Biomolecular condensate regulation (A2)

The goal of of A2 is to understand how molecular architecture regulates existence, composition, and properties of multi-component condensates.

Cellular condensates contain many components and their precise composition dictates functionality. A key means to regulate condensate composition and properties is through changes in the abundance of other “regulator” molecules that interact with core condensate components through multiple folded or disordered domains. Harmon has studied compositional regulation the-oretically and developed robust and scalable coarse-grained simulations for the phase separation of multi-domain biopolymers containing folded as well as disordered domains. Compositional regulation has been explored in some minimal model systems. However, the general principles by which molecular architecture dictates regulatory possibilities in multi-component condensates remains unknown.

What are the basic principles for how regulating proteins control multi-component condensates? How the design of the scaffold proteins relates to their response to differently de-signed regulators? To what extent can basic principles of condensate regulation be extended to the higher complexity case of proteins containing folded as well as disordered domains?

Regulation of condensates driven by multi-domain proteins

The PhD students will be trained in different methodologies for coarse grained simulations, and in analytical and numerical tech-niques, in particular solving Cahn-Hilliard equations and kinetic models for interface dynamics. Using simulations, a library of multi-domain proteins will be studied.

• Candidates have a Masters degree in physics or related fields
• Candidates should have a sound basis in statistical physics, soft matter theory or closely related fields.
• Experience in computer simulations and numerical methods are expected

We are currently recruiting the first cohort of motivated doctoral candidates to join our research training group “RTG 3120 Biomolecular Condensates”. If you are a potential applicant, register and complete the following form . If you have questions about the research topic, then email the project supervisor >