Publication Date
5-1-2023
Journal
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
DOI
10.1016/j.tibs.2023.01.004
PMID
36754681
PMCID
PMC10106370
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
5-1-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Proteins, Intrinsically Disordered Proteins, LLPS, structure, condensate, composition, expression
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are especially enriched among proteins that regulate chromatin and transcription. As a result, mechanisms that influence specificity of IDR-driven interactions have emerged as exciting unresolved issues for understanding gene regulation. We review the molecular elements frequently found within IDRs that confer regulatory specificity. In particular, we summarize the differing roles of disordered low-complexity regions (LCRs) and short linear motifs (SLiMs) towards selective nuclear regulation. Examination of IDR-driven interactions highlights SLiMs as organizers of selectivity, with widespread roles in gene regulation and integration of cellular signals. Analysis of recurrent interactions between SLiMs and folded domains suggests diverse avenues for SLiMs to influence phase-separated condensates and highlights opportunities to manipulate these interactions for control of biological activity.
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