Liquid phase condensation in cell physiology and disease

Phase transitions are ubiquitous in nonliving matter, and recent discoveries have shown that they also play a key role within living cells. Intracellular liquid-liquid phase separation is thought to drive the formation of condensed liquid-like droplets of protein, RNA, and other biomolecules, which form in the absence of a delimiting membrane. Recent studies have elucidated many aspects of the molecular interactions underlying the formation of these remarkable and ubiquitous droplets and the way in which such interactions dictate their material properties, composition, and phase behavior. Here, we review these exciting developments and highlight key remaining challenges, particularly the ability of liquid…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: award337135, 1253035
• HH
  Howard Hughes Medical Institute

  Award: award337137
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: 1DP2GM105437-01, award337134, award337136, U01DA040601