Condenzymes: Biomolecular condensates with inherent catalytic activities.

ABSTRACT: We report the discovery that chemical reactions can be catalyzed by condensates formed by intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). The proteins themselves lack any catalytic activities. Catalytic functions of condensates emerge as a consequence of sequence-dependent mesoscale electrochemical microenvironments created by phase separation. Stimulated Raman spectroscopy suggests that the catalytic behaviors of condensates are attributable to the spatial variations of water activities across condensate interiors and interfaces. We show that condensates are capable of catalyzing diverse cellularly relevant hydrolysis reactions. Through sequence design, the electrochemical properties of condensates can be programmed to exert control over catalytic behaviors. Incorporation of synthetic condensat

SUBMITTER: Chen MW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11257451 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature