Learning physics and biology from cytoskeletal and condensate interactions

Abstract

Two important mechanisms for self-organization in cells include condensation of biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids into phase-separated droplets to form membraneless organelles and organization of the cytoskeletal filaments into larger-scale systems such as the actin cortex and the microtubule-based mitotic spindle. Recent publications highlight that these two intracellular organization schemes are coordinated, with condensates controlling cytoskeletal organizations and cytoskeleton organizing the condensates. Here, we focus on recent progress from the past 2 years at the interface between condensates and cytoskeleton. We split the discussion into the physical and biological principles we can learn from these recent studies.