1
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May JP. Plant viruses and biomolecular condensates: novel perspectives in virus replication strategies. New Phytol 2024. [PMID: 38655603 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jared P May
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems, School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 5009 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
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2
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Bai Y, Ning K. How does severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) achieve immune evasion?: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37780. [PMID: 38640329 PMCID: PMC11030025 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious disease known for its significant lung damage. Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our daily lives has been limited, the virus has not vanished entirely and continues to undergo mutations. This calls for a concentrated focus on the matter of SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion. Drawing on observations of immune escape mechanisms in other viruses, some scholars have proposed that liquid-liquid phase separation might play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2's ability to evade the immune system. Within the structure of SARS-CoV-2, the nucleocapsid protein plays a pivotal role in RNA replication and transcription. Concurrently, this protein can engage in phase separation with RNA. A thorough examination of the phase separation related to the nucleocapsid protein may unveil the mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 accomplishes immune evasion. Moreover, this analysis may provide valuable insights for future development of innovative antiviral drugs or vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahu Bai
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Institute of Anesthesia and Respiratory Critical Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kang Ning
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Institute of Anesthesia and Respiratory Critical Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Respiratory, Occupational Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Province Hospital of Occupational Diseases, Jinan, China
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3
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Chen D, Shi C, Xu W, Rong Q, Wu Q. Regulation of phase separation and antiviral activity of Cactin by glycolytic enzyme PGK via phosphorylation in Drosophila. mBio 2024; 15:e0137823. [PMID: 38446061 PMCID: PMC11005415 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01378-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays a crucial role in various biological processes in eukaryotic organisms, including immune responses in mammals. However, the specific function of LLPS in immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster remains poorly understood. Cactin, a highly conserved protein in eukaryotes, is involved in a non-canonical signaling pathway associated with Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-related pathways in Drosophila. In this study, we investigated the role of Cactin in LLPS and its implications for immune response modulation. We discovered that Cactin undergoes LLPS, forming droplet-like particles, primarily mediated by its intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Utilizing immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis, we identified two phosphorylation sites at serine residues 99 and 104 within the IDR1 domain of Cactin. Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry further revealed phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) as a Cactin-interacting protein responsible for regulating its phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of Cactin by PGK induced a transition from stable aggregates to dynamic liquid droplets, enhancing its ability to interact with other components in the cellular environment. Overexpression of PGK inhibited Drosophila C virus (DCV) replication, while PGK knockdown increased replication. DCV infection also increased Cactin phosphorylation. We also found that phosphorylation enhances the antiviral ability of Cactin by promoting liquid-phase droplet formation. These findings demonstrate the role of Cactin-phase separation in regulating DCV replication and highlight the modulation of its antiviral function through phosphorylation, providing insights into the interplay between LLPS and antiviral defense mechanisms. IMPORTANCE Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays an integral role in various biological processes in eukaryotic organisms. Although several studies have highlighted its crucial role in modulating immune responses in mammals, its function in immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster remains poorly understood. Our study investigated the role of Cactin in LLPS and its implications for immune response modulation. We identified that phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), an essential enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, phosphorylates Cactin, facilitating its transition from a relatively stable aggregated state to a more dynamic liquid droplet phase during the phase separation process. This transformation allows Cactin to rapidly interact with other cellular components, enhancing its antiviral properties and ultimately inhibiting virus replication. These findings expand our understanding of the role of LLPS in the antiviral defense mechanism, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying immune responses in D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchao Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqi Rong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qingfa Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Pharmaceutical Preparations and Clinical Pharmacy, Hefei, Anhui, China
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4
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Lim S, Clark DS. Phase-separated biomolecular condensates for biocatalysis. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:496-509. [PMID: 37925283 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Nature often uses dynamically assembling multienzymatic complexes called metabolons to achieve spatiotemporal control of complex metabolic reactions. Researchers are aiming to mimic this strategy of organizing enzymes to enhance the performance of artificial biocatalytic systems. Biomolecular condensates formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) can serve as a powerful tool to drive controlled assembly of enzymes. Diverse enzymatic pathways have been reconstituted within catalytic condensates in vitro as well as synthetic membraneless organelles in living cells. Furthermore, in vivo condensates have been engineered to regulate metabolic pathways by selectively sequestering enzymes. Thus, harnessing LLPS for controlled organization of enzymes provides an opportunity to dynamically regulate biocatalytic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lim
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Douglas S Clark
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA..
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5
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Kovács ZJ, Harami GM, Pálinkás J, Kuljanishvili N, Hegedüs J, Harami‐Papp H, Mahmudova L, Khamisi L, Szakács G, Kovács M. DNA-dependent phase separation by human SSB2 (NABP1/OBFC2A) protein points to adaptations to eukaryotic genome repair processes. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4959. [PMID: 38511671 PMCID: PMC10955726 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs) are ubiquitous across all domains of life and play essential roles via stabilizing and protecting single-stranded (ss) DNA as well as organizing multiprotein complexes during DNA replication, recombination, and repair. Two mammalian SSB paralogs (hSSB1 and hSSB2 in humans) were recently identified and shown to be involved in various genome maintenance processes. Following our recent discovery of the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) propensity of Escherichia coli (Ec) SSB, here we show that hSSB2 also forms LLPS condensates under physiologically relevant ionic conditions. Similar to that seen for EcSSB, we demonstrate the essential contribution of hSSB2's C-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR) to condensate formation, and the selective enrichment of various genome metabolic proteins in hSSB2 condensates. However, in contrast to EcSSB-driven LLPS that is inhibited by ssDNA binding, hSSB2 phase separation requires single-stranded nucleic acid binding, and is especially facilitated by ssDNA. Our results reveal an evolutionarily conserved role for SSB-mediated LLPS in the spatiotemporal organization of genome maintenance complexes. At the same time, differential LLPS features of EcSSB and hSSB2 point to functional adaptations to prokaryotic versus eukaryotic genome metabolic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán J. Kovács
- ELTE‐MTA “Momentum” Motor Enzymology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
- HUN‐REN–ELTE Motor Pharmacology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Gábor M. Harami
- ELTE‐MTA “Momentum” Motor Enzymology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - János Pálinkás
- ELTE‐MTA “Momentum” Motor Enzymology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Natalie Kuljanishvili
- ELTE‐MTA “Momentum” Motor Enzymology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - József Hegedüs
- ELTE‐MTA “Momentum” Motor Enzymology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Hajnalka Harami‐Papp
- ELTE‐MTA “Momentum” Motor Enzymology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Lamiya Mahmudova
- ELTE‐MTA “Momentum” Motor Enzymology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Lana Khamisi
- ELTE‐MTA “Momentum” Motor Enzymology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Gergely Szakács
- HUN‐REN Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of SciencesBudapestHungary
- Center for Cancer ResearchMedical University of ViennaWienAustria
| | - Mihály Kovács
- ELTE‐MTA “Momentum” Motor Enzymology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
- HUN‐REN–ELTE Motor Pharmacology Research Group, Department of BiochemistryEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
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6
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Jia L, Gao S, Qiao Y. Optical Control over Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation. Small Methods 2024:e2301724. [PMID: 38530063 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is responsible for the emergence of intracellular membrane-less organelles and the development of coacervate protocells. Benefitting from the advantages of simplicity, precision, programmability, and noninvasiveness, light has become an effective tool to regulate the assembly dynamics of LLPS, and mediate various biochemical processes associated with LLPS. In this review, recent advances in optically controlling membrane-less organelles within living organisms are summarized, thereby modulating a series of biological processes including irreversible protein aggregation pathologies, transcription activation, metabolic flux, genomic rearrangements, and enzymatic reactions. Among these, the intracellular systems (i.e., optoDroplet, Corelet, PixELL, CasDrop, and other optogenetic systems) that enable the photo-mediated control over biomolecular condensation are highlighted. The design of photoactive complex coacervate protocells in laboratory settings by utilizing photochromic molecules such as azobenzene and diarylethene is further discussed. This review is expected to provide in-depth insights into phase separation-associated biochemical processes, bio-metabolism, and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Jia
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Orthopedic, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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7
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Chen L, Gai X, Yu X. Pre-rRNA facilitates the recruitment of RAD51AP1 to DNA double-strand breaks. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107115. [PMID: 38403248 PMCID: PMC10959706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
RAD51-associated protein 1 (RAD51AP1) is known to promote homologous recombination (HR) repair. However, the precise mechanism of RAD51AP1 in HR repair is unclear. Here, we identify that RAD51AP1 associates with pre-rRNA. Both the N terminus and C terminus of RAD51AP1 recognize pre-rRNA. Pre-rRNA not only colocalizes with RAD51AP1 at double-strand breaks (DSBs) but also facilitates the recruitment of RAD51AP1 to DSBs. Consistently, transient inhibition of pre-rRNA synthesis by RNA polymerase I inhibitor suppresses the recruitment of RAD51AP1 as well as HR repair. Moreover, RAD51AP1 forms liquid-liquid phase separation in the presence of pre-rRNA in vitro, which may be the molecular mechanism of RAD51AP1 foci formation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that pre-rRNA mediates the relocation of RAD51AP1 to DSBs for HR repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaochen Gai
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaochun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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8
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Shang B, Li C, Zhang X. How intrinsically disordered proteins order plant gene silencing. Trends Genet 2024; 40:260-275. [PMID: 38296708 PMCID: PMC10932933 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and proteins with intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) possess low sequence complexity of amino acids and display non-globular tertiary structures. They can act as scaffolds, form regulatory hubs, or trigger biomolecular condensation to control diverse aspects of biology. Emerging evidence has recently implicated critical roles of IDPs and IDR-contained proteins in nuclear transcription and cytoplasmic post-transcriptional processes, among other molecular functions. We here summarize the concepts and organizing principles of IDPs. We then illustrate recent progress in understanding the roles of key IDPs in machineries that regulate transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) in plants, aiming at highlighting new modes of action of IDPs in controlling biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoshuan Shang
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization (Henan University), State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Changhao Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xiuren Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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9
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Du S, Hu X, Liu X, Zhan P. Revolutionizing viral disease treatment: Phase separation and lysosome/exosome targeting as new areas and new paradigms for antiviral drug research. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103888. [PMID: 38244674 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
With the advancement of globalization, our world is becoming increasingly interconnected. However, this interconnection means that once an infectious disease emerges, it can rapidly spread worldwide. Specifically, viral diseases pose a growing threat to human health. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the pressing need for expedited drug development to combat emerging viral diseases. Traditional drug discovery methods primarily rely on random screening and structure-based optimization, and new approaches are required to address more complex scenarios in drug discovery. Emerging antiviral strategies include phase separation and lysosome/exosome targeting. The widespread implementation of these innovative drug design strategies will contribute towards tackling existing viral infections and future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqing Du
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xueping Hu
- Institute of Frontier Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, PR China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China; China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China; China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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10
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Chen L, Fukata Y, Murata K. In situ cryo-electron tomography: a new method to elucidate cytoplasmic zoning at the molecular level. J Biochem 2024; 175:187-193. [PMID: 38102736 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy was developed as a powerful tool for imaging biological specimens in near-native conditions. Nowadays, advances in technology, equipment and computations make it possible to obtain structures of biomolecules with near-atomic resolution. Furthermore, cryo-electron tomography combined with continuous specimen tilting allows structural analysis of heterogeneous biological specimens. In particular, when combined with a cryo-focused ion beam scanning electron microscope, it becomes possible to directly analyse the structure of the biomolecules within cells, a process known as in situ cryo-electron tomography. This technique has the potential to visualize cytoplasmic zoning, involving liquid-liquid phase separation, caused by biomolecular networks in aqueous solutions, which has been the subject of recent debate. Here, we review advances in structural studies of biomolecules to study cytoplasmic zoning by in situ cryo-electron tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- School of life sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuko Fukata
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Murata
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
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11
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Sugiyama S, Suda K, Kono K. Cytoplasmic zoning by protein phase transition after membrane permeabilization. J Biochem 2024; 175:147-153. [PMID: 37972304 PMCID: PMC10873517 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological membranes, including plasma membrane (PM) and organelle membranes, restrict the flux of ions, molecules and organelles. However, the barrier function of biological membranes is frequently compromised by various perturbations, including physical membrane damage and protein- or chemical-induced pore formation. Recent evidence suggests that, upon PM damage, protein gelation and solid condensation are utilized to restrict ion/molecule/organelle flux across the damaged membranes by zoning the cytoplasm. In addition, membrane permeabilization dramatically alters intramembrane and extramembrane ion/molecule concentrations via the flux across the permeabilized membrane. The changes in ion/molecule concentration and their downstream pathways induce protein phase transition to form zones for biological processes or protein sequestration. Here, we review the mechanisms and functions of protein phase transition after biological membrane permeabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinju Sugiyama
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Kojiro Suda
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Keiko Kono
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
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12
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Kurusu R, Morishita H, Komatsu M. p62 bodies: cytosolic zoning by phase separation. J Biochem 2024; 175:141-146. [PMID: 37948628 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular zoning or partitioning is critical in preventing macromolecules from random diffusion and orchestrating the spatiotemporal dynamics of biochemical reactions. Along with membranous organelles, membraneless organelles contribute to the precise regulation of biochemical reactions inside cells. In response to environmental cues, membraneless organelles rapidly form through liquid-liquid phase separation, sequester certain proteins and RNAs, mediate specific reactions and dissociate. Among membraneless organelles, ubiquitin-positive condensates, namely, p62 bodies, maintain cellular homeostasis through selective autophagy of themselves to contribute to intracellular quality control. p62 bodies also activate the anti-oxidative stress response regulated by the KEAP1-NRF2 system. In this review, we present an overview of recent advancements in cellular and molecular biology related to p62 bodies, highlighting their dynamic nature and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reo Kurusu
- Department of Physiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hideaki Morishita
- Department of Physiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masaaki Komatsu
- Department of Physiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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Graham K, Chandrasekaran A, Wang L, Yang N, Lafer EM, Rangamani P, Stachowiak JC. Liquid-like condensates mediate competition between actin branching and bundling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309152121. [PMID: 38207079 PMCID: PMC10801869 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309152121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular remodeling of actin networks underlies cell motility during key morphological events, from embryogenesis to metastasis. In these transformations, there is an inherent competition between actin branching and bundling, because steric clashes among branches create a mechanical barrier to bundling. Recently, liquid-like condensates consisting purely of proteins involved in either branching or bundling of the cytoskeleton have been found to catalyze their respective functions. Yet in the cell, proteins that drive branching and bundling are present simultaneously. In this complex environment, which factors determine whether a condensate drives filaments to branch or become bundled? To answer this question, we added the branched actin nucleator, Arp2/3, to condensates composed of VASP, an actin bundling protein. At low actin to VASP ratios, branching activity, mediated by Arp2/3, robustly inhibited VASP-mediated bundling of filaments, in agreement with agent-based simulations. In contrast, as the actin to VASP ratio increased, addition of Arp2/3 led to formation of aster-shaped structures, in which bundled filaments emerged from a branched actin core, analogous to filopodia emerging from a branched lamellipodial network. These results demonstrate that multi-component, liquid-like condensates can modulate the inherent competition between bundled and branched actin morphologies, leading to organized, higher-order structures, similar to those found in motile cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Graham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
| | - Aravind Chandrasekaran
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX78229
| | - Noel Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
| | - Eileen M. Lafer
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX78229
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Jeanne C. Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX78712
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14
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Pandey NK, Varkey J, Ajayan A, George G, Chen J, Langen R. Fluorescent protein tagging promotes phase separation and alters the aggregation pathway of huntingtin exon-1. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105585. [PMID: 38141760 PMCID: PMC10825056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent protein tags are convenient tools for tracking the aggregation states of amyloidogenic or phase separating proteins, but the effect of the tags is often not well understood. Here, we investigated the impact of a C-terminal red fluorescent protein (RFP) tag on the phase separation of huntingtin exon-1 (Httex1), an N-terminal portion of the huntingtin protein that aggregates in Huntington's disease. We found that the RFP-tagged Httex1 rapidly formed micron-sized, phase separated states in the presence of a crowding agent. The formed structures had a rounded appearance and were highly dynamic according to electron paramagnetic resonance and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, suggesting that the phase separated state was largely liquid in nature. Remarkably, the untagged protein did not undergo any detectable liquid condensate formation under the same conditions. In addition to strongly promoting liquid-liquid phase separation, the RFP tag also facilitated fibril formation, as the tag-dependent liquid condensates rapidly underwent a liquid-to-solid transition. The rate of fibril formation under these conditions was significantly faster than that of the untagged protein. When expressed in cells, the RFP-tagged Httex1 formed larger aggregates with different antibody staining patterns compared to untagged Httex1. Collectively, these data reveal that the addition of a fluorescent protein tag significantly impacts liquid and solid phase separations of Httex1 in vitro and leads to altered aggregation in cells. Considering that the tagged Httex1 is commonly used to study the mechanisms of Httex1 misfolding and toxicity, our findings highlight the importance to validate the conclusions with untagged protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin K Pandey
- Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jobin Varkey
- Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anakha Ajayan
- Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gincy George
- Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeannie Chen
- Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ralf Langen
- Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA; Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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15
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Volkov VA, Akhmanova A. Phase separation on microtubules: from droplet formation to cellular function? Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:18-30. [PMID: 37453878 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are cytoskeletal polymers that play important roles in numerous cellular processes, ranging from the control of cell shape and polarity to cell division and intracellular transport. Many of these roles rely on proteins that bind to microtubule ends and shafts, carry intrinsically disordered regions, and form complex multivalent interaction networks. A flurry of recent studies demonstrated that these properties allow diverse microtubule-binding proteins to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in vitro. It is proposed that LLPS could potentially affect multiple microtubule-related processes, such as microtubule nucleation, control of microtubule dynamics and organization, and microtubule-based transport. Here, we discuss the evidence in favor and against the occurrence of LLPS and its functional significance for microtubule-based processes in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir A Volkov
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands.
