Biomolecular Condensates in Immune Cell Fate

Overview

Journal Nat Rev Immunol

Date 2025 Jan 28

PMID 39875604

Authors

Srikanth Kodali

Caroline M Sands

Lei Guo

Yun Huang

Bruno Di Stefano

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Fate decisions during immune cell development require temporally precise changes in gene expression. Evidence suggests that the dynamic modulation of these changes is associated with the formation of diverse, membrane-less nucleoprotein assemblies that are termed biomolecular condensates. These condensates are thought to orchestrate fate-determining transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes by locally and transiently concentrating DNA or RNA molecules alongside their regulatory proteins. Findings have established a link between condensate formation and the gene regulatory networks that ensure the proper development of immune cells. Conversely, condensate dysregulation has been linked to impaired immune cell fates, including ageing and malignant transformation. This Review explores the putative mechanistic links between condensate assembly and the gene regulatory frameworks that govern normal and pathological development in the immune system.

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