South Middlesex Times

An international research team led by scientists from Rutgers University-New Brunswick has discovered that certain protein blobs in human cells can transform from a liquid state to a solid. These protein droplets, called biomolecular condensates, solidify particularly when they contain high levels of alpha-synuclein, a protein commonly found clumping in the brains of those with Parkinson's disease. The findings were published in Science Advances.

The researchers said this study is the first to successfully quantify the dynamics of these condensates in living cells. It emphasizes the significance of examining the mechanical properties of biomolecular condensates, which are associated with a variety of biological roles and diseases.

"By measuring how these condensates change from liquid to solid in living systems, we can better understand how diseases like Parkinson’s develop and progress," stated Zheng Shi, the senior author of the study and an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Rutgers.

Shi, along with doctoral student Huan Wang, used specialized equipment to examine these substances. The study aims to identify factors that trigger the phase transition of condensates. Historically, advanced technologies have enabled scientists to analyze biomolecular condensates, which are essential to comprehending cellular biology and disease origins.

With Parkinson’s, the brain cells responsible for producing dopamine, a key chemical for movement control, gradually die. Alpha-synuclein has a pivotal role in the disease, forming toxic clumps known as Lewy bodies that damage neurons.

To advance their research, the scientists developed tools to measure material properties of condensates in live cells, overcoming past limitations of test tube measurements. "This is exciting because our technique allows, for the first time, direct, quantitative measurement of the material properties of condensates in live cells," explained Wang.

The team created micropipettes to probe the condensates, applying controlled pressure to measure properties like viscosity and surface tension. Their goal is to continue understanding the role of condensates in living cells and their implications for diseases. "This opens new avenues for research into the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases and their treatment," added Shi.

In addition to the Rutgers team, scientists from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Berlin contributed to the study.

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