Regulation of biomolecular condensate dynamics by signaling

Biomolecular condensates are mesoscopic biomolecular assemblies devoid of long range order that contribute to important cellular functions. They form reversibly, are stabilized by numerous but relatively weak intermolecular interactions, and their formation can be regulated by various cellular signals including changes in local concentration, post-translational modifications, energy-consuming processes, and biomolecular interactions. Condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation are initially liquid but are metastable relative to hydrogels or irreversible solids that have been associated with protein aggregation diseases and are stabilized by stronger, more permanent interactions. As a consequence of this, a series of cellular mechanisms are available to regulate not only biomolecular condensation but also the physical properties of the condensates.