Quantitative analyses of non-homogenous crowding effects on biomolecules

FIBER has been quantitatively analyzed to show an effect of molecular crowding environments on the physicochemical properties of functional biomolecules. We are now considering to further advance this research project. Cells establish a highly compartmentalized non-homogeneous environment in which various subcellular organelles are separately and cooperatively functionalized. To understand the functions of biomolecules, including nucleic acids, in all cellular conditions, it is important to consider the effects of the non-homogeneous crowding conditions on the functions of biomolecules. We are quantitatively analyzing the structures and stabilities of nucleic acids in environments containing actual biomolecules existing at intracellular compartmentalized sites, such as DNA (nucleus), skeletal proteins (cytosol), and the lipid bilayer (membrane).

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