Abstract
Biomolecular self-assembly spatially segregates proteins with a limited number of binding sites (valence) into condensates that coexist with a dilute phase. We develop a many-body lattice model for a three-component system of proteins with fixed valence in a solvent. We compare the predictions of the model to experimental phase diagrams that we measure in vivo, which allows us to vary specifically a binding site’s affinity and valency. We find that the extent of phase separation varies exponentially with affinity and increases with valency. Valency alone determines the symmetry of the phase diagram.
- Received 24 October 2019
- Revised 7 July 2022
- Accepted 11 August 2022
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.129.128102
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