Molecular Assembly Lines in Active Droplets

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical model where active droplets create self-organized assembly lines that ensure correct protein complex formation by spatially arranging assembly steps and suppressing errors.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theoretical framework showing how active droplets can organize assembly lines to reliably produce specific protein structures.

Findings

Assembly lines can be self-organized by active droplets.

Correct assembly order is achieved and errors are suppressed.

Spatial arrangement of assembly steps enhances fidelity.

Abstract

Large protein complexes are assembled from protein subunits to form a specific structure. In our theoretic work, we propose that assembly into the correct structure could be reliably achieved through an assembly line with a specific sequence of assembly steps. Using droplet interfaces to position compartment boundaries, we show that an assembly line can be self organized by active droplets. As a consequence, assembly steps can be arranged spatially so that a specific order of assembly is achieved and incorrect assembly is strongly suppressed.