Controlling liquid-liquid phase separation of G-quadruplex-forming RNAs in a sequence-specific manner

Chem Commun (Camb). 2022 Nov 22;58(93):12931-12934. doi: 10.1039/d2cc04366a.

Abstract

We constructed a minimum liquid-liquid phase separation model system to form liquid droplets using only G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotides and R- and G-rich oligopeptides. We found that the G-quadruplex structure is an essential component for RNA to form droplets with the peptide. Based on this model system and our findings, droplet redissolution via structure transition from a G-quadruplex to a duplex was achieved in a sequence-specific manner.

MeSH terms

  • Circular Dichroism
  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry
  • RNA

Substances

  • Oligonucleotides
  • RNA