Capillary forces generated by biomolecular condensates

Bernardo Gouveia, Yoonji Kim, Joshua W. Shaevitz, Sabine Petry, Howard A. Stone () and Clifford P. Brangwynne ()
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Bernardo Gouveia: Princeton University
Yoonji Kim: Princeton University
Joshua W. Shaevitz: Princeton University
Sabine Petry: Princeton University
Howard A. Stone: Princeton University
Clifford P. Brangwynne: Princeton University

Nature, 2022, vol. 609, issue 7926, 255-264

Abstract: Abstract Liquid–liquid phase separation and related phase transitions have emerged as generic mechanisms in living cells for the formation of membraneless compartments or biomolecular condensates. The surface between two immiscible phases has an interfacial tension, generating capillary forces that can perform work on the surrounding environment. Here we present the physical principles of capillarity, including examples of how capillary forces structure multiphase condensates and remodel biological substrates. As with other mechanisms of intracellular force generation, for example, molecular motors, capillary forces can influence biological processes. Identifying the biomolecular determinants of condensate capillarity represents an exciting frontier, bridging soft matter physics and cell biology.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05138-6

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