Join us for an insightful webinar where we delve into the fascinating world of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs), their complex phase behavior, and the implications for neurodegenerative disorders like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Brought to you by Priya Banerjee Lab from the University at Buffalo, we will explore the enigmatic properties of IDPs, which account for a significant portion of the eukaryotic proteome, and challenge the classical protein structure-function paradigm.
The webinar will feature a particular focus on Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) protein, a type of RNA-binding protein that forms biomolecular condensates or ‘droplets’ via phase separation. FUS droplets are known to play significant roles in cellular functions such as DNA repair, RNA metabolism, and transcription regulation. In the context of ALS, mutations in the FUS gene can result in abnormal protein behavior, including the formation of aberrant, persistent FUS droplets that are associated with neurodegeneration.
In addition to illuminating the role of FUS droplets in ALS, we will dissect the phase behavior of Protein-RNA condensates, including how RNA binding regulates their phase behavior, compositional specificity, and transport properties. By employing advanced techniques like fluorescence microscopy and optical tweezers, we’ll gain a quantitative understanding of the molecular driving forces that underlie these critical processes.
Furthermore, the session will delve into the biophysics of phase transitions, genome packaging, and the organization of the genome into membrane-less compartments to regulate gene expression. This in-depth exploration promises unique insights into the complex world of IDPs, biomolecular condensates, and their implication in ALS. Join us for this enlightening journey into one of biology’s most intriguing fields.
Key learning points:
- What are biomolecular condensates and what is their role in cellular processes
- Which molecular interactions drive condensation of proteins and nucleic acids?
- What are “phase transitions” in the context of biomolecular condensates and how is their (mis)regulation linked to diseases like ALS?
- How are correlative fluorescence-optical tweezers applied to characterize fusion and internal dynamics of biomolecular condensates?
- What is the impact of molecular crowding on the condensates’ phase behavior?
- What is the role of RNA in the regulation of condensation processes (example: FUS-RNA co-condensation)?
- What determines the internal structure of multi-phase condensates?
