Unprecedented discoveries have revealed the presence of biomolecular condensates (BCs) in diverse organisms and their involvement in biological functions. Most BCs involve the coacervation of RNA and proteins through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), providing a means for reversible spatiotemporal control of cellular processes. This Perspective discusses the co-evolution of BCs as complex microcompartments alongside membrane-bound organelles in cells.
Unprecedented discoveries during the past decade have unearthed the ubiquitous presence of biomolecular condensates (BCs) in diverse organisms and their involvement in a plethora of biological functions. A predominant number of BCs involve coacervation of RNA and proteins that demix from homogenous solutions by a process of phase separation well described by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which results in a phase with higher concentration and density from the bulk solution. BCs provide a simple and effective means to achieve reversible spatiotemporal control of cellular processes and adaptation to environmental stimuli in an energy-independent manner. The journey into the past of this phenomenon provides clues to the evolutionary origins of life itself. Here I assemble some current and historic discoveries on LLPS to contemplate whether BCs are extant biological hubs or evolving microcompartments. I conclude that BCs in biology could be extant as a phenomenon but are co-evolving as functionally and compositionally complex microcompartments in cells alongside the membrane-bound organelles. This Perspective discusses how biomolecular condensates are co-evolving as complex microcompartments alongside membrane-bound organelles in cells.
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