Fig. 4: The radiotolerant polyP-Mn coacervate droplet efficiently protected the recruited proteins.
From: An inorganic mineral-based protocell with prebiotic radiation fitness
a Microscope images of polyP-RER coacervate droplets containing FAM-ssDNA (green) and mCherry (red) following exposure to γ-ray. Scale bar, 10 μm; b Microscope images of polyP-Mn coacervate droplets containing mCherry (red) following exposure to γ-ray. Scale bar, 10 μm. c Microscope images of polyP-metal coacervate droplets containing mCherry (red) following exposure to γ-ray. Scale bar, 10 μm; Representative images (a–c) from n = 3 independent experiments; d Western blot assay of protein carbonylation of mCherry in solution (CK) and polyP-metal coacervates, respectively. Anti-DNP, anti- 2,4-dinitrophenyl. e Western blot assay of protein carbonylation of mCherry in solution containing Mn-Pi at different concentrations (left panel) or in polyP-Mn droplets containing polyP of different length (P45, P60 and P100) (right panel). Experiments were independently repeated three times with similar results (d, e). f Molybdenum blue assay of free phosphate (Pi) release from polyP-Mn droplets. Data are presented as mean ± SD (n = 4 independent experiments). Uncropped blots and source data are provided as a Source Data file.
