Phase separation underlies functional compartmentalization in living systems. Two recent studies (Beutel et al. and Schwayer et al.) show that zonula occludens (ZO) proteins of tight junctions (TJs) condense into compartments within the cytoplasm that display liquid properties. This ability to condense predicts normal TJ assembly and epithelial barrier function which are essential for vertebrate embryogenesis.

中文翻译：

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当分离加强联系时。

相分离是生命系统中功能分区的基础。最近的两项研究（Beutel等人和Schwayer等人）表明紧密连接（TJs）的小带闭合（ZO）蛋白凝结到显示液体特性的细胞质内。这种凝聚能力预示着正常的TJ组装和上皮屏障功能，这对于脊椎动物胚胎发生至关重要。