Nuclear Condensate Formation and Function

Explore the formation and function of nuclear condensates in this 28-minute conference talk by Huaiying Zhang from Carnegie. Learn about the robust mechanisms living cells have evolved to coordinate molecular activity through membrane-less compartments called biomolecular condensates. Discover how these condensates participate in diverse biological functions including gene expression, signal transduction, and neurotransmission, while exhibiting varying lifetimes, sizes, mechanochemical properties, and architectures. Examine the current understanding of molecular interactions leading to condensation and the ongoing challenges in determining how the emergent physical properties of condensates mediate their biological functions. Gain insights into theoretical frameworks, simulation approaches, and experimental methods for characterizing condensates, as well as new findings on physicochemical principles that shape these cellular structures. Understand the challenges involved in mapping computational and laboratory-based droplet studies to actual condensates within living cells.