts is expressed throughout the larval central brain and apically polarizes in mitotic NBs where it is required for Mud-dependent spindle orientation. In vitro analyses reveal that Pins undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation with Mud, but not with Insc, suggesting a potential molecular basis for differential assembly mechanics between these two competing apical protein complexes. Furthermore, we find that Hts binds an intact Pins/Mud complex, reduces the concentration threshold for its phase separation, and alters the liquid-like property of the resulting phase separated droplets. Domain mapping and mutational analyses implicate critical roles for both multivalent interactions (via MudCC oligomerization) and protein disorder (via an intrinsically disordered region in Hts; HtsIDR) in phase separation of the Hts/Mud/Pins complex. Our study identifies a new component of the spindle positioning machinery in NBs and suggests that phase separation of specific protein complexes might regulate ordered assembly within the apical domain to ensure proper signaling output.
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