Mittal Group @ TAMU

(2/2) Using homology modeling and multiscale simulations, we find that net charge and charge distribution affect LLPS, with input from both folded and disordered domains. DNA reshapes HP1 condensate stability by competing between paralogs, offering insights into chromatin organization.

(1/2) We’re excited to share our recent work (elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...) on HP1 phase separation, led by postdoc Tien Phan @tienphan.bsky.social ! We investigate LLPS differences among HP1 paralogs (HP1α, HP1β, HP1γ), key players in heterochromatin formation and gene regulation.

(2/2) We provide insight into the role of protein-mediated vs. water-mediated interactions in driving phase separation. Our calculations reveal a striking charge asymmetry: positively charged residues transfer favorably within condensates, while negatively charged ones do not.

(1/2) We are excited to announce that our paper, led by PhD student Shiv Rekhi, has been published in PNAS: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/....
In this work we compute the transfer free energies of amino acid side chains from the dilute to the dense phase.