Enzymatic degradation of liquid droplets of DNA is modulated near the phase boundary.

ABSTRACT: Biomolecules can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), forming dense droplets that are increasingly understood to be important for cellular function. Analogous systems are studied as early-life compartmentalization mechanisms, for applications as protocells, or as drug-delivery vehicles. In many of these situations, interactions between the droplet and enzymatic solutes are important to achieve certain functions. To explore this, we carried out experiments in which a model LLPS system, formed from DNA "nanostar" particles, interacted with a DNA-cleaving restriction enzyme, SmaI, whose activity degraded the droplets, causing them to shrink with time. By controlling adhesion of the DNA droplet to a glass surface, we were able to carry out time-resolved imaging of this "active dissol

SUBMITTER: Saleh OA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7368289 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature