School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
FEBS J. 2024 Jun;291(11):2320-2331. doi: 10.1111/febs.16959. Epub 2023 Sep 21.
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been recognized as a universal biological phenomenon. It plays an important role in life activities. LLPS is induced by weak interactions between intrinsically disordered regions or low complex domains. Nucleic acids are widely present in cells, and shown to be closely related to LLPS. Their structure and electronegativity provide the excellent platforms for the formation of phase-separated condensates. In this review, we summarize the interconnected regulation between nucleic acids and LLPS demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro studies. Beside homogeneous and single-phase condensates, complicated and multicompartment LLPS induced by nucleic acids is discussed as well. Recent advances about nucleic-acid-induced LLPS as a new pathogenic mechanism and drug design direction are highlighted, especially virus-mediated disease treatment and prevention.
液-液相分离 (LLPS) 已被认为是一种普遍的生物学现象。它在生命活动中起着重要作用。LLPS 是由固有无序区域或低复杂度结构域之间的弱相互作用诱导产生的。核酸广泛存在于细胞中，并且与 LLPS 密切相关。它们的结构和电负性为形成相分离凝聚物提供了极好的平台。在这篇综述中，我们总结了体内和体外研究中证明的核酸与 LLPS 之间的相互关联的调控。除了均匀和单相凝聚物外，我们还讨论了由核酸诱导的复杂和多隔间 LLPS。重点介绍了核酸诱导的 LLPS 作为一种新的致病机制和药物设计方向的最新进展，特别是病毒介导的疾病治疗和预防。
