Macromolecular phase separation is being recognized for its potential importance and relevance as a driver of spatial organization within cells. Here, we describe a framework based on synergies between networking (percolation or gelation) and density (phase separation) transitions. Accordingly, the phase transitions in question are referred to as phase separation coupled to percolation (PSCP). The condensates that result from PSCP are viscoelastic network fluids. Such systems have sequence-, composition-, and topology-specific internal network structures that give rise to time-dependent interplays between viscous and elastic properties. Unlike pure phase separation, the process of PSCP gives rise to sequence-, chemistry-, and structure-specific distributions of clusters that can form at concentrations that lie well below the threshold concentration for phase separation. PSCP, influenced by specific versus solubility-determining interactions, also provides a bridge between different observations and helps answer questions and address challenges that have arisen regarding the role of macromolecular phase separation in biology.

大分子相分离因其作为细胞内空间组织驱动因素的潜在重要性和相关性而得到认可。在这里，我们描述了一个基于网络（渗滤或凝胶）和密度（相分离）转变之间协同作用的框架。因此，所讨论的相变被称为相分离耦合渗透（PSCP）。 PSCP 产生的冷凝物是粘弹性网络流体。此类系统具有特定于序列、组成和拓扑的内部网络结构，这些结构会导致粘性和弹性特性之间随时间变化的相互作用。与纯相分离不同，PSCP 过程会产生序列、化学和结构特定的簇分布，这些分布可以在远低于相分离阈值浓度的浓度下形成。 PSCP 受特定相互作用与溶解度决定相互作用的影响，还提供了不同观察结果之间的桥梁，有助于回答有关大分子相分离在生物学中的作用的问题和解决挑战。