Mechanical Frustration of Phase Separation in the Cell Nucleus by Chromatin

Watch a detailed scientific lecture from Professor Yaojun Zhang of Johns Hopkins University exploring how mechanical interactions with chromatin can affect liquid-liquid phase separation in cell nuclei. Discover how conventional theories about phase-separated condensates are challenged by observations of multiple dispersed droplets in both natural and synthetic cellular environments. Through coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical analysis, learn how chromatin's gel-like properties constrain droplet size and suppress both coalescence and ripening dynamics in the nucleus. Gain insights into the critical role of local mechanical environments in biomolecular condensate formation and their impact on fundamental biological processes within cell nuclei. Delivered as part of the "New statistical physics in living matter: non equilibrium states under adaptive control" series at the Isaac Newton Institute, this hour-long presentation advances our understanding of cellular organization through phase separation mechanics.