RESEARCH: LIQUID-PHASE-SEPARATION
FOLDING PROJECT #16575 PROFILE

This project uses computer simulations to study how tiny droplets (condensates) in cells change when different molecules are added. Researchers are looking at how peptides like ADMA, ARG, and LYS affect these droplets, both alone and with RNA.

16550: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate and added peptide ADMA 16551, 16560, 16568: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate and added peptide ADMA 16552, 16561, 16567: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate and added peptide ARG 16553, 16562, 16569: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate and added peptide LYS 16554: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate containing peptide ADMA and RNA 16555, 16577: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate containing peptide ARG and RNA 16556: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate containing peptide LYS and RNA 16557, 16563, 16575: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate containing peptide ADMA and RNA, concentration 3.7 mM 16558, 16564, 16566, 16574: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate containing peptide ARG and RNA, concentration 3.7 mM 16559, 16565, 16576: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate containing peptide LYS and RNA, concentration 3.7 mM 16570: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate containing 16 peptide ARG and 16 RNA molecules, concentration 7.4 mM 16571: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate containing 16 peptide ARG and 16 RNA molecules, concentration 7.4 mM with an additional peptide ADMA 16572: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate containing 16 peptide ARG and 16 RNA molecules, concentration 7.4 mM with an additional peptide ARG 16573: Liquid-liquid Phase separation simulation for condensate containing 16 peptide ARG and 16 RNA molecules, concentration 7.4 mM with an additional peptide LYS.

Liquid-liquid Phase separation

Separation of molecules based on their solubility in two immiscible liquids.

Liquid-liquid phase separation is a process where different substances within a solution separate into distinct layers due to differences in their solubility. This occurs when the mixture contains two liquids that don't mix well together, creating separate phases. In biological systems, this phenomenon plays a crucial role in various processes like protein aggregation, membrane formation, and RNA transport.

Condensate

A dense, concentrated phase of molecules formed through liquid-liquid phase separation.

A condensate is a highly concentrated region within a cell where specific molecules like proteins and RNA come together. This assembly process is driven by various interactions, including hydrophobic forces and electrostatic attractions. Condensates often serve as compartments for important cellular processes, allowing for efficient organization and regulation of molecular activity.

Peptide

A short chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.

Peptides are chains of amino acids that are shorter than proteins. They play diverse roles in biological systems, acting as signaling molecules, hormones, antibiotics, and components of larger proteins. Peptides can be synthesized chemically or produced by enzymatic cleavage of proteins.

ADMA

Asparagine-dimethylarginine

ADMA (aspartic acid methylated arginine) is a naturally occurring molecule that acts as an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. It plays a role in regulating blood pressure and vascular function.

ARG

Arginine

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays various roles in the body, including protein synthesis, wound healing, and immune function.

LYS

Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, collagen formation, and calcium absorption.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid

RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid that plays a vital role in protein synthesis. It carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, where proteins are assembled.