Benjamin R. Sabari

Keywords transcription condensates phase separation density transition higher-order complex emergent property transcriptional burst Introduction Gene activation is a multi-step process that requires the coordination of dozens of factors in space and time.

Keywords phase separation NUP98 fusion protein biomolecular condensate selective partitioning transcriptional regulation leukemia MLL WDR5 coactivator Get full text access Log in, subscribe or purchase for full access. References 1. Banani, S.F. ∙ Lee, H.O. ∙ Hyman, A.A. ... Biomolecular condensates: organizers of cellular biochemistry Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 2017; 18:285-298 2. Shin, Y. ∙ Brangwynne, C.P. Liquid phase condensation in cell physiology and disease Science. 2017; 357, eaaf4382 3.

Abstract Biomolecular condensates are thought to create subcellular microenvironments that regulate specific biochemical activities. Extensive in vitro work has helped link condensate formation to a wide range of cellular processes, including gene expression, nuclear transport, signalling and stress responses. However, testing the relationship between condensate formation and function in cells is more challenging.