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Liquid–liquid phase separation within fibrillar networks

Author

Listed:
  • Jason X. Liu

    (Princeton University
    Princeton University)

  • Mikko P. Haataja

    (Princeton University
    Princeton University)

  • Andrej Košmrlj

    (Princeton University
    Princeton University)

  • Sujit S. Datta

    (Princeton University)

  • Craig B. Arnold

    (Princeton University
    Princeton University)

  • Rodney D. Priestley

    (Princeton University
    Princeton University)

Abstract

Complex fibrillar networks mediate liquid–liquid phase separation of biomolecular condensates within the cell. Mechanical interactions between these condensates and the surrounding networks are increasingly implicated in the physiology of the condensates and yet, the physical principles underlying phase separation within intracellular media remain poorly understood. Here, we elucidate the dynamics and mechanics of liquid–liquid phase separation within fibrillar networks by condensing oil droplets within biopolymer gels. We find that condensates constrained within the network pore space grow in abrupt temporal bursts. The subsequent restructuring of condensates and concomitant network deformation is contingent on the fracture of network fibrils, which is determined by a competition between condensate capillarity and network strength. As a synthetic analog to intracellular phase separation, these results further our understanding of the mechanical interactions between biomolecular condensates and fibrillar networks in the cell.

Suggested Citation

  • Jason X. Liu & Mikko P. Haataja & Andrej Košmrlj & Sujit S. Datta & Craig B. Arnold & Rodney D. Priestley, 2023. "Liquid–liquid phase separation within fibrillar networks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-41528-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41528-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cornelis Storm & Jennifer J. Pastore & F. C. MacKintosh & T. C. Lubensky & Paul A. Janmey, 2005. "Nonlinear elasticity in biological gels," Nature, Nature, vol. 435(7039), pages 191-194, May.
    2. Yifeng Qi & Bin Zhang, 2021. "Chromatin network retards nucleoli coalescence," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Bernardo Gouveia & Yoonji Kim & Joshua W. Shaevitz & Sabine Petry & Howard A. Stone & Clifford P. Brangwynne, 2022. "Capillary forces generated by biomolecular condensates," Nature, Nature, vol. 609(7926), pages 255-264, September.
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