The PoL PhD and Postdoc seminar is a meeting where PoL early career scientists present their research to their peers. The seminar consists of two short talks by PhD students or Postdocs, each followed by a discussion in which speaker and attendants can exchange ideas, engage in scientific discussions and network with their fellow scientists.
Today’s talks:
Likhitha Pulibandla (Adams Group) – Exploring the Phosphorylation-Dependent Modulation of ATP Interaction with Fus Biomolecular Condensates
Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) refers to the de-mixing of two partially immiscible liquids in the absence of a delimiting membrane. Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play a central role in driving LLPS, which contributes to numerous cellular processes and is closely linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Post-translational modifications, particularly phosphorylation, modulate phase-separation behavior and thereby regulate gene expression and protein stability. However, the energetic of IDP-mediated LLPS and how phosphorylation influences full-length proteins undergoing phase separation remain largely unexplored. To address these questions, we investigate the intrinsically disordered protein FUS (Fused in Sarcoma), an RNA-binding protein involved in key cellular processes and a widely used model for studying LLPS. Our initial experiments indicate that FUS phase separation is energetically favorable and exothermic. Macroscopic analyses of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated FUS reveal phosphorylation-dependent alterations in condensate formation. Spectroscopic characterization of protein–solvent interactions further show an increased enthalpic contribution upon phosphorylation, consistent with enhanced solvent reorganization. As phosphorylation influences FUS phase behavior, we explore how ATP-dependent modulation of phosphorylated FUS regulates LLPS dynamics.
Custódio de Oliveira Nunes (Barriga Group) – Bioelectrical Signatures Underlying Supracellular Neural Crest Migration
Neural crest cells are well known for undergoing directed collective cell migration during embryonic development. This process relies on coordinated cell–cell communication, cooperation, and division of function, giving rise to supracellular states where the behavior of the cell cluster is better understood as a whole rather than as the sum of its individual cells. Although the mechanisms underlying supracellularity remain unclear, emerging evidence suggests that bioelectrical signaling plays a critical role in regulating these collective behaviors. In my talk, I discuss how bioelectrical phenomena associated with ion dynamics may represent an overarching feature of supracellularity during electrotaxis. I present evidence that potassium (K⁺) currents spatially delimit migrating cell clusters and exhibit directional asymmetry aligned with the axis of migration. Because K⁺ conductance strongly influences membrane potential, these currents may modulate the activity of voltage-sensitive proteins and signaling pathways that coordinate collective movement. Furthermore, I present preliminary data demonstrating that distinct embryonic tissues possess characteristic bioelectrical states, which may prime tissue sorting during development.
We are also offering to join via Zoom for those who can’t join on-site. Please be reminded that online attendance only counts for your attendance rate if you have valid reasons. If that applies to you, please contact us and CC your supervisor.