Grande conférence de l'iLM vendredi 4 avril

Engineering phase separations in cells to manipulate biomolecular condensates

Zoher GUEROUI
( Laboratoire de Chimie, ENS ULM)

It is increasingly recognized that biomolecular condensates contribute to organizing cellular biochemistry by concentrating and compartmentalizing proteins and nucleic acids. They are involved in many vital functions, such as RNA regulation, shaping the overall gene expression output. Importantly, their dysfunction is linked to viral infections, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite their complex biochemical and biophysical properties, recent discoveries have shown that phase transitions, which are ubiquitous in non-living matter, could be used to understand the formation of such viscoelastic biomolecular condensates.

In this context, we are developing novel tools that allow the controlled formation of phase-separated condensates with specific compositions and properties in cells. We have used these approaches to test predictions and address fundamental questions about phase-separated condensates: How does RNA impact condensate properties such as nucleation, growth, and size? How does active transport, mediated by molecular motors, shape condensate formation? ...