Journal Article (Review Article)

DZNE-2026-00947

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a tool to probe molecular condensates.

Perez Mejias, G. (First author)DZNE* ; Zweckstetter, M. (Last author)DZNE*

2026
Elsevier Amsterdam [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.sbi.2026.103340

Abstract: Biomolecular condensates formed via liquid-liquid phase separation regulate essential cellular processes, with dysregulation implicated in neurodegeneration and cancer. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides label-free, atomic-resolution insights into condensate composition, stoichiometry, physicochemical properties (e.g., viscosity and water content), and molecular interactions, overcoming the limitations of imaging and bulk techniques. This review highlights NMR's capabilities in quantifying selective partitioning of proteins, RNAs, ions, and small molecules, as well as mapping interaction hotspots in scaffold proteins, and characterizing client molecule dynamics within condensates. Finally, we point to future applications, including the study of the modulation of the protein conformational landscape by condensates, drug development targeting pathological phase transitions, and integration with advanced techniques like dynamic nuclear polarization, single-molecule microscopy, and advanced computational models for studying complex physiological systems.

Keyword(s): Biomolecular Condensates: chemistry (MeSH) ; Biomolecular Condensates: metabolism (MeSH) ; Humans (MeSH) ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: methods (MeSH) ; Phase Separation (MeSH) ; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular: methods (MeSH)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Translational Structural Biology (AG Zweckstetter)

Research Program(s):

1. 352 - Disease Mechanisms (POF4-352) (POF4-352)

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Database coverage:
; BIOSIS Previews ; BIOSIS Reviews Reports And Meetings ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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