Tuning biological processes <i>via</i> co-solutes: from single proteins to protein condensates - the case of α-elastin condensation.

ABSTRACT: Protein condensates as membrane-less compartments play a pivotal role in cellular processes. The stabilization of protein condensation can be tuned using cosolutes which directly impact biological function. In this study, we report the result of a rigorous study of the influence of cosolutes changes on hydration entropy and enthalpy upon condensate formation, by means of THz-calorimetry. Our results unveil quantitative insights into the fine tuning of the free energy imbalance, via hydrophobic/entropic and hydrophilic/enthalpic hydration which can result in cosolute-mediated stabilization or destabilization of protein condensates. These results shed new light on the regulatory potential of co-solutes within cells, to tune Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS). Furthermore, we demons

SUBMITTER: Konig B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11883817 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature