Abstract
Biomolecular phase separation denotes the demixing of a specific set of intracellular components without membrane encapsulation. Recent studies have found that biomolecular phase separation is involved in a wide range of cellular processes. In particular, phase separation is involved in the formation and regulation of chromosome structures at various levels. Here, we review the current understanding of biomolecular phase separation related to chromosomes. First, we discuss the fundamental principles of phase separation and introduce several examples of nuclear/chromosomal biomolecular assemblies formed by phase separation. We also briefly explain the experimental and computational methods used to study phase separation in chromosomes. Finally, we discuss a recent phase separation model, termed bridging-induced phase separation (BIPS), which can explain the formation of local chromosome structures.
Highlights
The various components of cells are organized both spatially and temporally for efficient functioning; membrane-bound organelles are examples of spatiotemporal compartmentalization
Since bridging-induced phase separation (BIPS)/polymer-polymer phase separation (PPPS) can induce liquid-like condensates [20], which is a hallmark of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), we suggest that BIPS should be considered a type of LLPS
We discuss the fundamental principles of biomolecular phase separation, including the stickers-and-spacers model, and the current understanding of phase separation involved in DNA-related processes in chromosomes
Summary
The various components of cells (especially eukaryotic cells) are organized both spatially and temporally for efficient functioning; membrane-bound organelles are examples of spatiotemporal compartmentalization. Other types of organelles exist that lack a membrane structure, known as membraneless organelles [1], and include: nucleoli for ribosomal synthesis in the nucleus [2], centrosomes for microtubule nucleation [3], Cajal bodies for the synthesis of spliceosomes [4], and stress granules for modulation of the stress response [5]. These organelles do not enclose their components within a membrane, they do not mix with their surroundings. This is reflected in the observations that after crossing csat, the size and number of dense-phase droplets increases as the solute concentration increases
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