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Granule regulation by phase separation during Drosophila oogenesis.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Sankaranarayanan, M 
Weil, Timothy T 

Abstract

Drosophila eggs are highly polarised cells that use RNA-protein complexes to regulate storage and translational control of maternal RNAs. Ribonucleoprotein granules are a class of biological condensates that form predominantly by intracellular phase separation. Despite extensive in vitro studies testing the physical principles regulating condensates, how phase separation translates to biological function remains largely unanswered. In this perspective, we discuss granules in Drosophila oogenesis as a model system for investigating the physiological role of phase separation. We review key maternal granules and their properties while highlighting ribonucleoprotein phase separation behaviours observed during development. Finally, we discuss how concepts and models from liquid-liquid phase separation could be used to test mechanisms underlying granule assembly, regulation and function in Drosophila oogenesis.

Description

Keywords

RNP granules, developmental biology, phase separation, Animals, Cytoplasmic Granules, Drosophila, Drosophila Proteins, Oogenesis, Ribonucleoproteins

Journal Title

Emerg Top Life Sci

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2397-8554
2397-8562

Volume Title

4

Publisher

Portland Press Ltd.
Sponsorship
Isaac Newton Trust (Minute 1439(w))
Wellcome Trust (200734/Z/16/Z)