RNAs undergo phase transitions with lower critical solution temperatures.

ABSTRACT: Co-phase separation of RNAs and RNA-binding proteins drives the biogenesis of ribonucleoprotein granules. RNAs can also undergo phase transitions in the absence of proteins. However, the physicochemical driving forces of protein-free, RNA-driven phase transitions remain unclear. Here we report that various types of RNA undergo phase separation with system-specific lower critical solution temperatures. This entropically driven phase separation is an intrinsic feature of the phosphate backbone that requires Mg²⁺ ions and is modulated by RNA bases. RNA-only condensates can additionally undergo enthalpically favourable percolation transitions within dense phases. This is enabled by a combination of Mg²⁺-dependent bridging interactions between phosphate groups and RNA-spec

SUBMITTER: Wadsworth GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10872781 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature