Functions of Ubiquitin and SUMO in Protein Phase Separation and Aggregation (R02)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 464588647

The project focuses on a systematic investigation of the effects of ubiquitylation and SUMOylation on the propensity of proteins to undergo phase separation and aggregation. To this end, we combine biochemical and biophysical approaches with multiscale molecular simulations. Based on a set of model ubiquitylation and/or SUMOylation target proteins relevant to neurodegenerative diseases, we will perform in vitro and in silico studies to understand and be able to predict the molecular interactions that govern phase separation and aggregation and explain the properties of the resulting condensates and aggregates.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1551: Polymer Concepts in Cellular Function
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Kurt Kremer; Dr. Oleksandra Kukharenko, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Helle Ulrich, Ph.D.