2024 年 6 巻 2 号 p. 46-50
In recent years, phase separation has emerged as a crucial mechanism for protein functionalization. This process allows proteins to form droplet structures known as biodroplets, which separate oil and water. Biodroplets regulate the spatiotemporal activity and interactions of proteins in the complex intracellular environment. This regulation is vital for maintaining cellular function and adapting to environmental changes. Biodroplets play a significant role in gene expression within cancer cell biology. They enable the compartmentalization of biochemical reactions without relying on membrane-bound organelles. This control is crucial for the rapid and uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Recent research illuminated how biodroplets influence various aspects of cancer cell biology, including the expression of oncogenes and the efficient nuclear import of oncogenic transcription factors. By forming dynamic and reversible compartments, biodroplets facilitate the precise control of protein interactions and functions necessary for cancer progression. This review summarizes the latest findings on the role of biodroplets in the gene expression system of cancer cells, drawing on recent research by the author. Understanding the mechanisms underlying biodroplet formation and function could open new avenues for targeted cancer therapies and provide insights into disrupting these processes to inhibit cancer cell growth.
