Three-dimensional structure and function of chromatin regulated by "liquid-liquid phase separation" of biological...

Phase separation drives biomacromolecule condensation (phase separation) and is the main mechanism for the formation of membrane-less organelles in cells. Phase separation is involved in many biological processes and is closely associated to various human diseases, e.g., neurodegenerative diseases. Focusing on the molecular mechanism and functions, researchers have recently revealed close associations s between phase separation and various biological functions, such as signal transduction, chromosome structure, gene expression, and transcriptional regulation. These findings have provided new perspectives in understanding cell fate decisions and disease processes, thereby offering novel approaches for future drug discovery and development of disease treatments in medicine. In this review, we summarized the current progress in the field of phase separation research. We focused on its application on understanding how phase separation remodels the chromatin structure, assembles co-activators and super-enhancers in regulation of gene expression, in order to further understand the relationship between phase separation and chromatin spatial structures. Finally, we also outline the challenges in reference to future research directions in the field.