Polysomes and mRNA control the biophysical properties of the eukaryotic cytoplasm

The organization and biophysical properties of the cytoplasm influence all cellular reactions, including molecular interactions and the mobility of biomolecules. The cytoplasm does not behave like a simple fluid but is a densely crowded and highly organized environment. However, its detailed properties, the molecular mechanisms that control them, and how they influence the cellular biochemistry remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the diffusive properties of the cytoplasm in silico and in vivo, employing mRNPs (messenger ribonucleoproteins) and GEM (genetically encoded multimeric) particles as rheological probes. Cytoplasmic diffusivity increases upon polysome disassembly or a reduction in mRNA levels. Reducing ribosome concentration by up to 20%-25% without altering polysome levels has no effect in vivo. Furthermore, mRNA condensation into P-bodies upon polysome disassembly does not affect cytosolic diffusion in budding yeast. Our results demonstrate that mRNAs and their organization into polysomes regulate the biophysical properties of the eukaryotic cytoplasm.