Functions of Intrinsically Disordered Regions
Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), defined as protein segments lacking stable tertiary structures, are ubiquitously present in the human proteome and enriched with disease-associated mutations. IDRs harbor molecular recognition features (MoRFs) and post-translational modification sites (e.g.,...
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2025-07-01
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| author | Linhu Xiao Kun Xia |
| author_facet | Linhu Xiao Kun Xia |
| author_sort | Linhu Xiao |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), defined as protein segments lacking stable tertiary structures, are ubiquitously present in the human proteome and enriched with disease-associated mutations. IDRs harbor molecular recognition features (MoRFs) and post-translational modification sites (e.g., phosphorylation), enabling dynamic intermolecular interactions through conformational plasticity. Furthermore, IDRs drive liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomacromolecules via multivalent interactions such as electrostatic attraction and pi–pi interactions, generating biomolecular condensates that are essential throughout the cellular lifecycle. These condensates separate intracellular space, forming a physical barrier to avoid interference between other molecules, thereby improving reaction specificity and efficiency. As a dynamically equilibrated process, LLPS formation and maintenance are regulated by multiple factors, endowing the condensates with rapid responsiveness to environmental cues and functional versatility in modulating diverse signaling cascades. Consequently, disruption of LLPS homeostasis can derail its associated biological processes, ultimately contributing to disease pathogenesis. Moreover, precisely because liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) is co-regulated by multiple factors, it may provide novel insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which result from the cumulative effects of multiple etiological factors. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4aa844b627f5401992fcbabf58897c7a |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2079-7737 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-4aa844b627f5401992fcbabf58897c7a2025-08-20T02:45:53ZengMDPI AGBiology2079-77372025-07-0114781010.3390/biology14070810Functions of Intrinsically Disordered RegionsLinhu Xiao0Kun Xia1MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, ChinaMOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, ChinaIntrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), defined as protein segments lacking stable tertiary structures, are ubiquitously present in the human proteome and enriched with disease-associated mutations. IDRs harbor molecular recognition features (MoRFs) and post-translational modification sites (e.g., phosphorylation), enabling dynamic intermolecular interactions through conformational plasticity. Furthermore, IDRs drive liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomacromolecules via multivalent interactions such as electrostatic attraction and pi–pi interactions, generating biomolecular condensates that are essential throughout the cellular lifecycle. These condensates separate intracellular space, forming a physical barrier to avoid interference between other molecules, thereby improving reaction specificity and efficiency. As a dynamically equilibrated process, LLPS formation and maintenance are regulated by multiple factors, endowing the condensates with rapid responsiveness to environmental cues and functional versatility in modulating diverse signaling cascades. Consequently, disruption of LLPS homeostasis can derail its associated biological processes, ultimately contributing to disease pathogenesis. Moreover, precisely because liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) is co-regulated by multiple factors, it may provide novel insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which result from the cumulative effects of multiple etiological factors.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/7/810intrinsically disordered regionsliquid–liquid phase separationmolecular recognition featurespost-translation modification |
| spellingShingle | Linhu Xiao Kun Xia Functions of Intrinsically Disordered Regions Biology intrinsically disordered regions liquid–liquid phase separation molecular recognition features post-translation modification |
| title | Functions of Intrinsically Disordered Regions |
| title_full | Functions of Intrinsically Disordered Regions |
| title_fullStr | Functions of Intrinsically Disordered Regions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Functions of Intrinsically Disordered Regions |
| title_short | Functions of Intrinsically Disordered Regions |
| title_sort | functions of intrinsically disordered regions |
| topic | intrinsically disordered regions liquid–liquid phase separation molecular recognition features post-translation modification |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/7/810 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT linhuxiao functionsofintrinsicallydisorderedregions AT kunxia functionsofintrinsicallydisorderedregions |