撰文丨王聪 编辑丨王多鱼 排版丨水成文 真核细胞含有多种 无膜细胞器 ，包括细胞核内的核仁、PML 小体、卡哈尔小体、核斑和核应激体，以及细胞质中的应激颗粒 （SG） 、P-body、肌球蛋白颗粒 和神经元运输颗粒。这些无膜细胞器是细胞内多种生物过程时空协调的执行者。例如，应激颗粒 （SG） 会在各种应激压力下迅速聚集，以隔离未翻译的mRNA 以防止异常翻译，并促进应激压力后的恢复，P-body 参与 mRNA 的修饰和降解，它们的失调与多种疾病有关。发现新的无膜细胞器仍是一个活跃研究领域，备 受研究人员的关注。 2026 年 1 月 9 日，海军军医大学免疫与炎症全国重点实验室 侯晋 、 曹雪涛 院士等 （ 李云晖 、 雷婷 、 聂雯 、 马明睿 、 赵伟 、 周烨 为论文共同第一作 者） ， 在 Cell Metabolism 期刊 发表 了 题为： Lipid-induced granules in hepatocytes alleviate liver fibrosis 的研究论文。 发现了在 肝细胞 中由 脂质累积 诱导形成的 一种 新型 无膜细胞器 ，将其命名为 脂质诱导 颗粒 （Lipid-in ...

Core Viewpoint - The study reveals a novel mechanism of transcriptional regulation mediated by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), providing potential new strategies for its treatment [3][10]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research identifies transcription factor TFAP2β as a key downregulated transcription factor in ESCC, which suppresses the expression of ZNF131 through LLPS, thereby inhibiting ESCC progression [2][7]. - Two additional downregulated transcription factors, NFIX and ID4, are recruited to the TFAP2β condensate, enhancing its DNA binding capability, indicating that LLPS may be a common feature in the transcriptional regulation of ESCC [8][10]. - The study successfully improved the ATAC-seq technique for clinical samples, achieving a library preparation success rate of over 80% for ESCC and other gastrointestinal tumors [7]. Group 2: Therapeutic Implications - A small molecule compound A6 was identified through virtual screening, which enhances TFAP2β condensation and exhibits specific anti-tumor effects in ESCC models while minimally affecting normal esophageal cells [8][10]. - The findings suggest that targeting transcription factor phase separation could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for ESCC, addressing the urgent need for specific targeted therapies in this cancer type [6][10]. Group 3: Context of ESCC - ESCC accounts for approximately 90% of all esophageal cancer cases and is associated with a high mortality rate globally, highlighting the critical need for effective treatment options [5]. - Current treatment options for ESCC, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, often have limited efficacy and significant side effects, underscoring the necessity for personalized and targeted therapies [6].

Core Viewpoint - The research published by Professor Yang Chonglin's team from Yunnan University reveals that the mitochondria-associated condensates (MATO) formed by the RNA-binding protein LARP-1 through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) play a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and promoting lifespan extension [3][5]. Group 1 - The study demonstrates that MATO mediates the local synthesis of proteins necessary for maintaining mitochondrial structure and function [5]. - In Caenorhabditis elegans, LARP-1 coordinates the translation mechanism and the fusion of various RNA-binding proteins to form MATO, which is dependent on the mitochondrial outer membrane complex transport enzyme [5]. - A deficiency in LARP-1 significantly reduces mitochondrial protein levels, disrupts the organization of mitochondrial cristae, and affects ATP production [5]. Group 2 - The research identifies that the synthesis of MICOS subunit IMMT-1 (MIC60) and ATP synthase β subunit ATP-2, which are critical for mitochondrial cristae organization, is decreased in LARP-1 deficient worms [5]. - During aging and starvation, LARP-1 MATO dissociates from the mitochondria; however, its persistent presence in mitochondria can protect mitochondrial health and greatly extend lifespan [5][7].

Core Viewpoint - The research reveals that aggresomes, a type of non-membrane organelle in Escherichia coli, play a crucial role in protecting mRNA integrity under stress, thereby enhancing bacterial survival and recovery efficiency in adverse conditions [4][7][9]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study published in Nature Microbiology demonstrates that aggresomes selectively protect mRNA through electrostatic repulsion mechanisms, which is vital for the survival of persister cells under stress [4][8]. - Long-term stress leads to ATP depletion, resulting in increased formation and accumulation of aggresomes, along with specific mRNA enrichment within these structures [8]. - The research indicates that mRNA stored in aggresomes facilitates rapid reactivation of translation, contributing to a reduction in lag phase during bacterial growth after stress removal [8][9]. Group 2: Implications - Understanding the role of aggresomes in mRNA protection provides insights into bacterial resistance mechanisms, potentially guiding the development of novel antibacterial strategies targeting persister cells [4][7]. - The findings highlight the significance of non-membrane organelles in bacterial stress responses, which could influence future research in microbiology and antibiotic resistance [4][9].