J. Paul Taylor Lab

One facet of our research program focuses on RNA granules as prototypical biomolecular condensates to tease out generalizable principles about how condensation occurs within cells. For example, we are currently investigating the stress granule network by manipulating the expression of each node to see how each change influences the condensate’s overall properties. In addition, we are dissecting the central node within this network – a protein called G3BP1 – down to the atomic level to see how its interactions facilitate seeding the assembly and specific identity of the condensate.

Another area of research in our laboratory centers on the functions served by these biomolecular condensates. We are exploring the ways in which condensates may be promoting or limiting activities between reactants and how condensates may be important for buffering certain proteins in the non-condensed state. Specifically, we are examining the mechanisms underlying conditional sequestration and the regulation of RNA editing, and the regulation of neuronal translation by mRNA sequestration. 

We are also working to determine how disease mutations corrupt the biophysical properties and function of RNA granules. Our lab has discovered that multiple, distinct types of genetic mutations intersect upon the process of RNA granule condensation and function, giving rise to a common set of neurodegenerative diseases. Each of these types of genetic mutation increases the driving forces underlying condensation.

We employ a variety of methodologies and approaches in our laboratory, including fly and human genetics, proteomics, biophysics, cell biology, and structural biology. We also build tools and develop innovative approaches to help us answer research questions, including a novel strategy to chemically profile condensates and manipulate their properties with small molecules.