Kinetics of the Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of Myelin Basic Protein Investigated by Time-Resolved USANS and SANS
The myelin sheath of the central nervous system is formed by membranes that wrap concentrically around nerve fibers ensuring correct signal transmission. Myelin basic protein (MBP) is an integral part of the myelin sheath. We discovered recently a liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of MBP on top of biomimetic membranes and under crowding conditions. Although the LLPS of MBP is essential for its biological function, it has received little attention yet. In this proposal, we suggest to investigate the growth kinetics of phase separated condensates that form during the LLPS of MBP by means of USANS/ SANS on D11 using a stopped-flow device in the sub-min to min time-range. Partially deuterated PEG will be used as crowding agent that is contrast matched in D2O. Our hypothesis is that at in the sub min time range formation of small droplets by Ostwald ripening might occur, while at later times we expect coalescence of larger droplets to prevail. Those mechanisms are expected to be relevant for the formation and stability of the myelin sheath in vivo. Our study would help to identify molecular mechanism that are fundamental for human health and myelin related neurological diseases.
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Andreas M. Stadler; FORSTER Stephan; GRAF VON WESTARP Igor; HARIS Luman; MAITI Santanu and MATSARSKAIA Olga. (2021). Kinetics of the Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of Myelin Basic Protein Investigated by Time-Resolved USANS and SANS. Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) doi:10.5291/ILL-DATA.8-03-1039
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