Phase-Separated Nuclear Bodies: Unraveling RNA Processing and Chromatin Dynamics

Phase separation in nuclear cell biology represents a conceptual framework for understanding how cells spatially and temporally regulate gene expression. Membraneless nuclear bodies - such as nucleoli, Cajal bodies, and nuclear speckles - are now recognized as sites of dynamic molecular congregation, forming through biomolecular condensation. While foundational studies have uncovered key principles underlying condensate formation and function, significant questions remain regarding their molecular impact on chromatin architecture, transcriptional activity, and the orchestration of RNA biogenesis. Recent technological breakthroughs, including MINFLUX nanoscopy, single-molecule imaging, and high-resolution transcriptomics, have enabled researchers to probe these nuclear structures at an unprecedented level of detail. However, much about how these nuclear bodies influence genome organization and gene regulatory networks is unknown, and their dysfunction is increasingly associated with a spectrum of human diseases.This Research Topic aims to clarify the mechanisms by which phase-separated nuclear bodies govern RNA processing and chromatin dynamics. A central objective is to address the ongoing debate over whether these condensates function primarily as resource hubs, supplying essential factors to local genomic regions, or as sequestration domains, restricting access and thereby modulating transcription and RNA-processing outputs. By interrogating the balance between these roles, this topic seeks to uncover fundamental rules that underpin the spatial and temporal logic of gene-expression control within the nucleus. Insights derived from this work hold the promise of revealing not only basic biological principles but also potential targets for therapeutic intervention where aberrant condensate behavior contributes to pathology.To gather further insights in the regulation of nuclear organization by phase separation, this Research Topic welcomes studies that emphasize mechanistic investigations and technological advances, with a focus on animal, plant, and disease models. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Molecular composition and biophysical properties of nuclear condensateso Advanced imaging and sequencing techniques for condensate researcho Chromatin architecture remodeling by phase-separated bodieso Interplay between nuclear bodies, RNA biogenesis, and transcriptional regulationo Pathological consequences of aberrant nuclear condensate formationo Therapeutic targeting of condensation mechanisms in diseaseWe invite original research, reviews, methods, and perspectives that advance this dynamic area of nuclear cell biology. Topic editors: Miroslav Dundr, Naoyuki Kataoka Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77120/phase-separated-nuclear-bodies-unraveling-rna-processing-and-chromatin-dynamics