Protein Condensates in the Secretory Pathway: Deciphering Biophysical Interactions and Functional Significance

Biophys J. 2024 May 2:S0006-3495(24)00311-4. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.04.031. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe emergence of phase separation phenomena among macromolecules has identified biomolecular condensates as fundamental cellular organizers. These condensates concentrate specific components and accelerate biochemical reactions without relying on membrane boundaries. While extensive studies have revealed a large variety of nuclear and cytosolic membraneless organelles, we are witnessing a surge in the exploration of protein condensates associated with the membranes of the secretory pathway, such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus. This Review focuses on protein condensates in the secretory pathway and discusses their impact on the organization and functions of this cellular process. Moreover, we explore the modes of condensate-membrane association and the biophysical and cellular consequences of protein condensate interactions with secretory pathway membranes.PMID:38698644 | DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2024.04.031

Source: Biophysical Journal - May 3, 2024 Category: Physics Authors: Felix Campelo Javier Vera Lillo Julia von Blume Source Type: research