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Size-controlled assembly of phase separated protein condensates with interfacial protein cages

Author

Listed:
  • Hyeok Jin Oh

    (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Yongsuk Lee

    (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Haerang Hwang

    (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Kibeom Hong

    (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Hyeongjoo Choi

    (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Jin Young Kang

    (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Yongwon Jung

    (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Phase separation of specific proteins into liquid-like condensates is a key mechanism for forming membrane-less organelles, which organize diverse cellular processes in space and time. These protein condensates hold immense potential as biomaterials capable of containing specific sets of biomolecules with high densities and dynamic liquid properties. Despite their appeal, methods to manipulate protein condensate materials remain largely unexplored. Here, we present a one-pot assembly method to assemble coalescence-resistant protein condensates, ranging from a few μm to 100 nm in sizes, with surface-stabilizing protein cages. We discover that large protein cages (~30 nm), finely tuned to interact with condensates, efficiently localize on condensate surfaces and prevent the merging (coalescence) of condensates during phase separation. We precisely control condensate diameters by modulating condensate/cage ratios. In addition, the 3D structures of intact protein condensates with interfacial cages are visualized with cryo-electron tomography (ET). This work offers a versatile platform for designing size-controlled, surface-engineered protein condensate materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyeok Jin Oh & Yongsuk Lee & Haerang Hwang & Kibeom Hong & Hyeongjoo Choi & Jin Young Kang & Yongwon Jung, 2025. "Size-controlled assembly of phase separated protein condensates with interfacial protein cages," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56391-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56391-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marina Garcia-Jove Navarro & Shunnichi Kashida & Racha Chouaib & Sylvie Souquere & Gérard Pierron & Dominique Weil & Zoher Gueroui, 2019. "RNA is a critical element for the sizing and the composition of phase-separated RNA–protein condensates," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Kibeom Hong & Daesun Song & Yongwon Jung, 2020. "Behavior control of membrane-less protein liquid condensates with metal ion-induced phase separation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-12, December.
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