NMR and EPR reveal a compaction of the RNA-binding protein FUS upon droplet formation

Nat Chem Biol. 2021 May;17(5):608-614. doi: 10.1038/s41589-021-00752-3. Epub 2021 Mar 8.

Abstract

Many RNA-binding proteins undergo liquid-liquid phase separation, which underlies the formation of membraneless organelles, such as stress granules and P-bodies. Studies of the molecular mechanism of phase separation in vitro are hampered by the coalescence and sedimentation of organelle-sized droplets interacting with glass surfaces. Here, we demonstrate that liquid droplets of fused in sarcoma (FUS)-a protein found in cytoplasmic aggregates of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia patients-can be stabilized in vitro using an agarose hydrogel that acts as a cytoskeleton mimic. This allows their spectroscopic characterization by liquid-phase NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Protein signals from both dispersed and condensed phases can be observed simultaneously, and their respective proportions can be quantified precisely. Furthermore, the agarose hydrogel acts as a cryoprotectant during shock-freezing, which facilitates pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance measurements at cryogenic temperatures. Surprisingly, double electron-electron resonance measurements revealed a compaction of FUS in the condensed phase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cryoprotective Agents / chemistry*
  • Cytoskeleton / chemistry
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Eukaryotic Cells / chemistry
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Vectors / chemistry
  • Genetic Vectors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Protein Conformation
  • RNA-Binding Protein FUS / chemistry*
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Sepharose / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cryoprotective Agents
  • FUS protein, human
  • Hydrogels
  • RNA-Binding Protein FUS
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Sepharose