Phase Separation and Histone Epigenetics in Genome Regulation.

Liquid-liquid phase separation is increasingly recognized as a phenomenon that affects cell behavior. For example, phase separation of transcription factors and coactivators has been shown to drive efficient transcription. For many years, phase separation of intracellular components has been observed; however, only recently have researchers been able to garner functional significance from such events. Inspired from recent literature that describes phase separation of chromatin in a histone-dependent manner, we review the role and effect of phase separation and histone epigenetics in regulating the genome and discuss how these phenomena can be leveraged to control cell behavior.