Liquid-liquid phase-separation of small molecules and proteins

从在细胞内形成无膜的隔室到结晶过程中的前体：离子、小分子和蛋白质的液-液相分离是生物和合成系统中的一个基本过程。这个学生项目将建立在Nudelman和Alexander小组最近的初步发现的基础上，他们发现小有机分子在结晶之前在溶液中形成致密的液相。我们将研究这个过程的驱动力和机制，从小分子到已知的蛋白质，在细胞内形成液滴。该项目将提供一系列材料表征技术的培训，包括电子显微镜、x射线和电子衍射以及激光显微镜。候选人将加入一个国际合作网络，并有机会在中央激光设施和钻石光源等大型设施旅行和工作。

From forming membrane-less compartments inside cells to precursors during crystallisation processes: liquid-liquid phase separation of ions, small molecules and proteins is a fundamental process in both biological and synthetic systems. The project in this studentship will build on recent preliminary findings from both the Nudelman and Alexander groups where small organic molecules were found to form dense liquid phases in solution before crystallizing. We will study the driving force and the mechanisms of this process, going from small molecules to proteins known to form liquid droplets inside cells.This project will provide training in a range of materials characterization techniques including electron microscopy, X-ray and electron diffraction, and laser microscopy. The candidate will join an international network of collaborators, with opportunities to travel and work at large facilities such as the Central Laser Facility and the Diamond Light Source.