Formation of biomolecular condensates that are not enclosed by membranes via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a general strategy that cells adopt to organize membraneless subcellular compartments for diverse functions. Neurons are highly polarized with elaborate branching and functional compartmentalization of their neurites, thus, raising additional demand for the proper subcellular localization of both membraneless and membrane-based organelles. Recent studies have provided evidence that several protein assemblies involved in the establishment of neuronal stem cell (NSC) polarity and in the asymmetric division of NSCs form distinct molecular condensates via LLPS. In synapses of adult neurons, molecular apparatuses controlling presynaptic neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic signaling transmission are also likely formed via LLPS. These molecular condensates, though not enclosed by lipid bilayers, directly associate with plasma membranes or membrane-based organelles, indicating that direct communication between membraneless and membrane-based organelles is a common theme in neurons and other types of cells.

通过液-液相分离（LLPS）形成未被膜包围的生物分子缩合物的形成是细胞用于组织无膜亚细胞区室以实现多种功能的一般策略。神经元因其神经突的精心分支和功能区分开而高度极化，因此对无膜和基于膜的细胞器的正确亚细胞定位提出了更高的要求。最近的研究提供了证据，涉及神经干细胞（NSC）极性的建立和NSCs不对称分裂的几种蛋白质组装体通过LLPS形成了截然不同的分子缩合物。在成年神经元的突触中，也可能通过LLPS形成控制突触前神经递质释放和突触后信号传导的分子装置。