How cells form membrane-free 'droplets' and how that may affect disease
Understanding Phase Separation in Biology and Disease
This project looks at how membrane-free 'droplets' inside cells form and whether problems with that process contribute to rare conditions like Berry-Treacher Collins syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260028 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are learning how parts of cells called nucleoli and other membrane-free 'droplets' form when proteins and RNA separate into liquid-like phases. They use biochemical experiments, high-resolution microscopy, and computer modeling to watch these components assemble and to measure their physical properties. The team examines how specific protein regions (for example, in NPM1) and disease-linked genetic changes alter droplet behavior in cells and in laboratory systems. These findings may help explain how altered cell organization contributes to developmental syndromes and point toward future ways to restore normal function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Berry syndrome, Berry-Treacher Collins syndrome, or other genetic conditions suspected to affect nucleolar or phase-separation biology would be the most relevant for following or contributing to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to nucleolar function or phase separation are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this basic laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets or strategies to correct abnormal cell organization in diseases linked to phase separation, guiding future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have established that phase separation governs nucleolus organization and that proteins like NPM1 can form liquid-like compartments, so this project builds on established basic-science findings.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kriwacki, Richard W — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kriwacki, Richard W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.