Towards universal models for collective interactions in biomolecular condensates

A wide-range of higher-order structures, including dense, liquid-like assemblies, serve as key components of cellular matter. The molecular language of how protein sequences encode the formation and biophysical properties of biomolecular condensates, however, is not completely understood. Recent notion on the scale invariance of the cluster sizes below the critical concentration for phase separation suggests a universal mechanism, which can operate from oligomers to non-stoichiometric assemblies. Here we propose a model for collective interactions in condensates, based on context-dependent, variable interactions. We provide the mathematical formalism, which is capable describing growing dynamic clusters as well as changes in their material properties. Furthermore, we discuss the consequences of the model to maximise sensitivity to the environmental signals and to increase correlation lengths.