Understudied protein blobs have global effects on cell biochemistry
Recent research indicates that biological condensates significantly influence cellular biochemistry, modulating electrochemistry and antibiotic resistance, suggesting they play a crucial role in regulating biochemical processes and cellular interactions.
Read original article
Recent research from Duke University and Washington University in St. Louis has revealed that biological condensates—understudied protein structures within cells—have significant effects on cellular biochemistry beyond their immediate vicinity. These condensates, which form due to differences in density, can compartmentalize proteins and molecules, influencing their activity and providing alternative energy sources. The study, published in the journal Cell, demonstrates that these structures can modulate cellular electrochemistry, impacting the cellular membrane and global traits such as antibiotic resistance. Researchers found that condensate formation can alter the electrical charge of cellular membranes, affecting how cells respond to antibiotics. This discovery suggests that condensates may play a crucial role in regulating various biochemical processes and cellular behaviors, indicating a previously unrecognized mechanism of cellular interaction with the environment. The findings highlight the potential for further research into the diverse roles of biological condensates in cellular physiology.
- Biological condensates influence cellular biochemistry beyond their immediate area.
- They can modulate cellular electrochemistry and affect antibiotic resistance.
- The study suggests condensates may regulate various biochemical processes.
- The research opens avenues for understanding cellular interactions with the environment.
- Further exploration of condensates could reveal more about their role in cellular behaviors.
Related
Molecular Interactions and the Behaviors of Biological Macromolecules
Molecular interactions, crucial in chemistry and biology, involve noncovalent forces between molecules impacting processes like protein folding and material science. Understanding atomic properties is key to grasping these interactions' significance.
Show HN: How I wrote a LaTeX paper without writing any LaTeX
A new model explains non-linear metabolic scaling in small cells, revealing distinct patterns for prokaryotes and eukaryotes, emphasizing the balance between reaction velocity and molecular transport efficiency.
Chemical 'waves' used to encode words as Morse code
Researchers at the University of Oxford developed a method to encode information using chemical waves, similar to Morse code, demonstrating potential applications in sensors and biological systems despite automation challenges.
The Cellular Secret to Resisting the Pressure of the Deep Sea
Researchers discovered that deep-sea comb jellies possess unique lipid membranes, primarily plasmalogens, enabling survival under high pressure, with implications for understanding cellular processes in various organisms, including humans.
Princeton Researchers Have Discovered a New Method to Reshape the Fabric of Life
Princeton researchers developed a light-based method to manipulate DNA, enabling precise chromosome repositioning and influencing gene expression, potentially aiding in treatments for diseases like cancer without altering DNA sequences.
6 commentsProtein condensates also play a role in several neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. See e.g. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-neuroscience/a....
Summary of abstract: protein aggregates form electronegative buffer, with corresponding field extending to cell wall. Tested in e-coli: induced aggregates gave cell walls a negative charge, which reduced affinity to negatively-charged antibiotics.
No access to the article itself, but it's a long way from that to regulation or equilibria of any sort, so I'd be interested in reading it.
The results show that they may be a previously missing mechanism by which cells modulate their internal electrochemistry... "Our research shows that condensates influence cells well beyond direct physical contact, almost like they have a wireless connection to how cells interact with the environment,"
And the difficulty of finding video of this to share with you, seems a not-small part of why science education content remains so dreadful.
That said, did anyone else have a really hard time parsing this article?
Related
Molecular Interactions and the Behaviors of Biological Macromolecules
Molecular interactions, crucial in chemistry and biology, involve noncovalent forces between molecules impacting processes like protein folding and material science. Understanding atomic properties is key to grasping these interactions' significance.
Show HN: How I wrote a LaTeX paper without writing any LaTeX
A new model explains non-linear metabolic scaling in small cells, revealing distinct patterns for prokaryotes and eukaryotes, emphasizing the balance between reaction velocity and molecular transport efficiency.
Chemical 'waves' used to encode words as Morse code
Researchers at the University of Oxford developed a method to encode information using chemical waves, similar to Morse code, demonstrating potential applications in sensors and biological systems despite automation challenges.
The Cellular Secret to Resisting the Pressure of the Deep Sea
Researchers discovered that deep-sea comb jellies possess unique lipid membranes, primarily plasmalogens, enabling survival under high pressure, with implications for understanding cellular processes in various organisms, including humans.
Princeton Researchers Have Discovered a New Method to Reshape the Fabric of Life
Princeton researchers developed a light-based method to manipulate DNA, enabling precise chromosome repositioning and influencing gene expression, potentially aiding in treatments for diseases like cancer without altering DNA sequences.