{"title":"Unveiling intracellular phase separation: advances in optical imaging of biomolecular condensates","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tibs.2024.06.014","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intracellular biomolecular condensates, which form via phase separation, display a highly organized ultrastructure and complex properties. Recent advances in optical imaging techniques, including super-resolution microscopy and innovative microscopic methods that leverage the intrinsic properties of the molecules observed, have transcended the limitations of conventional microscopies. These advances facilitate the exploration of condensates at finer scales and in greater detail. The deployment of these emerging but sophisticated imaging tools allows for precise observations of the multiphasic organization and physicochemical properties of these condensates, shedding light on their functions in cellular processes. In this review, we highlight recent progress in methodological innovations and their profound implications for understanding the organization and dynamics of intracellular biomolecular condensates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":440,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":11.6000,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Trends in Biochemical Sciences","FirstCategoryId":"99","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0968000424001634","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Intracellular biomolecular condensates, which form via phase separation, display a highly organized ultrastructure and complex properties. Recent advances in optical imaging techniques, including super-resolution microscopy and innovative microscopic methods that leverage the intrinsic properties of the molecules observed, have transcended the limitations of conventional microscopies. These advances facilitate the exploration of condensates at finer scales and in greater detail. The deployment of these emerging but sophisticated imaging tools allows for precise observations of the multiphasic organization and physicochemical properties of these condensates, shedding light on their functions in cellular processes. In this review, we highlight recent progress in methodological innovations and their profound implications for understanding the organization and dynamics of intracellular biomolecular condensates.
期刊介绍:
For over 40 years, Trends in Biochemical Sciences (TIBS) has been a leading publication keeping readers informed about recent advances in all areas of biochemistry and molecular biology. Through monthly, peer-reviewed issues, TIBS covers a wide range of topics, from traditional subjects like protein structure and function to emerging areas in signaling and metabolism. Articles are curated by the Editor and authored by top researchers in their fields, with a focus on moving beyond simple literature summaries to providing novel insights and perspectives. Each issue primarily features concise and timely Reviews and Opinions, supplemented by shorter articles including Spotlights, Forums, and Technology of the Month, as well as impactful pieces like Science & Society and Scientific Life articles.