Alberti Simon
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
J Cell Sci. 2017 Sep 1;130(17):2789-2796. doi: 10.1242/jcs.200295. Epub 2017 Aug 14.
Our understanding of cells has progressed rapidly in recent years, mainly because of technological advances. Modern technology now allows us to observe molecular processes in living cells with high spatial and temporal resolution. At the same time, we are beginning to compile the molecular parts list of cells. However, how all these parts work together to yield complex cellular behavior is still unclear. In addition, the established paradigm of molecular biology, which sees proteins as well-folded enzymes that undergo specific lock-and-key type interactions, is increasingly being challenged. In fact, it is now becoming clear that many proteins do not fold into three-dimensional structures and additionally show highly promiscuous binding behavior. Furthermore, proteins function in collectives and form condensed phases with different material properties, such as liquids, gels, glasses or filaments. Here, I examine emerging evidence that the formation of macromolecular condensates is a fundamental principle in cell biology. I further discuss how different condensed states of living matter regulate cellular functions and decision-making and ensure adaptive behavior and survival in times of cellular crisis.
近年来，我们对细胞的理解取得了迅速进展，这主要得益于技术进步。现代技术如今使我们能够以高空间和时间分辨率观察活细胞中的分子过程。与此同时，我们开始编制细胞的分子部件清单。然而，所有这些部件如何协同工作以产生复杂的细胞行为仍不清楚。此外，分子生物学的既定范式，即将蛋白质视为经过特定锁钥型相互作用的折叠良好的酶，正日益受到挑战。事实上，现在越来越清楚的是，许多蛋白质不会折叠成三维结构，而且还表现出高度混杂的结合行为。此外，蛋白质以集体形式发挥作用，并形成具有不同物质特性的凝聚相，如液体、凝胶、玻璃或细丝。在此，我研究了新出现的证据，即大分子凝聚物的形成是细胞生物学的一个基本原理。我还将进一步讨论生物物质的不同凝聚状态如何调节细胞功能和决策，并确保在细胞危机时期的适应性行为和生存。
