Rinsho Shinkeigaku (Clinical Neurology)

Invited Review

Biological phase separation in neuromuscular diseases

Noriyoshi Isozumi, Ph.D.1j,Kazuma Sugie, M.D., Ph.D.2j and Eiichiro Mori, M.D., Ph.D.1j

1)Department of Future Basic Medicine, Nara Medical University
2)Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University

Biological phase separation refers to the liquid-liquid phase separation of biomolecules such as proteins in cells. Phase separation is driven by low-complexity domains of phase-separating proteins and strictly controlled by regulatory factors. Phase separation has also been found to be disrupted by genetic abnormalities. Abnormal aggregates of causative proteins accumulate in many neuromuscular diseases. In recent years, it has become clear that phase separating proteins are associated with neuromuscular diseases, and that abnormalities in the regulation of phase separation leads to the formation of aggregates. Gains in our knowledge of biological phase separation is gradually elucidating the pathogenesis of neuromuscular diseases.
Full Text of this Article in Japanese PDF (1601K)

(CLINICA NEUROL, 63: 799|805, 2023)
key words: biological phase separation, low-complexity domain, neuromuscular disease

(Received: 28-Apr-23)