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Phase separation

Micropolarized to the core

Macromolecules can undergo liquid–liquid phase separation to form condensates that have critical roles in biological functions and dysfunctions. A new study demonstrates that differences in micropolarity between components is a prime determinant of the multiphasic architecture of biomolecular condensates.

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Fig. 1: Modulation of multiphasic biocondensate architecture.

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Acknowledgements

Grant support was provided by NINDS, NIH to A.C.M.F. (R01 NS105874 and R21 NS107792), and by NIGMS, NIH (R01 GM122763) and the Welch Foundation (Q-2097-20220331) to J.C.F.

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Correspondence to Allan Chris M. Ferreon.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Quan, M.D., Ferreon, J.C. & Ferreon, A.C.M. Micropolarized to the core. Nat Chem Biol 20, 399–400 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-024-01542-3

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