蛋白相分离的相关研究进展

Recent Advances in protein phase separation

相分离(phase separation)是新近发现的一种细胞内同类物质的高效聚集方式。蛋白相分离在自然界广泛存在,是生物体响应外界刺激、自我保护的重要机制之一,参与调控多种病理生理学过程。蛋白相分离障碍造成蛋白异常聚集、沉积、变性,可能导致代谢、免疫、肿瘤等诸多疾病。本文拟总结该领域最近研究进展,从蛋白相分离的概念、病理生理学意义、鉴定方法等方面进行系统综述,并对该领域未来拟解决的关键问题进行展望。

Phase separation is recently discovered as an efficient way of aggregation among homogenous molecules. Protein phase separation is widely existed in biology, and serves as a responsive and protective pattern in various(patho-)physiological processes. Dysfunction of phase separation leads to pathological aggregation, sedimentation and degeneration of proteins, and associates to metabolic and immunological diseases as well as tumors. This review is dedicated to summarize recent advances in the concept, clinical significance and methodology of phase separation, and raise key issues to be elucidated in the future.