Link: https://weizmann.zoom.us/j/96046369379?pwd=emp0U0wwcmpNQlhsMisrNmp0bjRDdz09
Passcode: 693143
The molecular mechanisms and associated structures and dynamics of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) proteins that form membrane-less organelles in cells have attracted considerable interest in recent years. EPR spectroscopy along with site directed spin labelling (SDSL) using nitroxide spin labels is a well-established technique to study dynamics of proteins. In this seminar I will discuss the dynamic properties of the spin labelled low complexity N-terminal domain of cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding-4 protein (CPEB4NTD) in its LLPS and non-LLPS states. We found the coexistence of three CPEB4NTD populations with distinct spin label rotational correlation times before and after LLPS. We identified population I as the predominant protein species in the dilute phase, with fast motions that agree with expected dynamic properties of monomeric CPEB4NTD. We assigned population III to a compact ensemble that undergo slow motions, and population II to a looser ensemble experiencing intermediate motions. LLPS, which took place with increasing temperature is associated with increased population of II at the expense of III, while population I remains constant. At the end based on these findings, I will present a three-component equilibrium model that postulates the existence of LLPS-competent CPEB4NTD species (II and III) prior to macroscopic phase separation.