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16
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Silonov SA, Mokin YI, Nedelyaev EM, Smirnov EY, Kuznetsova IM, Turoverov KK, Uversky VN, Fonin AV. On the Prevalence and Roles of Proteins Undergoing Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in the Biogenesis of PML-Bodies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1805. [PMID: 38136675 PMCID: PMC10741438 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation and function of membrane-less organelles (MLOs) is one of the main driving forces in the molecular life of the cell. These processes are based on the separation of biopolymers into phases regulated by multiple specific and nonspecific inter- and intramolecular interactions. Among the realm of MLOs, a special place is taken by the promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs or PML bodies), which are the intranuclear compartments involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism, transcription, the maintenance of genome stability, responses to viral infection, apoptosis, and tumor suppression. According to the accepted models, specific interactions, such as SUMO/SIM, the formation of disulfide bonds, etc., play a decisive role in the biogenesis of PML bodies. In this work, a number of bioinformatics approaches were used to study proteins found in the proteome of PML bodies for their tendency for spontaneous liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which is usually caused by weak nonspecific interactions. A total of 205 proteins found in PML bodies have been identified. It has been suggested that UBC9, P53, HIPK2, and SUMO1 can be considered as the scaffold proteins of PML bodies. It was shown that more than half of the proteins in the analyzed proteome are capable of spontaneous LLPS, with 85% of the analyzed proteins being intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and the remaining 15% being proteins with intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs). About 44% of all proteins analyzed in this study contain SUMO binding sites and can potentially be SUMOylated. These data suggest that weak nonspecific interactions play a significantly larger role in the formation and biogenesis of PML bodies than previously expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey A. Silonov
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (S.A.S.); (Y.I.M.); (E.M.N.); (E.Y.S.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | - Yakov I. Mokin
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (S.A.S.); (Y.I.M.); (E.M.N.); (E.Y.S.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | - Eugene M. Nedelyaev
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (S.A.S.); (Y.I.M.); (E.M.N.); (E.Y.S.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | - Eugene Y. Smirnov
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (S.A.S.); (Y.I.M.); (E.M.N.); (E.Y.S.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | - Irina M. Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (S.A.S.); (Y.I.M.); (E.M.N.); (E.Y.S.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | - Konstantin K. Turoverov
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (S.A.S.); (Y.I.M.); (E.M.N.); (E.Y.S.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Alexander V. Fonin
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (S.A.S.); (Y.I.M.); (E.M.N.); (E.Y.S.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
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17
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Hester EW, Carney S, Shah V, Arnheim A, Patel B, Di Carlo D, Bertozzi AL. Fluid dynamics alters liquid-liquid phase separation in confined aqueous two-phase systems. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306467120. [PMID: 38039270 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306467120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation is key to understanding aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) arising throughout cell biology, medical science, and the pharmaceutical industry. Controlling the detailed morphology of phase-separating compound droplets leads to new technologies for efficient single-cell analysis, targeted drug delivery, and effective cell scaffolds for wound healing. We present a computational model of liquid-liquid phase separation relevant to recent laboratory experiments with gelatin-polyethylene glycol mixtures. We include buoyancy and surface-tension-driven finite viscosity fluid dynamics with thermally induced phase separation. We show that the fluid dynamics greatly alters the evolution and equilibria of the phase separation problem. Notably, buoyancy plays a critical role in driving the ATPS to energy-minimizing crescent-shaped morphologies, and shear flows can generate a tenfold speedup in particle formation. Neglecting fluid dynamics produces incorrect minimum-energy droplet shapes. The model allows for optimization of current manufacturing procedures for structured microparticles and improves understanding of ATPS evolution in confined and flowing settings important in biology and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W Hester
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
| | - Sean Carney
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
| | - Vishwesh Shah
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
| | - Alyssa Arnheim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
| | - Bena Patel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
| | - Dino Di Carlo
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
| | - Andrea L Bertozzi
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, CA
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18
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Sołtys K, Tarczewska A, Bystranowska D. Modulation of biomolecular phase behavior by metal ions. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2023; 1870:119567. [PMID: 37582439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) appears to be a newly appreciated aspect of the cellular organization of biomolecules that leads to the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs). MLOs generate distinct microenvironments where particular biomolecules are highly concentrated compared to those in the surrounding environment. Their thermodynamically driven formation is reversible, and their liquid nature allows them to fuse with each other. Dysfunctional biomolecular condensation is associated with human diseases. Pathological states of MLOs may originate from the mutation of proteins or may be induced by other factors. In most aberrant MLOs, transient interactions are replaced by stronger and more rigid interactions, preventing their dissolution, and causing their uncontrolled growth and dysfunction. For these reasons, there is great interest in identifying factors that modulate LLPS. In this review, we discuss an enigmatic and mostly unexplored aspect of this process, namely, the regulatory effects of metal ions on the phase behavior of biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Sołtys
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Aneta Tarczewska
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dominika Bystranowska
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
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19
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Silonov SA, Smirnov EY, Kuznetsova IM, Turoverov KK, Fonin AV. PML Body Biogenesis: A Delicate Balance of Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16702. [PMID: 38069029 PMCID: PMC10705990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PML bodies are subnuclear protein complexes that play a crucial role in various physiological and pathological cellular processes. One of the general structural proteins of PML bodies is a member of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family-promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML). It is known that PML interacts with over a hundred partners, and the protein itself is represented by several major isoforms, differing in their variable and disordered C-terminal end due to alternative splicing. Despite nearly 30 years of research, the mechanisms underlying PML body formation and the role of PML proteins in this process remain largely unclear. In this review, we examine the literature and highlight recent progress in this field, with a particular focus on understanding the role of individual domains of the PML protein, its post-translational modifications, and polyvalent nonspecific interactions in the formation of PML bodies. Additionally, based on the available literature, we propose a new hypothetical model of PML body formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey A. Silonov
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (E.Y.S.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | | | | | | | - Alexander V. Fonin
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (E.Y.S.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
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20
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Sekiyama N, Kobayashi R, Kodama TS. Toward a high-resolution mechanism of intrinsically disordered protein self-assembly. J Biochem 2023; 174:391-398. [PMID: 37488093 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Membraneless organelles formed via the self-assembly of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions. Elucidating the mechanisms behind IDP self-assembly is of great interest not only from a biological perspective but also for understanding how amino acid mutations in IDPs contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases and other disorders. Currently, two proposed mechanisms explain IDP self-assembly: (1) the sticker-and-spacer framework, which considers amino acid residues as beads to simulate the intermolecular interactions, and (2) the cross-β hypothesis, which focuses on the β-sheet interactions between the molecular surfaces constructed by multiple residues. This review explores the advancement of new models that provide higher resolution insights into the IDP self-assembly mechanism based on new findings obtained from structural studies of IDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naotaka Sekiyama
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ryoga Kobayashi
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Takashi S Kodama
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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21
