NAL1 forms a molecular cage to regulate FZP phase separation.

ABSTRACT: NARROW LEAF 1 (NAL1), originally identified for its role in shaping leaf morphology, plant architecture, and various agronomic traits in rice, has remained enigmatic in terms of the molecular mechanisms governing its multifaceted functions. In this study, we present a comprehensive structural analysis of NAL1 proteins, shedding light on how NAL1 regulates the phase separation of its physiological substrate, FRIZZY PANICLE (FZP), a transcription factor. We determined that NAL1 assembles as a hexamer and forms a molecular cage with a wide central channel and three narrower lateral channels, which could discriminate its different substrates into the catalytic sites. Most notably, our investigation unveils that FZP readily forms molecular condensates via phase separation both in

SUBMITTER: Huang LY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12012508 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature