Integrative Chemical Genetics Platform Identifies Condensate Modulators Linked to Neurological Disorders.

Journal: Molecular biology of the cell
Published Date:

Abstract

Dysregulation of biomolecular condensates is implicated across multiple neurological disorders. However, approaches to systematically identify their modulators remain limited. Here we expand the utility of MLF2 as a versatile condensate biomarker and develop CondenScreen, an integrated high-content screening and bioinformatic pipeline enabling identification of condensate modulators across chemical and genetic space. Screening 1,760 bioactive compounds in a cellular DYT1 dystonia model, we validate the platform for condensate-targeted drug discovery, identifying drugs that prevent accumulation of the MLF2 reporter into nuclear envelope condensates. In parallel, a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen correlates nuclear condensate abundance with genes implicated in microcephaly and over eight additional neurodevelopmental disorders. Machine learning and confocal imaging resolve distinct condensate phenotypes, with RNF26-deletion provoking nuclear envelope condensates that phenocopy hallmarks of torsin deficiency. Our study provides a scalable platform for identifying modulators of condensates and establishes a correlative connection between nuclear condensate accumulation and genes implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders.

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