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Netzer A, Katzir I, Baruch Leshem A, Weitman M, Lampel A. Emergent properties of melanin-inspired peptide/RNA condensates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2310569120. [PMID: 37871222 PMCID: PMC10622964 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310569120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Most biocatalytic processes in eukaryotic cells are regulated by subcellular microenvironments such as membrane-bound or membraneless organelles. These natural compartmentalization systems have inspired the design of synthetic compartments composed of a variety of building blocks. Recently, the emerging field of liquid-liquid phase separation has facilitated the design of biomolecular condensates composed of proteins and nucleic acids, with controllable properties including polarity, diffusivity, surface tension, and encapsulation efficiency. However, utilizing phase-separated condensates as optical sensors has not yet been attempted. Here, we were inspired by the biosynthesis of melanin pigments, a key biocatalytic process that is regulated by compartmentalization in organelles, to design minimalistic biomolecular condensates with emergent optical properties. Melanins are ubiquitous pigment materials with a range of functionalities including photoprotection, coloration, and free radical scavenging activity. Their biosynthesis in the confined melanosomes involves oxidation-polymerization of tyrosine (Tyr), catalyzed by the enzyme tyrosinase. We have now developed condensates that are formed by an interaction between a Tyr-containing peptide and RNA and can serve as both microreactors and substrates for tyrosinase. Importantly, partitioning of Tyr into the condensates and subsequent oxidation-polymerization gives rise to unique optical properties including far-red fluorescence. We now demonstrate that individual condensates can serve as sensors to detect tyrosinase activity, with a limit of detection similar to that of synthetic fluorescent probes. This approach opens opportunities to utilize designer biomolecular condensates as diagnostic tools for various disorders involving abnormal enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Netzer
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Itai Katzir
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Avigail Baruch Leshem
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Michal Weitman
- Department of Chemistry Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan5290002, Israel
| | - Ayala Lampel
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
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22
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Cai Z, Mei S, Zhou L, Ma X, Wuyun Q, Yan J, Ding H. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Sheds New Light upon Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15418. [PMID: 37895097 PMCID: PMC10607581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a biophysical process that mediates the precise and complex spatiotemporal coordination of cellular processes. Proteins and nucleic acids are compartmentalized into micron-scale membrane-less droplets via LLPS. These droplets, termed biomolecular condensates, are highly dynamic, have concentrated components, and perform specific functions. Biomolecular condensates have been observed to organize diverse key biological processes, including gene transcription, signal transduction, DNA damage repair, chromatin organization, and autophagy. The dysregulation of these biological activities owing to aberrant LLPS is important in cardiovascular diseases. This review provides a detailed overview of the regulation and functions of biomolecular condensates, provides a comprehensive depiction of LLPS in several common cardiovascular diseases, and discusses the revolutionary therapeutic perspective of modulating LLPS in cardiovascular diseases and new treatment strategies relevant to LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Cai
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shuai Mei
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaozhu Ma
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qidamugai Wuyun
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jiangtao Yan
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hu Ding
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Z.C.); (S.M.); (L.Z.); (X.M.); (Q.W.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan 430030, China
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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23
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Zhu T, Xie J, He H, Li H, Tang X, Wang S, Li Z, Tian Y, Li L, Zhu J, Zhu G. Phase separation underlies signaling activation of oncogenic NTRK fusions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219589120. [PMID: 37812694 PMCID: PMC10589674 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219589120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
NTRK (neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase) gene fusions that encode chimeric proteins exhibiting constitutive activity of tropomyosin receptor kinases (TRK), are oncogenic drivers in multiple cancer types. However, the underlying mechanisms in oncogenesis that involve various N-terminal fusion partners of NTRK fusions remain elusive. Here, we show that NTRK fusion proteins form liquid-like condensates driven by their N-terminal fusion partners. The kinase reactions are accelerated in these condensates where the complexes for downstream signaling activation are also concentrated. Our work demonstrates that the phase separation driven by NTRK fusions is not only critical for TRK activation, but the condensates formed through phase separation serve as organizational hubs for oncogenic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxin Zhu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | | | - Hao He
- Etern Biopharma, Shanghai201203, China
| | - Huan Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xianbin Tang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan442000, China
| | - Shuyang Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Ziwen Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Yawen Tian
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai200031, China
| | - Lingyu Li
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai200031, China
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24
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Cheng K, Zhang C, Lu Y, Li J, Tang H, Ma L, Zhu H. The Glycine-Rich RNA-Binding Protein Is a Vital Post-Transcriptional Regulator in Crops. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:3504. [PMID: 37836244 PMCID: PMC10575402 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Glycine-rich RNA binding proteins (GR-RBPs), a branch of RNA binding proteins (RBPs), play integral roles in regulating various aspects of RNA metabolism regulation, such as RNA processing, transport, localization, translation, and stability, and ultimately regulate gene expression and cell fate. However, our current understanding of GR-RBPs has predominantly been centered on Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant for investigating plant growth and development. Nonetheless, an increasing body of literature has emerged in recent years, shedding light on the presence and functions of GRPs in diverse crop species. In this review, we not only delineate the distinctive structural domains of plant GR-RBPs but also elucidate several contemporary mechanisms of GR-RBPs in the post-transcriptional regulation of RNA. These mechanisms encompass intricate processes, including RNA alternative splicing, polyadenylation, miRNA biogenesis, phase separation, and RNA translation. Furthermore, we offer an exhaustive synthesis of the diverse roles that GR-RBPs fulfill within crop plants. Our overarching objective is to provide researchers and practitioners in the field of agricultural genetics with valuable insights that may inform and guide the application of plant genetic engineering for enhanced crop development and sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Cheng
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Chunjiao Zhang
- Supervision, Inspection & Testing Center of Agricultural Products Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Yao Lu
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Jinyan Li
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Hui Tang
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Liqun Ma
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Hongliang Zhu
- The College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (K.C.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (H.T.); (L.M.)
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25
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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 2023:S0962-8924(23)00194-0. [PMID: 37777392 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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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26
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Kamzeeva P, Petushkov I, Knizhnik E, Snoeck R, Khodarovich Y, Ryabukhina E, Alferova V, Eshtukov-Shcheglov A, Belyaev E, Svetlova J, Vedekhina T, Kulbachinskiy A, Varizhuk A, Andrei G, Aralov A. Phenotypic Test of Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidinone-Based Nucleoside and Non-Nucleoside Derivatives against DNA and RNA Viruses, Including Coronaviruses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14540. [PMID: 37834006 PMCID: PMC10572855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging viruses periodically cause outbreaks and epidemics around the world, which ultimately lead to global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the urgent need for new antiviral drugs is obvious. Over more than a century of antiviral development, nucleoside analogs have proven to be promising agents against diversified DNA and RNA viruses. Here, we present the synthesis and evaluation of the antiviral activity of nucleoside analogs and their deglycosylated derivatives based on a hydroxybenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidin-1(2H)-one scaffold. The antiviral activity was evaluated against a panel of structurally and phylogenetically diverse RNA and DNA viruses. The leader compound showed micromolar activity against representatives of the family Coronaviridae, including SARS-CoV-2, as well as against respiratory syncytial virus in a submicromolar range without noticeable toxicity for the host cells. Surprisingly, methylation of the aromatic hydroxyl group of the leader compound resulted in micromolar activity against the varicella-zoster virus without any significant impact on cell viability. The leader compound was shown to be a weak inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It also inhibited biocondensate formation important for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The active compounds may be considered as a good starting point for further structure optimization and mechanistic and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Kamzeeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Ivan Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre ‘Kurchatov Institute’, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (I.P.); (A.K.)
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Knizhnik
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Yuri Khodarovich
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Ekaterina Ryabukhina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Vera Alferova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Artur Eshtukov-Shcheglov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Evgeny Belyaev
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Julia Svetlova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Tatiana Vedekhina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre ‘Kurchatov Institute’, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (I.P.); (A.K.)
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Andrey Aralov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
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27
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Liang P, Zhang J, Wang B. Emerging Roles of Ubiquitination in Biomolecular Condensates. Cells 2023; 12:2329. [PMID: 37759550 PMCID: PMC10527650 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are dynamic non-membrane-bound macromolecular high-order assemblies that participate in a growing list of cellular processes, such as transcription, the cell cycle, etc. Disturbed dynamics of biomolecular condensates are associated with many diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Extensive efforts have been devoted to uncovering the molecular and biochemical grammar governing the dynamics of biomolecular condensates and establishing the critical roles of protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) in this process. Here, we summarize the regulatory roles of ubiquitination (a major form of cellular PTM) in the dynamics of biomolecular condensates. We propose that these regulatory mechanisms can be harnessed to combat many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (P.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (P.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (P.L.); (J.Z.)
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen 518057, China
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28
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Zhou S, Zhou Y, Liu T, Zheng J, Jia C. PredLLPS_PSSM: a novel predictor for liquid-liquid protein separation identification based on evolutionary information and a deep neural network. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:bbad299. [PMID: 37609923 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of biomolecular condensates by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has become a universal mechanism for spatiotemporal coordination of biological activities in cells and has been widely observed to directly regulate the key cellular processes involved in cancer cell pathology. However, the complexity of protein sequences and the diversity of conformations are inherently disordered, which poses great challenges for LLPS protein calculations and experimental research. Herein, we proposed a novel predictor named PredLLPS_PSSM for LLPS protein identification based only on sequence evolution information. Because finding real and reliable samples is the cornerstone of building predictors, we collected anew and collated the LLPS proteins from the latest versions of three databases. By comparing the performance of the position-specific score matrix (PSSM) and word embedding, PredLLPS_PSSM combined PSSM-based information and two deep learning frameworks. Independent tests using three existing independent test datasets and two newly constructed independent test datasets demonstrated the superiority of PredLLPS_PSSM compared with state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, we tested PredLLPS_PSSM on nine experimentally identified LLPS proteins from three insects that were not included in any of the databases. In addition, the powerful Shapley Additive exPlanation algorithm and heatmap were applied to find the most critical amino acids relevant to LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengming Zhou
- School of Science, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Yetong Zhou
- School of Science, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Tian Liu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jia Zheng
- School of Science, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Cangzhi Jia
- School of Science, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
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29
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Kuczyńska-Wiśnik D, Stojowska-Swędrzyńska K, Laskowska E. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation and Protective Protein Aggregates in Bacteria. Molecules 2023; 28:6582. [PMID: 37764358 PMCID: PMC10534466 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs) contribute to the spatiotemporal organization of various physiological processes in the cell. These phenomena have been studied and characterized mainly in eukaryotic cells. However, increasing evidence indicates that LLPS-driven protein condensation may also occur in prokaryotes. Recent studies indicate that aggregates formed during proteotoxic stresses may also play the role of MLOs and increase the fitness of bacteria under stress. The beneficial effect of aggregates may result from the sequestration and protection of proteins against irreversible inactivation or degradation, activation of the protein quality control system and induction of dormancy. The most common stress that bacteria encounter in the natural environment is water loss. Therefore, in this review, we focus on protein aggregates formed in E. coli upon desiccation-rehydration stress. In silico analyses suggest that various mechanisms and interactions are responsible for their formation, including LLPS, disordered sequences and aggregation-prone regions. These data support findings that intrinsically disordered proteins and LLPS may contribute to desiccation tolerance not only in eukaryotic cells but also in bacteria. LLPS-driven aggregation may be a strategy used by pathogens to survive antibiotic treatment and desiccation stress in the hospital environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ewa Laskowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (D.K.-W.); (K.S.-S.)
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30
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Perelman RT, Schmidt A, Khan U, Walter NG. Spontaneous Confinement of mRNA Molecules at Biomolecular Condensate Boundaries. Cells 2023; 12:2250. [PMID: 37759470 PMCID: PMC10526803 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular biomolecular condensates, termed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, are often enriched in messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules relative to the surrounding cytoplasm. Yet, the spatial localization and diffusion of mRNAs in close proximity to phase separated RNP granules are not well understood. In this study, we performed single-molecule fluorescence imaging experiments of mRNAs in live cells in the presence of two types of RNP granules, stress granules (SGs) and processing bodies (PBs), which are distinct in their molecular composition and function. We developed a photobleaching- and noise-corrected colocalization imaging algorithm that was employed to determine the accurate positions of individual mRNAs relative to the granule's boundaries. We found that mRNAs are often localized at granule boundaries, an observation consistent with recently published data. We suggest that mRNA molecules become spontaneously confined at the RNP granule boundary similar to the adsorption of polymer molecules at liquid-liquid interfaces, which is observed in various technological and biological processes. We also suggest that this confinement could be due to a combination of intermolecular interactions associated with, first, the screening of a portion of the RNP granule interface by the polymer and, second, electrostatic interactions due to a strong electric field induced by a Donnan potential generated across the thin interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca T. Perelman
- Single Molecule Analysis Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (R.T.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Andreas Schmidt
- Single Molecule Analysis Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (R.T.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Umar Khan
- Center for Advanced Biomedical Imaging and Photonics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Nils G. Walter
- Single Molecule Analysis Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (R.T.P.); (A.S.)
- Center for RNA Biomedicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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31
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Zambelli B. Intracellular phase separation and its role in nickel sensing. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:732-733. [PMID: 37433710 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Nickel homeostasis in many bacteria is controlled by the nickel-sensor NikR. A recent study by Cao et al. found that Escherichia coli NikR undergoes phase separation and that this event enhances its function as a nickel-dependent transcriptional repressor. The results suggest that phase separation is functional for bacterial metal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Zambelli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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32
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Miesch J, Wimbish RT, Velluz MC, Aumeier C. Phase separation of +TIP networks regulates microtubule dynamics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301457120. [PMID: 37603768 PMCID: PMC10469336 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301457120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of microtubule dynamics is essential for diverse cellular functions, and proteins that bind to dynamic microtubule ends can regulate network dynamics. Here, we show that two conserved microtubule end-binding proteins, CLIP-170 and EB3, undergo phase separation and form dense liquid networks. When CLIP-170 and EB3 act together, the multivalency of the network increases, which synergistically increases the amount of protein in the dense phase. In vitro and in cells, these liquid networks can concentrate tubulin. In vitro, in the presence of microtubules, phase separation of EB3/CLIP-170 can enrich tubulin all along the microtubule. In this condition, microtubule growth speed increases up to twofold and the frequency of depolymerization events are strongly reduced compared to conditions in which there is no phase separation. Our data show that phase separation of EB3/CLIP-170 adds an additional layer of regulation to the control of microtubule growth dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Miesch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva1211, Switzerland
| | - Robert T. Wimbish
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva1211, Switzerland
| | | | - Charlotte Aumeier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva1211, Switzerland
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33
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Li J, Zhu K, Gu A, Zhang Y, Huang S, Hu R, Hu W, Lei QY, Wen W. Feedback regulation of ubiquitination and phase separation of HECT E3 ligases. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302478120. [PMID: 37549262 PMCID: PMC10438380 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302478120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid homeostasis is essential for normal cellular functions and dysregulation of lipid metabolism is highly correlated with human diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. In the ubiquitin-dependent autophagic degradation pathway, Troyer syndrome-related protein Spartin activates and recruits HECT-type E3 Itch to lipid droplets (LDs) to regulate their turnover. In this study, we find that Spartin promotes the formation of Itch condensates independent of LDs. Spartin activates Itch through its multiple PPAY-motif platform generated by self-oligomerization, which targets the WW12 domains of Itch and releases the autoinhibition of the ligase. Spartin-induced activation and subsequent autoubiquitination of Itch lead to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the poly-, but not oligo-, ubiquitinated Itch together with Spartin and E2 both in vitro and in living cells. LLPS-mediated condensation of the reaction components further accelerates the generation of polyubiquitin chains, thus forming a positive feedback loop. Such Itch-Spartin condensates actively promote the autophagy-dependent turnover of LDs. Moreover, we show that the catalytic HECT domain of Itch is sufficient to interact and phase separate with poly-, but not oligo-ubiquitin chains. HECT domains from other HECT E3 ligases also exhibit LLPS-mediated the promotion of ligase activity. Therefore, LLPS and ubiquitination are mutually interdependent and LLPS promotes the ligase activity of the HECT family E3 ligases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Kang Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Aihong Gu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Yiqing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Shijing Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Ronggui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Weiguo Hu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Qun-Ying Lei
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Wenyu Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
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34
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Lushpinskaia IP, Flores-Solis D, Zweckstetter M. Structure and phase separation of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. Biol Chem 2023; 404:839-844. [PMID: 37331973 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The repetitive heptads in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RPB1, the largest subunit of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II), play a critical role in the regulation of Pol II-based transcription. Recent findings on the structure of the CTD in the pre-initiation complex determined by cryo-EM and the novel phase separation properties of key transcription components offers an expanded mechanistic interpretation of the spatiotemporal distribution of Pol II during transcription. Current experimental evidence further suggests an exquisite balance between CTD's local structure and an array of multivalent interactions that drive phase separation of Pol II and thus shape its transcriptional activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina P Lushpinskaia
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold Straße 3A, D-35075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - David Flores-Solis
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold Straße 3A, D-35075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold Straße 3A, D-35075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Faßberg 11, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Liu B, Shen H, He J, Jin B, Tian Y, Li W, Hou L, Zhao W, Nan J, Zhao J, Shen J, Yu H, Wang Y, Shan G, Shi L, Cai X. Cytoskeleton remodeling mediated by circRNA-YBX1 phase separation suppresses the metastasis of liver cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220296120. [PMID: 37459535 PMCID: PMC10372620 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220296120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis, especially intrahepatic, is a major challenge for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Cytoskeleton remodeling has been identified as a vital process mediating intrahepatic spreading. Previously, we reported that HCC tumor adhesion and invasion were modulated by circular RNA (circRNA), which has emerged as an important regulator of various cellular processes and has been implicated in cancer progression. Here, we uncovered a nuclear circRNA, circASH2, which is preferentially lost in HCC tissues and inhibits HCC metastasis by altering tumor cytoskeleton structure. Tropomyosin 4 (TPM4), a critical binding protein of actin, turned out to be the major target of circASH2 and was posttranscriptionally suppressed. Such regulation is based on messenger RNA (mRNA)/precursormRNA splicing and degradation process. Furthermore, liquid-liquid phase separation of nuclear Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) enhanced by circASH2 augments TPM4 transcripts decay. Together, our data have revealed a tumor-suppressive circRNA and, more importantly, uncovered a fine regulation mechanism for HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boqiang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Hao Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Binghan Jin
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310053, China
| | - Yuanshi Tian
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound & Echocardiography, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Weiqi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Lidan Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Weijun Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Junjie Nan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Jiliang Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Ge Shan
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310030, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Regional medical center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Division of Life Science and Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230027, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310030, China
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Kang JE, Jun JH, Kwon JH, Lee JH, Hwang K, Kim S, Jeong N. Arabidopsis Transcription Regulatory Factor Domain/Domain Interaction Analysis Tool-Liquid/Liquid Phase Separation, Oligomerization, GO Analysis: A Toolkit for Interaction Data-Based Domain Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1476. [PMID: 37510380 PMCID: PMC10379056 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a large number of databases are available for regulatory elements, a bottleneck has been created by the lack of bioinformatics tools to predict the interaction modes of regulatory elements. To reduce this gap, we developed the Arabidopsis Transcription Regulatory Factor Domain/Domain Interaction Analysis Tool-liquid/liquid phase separation (LLPS), oligomerization, GO analysis (ART FOUNDATION-LOG), a useful toolkit for protein-nucleic acid interaction (PNI) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis based on domain-domain interactions (DDIs). LLPS, protein oligomerization, the structural properties of protein domains, and protein modifications are major components in the orchestration of the spatiotemporal dynamics of PPIs and PNIs. Our goal is to integrate PPI/PNI information into the development of a prediction model for identifying important genetic variants in peaches. Our program unified interdatabase relational keys based on protein domains to facilitate inference from the model species. A key advantage of this program lies in the integrated information of related features, such as protein oligomerization, LOG analysis, structural characterizations of domains (e.g., domain linkers, intrinsically disordered regions, DDIs, domain-motif (peptide) interactions, beta sheets, and transmembrane helices), and post-translational modification. We provided simple tests to demonstrate how to use this program, which can be applied to other eukaryotic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Eun Kang
- Fruit Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hae Jun
- Fruit Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Kwon
- Fruit Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hyun Lee
- Fruit Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Kidong Hwang
- Fruit Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjong Kim
- Fruit Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Namhee Jeong
- Fruit Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
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Mokin YI, Gavrilova AA, Fefilova AS, Kuznetsova IM, Turoverov KK, Uversky VN, Fonin AV. Nucleolar- and Nuclear-Stress-Induced Membrane-Less Organelles: A Proteome Analysis through the Prism of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11007. [PMID: 37446185 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Radical changes in the idea of the organization of intracellular space that occurred in the early 2010s made it possible to consider the formation and functioning of so-called membrane-less organelles (MLOs) based on a single physical principle: the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biopolymers. Weak non-specific inter- and intramolecular interactions of disordered polymers, primarily intrinsically disordered proteins, and RNA, play a central role in the initiation and regulation of these processes. On the other hand, in some cases, the "maturation" of MLOs can be accompanied by a "liquid-gel" phase transition, where other types of interactions can play a significant role in the reorganization of their structure. In this work, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis of the propensity of the proteomes of two membrane-less organelles, formed in response to stress in the same compartment, for spontaneous phase separation and examined their intrinsic disorder predispositions. These MLOs, amyloid bodies (A-bodies) formed in the response to acidosis and heat shock and nuclear stress bodies (nSBs), are characterized by a partially overlapping composition, but show different functional activities and morphologies. We show that the proteomes of these biocondensates are differently enriched in proteins, and many have high potential for spontaneous LLPS that correlates with the different morphology and function of these organelles. The results of these analyses allowed us to evaluate the role of weak interactions in the formation and functioning of these important organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakov I Mokin
