The Hyman group has made significant contributions to molecular and cell biology, particularly in understanding the mechanisms of cell division and cell compartmentalization. Perhaps the two most notable achievements include utilizing RNA interference to map various cytoplasmic processes¹ and discovering that compartments in cells can form via phase separation². Their expansive body of work has also illuminated fundamental interworking of protein complexes and cellular structures like the mitotic spindle, centrioles, and P granules^3,4. Currently, their research is aimed at exploring how phase separation of intrinsically disordered proteins may drive neurodegenerative diseases including ALS.

The Alberti group studies how cells adapt to environmental stresses by assembling biomolecular condensates. The group applies biophysical, biochemical, genetic, and cell biological methods to investigate the molecular mechanisms of assembly and the functions of stress inducible condensates. Among others, the Alberti group has shown that condensate assembly regulates protein synthesis^1-3, stress responses^1,2,4,5,6 and the DNA damage response^7,8. Most importantly, the Alberti group discovered together with the Hyman group that condensate-forming proteins can assemble into aberrant condensates that cause aging-associated diseases^7,6,9,10. In collaboration with the Schlierf group, the Alberti group recently established a model for the assembly of RNP granules and their function in regulating RNA availability and translation.