Full‐Length FUS Protein Condensates Adopt a Domain‐Preferential Spatial Architecture

ABSTRACT Biomolecular condensates play crucial roles in cellular physiology and are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. However, the mechanisms governing their formation and spatial organization remain poorly understood, largely due to technical challenges. Here, using FUS as a paradigmatic system, we reveal how single‐protein sequences determine condensate architecture that is intrinsically linked to biological function. We demonstrate a domain‐specific preferential distribution organization: the low‐complexity domain (LCD), which drives condensate formation, localizes to the inner layer, while the RNA recognition motif (RRM) preferentially occupies the interfacial layer. This spatial arrangement enhances RNA‐binding accessibility, suggesting a direct structure–function relationship. We further propose a sequence–structure–function paradigm for biomolecular condensates: through the cooperation emerging from multiple “stickers,” individual domains function as integrated units in shaping the structure and functionality of biomolecular condensates, which may represent a broader mode of protein–protein interaction (PPI) within condensates. Our findings elucidate the evolutionary logic of protein sequences in driving liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) and provide a foundation for designing therapeutics targeting aberrant condensates in disease.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Aggregate
Published
2025-11-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/agt2.70205
Citations
1
Primary Topic
RNA Research and Splicing
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.81

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Full‐Length FUS Protein Condensates Adopt a Domain‐Preferential Spatial Architecture

Li Zhao, Yinan Guo, Shuilong Tong, Yang Jiang et al.
1 citations
Aggregate
RNA Research and Splicing
0.81
article

Full‐Length FUS Protein Condensates Adopt a Domain‐Preferential Spatial Architecture

Li Zhao, Yinan Guo, Shuilong Tong, Yang Jiang, Zhong‐Yuan Lu, Yong Wang
article en
1 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Biomolecular condensates play crucial roles in cellular physiology and are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. However, the mechanisms governing their formation and spatial organization remain poorly understood, largely due to technical challenges. Here, using FUS as a paradigmatic system, we reveal how single‐protein sequences determine condensate architecture that is intrinsically linked to biological function. We demonstrate a domain‐specific preferential distribution organization: the low‐complexity domain (LCD), which drives condensate formation, localizes to the inner layer, while the RNA recognition motif (RRM) preferentially occupies the interfacial layer. This spatial arrangement enhances RNA‐binding accessibility, suggesting a direct structure–function relationship. We further propose a sequence–structure–function paradigm for biomolecular condensates: through the cooperation emerging from multiple “stickers,” individual domains function as integrated units in shaping the structure and functionality of biomolecular condensates, which may represent a broader mode of protein–protein interaction (PPI) within condensates. Our findings elucidate the evolutionary logic of protein sequences in driving liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) and provide a foundation for designing therapeutics targeting aberrant condensates in disease.

AggregateVol. 6(12)
Jilin University (CN), State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Zhejiang University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 21%
RNA Research and Splicing
0.81
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.