Dynamical control enables the formation of demixed biomolecular condensates

Andrew Z. Lin, Kiersten M. Ruff, Furqan Dar, Ameya Jalihal, Matthew R. King, Jared M. Lalmansingh, Ammon E. Posey, Nadia A. Erkamp, Ian Seim, Amy S. Gladfelter () and Rohit V. Pappu ()
Additional contact information
Andrew Z. Lin: Washington University in St. Louis
Kiersten M. Ruff: Washington University in St. Louis
Furqan Dar: Washington University in St. Louis
Ameya Jalihal: Duke University
Matthew R. King: Washington University in St. Louis
Jared M. Lalmansingh: Washington University in St. Louis
Ammon E. Posey: Washington University in St. Louis
Nadia A. Erkamp: Washington University in St. Louis
Ian Seim: Duke University
Amy S. Gladfelter: Duke University
Rohit V. Pappu: Washington University in St. Louis

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Abstract Cellular matter can be organized into compositionally distinct biomolecular condensates. For example, in Ashbya gossypii, the RNA-binding protein Whi3 forms distinct condensates with different RNA molecules. Using criteria derived from a physical framework for explaining how compositionally distinct condensates can form spontaneously via thermodynamic considerations, we find that condensates in vitro form mainly via heterotypic interactions in binary mixtures of Whi3 and RNA. However, within these condensates, RNA molecules become dynamically arrested. As a result, in ternary systems, simultaneous additions of Whi3 and pairs of distinct RNA molecules lead to well-mixed condensates, whereas delayed addition of an RNA component results in compositional distinctness. Therefore, compositional identities of condensates can be achieved via dynamical control, being driven, at least partially, by the dynamical arrest of RNA molecules. Finally, we show that synchronizing the production of different RNAs leads to more well-mixed, as opposed to compositionally distinct condensates in vivo.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43489-4

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