科研之友
微信
新浪微博
Facebook
分享链接
摘要
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been recognized as a universal biological phenomenon. It plays an important role in life activities. LLPS is induced by weak interactions between intrinsically disordered regions or low complex domains. Nucleic acids are widely present in cells, and shown to be closely related to LLPS. Their structure and electronegativity provide the excellent platforms for the formation of phase-separated condensates. In this review, we summarize the interconnected regulation between nucleic acids and LLPS demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro studies. Beside homogeneous and single-phase condensates, complicated and multicompartment LLPS induced by nucleic acids is discussed as well. Recent advances about nucleic-acid-induced LLPS as a new pathogenic mechanism and drug design direction are highlighted, especially virus-mediated disease treatment and prevention. @@@ Condensates are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation, and mediated by weak, multivalent intermolecular interactions. In condensates, biomolecules have high concentrations, and many biological processes involving nucleic acids occur. In this review, we mainly summarize the regulation of phase-separated condensates containing nucleic acids by the nature of proteins and the properties of nucleic acids, and speculate the possible potential of phase-separated condensates as a drug target.image
