Phase Transitions of Associative Biomacromolecules

Chem Rev. 2023 Jul 26;123(14):8945-8987. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00814. Epub 2023 Mar 7.

Abstract

Multivalent proteins and nucleic acids, collectively referred to as multivalent associative biomacromolecules, provide the driving forces for the formation and compositional regulation of biomolecular condensates. Here, we review the key concepts of phase transitions of aqueous solutions of associative biomacromolecules, specifically proteins that include folded domains and intrinsically disordered regions. The phase transitions of these systems come under the rubric of coupled associative and segregative transitions. The concepts underlying these processes are presented, and their relevance to biomolecular condensates is discussed.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Intrinsically Disordered Proteins* / metabolism
  • Nucleic Acids*
  • Phase Transition
  • Proteins

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Intrinsically Disordered Proteins