Membrane-less organelles are dynamic subcellular structures that play critical roles in cellular processes such as signal transduction, RNA processing, and stress response. These organelles arise from the phase separation of macromolecules such as proteins or nucleic acids within the cellular environment, leading to the formation of distinct liquid-like compartments. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the formation and regulation of these organelles is of utmost importance, as disruptions in their behavior have been linked to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.

The primary objective of this project is to develop innovative methods to accurately measure protein phase separation within cells. The project aims to achieve the following specific objectives:

Method Development: Design and implementation of advanced techniques to visualize and quantify protein phase separation in real-time and spatially resolved. This involves the integration of cutting-edge imaging technologies and computational approaches to capture the formation, growth, and dissolution of membrane-less organelles.

Mechanistic Insights: We are aiming to gain deeper insights into the factors influencing protein phase separation, including molecular interactions, environmental conditions, and post-translational modifications. By correlating the observed phase behavior with molecular characteristics, the project will unravel underlying principles governing organelle formation and stability.

Biological Relevance: Applying newly developed methods to study specific membrane-less organelles at the synapse will be shedding new light on their role in health and disease.

The project's significance lies in its potential to revolutionize our understanding of membrane-less organelles and their impact on cellular biology. Advancing the field to measure and quantify protein phase separation, holds key implications delivering new fundamental insights in the organization of membrane-less organelles, advancing our understanding of their biological roles and regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, this also holds the potential to uncover novel links between aberrant protein phase separation and human diseases, paving the way for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.