Stability and deformation of biomolecular condensates under the action of shear flow

Author:

Coronas Luis E.1ORCID,Van Thong2,Iorio Antonio1ORCID,Lapidus Lisa J.2ORCID,Feig Michael3ORCID,Sterpone Fabio1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biochimie Théorique 1 , 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France

2. Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University 2 , East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA

3. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University 3 , East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA

Abstract

Biomolecular condensates play a key role in cytoplasmic compartmentalization and cell functioning. Despite extensive research on the physico-chemical, thermodynamic, or crowding aspects of the formation and stabilization of the condensates, one less studied feature is the role of external perturbative fluid flow. In fact, in living cells, shear stress may arise from streaming or active transport processes. Here, we investigate how biomolecular condensates are deformed under different types of shear flows. We first model Couette flow perturbations via two-way coupling between the condensate dynamics and fluid flow by deploying Lattice Boltzmann Molecular Dynamics. We then show that a simplified approach where the shear flow acts as a static perturbation (one-way coupling) reproduces the main features of the condensate deformation and dynamics as a function of the shear rate. With this approach, which can be easily implemented in molecular dynamics simulations, we analyze the behavior of biomolecular condensates described through residue-based coarse-grained models, including intrinsically disordered proteins and protein/RNA mixtures. At lower shear rates, the fluid triggers the deformation of the condensate (spherical to oblated object), while at higher shear rates, it becomes extremely deformed (oblated or elongated object). At very high shear rates, the condensates are fragmented. We also compare how condensates of different sizes and composition respond to shear perturbation, and how their internal structure is altered by external flow. Finally, we consider the Poiseuille flow that realistically models the behavior in microfluidic devices in order to suggest potential experimental designs for investigating fluid perturbations in vitro.

Funder

Agence Nationale de la Recherche

National Science Foundation

Publisher

AIP Publishing

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