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Updated: Oct 26, 2026

Using Solution NMR to Characterize Biomolecular Condensates Under Biphasic Conditions
Published on: April 17, 2026
Heme sequestration and signaling in molecular condensates
Ananya Mishra1,2, Andrea E Gallio3, Emma L Raven3
1Centre for Protolife Research and Centre for Organized Matter Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK s.mann@bristol.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Understanding the mechanisms responsible for intracellular heme regulation remains a significant challenge. Here, we use molecularly crowded condensate droplets to sequester heme-binding sensor proteins that are subsequently activated by the uptake of free heme from aqueous solution. We demonstrate competitive heme binding and heme-mediated signaling within the membraneless coacervate droplets, and construct programmable synthetic/living cell communication networks capable of concatenated Boolean logic functions. Our results indicate that coacervate microdroplets are potential scaffolds for housing heme-sensor networks and provide a simplified model for exploring how biomolecular condensates may influence heme availability in cellular environments.
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