Advancing biomolecular condensates research in Brazil: a collective effort

Abstract

The ability of proteins to form scaffolds of biomolecular condensates through phase separation has emerged as an important physicochemical mechanism in cell biology, involved in a myriad of biological functions. Condensates contain highly concentrated biomolecules that function as hubs for nucleic acid storage and processing, while also enabling finely tuned spatiotemporal cellular organisation. Mounting evidence suggests that the transition of condensates from dynamic liquid-like states to gel- and solid-like structures underlies the pathogenesis of many degenerative diseases. Therefore, controlling phase behaviour has emerged as a potentially targetable mechanism for intervening in currently incurable proteinopathies. Over the last four decades, several Brazilian groups that now contribute to research on biomolecular condensates have built strong foundations in the biophysics of intrinsically disordered proteins, protein misfolding, nucleic acid interactions, and structural biology. A new phase for our community began to emerge around 2017, following insightful exchanges of ideas in which the Brazilian Biophysical Society (SBBf) played a key role. Here, we present a review of Brazilian studies focusing on biomolecular condensation, discussing their main findings, experimental approaches, open questions, and interdisciplinary opportunities in the field. This review also celebrates the 90th anniversary of SBBf, a society that has greatly fostered the scientific growth of Brazilian and Latin American scientists studying phase separation. We hope that the Brazilian studies highlighted here will inspire the next generation of scientists and galvanise cutting-edge research, helping to build and strengthen a broader biomolecular condensate research community in Brazil.