Synthetic Cell Biology
CRY2olig clustering tool
In a yeast genetic screen, we identified a mutant version of CRY2 that undergoes pronounced self-self association upon light exposure, forming higher-order oligomers.
DisCo, a method to inducibly disrupt biomolecular condensates
DisCo (Dissociation of Condensates) is a method we developed in which recruitment of a monovalent ligand into a condensate induces its disruption.
Chemical tools to reversibly form condensates
We have developed a new platform, “BTBolig” allowing users to form and dissolve biomolecular condensates with a chemical ligand. The system uses the BTB domain from BCL-6 and its ligands BI-3802 and BI-3012 for ligand-induced condensate formation. See: https://rdcu.be/dvqwl for more details.
CoSMo, a method to induce condensate maturation.
We developed a method, CoSMo (Condensate State Modification) to rapidly induce condensate maturation. The method uses light- or chemical-induced dimerizers to crosslink the condensate. After CoSMo, we often observed recruitment of chaperone proteins (Hsp70s and Hsp40s) into the condensate center, which restructured the condensate scaffold into a ring (biphasic condensate). Figures at right show recruitment of Hsp70 into the condensate after CoSMo induction. Depending on the crosslinker, the chaperone-condensate interactions can be dynamic, as in the figure at bottom right using a light-induced crosslinker. Also see: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-023-01520-1