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Alfano C, Fichou Y, Huber K, Weiss M, Spruijt E, Ebbinghaus S, De Luca G, Morando MA, Vetri V, Temussi PA, Pastore A. Molecular Crowding: The History and Development of a Scientific Paradigm. Chem Rev 2024; 124:3186-3219. [PMID: 38466779 PMCID: PMC10979406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
It is now generally accepted that macromolecules do not act in isolation but "live" in a crowded environment, that is, an environment populated by numerous different molecules. The field of molecular crowding has its origins in the far 80s but became accepted only by the end of the 90s. In the present issue, we discuss various aspects that are influenced by crowding and need to consider its effects. This Review is meant as an introduction to the theme and an analysis of the evolution of the crowding concept through time from colloidal and polymer physics to a more biological perspective. We introduce themes that will be more thoroughly treated in other Reviews of the present issue. In our intentions, each Review may stand by itself, but the complete collection has the aspiration to provide different but complementary perspectives to propose a more holistic view of molecular crowding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Alfano
- Structural
Biology and Biophysics Unit, Fondazione
Ri.MED, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Yann Fichou
- CNRS,
Bordeaux INP, CBMN UMR 5248, IECB, University
of Bordeaux, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Klaus Huber
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Paderborn, 33098 Paderborn, Germany
| | - Matthias Weiss
- Experimental
Physics I, Physics of Living Matter, University
of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Evan Spruijt
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Ebbinghaus
- Lehrstuhl
für Biophysikalische Chemie and Research Center Chemical Sciences
and Sustainability, Research Alliance Ruhr, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Giuseppe De Luca
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Vetri
- Dipartimento
di Fisica e Chimica − Emilio Segrè, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Pastore
- King’s
College London, Denmark
Hill Campus, SE5 9RT London, United Kingdom
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2
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Liu Y, Feng W, Wang Y, Wu B. Crosstalk between protein post-translational modifications and phase separation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:110. [PMID: 38347544 PMCID: PMC10860296 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01380-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of phase separation is quite common in cells, and it is involved in multiple processes of life activities. However, the current research on the correlation between protein modifications and phase separation and the interference with the tendency of phase separation has some limitations. Here we focus on several post-translational modifications of proteins, including protein phosphorylation modification at multiple sites, methylation modification, acetylation modification, ubiquitination modification, SUMOylation modification, etc., which regulate the formation of phase separation and the stability of phase separation structure through multivalent interactions. This regulatory role is closely related to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, viral infections, and other diseases, and also plays essential functions in environmental stress, DNA damage repair, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, and cell homeostasis of living organisms, which provides an idea to explore the interaction between novel protein post-translational modifications and phase separation. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenjuan Feng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Basic Medical Research Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| | - Bin Wu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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3
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Perillo MA, Burgos I, Clop EM, Sanchez JM, Nolan V. The role of water in reactions catalysed by hydrolases under conditions of molecular crowding. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:639-660. [PMID: 37681097 PMCID: PMC10480385 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Under macromolecular crowding (MC) conditions such as cellular, extracellular, food and other environments of biotechnological interest, the thermodynamic activity of the different macromolecules present in the system is several orders of magnitude higher than in dilute solutions. In this state, the diffusion rates are affected by the volume exclusion induced by the crowders. Immiscible liquid phases, which may arise in MC by liquid-liquid phase separation, may induce a dynamic confinement of reactants, products and/or enzymes, tuning reaction rates. In cellular environments and other crowding conditions, membranes and macromolecules provide, on the whole, large surfaces that can perturb the solvent, causing its immobilisation by adsorption in the short range and also affecting the solvent viscosity in the long range. The latter phenomenon can affect the conformation of a protein and/or the degree of association of its protomers and, consequently, its activity. Changes in the water structure can also alter the enzyme-substrate interaction, and, in the case of hydrolytic enzymes, where water is one of the substrates, it also affects the reaction mechanism. Here, we review the evidence for how macromolecular crowding affects the catalysis induced by hydrolytic enzymes, focusing on the structure and dynamics of water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Perillo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, ICTA and Departamento de Química, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 1611, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
- CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Inés Burgos
- CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Córdoba, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, ICTA and Departamento de Química Industrial y Aplicada, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 1611, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Eduardo M. Clop
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, ICTA and Departamento de Química, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 1611, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
- CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Julieta M. Sanchez
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, ICTA and Departamento de Química, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 1611, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
- CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Córdoba, Argentina
- Institut de Biotecnologia I de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica I de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica Nolan
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, ICTA and Departamento de Química, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 1611, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
- CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Córdoba, Argentina
