Molecular Drivers of Aging in Biomolecular Condensates: Desolvation, Rigidification, and Sticker Lifetimes.

ABSTRACT: Biomolecular condensates are dynamic intracellular entities defined by their sequence- and composition-encoded material properties. During aging, these properties can change dramatically, potentially leading to pathological solidlike states, the mechanisms of which remain poorly understood. Recent experiments reveal that the aging of condensates involves a complex interplay of solvent depletion, strengthening of sticker links, and the formation of rigid structural segments such as beta fibrils. In this study, we use various coarse-grained models to investigate how solvent expulsion, biopolymer chain rigidity, and the lifetimes of sticker contacts influence the viscoelastic properties and aging dynamics of condensates. We find that the rigidity of the biopolymer backbone is essential for re

SUBMITTER: Biswas S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11759064 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature