Dynamic behavior of liquid droplets with enzyme compartmentalization triggered by sequential glycolytic enzyme reactions

Chem Commun (Camb). 2021 Nov 23;57(93):12544-12547. doi: 10.1039/d1cc04596b.

Abstract

Dynamic droplet formation via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is believed to be involved in the regulation of various biological processes. Here, a model LLPS system coupled with a sequential glycolytic enzymatic reaction was developed to reproduce the dynamic control of liquid droplets; (i) the droplets, which consist of poly-L-lysine and nucleotides, compartmentalize two different enzymes (hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) individually, accelerating the overall reaction, and (ii) each enzymatic reaction triggers the formation, dissolution and long-term retention of the droplets by converting the scaffold nucleotides. This model system will offer a new aspect of enzymes associated with LLPS in living cells.

MeSH terms

  • Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase / metabolism*
  • Hexokinase / metabolism*
  • Lipid Droplets / chemistry*
  • Lipid Droplets / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • NADP / chemistry
  • Nucleotides / chemistry
  • Polylysine / chemistry

Substances

  • Nucleotides
  • Polylysine
  • NADP
  • Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase
  • Hexokinase