A rigidity phase transition of Stomatin condensates governs a switch from transport to mechanotransduction
Year: 2022
Type: preprint
Abstract: A large body of work suggests that biomolecular condensates ensuing from liquid-liquid phase separation mature into various material states. How this aging process is controlled and if the naive and mature phases can have differential functions is currently unknown. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we show that MEC-2 Stomatin undergoes a rigidity phase transition during maturation from fluid to viscoelastic, glass-like condensates that facilitate either transport or mechanotransduction. This switch is promoted by the SH3 domain of UNC-89/Titin/Obscurin through a direct interaction with MEC-2 and suggests a physiological role for a percolation transition in force transmission during body wall touch. Together, our data demonstrate a novel function for rigidity maturation during mechanotransduction and a previously unidentified role for Titin homologs in neurons.
Language: English
Topic: RNA Research and Splicing
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G1175115578, How to build a brain? Engineering molecular systems for mechanosensation and -protection in neurons, G2262748287, G2763573136, G300979063, G3404371184, G34346518, G3480869486, G4239348134, G425668148, G5080475149, G7084143925, G8180681537, G9000028377, Caenorhabditis Genetics Center
OpenAlex ID: W4284960676