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Phase separation drives tumor pathogenesis and evolution: all roads lead to Rome

Oncogene volume 41, pages 1527–1535 (2022)Cite this article

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Abstract

Cells coordinate numerous biochemical reactions in space and time, depending on the subdivision of the intracellular space into functional compartments. Compelling evidence has demonstrated that phase separation induces the formation of membrane-less compartments to partition intracellular substances in a strictly regulated manner and participates in various biological processes. Based on the strong association of cancer with the dysregulation of intracellular physiological processes and the occurrence of phase separation in cancer-associated condensates, phase separation undoubtedly plays a significant role in tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the drivers and functions of phase separation, elaborate on the roles of phase separation in tumor pathogenesis and evolution, and propose substantial research and therapeutic prospects for phase separation in cancer.

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Fig. 1: Phase separation is a reversible and dynamic process.
Fig. 2: Phase separation is mediated by post-translational modifications (PTMs) and epigenetic alterations and participates in biological reactions.
Fig. 3: Potential strategies for cancer treatment via regulation of phase separation.

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Plan (2017YFE0196300), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81772875, 81972530, 82073889 and U1932135), Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (SHDC2020CR1009A, 20DZ2270800 and 19JC1410200), Fund for Excellent Young Scholars of Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (JYYQ001).

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Author notes

  1. These authors contributed equally: Xiang Gu, Ai Zhuang.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20025, PR China

    Xiang Gu, Ai Zhuang, Jie Yu, Peiwei Chai, Renbing Jia & Jing Ruan

  2. Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 20025, PR China

    Xiang Gu, Ai Zhuang, Jie Yu, Peiwei Chai, Renbing Jia & Jing Ruan

Authors
  1. Xiang Gu
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  2. Ai Zhuang
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  3. Jie Yu
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  4. Peiwei Chai
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  5. Renbing Jia
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  6. Jing Ruan
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Contributions

JR, RJ, and PC provided direction and guidance throughout the preparation of this manuscript. XG collected and interpreted studies and was a major contributor to the writing and editing of the manuscript. PC and AZ reviewed and made significant revisions to the manuscript. JY assisted in the revision of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Peiwei Chai, Renbing Jia or Jing Ruan.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Gu, X., Zhuang, A., Yu, J. et al. Phase separation drives tumor pathogenesis and evolution: all roads lead to Rome. Oncogene 41, 1527–1535 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41388-022-02195-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41388-022-02195-z

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