Phase Transitions of Associative Biomacromolecules

Multivalent proteins and nucleic acids, collectively referred to as multivalent associative biomacromolecules, provide the driving forces for the formation and compositional regulation of biomolecular condensates. Here, we review the key concepts of phase transitions of aqueous solutions of associative biomacromolecules, specifically proteins that include folded domains and intrinsically disordered regions. The phase transitions of these systems come under the rubric of coupled associative and segregative transitions. The concepts underlying these processes are presented, and their relevance to biomolecular condensates is discussed.

Automated summary

In this review, we discuss the role of multivalent associative biomacromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, in the formation and regulation of biomolecular condensates. We also explore the concepts of phase transitions in aqueous solutions of these associative biomacromolecules and their relevance to biomolecular condensates.