Review Article
Biomolecular Condensates in Metabolic Regulation: Phase-Separated Organization of Glycolytic Enzymes
Erastus Kihali*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
13-24
Received:
14 March 2026
Accepted:
27 March 2026
Published:
7 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbls.20261402.11
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Abstract: Biomolecular condensates formed through liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) have emerged as important organizers of intracellular biochemical processes, enabling the spatial compartmentalization of cellular reactions without membrane-bound structures. Recent studies suggest that metabolic enzymes, including those involved in glycolysis, can assemble into dynamic condensates that may regulate metabolic activity. This study presents a systematic review aimed at synthesizing experimental evidence on the role of biomolecular condensates in the organization of glycolytic enzymes and the regulation of central carbon metabolism. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, covering studies published between 2016 and 2025. Following systematic screening based on predefined inclusion criteria, six studies were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The findings demonstrate that glycolytic enzymes can form phase-separated condensates under various cellular conditions, including hypoxia, osmotic stress, growth factor signaling, and viral infection. These condensates exhibit key properties of liquid-like behavior and may contribute to the spatial organization of metabolic pathways. Evidence from the included studies suggests that enzyme condensation may facilitate coordinated metabolic responses, although direct measurements of metabolic flux remain limited. In conclusion, phase separation represents a potential mechanism for the spatial regulation of glycolysis and metabolic pathways. Further research is required to clarify the biophysical properties and functional implications of metabolic enzyme condensates in cellular metabolism.
Abstract: Biomolecular condensates formed through liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) have emerged as important organizers of intracellular biochemical processes, enabling the spatial compartmentalization of cellular reactions without membrane-bound structures. Recent studies suggest that metabolic enzymes, including those involved in glycolysis, can assem...
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Research Article
A Randomized, Single-blind, Parallel-controlled Clinical Trial of Puze Biological V9 Probiotic as an Adjunct Therapy for Children Aged 2-7 Years with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dongmei Hou,
Meijun Zhan,
Yaxuan Wang,
Cuiping Li,
Jibiao Yan*,
Lidao Bao*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
25-33
Received:
2 March 2026
Accepted:
31 March 2026
Published:
13 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbls.20261402.12
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Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effects of Puze Biological V9 Probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis V9) as an adjunctive intervention on core symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and gut microbiota in children aged 2-7 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: A randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled design was adopted. Sixty children with ASD (aged 2-7 years) who met the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to two groups: the control group (n=30) received conventional rehabilitation therapy (primarily Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA); the experimental group (n=30) received conventional rehabilitation therapy plus daily oral administration of Puze Biological V9 probiotic lyophilized powder (viable count ≥1×10^10 CFU/day). The intervention period was 3 months. The primary outcome measure was the change in total score on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Secondary outcome measures included scores on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), fecal microbiota metagenomic analysis, and safety indicators. Results: After 3 months of intervention, the decrease in the total CARS score in the experimental group (12.3 ± 3.5 points) was significantly greater than that in the control group (8.1 ± 2.9 points) (P<0.01). The improvement in the total GSRS score and its sub-scores (abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, etc.) in the experimental group was also significantly superior to that in the control group (P<0.01). Improvements in SRS and ABC scale scores were also significant in the experimental group (P<0.05). Metagenomic analysis showed a significant increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and a decrease in the abundance of potential harmful bacteria such as Clostridium in the gut of children in the experimental group. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. Conclusion: Based on conventional rehabilitation therapy, adjunctive use of Puze Biological V9 probiotic for 3 months can safely and effectively improve core behavioral symptoms and concomitant gastrointestinal dysfunction in children aged 2-7 years with ASD. Its effect may be related to regulating the structure of gut microbiota and optimizing the function of the "gut-brain axis". This study provides clinical evidence for the application of the domestic probiotic strain V9 in the adjunctive treatment of ASD.
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effects of Puze Biological V9 Probiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis V9) as an adjunctive intervention on core symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and gut microbiota in children aged 2-7 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: A randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled design was adopted. Sixt...
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