Core-shell model of the clusters of CPEB4 isoforms preceding liquid-liquid phase separation.

ABSTRACT: Protein solutions can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), where a dispersed phase with a low protein concentration coexists with coacervates with a high protein concentration. We focus on the low complexity N-terminal domain of cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding-4 protein, CPEB4_NTD, and its isoform depleted of the Exon4, CPEB4Δ4_NTD. They both exhibit LLPS, but in contrast to most systems undergoing LLPS, the single-phase regime preceding LLPS consists mainly of soluble protein clusters. We combine experimental and theoretical approaches to resolve the internal structure of the clusters and the basis for their formation. Dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy show that both isoforms exhibit clusters with diameters ranging from 35 to 80

SUBMITTER: Oranges M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11365225 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature