Optogenetic control of mRNA condensation reveals an intimate link between condensate material properties and functions.

ABSTRACT: Biomolecular condensates, often assembled through phase transition mechanisms, play key roles in organizing diverse cellular activities. The material properties of condensates, ranging from liquid droplets to solid-like glasses or gels, are key features impacting the way resident components associate with one another. However, it remains unclear whether and how different material properties would influence specific cellular functions of condensates. Here, we combine optogenetic control of phase separation with single-molecule mRNA imaging to study relations between phase behaviors and functional performance of condensates. Using light-activated condensation, we show that sequestering target mRNAs into condensates causes translation inhibition. Orthogonal mRNA imaging reveals highly transie

SUBMITTER: Lee M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11018775 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature