Physics of non-equilibrium phase separation: Implications for stress granule formation in the cell cytoplasm

Phase separation is exploited by biological cells to organize their cytoplasm. Although equilibrium phase separation is a well understood phenomenon, the cell cytoplasm is fundamentally different from a thermal system, with driven chemical reactions and directed movement being two hallmarks of its non-equilibrium nature. In this presentation, I will describe some of the universal features in non-equilibrium phase separation relevant to the cell cytoplasm. I will then discuss their implications for stress granules, which form in the cell cytoplasm when the cell is under stress.

References:
1. J.D. Wurtz and C.F. Lee (2018) Chemical reaction-controlled phase separated drops: Formation, size selection, and coarsening. Physical Review Letters 120, 078102
2. J.D. Wurtz and C.F. Lee (2018) Stress granule formation via ATP depletion-triggered phase separation. New Journal of Physics 20, 045008