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Macromolecular Crowding in Cytoplasm and Cellular Organelles.
Muhamed Adilović1, Vladimir N Uversky2, Jasmin Šutković3
1Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. madilovic@ius.edu.ba.
Sub-Cellular Biochemistry
|September 26, 2025
Summary
Molecular crowding, the high concentration of macromolecules in cells, significantly impacts organelle function and cellular processes. Excessive crowding disrupts cell function and contributes to diseases, necessitating therapeutic interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Introduced in the 1970s and accepted in the late 1990s, molecular crowding describes the cellular environment packed with macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids.
- This phenomenon influences the structure and function of cellular components and molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review recent literature on molecular crowding.
- To emphasize the effects of molecular crowding on cellular organelles including the cytoplasm, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and chloroplasts.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Analysis of studies focusing on the impact of molecular crowding on cellular organelles and functions.
Main Results:
- Molecular crowding affects nearly all aspects of organelle structure and function, including gene expression, protein folding, enzyme activity, and cytoskeleton organization.
- Moderate crowding supports normal cellular processes, while excessive crowding disrupts cell function and is linked to diseases like neurodegeneration and diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Molecular crowding is a critical factor in cellular regulation and function.
- Understanding and managing excessive molecular crowding is crucial for preventing and treating associated diseases.
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