Biomolecular Condensates Can Induce Local Membrane Potentials.

ABSTRACT: Biomolecular condensates are a ubiquitous component of cells, known for their ability to selectively partition and compartmentalize biomolecules without the need for a lipid membrane. Nevertheless, condensates have been shown to interact with lipid membranes in diverse biological processes, such as autophagy and T-cell activation. Since many condensates are known to have a net surface charge density and associated electric potential(s), here it is hypothesized that wetting of a membrane by a condensate can locally alter membrane potential. Using an electrochromic dye and a model system that encodes electrostatic features present in many cellular systems, it is demonstrated that poly-lysine (polyK)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP) complex coacervates induce a localized membrane potential in Gia

SUBMITTER: Gurunian A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12757988 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature