Abstract：
Liquid-liquid phase separation is a multicomponent system separated into phases with different compositions and structures. It has been identified and explored in organisms after being introduced from the thermodynamic field. Condensate, the product of phase separation, exists in different scales of cellular structures, such as nucleolus, stress granules, and other organelles in nuclei or cytoplasm. And also play critical roles in different cellular behaviors. Here, we review the concept, thermodynamical and biochemical principles of phase separation. We summarized the main functions including the adjustment of biochemical reaction rates, the regulation of macromolecule folding state, subcellular structural support, the mediation of subcellular location, and intimately linked to different kinds of diseases, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Advanced detection methods to investigate phase separation are collected and analyzed. We conclude with the discussion of anxiety of phase separation, and thought about how progress can be made to develop precise detection methods and disclose the potential application of condensates.
摘要：
液-液相分离是分离成具有不同组成和结构的相的多组分体系。从热力学领域引入后，已在生物体中进行了鉴定和探索。冷凝水,相分离的产物，存在于不同尺度的细胞结构中，比如核仁，应力颗粒，和细胞核或细胞质中的其他细胞器。并在不同的细胞行为中发挥关键作用。这里,我们回顾了这个概念，相分离的热力学和生物化学原理。我们总结了主要功能，包括生化反应速率的调节，大分子折叠状态的调节，亚细胞结构支撑，亚细胞位置的调解，与不同种类的疾病密切相关，比如癌症和神经变性。收集并分析了研究相分离的先进检测方法。我们最后讨论了相分离的焦虑，并思考如何在开发精确的检测方法和揭示冷凝物的潜在应用方面取得进展。
