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Biomolecular Phase Separation: From Molecular Driving Forces to Macroscopic Properties
Gregory L Dignon1,2, Robert B Best3, Jeetain Mittal1
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA;
Biological phase separation forms membraneless organelles through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). This review explores how molecular factors like disorder and modifications influence protein LLPS and multicomponent selectivity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cellular organization relies on biological phase separation.
- Membraneless organelles form via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS).
- Understanding the molecular drivers of LLPS is crucial for cell biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular determinants of protein LLPS.
- To highlight the role of intrinsic disorder, sequence, and posttranslational modifications.
- To discuss how simulation and theory inform LLPS regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on theoretical and simulation-based studies.
- Analysis of factors influencing protein LLPS.
- Examination of multicomponent phase separation dynamics.
Main Results:
- Protein LLPS is modulated by intrinsic disorder, sequence characteristics, and posttranslational modifications.
- Regulatory stimuli can alter protein phase separation behavior.
- Molecular driving forces impact multicomponent phase separation and selectivity.
Conclusions:
- Molecular properties significantly control protein LLPS.
- Understanding these determinants is key to regulating membraneless organelle function.
- LLPS is a fundamental mechanism for cellular organization and function.
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