Abstract

The composition and structure of biomolecular condensates are characterized by their molecular complexity and dynamics, which often contain an intricate mixture of proteins and nucleic acids. Biomolecular condensates are membrane-less subcellular compartments that concentrate specific sets of molecules at discrete locations of the cell. Liquid–liquid phase separation is the underlying mechanism that drives such cellular compartmentalization and biogenesis of numerous membrane-less organelles (MLOs). Eukaryotic cells harbor numerous distinct MLOs, each possessing its own unique chemical composition, cellular location(s), and biological function(s). Given the important role of biomolecular condensates in various cellular processes and considering that disturbances in biomolecular condensate formation can lead to debilitating diseases, it is essential to understand the composition and interactions underlying phase-separated states. Several recent studies on the organization of the cellular environment and the complexity of cellular biology have provided new insights into the role played by biomolecular condensates. In this chapter, we describe the regulation of condensate composition and introduce the current understanding of the components that make up representative examples of these complex biomolecular structures. Finally, we discuss how different types of interactions influence the condensate composition.

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