The interplay between biomolecular assembly and phase separation

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Molecular Biology
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Biological functions involve molecular assembly and biomolecular condensate formation.
• Condensed phases typically form through phase separation.
• Molecular assemblies are clusters of molecules with diverse characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a thermodynamic theory for the interplay between molecular assembly and phase separation.
• To understand the equilibrium states and relaxation dynamics of protein interactions.
• To provide a framework for studying cellular and disease-associated assemblies.

Main Methods:

• Developed a theory based on thermodynamic principles.
• Proposed two prototypical classes of protein interactions.
• Characterized equilibrium states and relaxation dynamics.

Main Results:

• Obtained results consistent with in vitro experimental observations of reconstituted proteins.
• Observed anomalous size distribution of assemblies.
• Documented gelation of condensed phases and changes in condensate volume during aging.

Conclusions:

• The developed theory offers a framework to understand physiological and aberrant molecular assemblies.
• Insights gained are relevant to cellular function and neurodegenerative disorders.
• The theory bridges molecular assembly, phase separation, and condensate behavior.