Mina S. Farag

Nov 19, 2024 | nature.com | Gaurav Chauhan |Mina S. Farag

replying to D. Bauer and A. Nikoubashman. Nature Communication https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53575-w (2024)We respond to a Matters Arising assessment1 of our results for condensates formed by the prion-like low-complexity domain (PLCD) from hnRNPA1, referred to as A1-LCD. We reported, based on our lattice simulations, that A1-LCD and other PLCDs show non-monotonic variations of conformational preferences across interfaces between condensates and coexisting dilute phases2.

Oct 7, 2024 | biorxiv.org | Tingting Wu |Matthew King |Yuanxin Qiu |Mina S. Farag

AbstractBiomolecular condensates are viscoelastic materials. Simulations predict that fluid-like condensations are defined by spatially inhomogeneous organization of the underlying molecules. Here, we test these predictions using single-fluorogen tracking and super-resolution imaging.

Aug 19, 2024 | biorxiv.org | Nadia Aicha Erkamp |Mina S. Farag |Yuanxin Qiu |Daoyuan Qian

AbstractBiomolecular condensates form via macromolecular phase separation, giving rise to coexisting phases delineated by interfaces. Here, we characterize the structures of interfaces formed by phase separation driven by heterotypic interactions in ternary mixtures of two types of RNA molecules and polyethylene glycol. We find that purine-rich RNAs are scaffolds that drive phase separation via strong heterotypic interactions.

Dec 12, 2023 | biorxiv.org | Tingting Wu |Matthew King |Mina S. Farag |Rohit V. Pappu

AbstractRecent computations suggest that biomolecular condensates that form via macromolecular phase separation are network fluids featuring spatially inhomogeneous organization of the underlying molecules. Computations also point to unique conformations of molecules at condensate interfaces. Here, we test these predictions using high-resolution structural characterizations of condensates formed by intrinsically disordered prion-like low complexity domains (PLCDs).