Analysis of Biomolecular Condensate Physiological Functions

Biomolecular condensates can be formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), binding RNA and proteins into well-defined dynamic structures that are distinct from the surrounding cellular environment. Biomolecular condensates typically organize cellular functions in the absence of cell membranes. A body of evidence suggests that multifunctional condensates are associated not only with physiological but also with pathological processes. Condensates perform important functions at three different biological scales, including the molecular scale, the cellular scale, and the tissue scale. At the molecular scale, biomolecular condensates regulate amplification, transcription, translation and post-translational modification processes. At the cellular scale, condensates are closely associated with transport and signal transduction. At the tissue scale, a range of diseases including cancer, aging and heart disease are associated with abnormal condensates. These condensates may provide promising targets for clinical research.

Fig. 1. Functions of biomolecular condensates. (Niu X, et al., 2023)

Customized Services

Here, CD BioSciences offers comprehensive services to analyze the physiological functions of biomolecular condensates in a range of biological processes.

• Metabolic Pathways Regulated by Biomolecular Condensates
  Biomolecular condensates are able to compartmentalize and facilitate sequential enzymatic reactions by concentrating enzymes and substrates, and preventing the diffusion of pathway intermediates. We are able to analyze the metabolic function of biomolecular condensates to enable sequential biochemical reactions mediated by multiple enzymes.
• Membrane Receptor Signaling Regulated by Biomolecular Condensates
  Clustering is a prominent feature of plasma membrane (PM) receptors, which play an important role in signaling. LLPS of proteins is emerging as a new mechanism for observed clustering. Our focus is to investigate the protein LLPS in live cell PM, its interaction with other factors of receptor aggregation, and its signaling and functional consequences.
• Chromatin-Based Nuclear Processes Regulated by Biomolecular Condensates
  The nucleus is a highly crowded and dynamic intracellular space. Phase separation allows for the delineation and coordination of various intranuclear components and reactions in a precisely controlled manner. We offer a comprehensive service to analyze the role of biomolecular condensates in regulating various chromatin-based structures and processes, including transcription, splicing, DNA damage repair, etc.
• Stress Response Regulated by Biomolecular Condensates
  Organisms have evolved multiple ways to respond to environmental changes, also known as stresses. There is an interaction between stress and the formation of membraneless organelles through liquid-liquid phase separation. We can analyze the process by which biomolecular condensates facilitate the stress response.
• Biomolecular Condensates in Autophagy
  Autophagy is an intracellular degradation process conserved in eukaryotes that promotes cellular homeostasis not only by degrading proteins but also by degrading organelles and invasive microorganisms. We can analyze the role of LLPS in autophagy, including regulation of Atg proteins and autophagic substrates.
• Immune Response Regulated by Biomolecular Condensates
  Biomolecular condensates are directly related to immune signaling and immune regulation. We help our clients understand the complex immune response by analyzing LLPS, but also provide new avenues for therapeutic intervention by regulating the formation of these immune response condensates.
• Neuronal Synaptic Signaling Regulated by Biomolecular Condensates
  Neurons are prime examples of non-divisible, highly polarized cells, and synapses are contacts between neurons that allow signal propagation. We can analyze the role of biomolecular condensates in the phase separation of synapses.
• Biomolecular Condensates in Cell Quiescence
  Quiescence can occur in different cells and in different organisms, each with its own complex regulatory mechanisms. Studies have shown that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and biomolecular condensates are involved in quiescent regulation. We can analyze the role of biomolecular condensates in quiescent cells, including proteasome granulation and quiescence, enzyme polymerization in dormant and quiescent states and telomere rearrangement in quiescent cells.
• Biomolecular Condensates in Cell Competition, Fitness, and Aging
  Cellular adaptation is an important factor driving cellular competition, which in turn is at the root of numerous biological processes, including aging. We can analyze the role of LLPS and the resulting biomolecular condensates in regulating cellular fitness, cellular competition and senescence/aging.

Our recent studies on condensates have focused on their biological functions to help our clients explore the nature and molecular mechanisms of their formation and function. Given the critical role of biomolecular condensates in biological processes, their targeting is promising in clinical studies. Our experts are dedicated to the broader characterization of these condensates for the development of new therapeutics. If you have any special requirements for our services, please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to working together with your attractive projects.