Biomolecular Condensates - BCH2136H
The course will provide an overview of biomolecular condensates in biology. Discussion topics will include biophysical/biochemical principles that drive phase separation of various molecules (protein, nucleic acid, sugar, lipid), predictive methods for phase separation, theoretical perspectives, experimental approaches, biological function, regulation, use in biomaterials, and disease implications. The format will be a combination of lecture and discussion, with primary literature and review articles assigned as background reading. In addition to discussion and presentation, the students will be evaluated on a mini-review writing assignment on topics that are approved by the coordinators in advance.
Lesson 1: Biological Condensates overview
- Biophysical/biochemical principles of phase separation and other modes of condensate assembly
- Molecular features of protein, nucleic acid, sugar, lipid phase separation
- Predictive methods for IDR phase separation
- Theoretical modeling
Lesson 2: Condensates in biology I – diverse properties and functions
- Location and compositional diversity
- Biophysical properties
- Condensates in bacteria,induced by viruses, eukaryotic condensates
- Many functions endowed by unique condensate properties
Lesson 3: Condensates in biology II – interaction with membranes
- Condensate regulation by membrane-associated processes: TIS granules, stress granules, Membrane protein clustering, Vesicles/Golgi-associated condensates, Post-synaptic densities
- Condensate regulation of membrane: Synaptic vesicles
Lesson 4: Condensates in biology III - on the way to fibers and biomaterials
- Pattern formation and force generation: Clathrin-mediated endocytosis, Cytoskeleton and synaptonemal complexes
- Biomaterials: Extracellular matrix, spider silk, muscle foot protein, squid beak protein, exoskeleton
- Their structural and dynamic properties, phase transitions, maturation
Lesson 5: Regulation of biological condensates
- Post-translational modifications
- Post-transcriptional modifications
- RNA splicing and protein cleavage
- Local environmental conditions and small molecules
- Protein expression levels and more
Lesson 6: Dysregulation of condensates in disease
Method of Student Evaluation:
40% review of preprints
40% presentation
20% participation
Course Coordinators:
Hyun Kate Lee, Julie Forman-Kay, Jonathon Ditlev
Enrollment Limit:
15