About this Research Topic

Background

Membraneless organelles have recently emerged as important players in cellular disease and physiology. Membraneless organelles are generated by the physical phenomenon of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) that gives rise to extremely dynamic molecular condensates that have different biological functions. Proteins and nucleic acids phase-separate thanks to small interactions.

This process is essential for the compartmentalization of cellular functions, making it easier to precisely organize and control a variety of biochemical reactions, both in space and time. Thanks to their dynamism, membraneless organelles can quickly assemble and disassemble, thus successfully respond to a variety of cellular stimuli. Membraneless organelles have recently attracted increased attention in the field of cell and molecular biology, because of their implications in in physiological circumstances and in contexts.

Despite significant advances, gaps remain in our understanding of how these organelles contribute to cellular functions and disease mechanisms.

This research topic aims to elucidate the complex molecular processes underlying the formation and functionality of membraneless organelles. By exploring these processes, we hope to expand our knowledge of disease mechanisms and develop innovative therapeutic approaches. Specific questions to be addressed include the identification of key proteins and nucleic acids involved in LLPS, the role of intrinsically disordered regions in organelle dynamics, and the impact of dysfunctional condensates on cellular functions and disease progression.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of this research, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Mechanisms of liquid-liquid phase separation in cellular contexts

- Role of intrinsically disordered regions in membraneless organelles and amyloid formation

- Functional implications of membraneless organelles in cellular physiology

- Impact of stress granules and P-bodies membraneless organelles on gene regulation and mRNA metabolism

- Contributions of membraneless organelles to amyloid states, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases

- Therapeutic strategies targeting dysfunctional membraneless organelles

- Advanced imaging and analytical techniques for studying protein aggregation and phase separation

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: membraneless organelles, RNA, granules, protein aggregation diseases, phase separation

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