Rapid Protein Phase Separation and RNA Diffusion Behavior Changes under Hyperosmotic Cell Volume Compression

Proteins and RNAs can form functional biological condensates, also known as membraneless organelles, via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The partitioning of different proteins and RNAs between the dilute phase and the condensed phase provides delicate regulation over their functions, from promoting biochemical reactions and specific intermolecular interactions, to sequestering key molecules from downstream processing or signaling. Hyperosmotic phase separation (HOPS) is a recently discovered LLPS triggered by the hyperosmotic compression of cell volume.