Biomolecular Condensates
Biomolecular Condensates - Related Videos
06:48
Single-Molecule Measurement of Protein Interaction Dynamics Within Biomolecular Condensates
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Cited by 7 •
2024
Many intrinsically disordered proteins have been shown to participate in the formation of highly dynamic biomolecular condensates, a behavior important for numerous cellular processes. Here, we present a single-molecule imaging-based method for quantifying the dynamics by which proteins interact with each other in biomolecular condensates in live cells.
07:26
Formation of Ordered Biomolecular Structures by the Self-assembly of Short Peptides
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Cited by 6 •
2013
This paper describes the formation of highly ordered peptide-based structures by the spontaneous process of self-assembly. The method utilizes commercially available peptides and common lab equipment. This technique can be applied to a large variety of peptides and may lead to the discovery of new peptide-based assemblies.
08:06
The Use of a β-lactamase-based Conductimetric Biosensor Assay to Detect Biomolecular Interactions
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Cited by 1 •
2018
In this work, we report a new method to study protein-protein interactions using a conductimetric biosensor based on the hybrid β-lactamase technology. This method relies on release of protons upon hydrolysis of β-lactams.
01:33
Aldol Condensation vs Claisen Condensation
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2025
Aldol condensation is an acid or base-catalyzed condensation between aldehydes or ketones to give an α,ꞵ-unsaturated carbonyl compound. A base-promoted condensation between ester molecules to produce a ꞵ-ketoester is known as the Claisen condensation. In the presence of a base, both reactions involve deprotonation of the acidic α hydrogen to produce the corresponding enolates. The nucleophilic enolates attack their respective nonenolized carbonyl compound forming a tetrahedral intermediate.
02:39
Phase Transitions: Vaporization and Condensation
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2020
The physical form of a substance changes on changing its temperature. For example, raising the temperature of a liquid causes the liquid to vaporize (convert into vapor). The process is called vaporization—a surface phenomenon. Vaporization occurs when the thermal motion of the molecules overcome the intermolecular forces, and the molecules (at the surface) escape into the gaseous state. When a liquid vaporizes in a closed container, gas molecules cannot escape. As these gas phase molecules...
FAQs
Formation depends on multiple, simultaneous interactions among intrinsically disordered regions, folded protein domains, nucleic acids, and other binding partners. These multivalent contacts collectively favor demixing from the surrounding cytoplasm or nucleoplasm, even when no single interaction dominates. Changing the concentration or availability of these components can therefore shift the balance between dispersed molecules and a concentrated condensate.
Concentration, molecular modification, and environmental conditions can alter condensate behavior. Increasing relevant components may favor assembly, whereas changes that weaken or disrupt their interactions may promote dissolution. These same variables can also influence fusion and component exchange. Examining responses to such changes helps connect biochemical conditions with the spatial and temporal organization of cellular reactions.
Material properties determine how condensates behave after they form, including whether they remain distinct, fuse with one another, dissolve, or exchange components with the surrounding cell. Because these dynamics affect access to proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites, they can regulate when and where biochemical reactions occur. Measuring these properties therefore adds functional information beyond simply identifying condensate composition.
Biomolecular condensates organize selected molecules without a surrounding membrane, relying instead on reversible molecular interactions and phase behavior. Their components can exchange with the surrounding cytoplasm or nucleoplasm, and the structures can assemble, fuse, or dissolve as conditions change. This dynamic organization contrasts with compartmentalization based on a physical membrane and is especially relevant to rapidly regulated cellular processes.
A useful investigation combines analysis of which proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites are concentrated with examination of material behavior. Researchers can assess whether structures assemble, dissolve, fuse, or exchange components when concentration, molecular modification, or environmental conditions change. Relating composition to these responses helps determine how a condensate may organize biochemical reactions in space and time.
Their ability to concentrate selected molecules provides a mechanism for organizing gene regulation, RNA metabolism, signaling, and stress responses. In each context, spatial enrichment can bring relevant biochemical components together while dynamic exchange permits regulation over time. Studying these systems also connects molecular composition and material properties with broader cellular outcomes, including changes associated with abnormal condensate formation and disease.