The Role of RNA in Biological Phase Separations

Phase transitions that alter the physical state of ribonucleoprotein particles contribute to the spacial and temporal organization of the densely packed intracellular environment. This allows cells to organize biologically coupled processes as well as respond to environmental stimuli. RNA plays a ke...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of molecular biology 2018-11, Vol.430 (23), p.4685-4701
Main Authors: Fay, Marta M., Anderson, Paul J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cytoplasm - genetics
Cytoplasm - metabolism
Humans
membraneless organelle
Organelles - genetics
Organelles - metabolism
phase separation
Phase Transition
Ribonucleoproteins - metabolism
RNA
RNA - metabolism
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Summary:Phase transitions that alter the physical state of ribonucleoprotein particles contribute to the spacial and temporal organization of the densely packed intracellular environment. This allows cells to organize biologically coupled processes as well as respond to environmental stimuli. RNA plays a key role in phase separation events that modulate various aspects of RNA metabolism. Here, we review the role that RNA plays in ribonucleoprotein phase separations. [Display omitted] •RNA can play an active (templating, structural) or passive role in phase separation.•Phase separations cause formation of membrane-less organelles (MLOs).•Biophysical properties of MLOs are driven by RNA–protein interactions.•Different MLOs incorporate different RNA species
ISSN:0022-2836
1089-8638
DOI:10.1016/j.jmb.2018.05.003