Conformational Freedom and Topological Confinement of Proteins in Biomolecular Condensates. Issue 1 (15th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scholl, Daniel; Deniz, Ashok A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of molecular biology. Volume 434:Issue 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-15
• Subjects: phase separation -- biomolecular condensates -- disordered proteins -- topology -- protein dynamics; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Bacteriology -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Biologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Biologie -- Périodiques; Biochimie -- Périodiques; Moleculaire biologie; Biochemistry; Biology; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 572.805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167348
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2836

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: We discuss concepts and recent studies focused on structure, dynamics and interactions of proteins undergoing condensation. We discuss the unique environment of the droplet surfaces and their relevance. We also speculate on the effects of topological constraints and entanglement on condensate properties. Abstract: The emergence of biomolecular condensation and liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) introduces a new layer of complexity into our understanding of cell and molecular biology. Evidence steadily grows indicating that condensates are not only implicated in physiology but also human disease. Macro- and mesoscale characterization of condensates as a whole have been instrumental in understanding their biological functions and dysfunctions. By contrast, the molecular level characterization of condensates and how condensates modify the properties of the molecules that constitute them thus far remain comparably scarce. In this minireview we summarize and discuss the findings of several recent studies that have focused on structure, dynamics, and interactions of proteins undergoing condensation. The mechanistic insights they provide help us identify the relevant properties nature and scientists can leverage to modulate the behavior of condensate systems. We also discuss the unique environment of the droplet surface and speculate on effects of topological constraints and physical exclusion on condensate properties.