Biological Condensates
Biological condensates are created by the liquid-liquid phase separation in the cells. Traditionally, the notion of phase separation was applied only to non-living systems. However, this perspective changed dramatically with the discovery of P granules in the C. elegans germline, highlighting the critical role of liquid-liquid phase separation in living cells [1]. Liquid-liquid phase separation is a process where a homogeneous solution divides into two separate liquid phases, similar to how oil separates from water. In biological systems, this phenomenon leads to the formation of membrane-less organelles, which are dynamic cellular compartments without lipid bilayers, commonly known as biological condensates.
Research has shown that protein condensates, which start off dynamic and fluid, gradually transition into a more solid-like state with slower dynamics over a period of several days [2]. This slow relaxation process is akin to the behavior of glass, which is inherently a non-equilibrium process. Comprehending this material characteristic is vital, as it represents the time-dependent evolution of the rheological properties of protein condensates.
How could active processes such as molecular motors play a role in the rheological properties of biological condensates? Active processes play various roles in cellular functions. My current projects are focused on the interaction between active processes and rheological properties of biological condensates.