From start to end: Phase separation and transcriptional regulation

Abstract

Phase separation is the basis for the formation of membrane-less organelles in cells and is involved in many biological processes. Many biological macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, exert their biological functions by forming phase-separated condensates, and phase separation is closely related to various human diseases. Gene transcriptional regulation is an indispensable part of gene expression and normal function in cells. Its abnormal regulation often causes the occurrence of different diseases. In recent years, the occurrence of phase separation during transcriptional regulation has become an area of intense research. This review summarizes the process of phase separation involved in heterochromatin formation and chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation and post-transcriptional regulation. It provides a reference for understanding gene regulation during cell identity and disease development.

Keywords: Chromatin remodeling; Heterochromatin formation; Phase separation; Post-transcriptional regulation; Transcriptional regulation.