Biomolecular condensates in physiology and disease
Anthony A. Hyman, PhD
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Dresden, Germany

Cells organize many of their biochemical reactions by formation and dissolution of non-membrane-bound compartments. Recent experiments show that one common mechanism for such biochemical organization is phase separation of disordered proteins to form liquid-like compartments. These compartments can subsequently harden to form compartments with new material properties such as gels and glasses. These compartments can be described by principles elucidated from condensed-matter physics and are therefore termed biomolecular condensates. I will discuss potential roles of phase separation in organization and robustness of cellular biochemistry.