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Zhang X, Li H, Ma Y, Zhong D, Hou S. Study liquid-liquid phase separation with optical microscopy: A methodology review. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:021502. [PMID: 37180732 PMCID: PMC10171890 DOI: 10.1063/5.0137008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a critical process involving the dynamic association of biomolecules and the formation of non-membrane compartments, playing a vital role in regulating biomolecular interactions and organelle functions. A comprehensive understanding of cellular LLPS mechanisms at the molecular level is crucial, as many diseases are linked to LLPS, and insights gained can inform drug/gene delivery processes and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of associated diseases. Over the past few decades, numerous techniques have been employed to investigate the LLPS process. In this review, we concentrate on optical imaging methods applied to LLPS studies. We begin by introducing LLPS and its molecular mechanism, followed by a review of the optical imaging methods and fluorescent probes employed in LLPS research. Furthermore, we discuss potential future imaging tools applicable to the LLPS studies. This review aims to provide a reference for selecting appropriate optical imaging methods for LLPS investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yue Ma
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | | | - Shangguo Hou
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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Lan T, Zhou F, Zhang L. WNK1, a molecular crowding sensor, links phase separation to cellular physiological stress. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e232. [PMID: 36941827 PMCID: PMC10024530 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tinghui Lan
- Institutes of Biology and Medical ScienceSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical ScienceSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Long Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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6
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Li Y, Chen T, You K, Peng T, Li T. Sequence determinants and solution conditions underlying liquid to solid phase transition. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C236-C246. [PMID: 36503242 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00280.2022] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Life consists of numberless functional biomolecules that exist in various states. Besides well-dissolved phases, biomolecules especially proteins and nucleic acids can form liquid droplets through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Stronger interactions promote a solid-like state of biomolecular condensates, which are also formerly referred to as detergent-insoluble aggregates. Solid-like condensates exist in vivo physiologically and pathologically, and their formation has not been fully understood. Recently, more and more research has proven that liquid to solid phase transition (LST) is an essential way to form solid condensates. In this review, we summarized the regions in the sequence that have different impacts on phase transition and emphasized that the LST is affected by its sequence characteristics. Moreover, increasing evidence unveiled that LST is affected by various solution conditions. We discussed solution conditions like protein concentration, pH, ATP, ions, and small molecules in a solution. Methods have been established to study these solid phase components. Here, we summarized low-throughput experimental techniques and high-throughput omics methods in the study of the LST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Taoyu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiqing You
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Happy Life Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Peng
- Happy Life Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Laghmach R, Malhotra I, Potoyan DA. Multiscale Modeling of Protein-RNA Condensation in and Out of Equilibrium. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2563:117-133. [PMID: 36227470 PMCID: PMC11186142 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2663-4_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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A vast number of intracellular membraneless bodies also known as biomolecular condensates form through a liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecules. To date, phase separation has been identified as the main driving force for a membraneless organelles such as nucleoli, Cajal bodies, stress granules, and chromatin compartments. Recently, the protein-RNA condensation is receiving increased attention, because it is closely related to the biological function of cells such as transcription, translation, and RNA metabolism. Despite the multidisciplinary efforts put forth to study the biophysical properties of protein-RNA condensates, there are many fundamental unanswered questions regarding the mechanism of formation and regulation of protein-RNA condensates in eukaryotic cells. Major challenges in studying protein-RNA condensation stem from (i) the molecular heterogeneity and conformational flexibility of RNA and protein chains and (ii) the nonequilibrium nature of transcription and cellular environment. Computer simulations, bioinformatics, and mathematical models are uniquely positioned for shedding light on the microscopic nature of protein-RNA phase separation. To this end, there is an urgent need for innovative models with the right spatiotemporal resolution for confronting the experimental observables in a comprehensive and physics-based manner. In this chapter, we will summarize the currently emerging research efforts, which employ atomistic and coarse-grained molecular models and field theoretical models to understand equilibrium and nonequilibrium aspects of protein-RNA condensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Laghmach
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Isha Malhotra
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Davit A Potoyan
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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Liu D, Qiu Y, Li Q, Zhang H. Atomistic Simulation of Lysozyme in Solutions Crowded by Tetraethylene Glycol: Force Field Dependence. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072110. [PMID: 35408509 PMCID: PMC9000840 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The behavior of biomolecules in crowded environments remains largely unknown due to the accuracy of simulation models and the limited experimental data for comparison. Here we chose a small crowder of tetraethylene glycol (PEG-4) to investigate the self-crowding of PEG-4 solutions and molecular crowding effects on the structure and diffusion of lysozyme at varied concentrations from dilute water to pure PEG-4 liquid. Two Amber-like force fields of Amber14SB and a99SB-disp were examined with TIP3P (fast diffusivity and low viscosity) and a99SB-disp (slow diffusivity and high viscosity) water models, respectively. Compared to the Amber14SB protein simulations, the a99SB-disp model yields more coordinated water and less PEG-4 molecules, less intramolecular hydrogen bonds (HBs), more protein-water HBs, and less protein-PEG HBs as well as stronger interactions and more hydrophilic and less hydrophobic contacts with solvent molecules. The a99SB-disp model offers comparable protein-solvent interactions in concentrated PEG-4 solutions to that in pure water. The PEG-4 crowding leads to a slow-down in the diffusivity of water, PEG-4, and protein, and the decline in the diffusion from atomistic simulations is close to or faster than the hard sphere model that neglects attractive interactions. Despite these differences, the overall structure of lysozyme appears to be maintained well at different PEG-4 concentrations for both force fields, except a slightly large deviation at 370 K at low concentrations with the a99SB-disp model. This is mainly attributed to the strong intramolecular interactions of the protein in the Amber14SB force field and to the large viscosity of the a99SB-disp water model. The results indicate that the protein force fields and the viscosity of crowder solutions affect the simulation of biomolecules under crowding conditions.
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