ATP-Driven Separation of Liquid Phase Condensates in Bacteria

Liquid-liquid phase-separated (LLPS) states are key to compartmentalizing components in the absence of membranes; however, it is unclear whether LLPS condensates are actively and specifically organized in the subcellular space and by which mechanisms. Here, we address this question by focusing on th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular cell 2020-07, Vol.79 (2), p.293-303.e4
Main Authors: Guilhas, Baptiste, Walter, Jean-Charles, Rech, Jerome, David, Gabriel, Walliser, Nils Ole, Palmeri, John, Mathieu-Demaziere, Celine, Parmeggiani, Andrea, Bouet, Jean-Yves, Le Gall, Antoine, Nollmann, Marcelo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteriology
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
Biophysics
Cellular Biology
Life Sciences
Microbiology and Parasitology
Subcellular Processes
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Summary:Liquid-liquid phase-separated (LLPS) states are key to compartmentalizing components in the absence of membranes; however, it is unclear whether LLPS condensates are actively and specifically organized in the subcellular space and by which mechanisms. Here, we address this question by focusing on the ParABS DNA segregation system, composed of a centromeric-like sequence (parS), a DNA-binding protein (ParB), and a motor (ParA). We show that parS and ParB associate to form nanometer-sized, round condensates. ParB molecules diffuse rapidly within the nucleoid volume but display confined motions when trapped inside ParB condensates. Single ParB molecules are able to rapidly diffuse between different condensates, and nucleation is strongly favored by parS. Notably, the ParA motor is required to prevent the fusion of ParB condensates. These results describe a novel active mechanism that splits, segregates, and localizes non-canonical LLPS condensates in the subcellular space.
ISSN:1097-2765
1097-4164
DOI:10.1016/j.molcel.2020.06.034