The mechanobiology of biomolecular condensates

Biophysics Reviews, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6(1)

Published: March 1, 2025

The central goal of mechanobiology is to understand how the mechanical forces and material properties organelles, cells, tissues influence biological processes functions. Since first description biomolecular condensates, it was hypothesized that they obtain are tuned their functions inside cells. Thus, represent an intriguing playground for mechanobiology. idea condensates exhibit diverse adaptive highlights need different states respond external whether these responses linked physiological roles within cell. For example, liquids buffer dissipate, while solids store transmit stress, relaxation time a viscoelastic can act as frequency filter. Hence, liquid-solid transition condensate in force transmission pathway determine signals transduced in-between affecting differentiation, neuronal network dynamics, behavior stimuli. Here, we review our current understanding molecular drivers rigidity phase transitions set forth complex cellular environment. We will then summarize technical advancements were necessary insights into rich fascinating finally, highlight recent examples connection specific Our provide comprehensive summary field on cells harness regulate mechanics achieve

Language: Английский

Aggregation of α-synuclein splice isoforms through a phase separation pathway

Science Advances, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 11(16)

Published: April 16, 2025

The aggregation of α-synuclein (αSyn) is associated with Parkinson’s disease and other related synucleinopathies. Considerable efforts have thus been directed at understanding this process. However, the recently discovered condensation pathway, which involves formation phase-separated liquid intermediate states, has added further complexity. In parallel, it reported that different αSyn splice isoforms may be implicated in aggregate disease. study, we compare phase behavior four (αSyn-140, αSyn-126, αSyn-112, αSyn-98). Using biophysical tools including confocal microscopy, kinetic assays microfluidic-based approaches, find stark differences between systems their propensities to undergo separation aggregation. Furthermore, show even small amounts one predominant after αSyn-140, can affect αSyn-140. These results highlight importance conducting investigations elucidate role alternative splicing

Language: Английский

Aggregation of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ40) within condensates generated through liquid–liquid phase separation

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Sept. 30, 2024

Language: Английский