Synthesis and Characterization of Phase-Separated Extracellular Condensates in Interactions with Cells.

ABSTRACT: Biomolecular condensates formed through liquid-liquid phase separation play key roles in intracellular organization and signaling, yet their function in extracellular environments remains largely unexplored. Here, we establish a model using heparan sulfate, a key component of the extracellular matrix, to study extracellular condensate-cell interactions. We demonstrate that heparan sulfate can form condensates with a positively charged counterpart in serum-containing solutions, mimicking the complexity of extracellular fluid, and supporting cell viability. We observe that these condensates adhere to cell membranes and remain stable, enabling a versatile platform for examining extracellular condensate dynamics and quantifying their rheological properties as well as their adhesion forces with

SUBMITTER: Naghilou A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11974749 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature