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Light-induced programmable solid-liquid phase transition of biomolecular condensates for improved biosynthesis
Ke Jin1, Wenwen Yu1, Yanfeng Liu1
1Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
Trends in Biotechnology
|March 13, 2025
Summary
Scientists developed a light-controlled system to maintain liquid-like cellular condensates during biosynthesis. This technology enhances the production of valuable compounds like squalene and ursolic acid in engineered yeast.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic biology
- Biochemistry
- Cell biology
Background:
- Maintaining liquid-like states of synthetic condensates is crucial for efficient biosynthesis in microbial cell factories.
- Controlling the phase behavior of these condensates remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for controlling the phase transition and fluidity of synthetic condensates on demand.
- To improve the production of valuable biomolecules using this controlled phase transition system.
Main Methods:
- A light-controlled phase regulator utilizing tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease was engineered.
- Light induction triggers TEV protease to cleave intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), altering their valency and concentration.
- Live cell-imaging techniques were employed to monitor condensate behavior.
Main Results:
- The light-controlled system successfully maintained the liquid-like properties of synthetic condensates during biosynthesis.
- Phase transition and fluidity of cellular condensates were programmably controlled upon light induction.
- Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated significantly improved production of squalene and ursolic acid.
Conclusions:
- This work presents a powerful approach to program the solid-liquid phase transition of biomolecular condensates.
- The developed technology offers a versatile tool for enhancing biosynthesis in engineered microbial systems.
