1,6-Hexanediol

Widely used tool to probe liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in cells. Disrupts hydrophobic interaction-induced phase separation assemblies both in vitro and in vivo. Dissolves LLPS condensates, such as P bodies, but not solid-like condensates, such as protein aggregates and cytoskeletal assemblies.Typically used as a 3-10% solution (w/v). Disrupts cellular structures in yeast and alters cellular morphology in HeLa cells.

Shan et al (2018) Basal condensation of Numb and Pon complex via phase transition during Drosophila neuroblast asymmetric division. Nat.Commun. 9 737 PMID:29467404 |Wheeler et al (2016) Distinct stages in stress granule assembly and disassembly. Elife 5 e18413 PMID:27602576 |Kroschwald et al (2017) Hexanediol: a chemical probe to investigate the material properties of membrane-less compartments. Matters