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Anastasia A Gavrilova
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Anna S Fefilova
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Irina M Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Konstantin K Turoverov
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Alexander V Fonin
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia
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Yu CL, Chuang TW, Samuel SY, Lou YC, Tarn WY. Co-phase separation of Y14 and RNA in vitro and its implication for DNA repair. RNA 2023; 29:1007-1019. [PMID: 37001915 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079514.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The multifunctional RNA recognition motif-containing protein Y14/RBM8A participates in mRNA metabolism and is essential for the efficient repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Y14 contains highly charged, low-complexity sequences in both the amino- and carboxy-terminal domains. The feature of charge segregation suggests that Y14 may undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Recombinant Y14 formed phase-separated droplets, which were sensitive to pH and salt concentration. Domain mapping suggested that LLPS of Y14 involves multivalent electrostatic interactions and is partly determined by the net charge of its low-complexity regions. Phospho-mimicry of the carboxy-terminal arginine-serine dipeptides of Y14 suppressed phase separation. Moreover, RNA could phase separate into Y14 droplets and modulate Y14 LLPS in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, the capacity of Y14 in LLPS and coacervation with RNA in vitro correlated with its activity in DSB repair. These results reveal a molecular rule for LLPS of Y14 in vitro and an implication for its co-condensation with RNA in genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lin Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Wei Chuang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Sabrina Yeo Samuel
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chao Lou
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Woan-Yuh Tarn
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
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39
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McGregor LA, Deckard CE, Smolen JA, Porter GM, Sczepanski JT. Thymine DNA glycosylase mediates chromatin phase separation in a DNA methylation-dependent manner. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104907. [PMID: 37307918 PMCID: PMC10404674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) is an essential enzyme involved in numerous biological pathways, including DNA repair, DNA demethylation, and transcriptional activation. Despite these important functions, the mechanisms surrounding the actions and regulation of TDG are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that TDG induces phase separation of DNA and nucleosome arrays under physiologically relevant conditions in vitro and show that the resulting chromatin droplets exhibited behaviors typical of phase-separated liquids, supporting a liquid-liquid phase separation model. We also provide evidence that TDG has the capacity to form phase-separated condensates in the cell nucleus. The ability of TDG to induce chromatin phase separation is dependent on its intrinsically disordered N- and C-terminal domains, which in isolation, promote the formation of chromatin-containing droplets having distinct physical properties, consistent with their unique mechanistic roles in the phase separation process. Interestingly, DNA methylation alters the phase behavior of the disordered domains of TDG and compromises formation of chromatin condensates by full-length TDG, indicating that DNA methylation regulates the assembly and coalescence of TDG-mediated condensates. Overall, our results shed new light on the formation and physical nature of TDG-mediated chromatin condensates, which have broad implications for the mechanism and regulation of TDG and its associated genomic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A McGregor
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Charles E Deckard
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Justin A Smolen
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Gabriela M Porter
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Sahu S, Chauhan P, Lumen E, Moody K, Peddireddy K, Mani N, Subramanian R, Robertson-Anderson R, Wolfe AJ, Ross JL. Interplay of self-organization of microtubule asters and crosslinking protein condensates. PNAS Nexus 2023; 2:pgad231. [PMID: 37497046 PMCID: PMC10367440 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton is a major focus of physical studies to understand organization inside cells given its primary role in cell motility, cell division, and cell mechanics. Recently, protein condensation has been shown to be another major intracellular organizational strategy. Here, we report that the microtubule crosslinking proteins, MAP65-1 and PRC1, can form phase separated condensates at physiological salt and temperature without additional crowding agents in vitro. The size of the droplets depends on the concentration of protein. MAP65 condensates are liquid at first and can gelate over time. We show that these condensates can nucleate and grow microtubule bundles that form asters, regardless of the viscoelasticity of the condensate. The droplet size directly controls the number of projections in the microtubule asters, demonstrating that the MAP65 concentration can control the organization of microtubules. When gel-like droplets nucleate and grow asters from a shell of tubulin at the surface, the microtubules are able to re-fluidize the MAP65 condensate, returning the MAP65 molecules to solution. This work implies that there is an interplay between condensate formation from microtubule-associated proteins, microtubule organization, and condensate dissolution that could be important for the dynamics of intracellular organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumon Sahu
- Physics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Prashali Chauhan
- Physics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- The Bioinspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Ellie Lumen
- Ichor Life Sciences, Inc., 2561 US Route 11, LaFayette, NY 13084, USA
| | - Kelsey Moody
- The Bioinspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Ichor Life Sciences, Inc., 2561 US Route 11, LaFayette, NY 13084, USA
- Lewis School of Health Sciences, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
| | | | - Nandini Mani
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | - Aaron J Wolfe
- The Bioinspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Ichor Life Sciences, Inc., 2561 US Route 11, LaFayette, NY 13084, USA
- Lewis School of Health Sciences, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
| | - Jennifer L Ross
- Physics Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- The Bioinspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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Luo Z, Shu Z, Jiang Y, Wang B. Effect of Cosolvent on the Vesicle Formation Pathways under Solvent Exchange Process: A Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulation. Molecules 2023; 28:5113. [PMID: 37446777 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The effective control over the vesicle formation pathways is vital for tuning its function. Recently, a liquid-liquid phase-separated intermediate (LLPS) is observed before a vesicular structure during the solvent exchange self-assembly of block copolymers. Though the understanding of polymer structures and chemical compositions on the competition between LLPS and micellization has made some progress, little is known about the role of cosolvent on it. In this study, the influence of cosolvent on the vesicle formation pathways is investigated by using dissipative particle dynamics. The results show that the range of water fraction within which the LLPS is favored will be highly dependent on the affinity difference of cosolvent to water and to polymer repeat units. The change of the cosolvent-water interaction and the water fraction impact the distribution of cosolvent in the polymer domain, the miscibility between the components in the system as well as the chain conformations, which finally induce different self-assembly behaviors. Our findings would be helpful for understanding the LLPS and controlling the morphologies of diblock polymers in solutions for further applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovolatic Science and Engineering, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Zhou Shu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovolatic Science and Engineering, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovolatic Science and Engineering, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Biaobing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovolatic Science and Engineering, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
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42
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Maity H, Nguyen HT, Hori N, Thirumalai D. Odd-even disparity in the population of slipped hairpins in RNA repeat sequences with implications for phase separation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301409120. [PMID: 37276412 PMCID: PMC10268303 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301409120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-complexity nucleotide repeat sequences, which are implicated in several neurological disorders, undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) provided the number of repeat units, n, exceeds a critical value. Here, we establish a link between the folding landscapes of the monomers of trinucleotide repeats and their propensity to self-associate. Simulations using a coarse-grained Self-Organized Polymer (SOP) model for (CAG)n repeats in monovalent salt solutions reproduce experimentally measured melting temperatures, which are available only for small n. By extending the simulations to large n, we show that the free-energy gap, ΔGS, between the ground state (GS) and slipped hairpin (SH) states is a predictor of aggregation propensity. The GS for even n is a perfect hairpin (PH), whereas it is a SH when n is odd. The value of ΔGS (zero for odd n) is larger for even n than for odd n. As a result, the rate of dimer formation is slower in (CAG)30 relative to (CAG)31, thus linking ΔGS to RNA-RNA association. The yield of the dimer decreases dramatically, compared to the wild type, in mutant sequences in which the population of the SH decreases substantially. Association between RNA chains is preceded by a transition to the SH even if the GS is a PH. The finding that the excitation spectrum-which depends on the exact sequence, n, and ionic conditions-is a predictor of self-association should also hold for other RNAs (mRNA for example) that undergo LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiranmay Maity
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, AustinTX78712
| | - Hung T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, AustinTX78712
| | - Naoto Hori
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2rD, United Kingdom
| | - D. Thirumalai
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, AustinTX78712
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, AustinTX78712
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Vidal-Cruchez O, Nicolini VJ, Rete T, Jacquet K, Rezzonico R, Lacoux C, Domdom MA, Roméo B, Roux J, Hubstenberger A, Mari B, Mograbi B, Hofman P, Brest P. KRAS and NRAS Translation Is Increased upon MEK Inhibitors-Induced Processing Bodies Dissolution. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3078. [PMID: 37370689 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Overactivation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a critical driver of many human cancers. However, therapies directly targeting this pathway lead to cancer drug resistance. Resistance has been linked to compensatory RAS overexpression, but the mechanisms underlying this response remain unclear. Here, we find that MEK inhibitors (MEKi) are associated with an increased translation of the KRAS and NRAS oncogenes through a mechanism involving dissolution of processing body (P-body) biocondensates. This effect is seen across different cell types and is extremely dynamic since removal of MEKi and ERK reactivation result in reappearance of P-bodies and reduced RAS-dependent signaling. Moreover, we find that P-body scaffold protein levels negatively impact RAS expression. Overall, we describe a new feedback loop mechanism involving biocondensates such as P-bodies in the translational regulation of RAS proteins and MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Vidal-Cruchez
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 28, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
| | - Victoria J Nicolini
