Promotionsvortrag Physik: „Quantification of Molecular Interaction Strength in Protein Condensates by Brillouin Microscopy“

Ankündigung des Promotionsvortrags von: Herrn Timon Beck

Biomolecular condensates have been identified as a ubiquitous mechanism of intracellular organization, exhibiting diverse material properties. However, techniques to characterize these properties and their underlying molecular interactions remain scarce. To address this gap, I employed a novel experimental approach combining Brillouin microscopy with quantitative phase imaging (QPI).First, I will introduce the phenomenon of biological phase separation and Brillouin microscopy as a tool for quantifying average molecular interaction strength. Next, I will explain how QPI, which provides refractive index and protein concentration, can enhance the interpretation of Brillouin microscopy data. I will then present results on the material characteristics of condensates formed by fused in sarcoma (FUS) and the low-complexity domain of hnRNPA1 (A1-LCD). My findings indicate that factors influencing the phase separation propensity—such as temperature, ion concentration, and protein mutations—are reflected in the condensates’ physical properties. Additionally, I examined the effects of aging on FUS condensates under various conditions. Finally, I will summarize my findings and briefly discuss the opportunities and challenges of this experimental approach.

(Vortrag auf Englisch)

Dem Vortrag schließt sich eine Diskussion von 15 Minuten an. Vortrag und Diskussion sind öffentlich. Diesen Verfahrensteilen folgt ein nicht öffentliches Rigorosum von 45 Minuten.