# Harnessing Phase Separation in the Extracellular Matrix: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities

## TL;DR

This paper explores how phase separation in the extracellular matrix could lead to new treatments for tissue-related diseases.

## Contribution

The paper introduces phase separation as a novel therapeutic target in ECM-related pathologies.

## Key findings

- Phase separation influences ECM spatial organization and function.
- Manipulating phase separation can lead to new therapies for ECM dysfunction.
- Biomimetic materials and drug delivery systems may enhance tissue repair.

## Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes a sophisticated network that is paramount in preserving tissue integrity and modulating cellular behaviors. Recent revelations regarding phase separation provide a groundbreaking perspective on the ECM, elucidating how this phenomenon affects the spatial organization and functionality of its components. This review delves into the implications of phase separation in ECM‐related pathologies and underscores its prospective role as a therapeutic target. By adeptly manipulating phase separation, pioneering therapeutic strategies can be devised to restore the equilibrium of the ECM, employing biomimetic materials and cutting‐edge drug delivery systems to advance tissue repair and regeneration. Such innovative approaches hold the promise of enhancing treatment outcomes by directly addressing the molecular mechanisms that underpin ECM dysfunction. Ongoing research into phase separation is imperative for translating these insights into clinical applications, potentially transforming therapies for intricate ECM disorders and offering renewed hope for improved patient care.