Protein Condensates in the Cell Nucleus

Organizers:

Tharana Yosprakob (University of Alberta)

Description:

This mini-symposium highlights the collaboration between experimentalists and mathematicians to understand the complex nuclear processes that control genome organization, protein interactions, and function. In the nucleus, protein condensates are membraneless partitions of molecules that are formed by the interaction of proteins and DNA. These condensates are involved in regulating gene expression and DNA structure. On the experimental side, we investigate how these condensates affect gene activity and DNA organization by exploring their material states and functions. In addition, single molecule tracking is used to track nuclear particles and observe how proteins move within the nucleus and interact to form these condensates. On the theoretical side, we showcase mathematical models to explain condensate formation: one based on liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which describes how proteins and DNA spontaneously cluster together, and another based on reaction-diffusion, which explains how molecules interact and move to create and maintain condensates.

Diversity Statement:

This mini-symposium brings together two experimentalists and two theoreticians, offering a diverse range of perspectives. The lineup includes two PhD students, an early-career professor, and a senior professor, with both male and female researchers represented. Our goal is to create a collaborative environment that encourages new ideas and provides equal opportunities for everyone.