Transcriptional outputs and condensates - formation and function

The dynamic spatiotemporal organization of macromolecules is key to the proper function of the cell, allowing the exquisite regulation of diverse processes from gene expression to enzymatic function. The formation of biomolecular condensates via phase separation (PS) acts as a general mechanism for selectively concentrating proteins, nucleic acids and metabolites in membraneless compartments and thus modulating their activity. Recent studies suggest that plants broadly exploit PS to perceive and quickly respond to their environment, altering transcriptional outputs as a function of changing environmental stimuli. Here, we provide examples of how PS properties contribute to modulating plant environmental response with a focus on gene expression at the transcriptional level and discuss the mechanisms of action of phase-separating proteins and the importance of specific protein-protein interactions for nucleation of PS.