# Protein accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum as a non-equilibrium phase transition

Source: [Protein accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum as a non-equilibrium phase transition](<https://www.sota2.com/research/paper/68fa5ead1e209131ce9e44ac>)

Collection index: [llms.txt](<https://www.sota2.com/research/llms.txt>)

Data updated: 2025-10-25T18:55:48.693Z

Authors: Z. Budrikis, G. Costantini, C.A. La Porta, S. Zapperi

Published: 2014-04-15T23:59:01.000Z

## Abstract

Several neurological disorders are associated with the aggregation of aberrant proteins, often localized in intracellular organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we study protein aggregation kinetics by mean-field reactions and three dimensional Monte carlo simulations of diffusion-limited aggregation of linear polymers in a confined space, representing the endoplasmic reticulum. By tuning the rates of protein production and degradation, we show that the system undergoes a non-equilibrium phase transition from a physiological phase with little or no polymer accumulation to a pathological phase characterized by persistent polymerization. A combination of external factors accumulating during the lifetime of a patient can thus slightly modify the phase transition control parameters, tipping the balance from a long symptomless lag phase to an accelerated pathological development. The model can be successfully used to interpret experimental data on amyloid-\\b{eta} clearance from the central nervous system.

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## Original sources and implementation

[Original paper](<https://arxiv.org/abs/1404.4112>)

[PDF](<https://arxiv.org/pdf/1404.4112.pdf>)