Regulating Cellular Functions by Light-Gated Assembly of Phase-Separated Nanostructures (Optoaggregates) (R04)

• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 464588647

This project aims to control the formation of intracellular phase separated nanostructures using light-driven chemistry to enable a systematic understanding of how each stage of assembly affects important cellular pathways at different time points and subcellular locations. Peptide sequences, secondary structures and assembly morphologies of these nanostructures are correlated with their impact on viability and diverse cellular functions. Our studies will unravel the role of supramolecular aggregates and their transient intermediates in protein aggregation diseases and gain insights into their mechanistic origin.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1551: Polymer Concepts in Cellular Function
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Katharina Landfester; Professor Dr. Axel Methner; Professorin Dr. Tanja Weil