Phase Separated Biomolecular Condensates

This volume provides readers with a broad collection of theoretical, computational, and experimental methods to quantitatively study the properties of phase-separate biomolecular condensates in diverse systems. The chapters in this book cover topics such as theoretical and computational methods; methods for in vitro characterization of biomolecular condensates; and techniques that enable in-cell characterization of biomolecular condensates. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introduction to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and expert tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and thorough, Phase-Separated Biomolecular Condensates: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource that helps researchers learn and use established methods to study both biophysical properties and biological functions of biomolecular condensates.

This reprint presents recent developments in the field of biological liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS, also known as biomolecular condensation). LLPS and related biogenesis of various membraneless organelles (MLOs) and biomolecular condensates (BMCs) represent fundamental molecular mechanisms governing the spatio-temporal organization of the intracellular space. In fact, MLOs and BMCs, being liquid droplets, represent specific compartments within a cell that are not enclosed by a lipid membrane. Most biological LLPS processes are reversible, and many MLOs/BMCs exist transiently; they rapidly emerge when conditions are changed and rapidly disintegrate as soon as the original conditions are restored, thereby showing a characteristic "now you see me, now you don't" behavior. Numerous MLOs/BMCs are found inside eukaryotic cells, where they exist as liquid droplets (or cellular bodies, puncta, etc.) in the cytoplasm, nucleoplasm, mitochondrial matrix, and stroma of chloroplasts. Furthermore, MLOs/BMCs are commonly observed in Archaea, bacteria, and, likely, viruses. MLOs/BMCs have numerous crucial functions, and their biogenesis is known to be controlled by various external factors and environmental cues, such as changes in temperature, pH, and ionic strength of the solution. All of these have garnered the close attention of many researchers to biological LLPS, MLOs, and BMCs.

Droplets of Life: Membrane-Less Organelles, Biomolecular Condensates, and Biological Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation provides foundational information on the biophysics, biogenesis, structure, functions, and roles of membrane-less organelles. The study of liquid–liquid phase separation has attracted a lot of attention from disciplines such as cell biology, biophysics, biochemistry, and others trying to understand how, why, and what roles these condensates play in homeostasis and disease states in living organisms. This book's editor recruited a group of international experts to provide a current and authoritative overview of all aspects associated with this exciting area. Sections introduce membrane-less organelles (MLOs) and biomolecular condensates; MLOs in different sizes, shapes, and composition; and the formation of MLOs due to phase separation and how it can tune reactions, organize the intracellular environment, and provide a role in cellular fitness. . Presents the first book to establish the foundations of this exciting research area Combines biophysics, structural and cell biology, and biochemistry perspectives into a single volume Edited and authored by world-leading scientists Covers basic physical and biological principles and health and disease implications

Methods in Enzymology, Volume 646, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Chapters in this new release include Methods for Studying RNA condensation/granules in vitro, RNA Dynamics in Intracellular Condensates, Methods for Viscoelastic Characterization of Liquid and Gel Condensates, Incorporating Proteins into Complex Coacervates, Methods for Study of Liquid-Liquid Phase Coexistence in Proximity to Lipid Membranes, Preparation of and Solute Partitioning in Multiphase Coacervates, Reversible photocontrol of DNA coacervation, Enzymatic Control over Coacervation, and much more. Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors Presents the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series

Methods in Enzymology, Volume 646, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Chapters in this new release include Methods for Studying RNA condensation/granules in vitro, RNA Dynamics in Intracellular Condensates, Methods for Viscoelastic Characterization of Liquid and Gel Condensates, Incorporating Proteins into Complex Coacervates, Methods for Study of Liquid-Liquid Phase Coexistence in Proximity to Lipid Membranes, Preparation of and Solute Partitioning in Multiphase Coacervates, Reversible photocontrol of DNA coacervation, Enzymatic Control over Coacervation, and much more. Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors Presents the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series

Perspectives in Supramolecular Chemistry Founded by J.-M. Lehn Perspectives in Supramolecular Chemistry reflects research which develops supramolecular structures with specific new properties, such as recognition, transport and simulation of biosystems or new materials. The series covers all areas from theoretical and modelling aspects through organic and inorganic chemistry and biochemistry to materials, solid-state and polymer sciences reflecting the many and varied applications of supramolecular structures in modern chemistry. Giant Vesicles Edited by Pier Luigi Luisi and Peter Walde Institute für Polymere, ETH-Zürich, Switzerland Giant vesicles or giant liposomes are supramolecular assembles of amphiphiles, surface active substances which normally contain one or two hydrophobic chains and one hydrophilic head. Due to their relatively large size, giant vesicles are easily observed by light microscopy. This volume provides an overview of ideas and results obtained from experimental studies as well as theoretical approaches. A wide variety of aspects ranging from pure mathematics and physical considerations to biochemical and biological applications are covered. Historical and fundamental aspects are discussed as well as a range of experimental approaches including the micromanipulation and micro-puncturing of single giant vesicles. 87 international contributors comment on a wide range of issues contained under the five main part headings: Introduction Preparation Methods Basic Theoretical Aspects Physical Properties Chemical and Biological Aspects. Giant Vesicles has been written for researchers in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry and biophysics, working in supra-molecular chemistry, surfactant science, liposome and pharmaceutical sciences.

This thorough volume explores recent advances that have revolutionized the field of precision oncology. The chapters, contributed by experts in the areas of cancer systems and integrative biology, provide hands-on guidance toward developing tools to monitor spatial and temporal changes in tumors, tracking tumor markers in blood, and ultimately developing precision medicine to combat cancer in real time. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the kind of detailed implementation advice that ensures successful results. Authoritative and informative, Cancer Systems and Integrative Biology serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, pharmaceutical scientists, and oncologists interested in expanding their knowledge base in the current developments in cancer research.

Regulated turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of tissue homeostasis. In recent years, the enzymes that participate in, and control ECM turnover have been the focus of research that touches on development, tissue remodeling, inflammation and disease. This volume in the Biology of Extracellular Matrix series provides a review of the known classes of proteases that degrade ECM both outside and inside the cell. The specific EMC proteases that are discussed include cathepsins, bacterial collagenases, matrix metalloproteinases, meprins, serine proteases, and elastases. The volume also discusses the domains responsible for specific biochemical characteristics of the proteases and the physical interactions that occur when the protease interacts with substrate. The topics covered in this volume provide an important context for understanding the role that matrix-degrading proteases play in normal tissue remodeling and in diseases such as cancer and lung disease.