BPS2026 – Condensate-driven chromatin organization via elastocapillary interactions

Biomolecular condensates in the nucleus interact with chromatin in different ways. For example, nucleolus excludes chromatin while HP1 condenses chromatin. They can play important roles in chromatin organization and regulation of transcription. We develop a novel computational model for the complex elastocapillary interactions between condensates and fiber networks. Depending on the condensates’ affinity to chromatin, condensates can cavitate or engulf chromatin, forming distinct morphology. We study the heterogeneity of chromatin density and affinity to condensates which controls condensate size and localization. In addition, we show how condensate can influence the mechanical properties of the chromatin. The model paves the way for the understanding of the role of condensates in regulating nuclear dynamics.