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Abstract:
Cells compartmentalize their components in liquid-like condensates, which can be reconstituted in vitro. Although these condensates interact with membrane-bound organelles, the potential of membrane remodeling and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that interactions between protein condensates and membranes can lead to remarkable morphological transformations and describe these with theoretical analysis. Modulation of solution salinity or membrane composition drives the condensate-membrane system through two wetting transitions, from dewetting, through a broad regime of partial wetting, to complete wetting. The observed morphologies are governed by the interplay of adhesion, membrane elasticity and interfacial tension. A new phenomenon, namely reticulation or fingering of the condensate-membrane interface is observed when sufficient membrane area is available, producing complex curved structures. Our results highlight the relevance of wetting in cell biology, and pave the way for the design of synthetic membrane-droplet based biomaterials and compartments with tunable properties.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.
