Biomolecule compartmentalization by phase separated protocells
Description: Membraneless droplets generated by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) were likely protocells. However, their structures and functions are unclear. We propose to study assembly, structure, and function of membraneless protocell compartments such as polyester droplets and liquid crystal coacervates. By probing the ability of LLPS protocells to stably compartmentalize and protect biomolecules and connecting these to essential modern cellular functions, we hope to understand more about how primitive protocells and chemistries directly evolved into modern cells and biologies.
Amount: ¥4,680,000
Funding type: fellowship
Funder scheme: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
Start date: 2021-04-01
End date: 2026-03-31
Investigator: トニーズィ ジャー
Institution: Tokyo Institute of Technology
Funded outputs count: 39
Funder award ID: 21K14746
OpenAlex ID: G4046835404