Zhang Xiufeng, Li Haoyang, Ma Yue, Zhong Dongping, Hou Shangguo
Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China.
APL Bioeng. 2023 May 9;7(2):021502. doi: 10.1063/5.0137008. eCollection 2023 Jun.
Intracellular liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a critical process involving the dynamic association of biomolecules and the formation of non-membrane compartments, playing a vital role in regulating biomolecular interactions and organelle functions. A comprehensive understanding of cellular LLPS mechanisms at the molecular level is crucial, as many diseases are linked to LLPS, and insights gained can inform drug/gene delivery processes and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of associated diseases. Over the past few decades, numerous techniques have been employed to investigate the LLPS process. In this review, we concentrate on optical imaging methods applied to LLPS studies. We begin by introducing LLPS and its molecular mechanism, followed by a review of the optical imaging methods and fluorescent probes employed in LLPS research. Furthermore, we discuss potential future imaging tools applicable to the LLPS studies. This review aims to provide a reference for selecting appropriate optical imaging methods for LLPS investigations.
细胞内液-液相分离（LLPS）是一个关键过程，涉及生物分子的动态缔合和非膜性区室的形成，在调节生物分子相互作用和细胞器功能方面发挥着至关重要的作用。在分子水平上全面了解细胞LLPS机制至关重要，因为许多疾病都与LLPS有关，所获得的见解可为药物/基因递送过程提供信息，并有助于相关疾病的诊断和治疗。在过去几十年中，已经采用了许多技术来研究LLPS过程。在本综述中，我们专注于应用于LLPS研究的光学成像方法。我们首先介绍LLPS及其分子机制，随后综述LLPS研究中使用的光学成像方法和荧光探针。此外，我们讨论适用于LLPS研究的潜在未来成像工具。本综述旨在为选择用于LLPS研究的合适光学成像方法提供参考。
