Molecular Assembly Lines in Active Droplets

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Tyler S. Harmon - , Max-Planck-Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Frank Jülicher - , Max-Planck-Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD), TUD Dresden University of Technology, Clusters of Excellence PoL: Physics of Life (Author)

Abstract

Large protein complexes are assembled from protein subunits to form a specific structure. In our theoretic work, we propose that assembly into the correct structure could be reliably achieved through an assembly line with a specific sequence of assembly steps. Using droplet interfaces to position compartment boundaries, we show that an assembly line can be self-organized by active droplets. As a consequence, assembly steps can be arranged spatially so that a specific order of assembly is achieved and incorrect assembly is strongly suppressed.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number108102
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume128
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - 11 Mar 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 35333067

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas