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Membrane-less compartments in the nucleus: Separated or connected phases?

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Nuclear membrane-less compartments form via phase separation. This review explores their formation, communication, and potential roles in cellular functions and diseases.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Many nuclear compartments lack membranes and exhibit liquid-like properties.
  • These structures are increasingly understood to form via phase separation, a physicochemical process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the formation of nuclear compartments through phase separation.
  • To propose and discuss mechanisms of inter-compartmental communication within the nucleus.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on nuclear compartment formation and function.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of phase separation in biological systems.
  • Conceptual framework for nuclear inter-compartmental communication.

Main Results:

  • Nuclear compartments like the genome, transcription sites, and nuclear bodies form via phase separation.
  • Inter-compartmental communication can occur through macromolecular diffusion, compartment fusion, and direct contacts.

Conclusions:

  • Phase separation is a key mechanism for nuclear compartment organization.
  • Understanding nuclear communication is crucial for insights into cellular functions and disease mechanisms.