Enhancement of DNA Droplet Formation Ability in Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation by Introduction of Artificial Nucleobase

Controlling liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecules is a challenge for understanding its biological phenomena and developing drugs for LLPS associated diseases. We found that substitution of DNA bases with 5-nitroindoles, known as universal bases, considerably improves the droplet formation ability of DNA. Our findings show the feasibility of introducing an artificial DNA nucleobase with a superior droplet formation ability, paving the way for the development of novel control systems for LLPS.