Phase separation sets up interphase potentials of biomolecular condensates [IRB Research Nodes Seminar]

Biomolecular condensates form via macromolecular condensation, which combines reversible binding, percolation (also known as gelation), and phase separation. Dur to the latter, condensates are defined by two or more coexisting phases. Chemical potentials of constituent macromolecules and solvent components are equalized across coexisting phases that define specific condensates, and this can generate passive gradients of protons, ions, and metabolites that are referred to as interphase potentials. This talk will summarize how specificity of condensation gives rise to nuclear bodies of defined composition, and distinct interphase potentials. Functional consequences of these interphase potentials will be discussed.