Unveiling the role of biomolecular condensates in cellular function and cancer

Abstract

Biomolecular condensates (BMCs) are membrane-less organelles formed through liquid-liquid phase separation, primarily driven by multivalent interactions between scaffold and client molecules. These dynamic compartments enable cells to spatially and temporally organize biochemical reactions by locally concentrating specific biomolecules, thereby enhancing the frequency of productive molecular interactions and increasing reaction rates. BMCs are integral to normal cellular physiology, with well-characterized examples including the nucleolus and Cajal bodies. However, aberrant formation or regulation of condensates has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and immune-related conditions. Intrinsically disordered regions and disease-associated mutations in key residues often promote pathological phase separation, contributing to condensate dysregulation. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular principles governing BMC biogenesis is critical for the development of novel, non-invasive therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating condensate dynamics in disease contexts.