PSPer

PSPer predicts prion-like RNA-binding phase separation proteins (PSPs) and characterizes their functional regions to prioritize candidates for experimental study.

Key Features:

• In-Silico Screening: Prioritizes prion-like RNA-binding PSPs from large proteomes based on their likelihood to engage in phase separation.
• Functional Region Assignment: Assigns specific functional regions within predicted proteins to inform targeted experimental mutagenesis.
• Proteome Screening: Screens entire proteomes for RNA-binding domains, intrinsically disordered regions, and prion-like sequence features associated with phase separation.
• Design of Artificial Proteins: Estimates condensate-forming propensity of designed proteins and reports a correlation coefficient of r=-0.87 with experimental measurements.

Scientific Applications:

• Cell Biology: Identifies candidate PSPs to elucidate mechanisms of membraneless organelle formation and cellular responses to environmental changes and stress.
• Disease Research: Pinpoints proteins involved in pathological condensate formation to support identification of biomarkers or therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases linked to phase separation dysfunction.
• Protein Engineering: Predicts behavior of designed proteins to guide development of biomaterials and study protein–protein interactions in synthetic systems.

Methodology:

Performs in-silico proteome screening, functional-region assignment, and condensate propensity estimation, with a reported correlation of r=-0.87 to experimental data.