Interplay of self-organization of microtubule asters and crosslinking protein condensates

Abstract The cytoskeleton is a major focus of physical studies to understand organization inside cells given its primary role in cell motility, division, and mechanics. Recently, protein condensation has been shown be another intracellular organizational strategy. Here, we report that the microtubule crosslinking proteins, MAP65-1 PRC1, can form phase separated condensates at physiological salt temperature without additional crowding agents vitro. size droplets depends on concentration protein. MAP65 are liquid first gelate over time. We show these nucleate grow bundles asters, regardless viscoelasticity condensate. droplet directly controls number projections demonstrating control microtubules. When gel-like asters from shell tubulin surface, microtubules able re-fluidize condensate, returning molecules solution. This work implies there an interplay between condensate formation microtubule-associated organization, dissolution could important for dynamics organization.