Phase Separation: Direct and Indirect Driving Force for High-Order Chromatin Organization

The multi-level spatial chromatin organization in the nucleus is closely related to chromatin activity. The mechanism of chromatin organization and remodeling attract much attention. Phase separation describes the biomolecular condensation which is the basis for membraneless compartments in cells. Recent research shows that phase separation is a key aspect to drive high-order chromatin structure and remodeling. In addition, chromatin functional compartmentalization in the nucleus which is formed by phase separation also plays an important role in overall chromatin structure. In this review, we summarized the latest work about the role of phase separation in spatial chromatin organization, focusing on direct and indirect effects of phase separation on 3D chromatin organization and its impact on transcription regulation.

Automated summary

The multi-level spatial chromatin organization in the nucleus is closely related to chromatin activity. Recent research shows that phase separation is a key aspect to drive high-order chromatin structure and remodeling, and also plays an important role in overall chromatin structure. In this review, the role of phase separation in spatial chromatin organization, its direct and indirect effects on 3D chromatin organization, and its impact on transcription regulation are summarized.