SFB1551 Project: R07

Project Title: Hierarchical interactions in phase-separated condensates

Summary: In C. elegans, condensates appear in the form of germ granules binding to multiple cofactors and modulating gene expression during the development of germ granules.
Elucidating the dynamics of condensates, particularly PEI granules, involves an interplay between biomolecular self-assembly and phase separation. In collaboration with the Ketting Lab (IMB), we focus on in vivo and in vitro analysis of the PEI-1 and PEI-2 protein domains, as well as computational modeling and simulations, to identify the important factors in PEI granule formation. Highly specific atomistic interactions and the dynamics of phase-separated condensates on relevant time scales require the full bandwidth from atomistic resolution to coarse-grained modeling scales. The molecular dynamics simulations, underpinned by machine learning-based analysis, will help us understand their recurring and hierarchical interaction patterns.