Non-equilibrium regulation of condensate patterning

Nucleolar fibrillar centers (FCs) form patterned condensates that are characterized by a typical condensate size, number and spacing in a cell. Experiments showed that inhibiting ribosomal RNA synthesis alters the patterning of FCs. Predictions from a field theory coupled to reaction-diffusion equations for RNA transcription predicted that active RNA synthesis generates a non-equilibrium state wherein condensate coarsening is arrested, thus resulting in patterned condensates. Experimental tests are in consistent with predictions. Functional importance of arrested coarsening and patterning will also be described.