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Published on: June 26, 2020
Reversible Nucleolar Complex Coacervation by Short Cationic Peptides
Maximilian Schuler1,2, Emirhan Koca1,2, Leon Driehaus-Ortiz1
1Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Scientists created synthetic biomolecular condensates using simple peptides and cellular RNA. These dynamic, liquid-like assemblies form reversibly within cells, offering new ways to organize intracellular components.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Synthetic Biology
Background:
- Biomolecular condensates are crucial for intracellular organization, formed via liquid-liquid phase separation.
- Creating synthetic, dynamic compartments within living cells using minimal components is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer synthetic coacervates within living cells using minimalistic peptides.
- To investigate the role of endogenous biomolecules in guiding synthetic condensate formation and function.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of short cationic peptides with targeting motifs.
- Utilizing complex coacervation principles for in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Employing cellular RNA and ATP as potential drivers for coacervation.
Main Results:
- Peptides formed liquid-like coacervates in nucleolar regions, driven by interactions with cellular RNA.
- RNA was a more potent driver of coacervation than ATP in vitro.
- The synthetic coacervates exhibited transient and reversible behavior, responding to peptide supply and depletion.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous biopolymers, particularly RNA, can direct the formation of synthetic coacervates using simple peptides.
- This approach enables reversible reorganization of intracellular components.
- Provides a framework for engineering synthetic coacervates with life-like, nonequilibrium features for cellular applications.
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