Recent research has revealed a new function of protein condensates that are involved in numerous cellular processes. Protein condensates are assemblies of proteins that are denser than normal cellular material. They are known to be involved in a variety of processes, such as gene expression, metabolism, and cell signaling. Now, a study published in Nature Communications has uncovered a new role for protein condensates—they can act as a ‘rigidity sensor’ to control the dynamics of their associated proteins. The researchers found that the rigidity of the condensate dictates how quickly the proteins move in and out, ultimately controlling the flow of information within the cell. This new insight into the function of protein condensates could lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of many cellular processes.

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source: Phys.org