Speaker: Julien Roche

Title: “Squeezing Droplets: Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Under Pressure”

Abstract: Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) of proteins plays critical roles in cell compartmentalization. While a growing number of proteins have been showed to spontaneously phase separate in cells, the structural and thermodynamics basis of such mesoscopic droplet-like states are yet poorly understood. I will review recent experimental observations and present a conceptual framework for rationalizing the effects of pressure and temperature on LLPS. I will also present a summary of our recent findings hnRNPA1 phase separation, which provide further insights into the self-organization principles of liquid condensates.

Coffee and tea will be served. All are welcome!