Biomolecular condensates in lung cancer: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic targeting

Abstract Lung cancer constitutes a globally prevalent malignancy with high morbidity and mortality, imposing a substantial burden on public health systems worldwide. Growing evidence indicates that the initiation and progression of lung cancer involve multiple biological processes. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a fundamental mechanism orchestrating diverse cellular biochemical events, has been increasingly implicated in lung cancer pathogenesis, particularly in tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. These findings unveil promising opportunities for pharmacological intervention through condensate-targeting therapeutics. Herein, we review the composition, regulatory mechanisms, and functional roles of biomolecular condensates in lung cancer progression. We further explore their potential applications in diagnosis, therapeutic strategies, and drug development, while addressing the current challenges and future research directions in this field. Elucidating the mechanistic interplay between phase separation and lung carcinogenesis holds significant promise for advancing novel therapeutic avenues in precision oncology.