Structured protein domains are modulators of biomolecular condensate form and function
Structured protein domains are pervasive within cellular biomolecular condensates.
Two unique properties distinguish structured protein domains from disordered protein domains within condensates: high interaction specificity and low conformational heterogeneity.
Through highly specific interactions – including protein-protein binding, oligomerization, and RNA-binding – structured protein domains can dictate condensate formation, material properties, and functions.
A condensate’s chemical environment can cause conformational rearrangement or unfolding of structured protein domains, which in turn can inform condensate behavior and properties.
A complete understanding of condensate biophysics will necessitate a thorough characterization of structured protein domains within condensates.
https://www.cell.com/trends/biochemical-sciences/fulltext/S0968-0004(24)00280-9
