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LLPS REDIFINE allows the biophysical characterization of multicomponent condensates without tags or labels

Author

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  • Mihajlo Novakovic

    (ETH Zurich)

  • Yaning Han

    (ETH Zurich)

  • Nina C. Kathe

    (ETH Zurich)

  • Yinan Ni

    (ETH Zurich)

  • Leonidas Emmanouilidis

    (ETH Zurich)

  • Frédéric H.-T. Allain

    (ETH Zurich)

Abstract

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) phenomenon plays a vital role in multiple cell biology processes, providing a mechanism to concentrate biomolecules and promote cellular reactions locally. Despite its significance in biology, there is a lack of conventional techniques suitable for studying biphasic samples in their biologically relevant form. Here, we present a label-free and non-invasive approach to characterize biomolecular condensates termed LLPS REstricted DIFusion of INvisible speciEs (REDIFINE). Relying on diffusion NMR measurements, REDIFINE exploits the exchange dynamics between molecules in the condensed and dispersed phases to determine not only diffusion constants and the fractions in both phases but also the average radius of the condensed droplets and the exchange rate between the phases. Observing proteins, RNAs, water, as well as small molecules, and even assessing the concentrations of biomolecules in both phases, REDIFINE analysis allows a rapid biophysical characterization of multicomponent condensates which is important to understand their functional roles. In comparing multiple systems, REDIFINE reveals that folded RNA-binding proteins form smaller and more dynamic droplets compared to the disordered ones.

Suggested Citation

  • Mihajlo Novakovic & Yaning Han & Nina C. Kathe & Yinan Ni & Leonidas Emmanouilidis & Frédéric H.-T. Allain, 2025. "LLPS REDIFINE allows the biophysical characterization of multicomponent condensates without tags or labels," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59759-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59759-2
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    1. Marcos Gil-Garcia & Ana I. Benítez-Mateos & Marcell Papp & Florence Stoffel & Chiara Morelli & Karl Normak & Katarzyna Makasewicz & Lenka Faltova & Francesca Paradisi & Paolo Arosio, 2024. "Local environment in biomolecular condensates modulates enzymatic activity across length scales," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Adriana Savastano & Alain Ibáñez de Opakua & Marija Rankovic & Markus Zweckstetter, 2020. "Nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 phase separates into RNA-rich polymerase-containing condensates," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Daniel Jutzi & Sébastien Campagne & Ralf Schmidt & Stefan Reber & Jonas Mechtersheimer & Foivos Gypas & Christoph Schweingruber & Martino Colombo & Christine Schroetter & Fionna E. Loughlin & Anny Dev, 2020. "Aberrant interaction of FUS with the U1 snRNA provides a molecular mechanism of FUS induced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, December.
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