Major structural features of membrane-less organelles

George L. Parra, David S. Libich

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Subcellular organization for the separation of biochemical processes is critically important for facilitating and maintaining cell functions. Membrane-less organelles (MLOs), subcellular structures that are formed by biomolecular interactions that drive liquid–liquid phase separation, are dense phases highly concentrated in proteins and nucleic acids that include or exclude a specific subset of biomolecules and metabolites. The structural properties inherent to the macromolecule(s) that participate in MLO formation determine the organization and structure of the dense phase by modulating the liquid to solid transition of the condensate. Furthermore, the interactions between the constituent members of the condensate define the organization of the structure and determine the properties and liquidness of the outer and inner layers influencing the overall function and stability of the MLO. Therefore, it is important to understand the interplay of the properties of proteins and nucleic acids that contribute to the diversity of MLOs organization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationDroplets of Life
Subtitle of host publicationMembrane-Less Organelles, Biomolecular Condensates, and Biological Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation
PublisherElsevier
Pages83-99
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9780128239674
ISBN (Print)9780128241752
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2022

Keywords

  • Biophysics
  • Liquid–liquid phase separation
  • Membrane-less organelle
  • Properties of biomolecules
  • Structural classification of proteins

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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