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 28, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
| | - Tifenn Rete
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 28, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
| | - Karine Jacquet
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 28, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
| | - Roger Rezzonico
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, CNRS UMR7275, IPMC, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Caroline Lacoux
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7275, IPMC, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Marie-Angela Domdom
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 28, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
| | - Barnabé Roméo
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 28, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
| | - Jérémie Roux
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 28, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7275, IPMC, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Arnaud Hubstenberger
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institut Biologie Valrose (IBV), CNRS, Inserm, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Bernard Mari
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7275, IPMC, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Baharia Mograbi
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 28, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
| | - Paul Hofman
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 28, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, CHU-Nice, Pasteur Hospital, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033-00025), 06001 Nice, France
| | - Patrick Brest
- Université Côte d'Azur, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 28, Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
- FHU-OncoAge, IHU-RESPIRera, 06001 Nice, France
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Chen X, Huang C. Chromatin-interacting RNA-binding proteins regulate transcription. Trends Cell Biol 2023:S0962-8924(23)00089-2. [PMID: 37270323 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are essential regulators involved in the fate determination of diverse RNA species; however, emerging evidence indicates that a subset of RBPs may physically interact with chromatin and function at the transcriptional level. Here, we highlight the recently discovered mechanisms of chromatin-interacting RBPs (ChRBPs) in the regulation of chromatin/transcriptional activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Chuan Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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45
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Górska AM, Bartrina I, Werner T. Biomolecular condensation: a new player in auxin signaling. Trends Plant Sci 2023; 28:620-622. [PMID: 36959045 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are increasingly being recognized as a fundamental mechanism for the organization of the intracellular space. Powers et al. and Jing et al. have demonstrated that a cytoplasmic condensation of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) transcription factors restrains auxin responses, acting as an additional regulatory layer in the auxin-mediated control of plant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja M Górska
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 51, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Isabel Bartrina
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 51, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Tomáš Werner
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 51, 8010 Graz, Austria
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46
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Pavlova I, Iudin M, Surdina A, Severov V, Varizhuk A. G-Quadruplexes in Nuclear Biomolecular Condensates. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051076. [PMID: 37239436 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) have long been implicated in the regulation of chromatin packaging and gene expression. These processes require or are accelerated by the separation of related proteins into liquid condensates on DNA/RNA matrices. While cytoplasmic G4s are acknowledged scaffolds of potentially pathogenic condensates, the possible contribution of G4s to phase transitions in the nucleus has only recently come to light. In this review, we summarize the growing evidence for the G4-dependent assembly of biomolecular condensates at telomeres and transcription initiation sites, as well as nucleoli, speckles, and paraspeckles. The limitations of the underlying assays and the remaining open questions are outlined. We also discuss the molecular basis for the apparent permissive role of G4s in the in vitro condensate assembly based on the interactome data. To highlight the prospects and risks of G4-targeting therapies with respect to the phase transitions, we also touch upon the reported effects of G4-stabilizing small molecules on nuclear biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Pavlova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Mikhail Iudin
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Surdina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vjacheslav Severov
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
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Abstract
Protein SUMOylation is one of the most prevalent post-translational modifications (PTMs) and important for maintaining cellular homeostasis in response to various cellular stresses. Emerging evidence reveals the role of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)/biomolecular condensates in cellular SUMOylation, potentially solving a puzzle regarding the cellular mechanism of SUMOylation regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Therapeutics Institute, Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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48
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Cermakova K, Hodges HC. Interaction modules that impart specificity to disordered protein. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:477-490. [PMID: 36754681 PMCID: PMC10106370 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are especially enriched among proteins that regulate chromatin and transcription. As a result, mechanisms that influence specificity of IDR-driven interactions have emerged as exciting unresolved issues for understanding gene regulation. We review the molecular elements frequently found within IDRs that confer regulatory specificity. In particular, we summarize the differing roles of disordered low-complexity regions (LCRs) and short linear motifs (SLiMs) towards selective nuclear regulation. Examination of IDR-driven interactions highlights SLiMs as organizers of selectivity, with widespread roles in gene regulation and integration of cellular signals. Analysis of recurrent interactions between SLiMs and folded domains suggests diverse avenues for SLiMs to influence phase-separated condensates and highlights opportunities to manipulate these interactions for control of biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Cermakova
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - H Courtney Hodges
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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49
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Degoulange D, Pandya R, Deschamps M, Skiba D, Gallant B, Gigan S, de Aguiar H, Grimaud A. Direct imaging of micrometer-thick interfaces in salt-salt aqueous biphasic systems. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220662120. [PMID: 37068232 PMCID: PMC10151592 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220662120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike the interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) formed between water and polar solvents, molecular understanding of the liquid-liquid interface formed for aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) is relatively limited and mostly relies on surface tension measurements and thermodynamic models. Here, high-resolution Raman imaging is used to provide spatial and chemical resolution of the interface of lithium chloride - lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide - water (LiCl-LiTFSI-water) and HCl-LiTFSI-water, prototypical salt-salt ABSs found in a range of electrochemical applications. The concentration profiles of both TFSI anions and water are found to be sigmoidal thus not showing any signs of a positive adsorption for both salts and solvent. More striking, however, is the length at which the concentration profiles extend, ranging from 11 to 2 µm with increasing concentrations, compared to a few nanometers for ITIES. We thus reveal that unlike ITIES, salt-salt ABSs do not have a molecularly sharp interface but rather form an interphase with a gradual change of environment from one phase to the other. This knowledge represents a major stepping-stone in the understanding of aqueous interfaces, key for mastering ion or electron transfer dynamics in a wide range of biological and technological settings including novel battery technologies such as membraneless redox flow and dual-ion batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Degoulange
- Chimie du Solide et de l’Energie, UMR 8260, Collège de France,75231 Cedex 05Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université,75006Paris, France
- Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l’Energie, CNRS FR3459,80039Amiens Cedex, France
| | - Raj Pandya
- Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France,75005Paris, France
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Deschamps
- Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l’Energie, CNRS FR3459,80039Amiens Cedex, France
- CNRS, Conditions Extrêmes et Matériaux : Haute Température et Irradiation, UPR3079, Université d'Orléans,45071Orléans, France
| | - Dhyllan A. Skiba
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Betar M. Gallant
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Sylvain Gigan
- Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France,75005Paris, France
| | - Hilton B. de Aguiar
- Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France,75005Paris, France
| | - Alexis Grimaud
- Chimie du Solide et de l’Energie, UMR 8260, Collège de France,75231 Cedex 05Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université,75006Paris, France
- Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l’Energie, CNRS FR3459,80039Amiens Cedex, France
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA02467
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50
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Unger L, Fischer S, Sesseg JPW, Pfister A, Schmidt J, Bück A. Control of Particle Properties in Thermally-Induced Precipitation of Polyetherimide. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15081944. [PMID: 37112090 PMCID: PMC10144776 DOI: 10.3390/polym15081944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The feasibility of thermally-induced phase separation and crystallization for the production of semi-crystalline polyetherimide (PEI) microparticles from an amorphous feedstock has been reported recently. Here, we investigate process parameter dependencies for designing and control of particle properties. A stirred autoclave was used to extend the process controllability, as the applied process parameters, e.g., stirring speed and cooling rate, were adjusted. By increasing the stirring speed, the particle size distribution was shifted to larger values (correlation factor ρ = 0.77). Although, the enhanced droplet breakup, induced by the higher stirring speed, led to the formation of smaller particles (ρ = -0.68), broadening the particle size distribution. The cooling rate showed a significant influence on the melting temperature, reducing it with a correlation factor of ρ = -0.77, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry. Lower cooling rates led to larger crystalline structures and enhanced the degree of crystallinity. The polymer concentration mainly affected the resulting enthalpy of fusion, as an increased polymer fraction enhanced the latter (correlation factor ρ = 0.96). In addition, the circularity of the particles was positively correlated to the polymer fraction (ρ = 0.88). The structure assessed via X-ray diffraction, was not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Unger
- Institute of Particle Technology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sybille Fischer
- EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems, Robert-Stirling-Ring 1, 82152 Krailling, Germany
| | - Jens P W Sesseg
- EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems, Robert-Stirling-Ring 1, 82152 Krailling, Germany
| | - Andreas Pfister
- EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems, Robert-Stirling-Ring 1, 82152 Krailling, Germany
| | - Jochen Schmidt
- Institute of Particle Technology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Bück
- Institute of Particle Technology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 4, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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