Picture a cell.
You can probably see in your mind’s eye how different parts are compartmentalized by membranes. After all, that has been our understanding of major biological activities for many years. However, a recently emerging field of research shows that cells can compartmentalize without membranes. Instead, they use a process called liquid-liquid phase separation. To mark Biophysics Week 2018, we will explore this topic in our upcoming free Cell Press and Biophysical Society Webinar on March 15 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Why does this matter for your research?
The implications of this liquid-liquid phase separation are far reaching and of interest not only to cell biologists but also to biochemists and biophysicists. “From the physical perspective, the idea that molecules can phase separate under physiologic conditions is causing many scientists to consider phase separation as a potential behavior that could have functional consequences,” says Michael K. Rosen, a webinar speaker from UT Southwestern.
What does it mean for our understanding of cells?
Those functional consequences are causing researchers to further question how exactly a cell works. “Understanding the biophysical process underlying compartmentalization without membranes enables us to ask mechanical questions,” says webinar moderator Tanja Mittag from St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. How does a cell benefit from using liquid-liquid phase separation? When phase separation goes wrong, how does that cause diseases?
How can understanding this help solve larger issues?
One of the experts on liquid-liquid phase separation and diseases is Brown University’s Nicolas Fawzi, another webinar speaker. He says, “These insights are essential for understanding why unstructured regions of phase-separating proteins play critical roles in some cancer or neurodegenerative diseases and how to stop them.”
Register today to learn more about this rapidly advancing field. Hear three leading researchers from top-tier institutions discuss how this process is revolutionizing the way we think about cells. Please join us for engaging discussion and Q&A on the latest developments in liquid-liquid phase separation.