Stressing the role of a short linear motif in ataxin-2 condensation

• DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.05.024
• Publication Date: 2023-06-15T21:32:53Z
• Authors: Tom Scheidt; Hao Ruan; Miao Yu; Edward A. Lemke
• Keywords: Humans; RNA-Binding Proteins; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Ataxin-1; Ataxin-2

Ataxin-2, an RNA-binding protein that is conserved across eukaryotes, is involved in stress granule assembly and age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Boeynaems et al.1 identify a short linear motif in ataxin-2 as a condensation switch, providing molecular insights into its essential role in cellular stress response.