Research Support
SPIRITS

Elucidation and Regulation of phase transition principles of RNP-protein granules

Project Gist

Creation and Interpretation of Intracellular Structures Formed by RNA and Protein

Keywords

Synthetic Biology, RNA, Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation, RNA-Binding Protein

Joint Research/Academic Institutions Abroad

École Normale Supérieure, Sorbonne University

Background and Purpose

Cells compartmentalize specific molecules and reactions by lipid membranes (e.g., nucleus and ER). On the other hand, cells can also compartmentalize the molecules and reactions without using lipid membranes (e.g., nucleolus and stress granules), just like oil make compartments in water. This is called liquid-liquid phase separation and is an intensive focus of recent studies in biology. We aimed to construct those compartments in living cells to understand how the formation and aberration, which is implicated to have links to diseases, are regulated. With the support of SPIRITS, we took an internationally and interdisciplinary approach by collaborating with biophysicist in France and had discussions with Physicists and Biologist in the US, France, and Japan.

Project Achievements

In collaboration with French biophysicists, we quantitatively evaluated the effects of intermolecular interactions of RNA and proteins on liquid-liquid phase separation in living cells. In addition, a graduate student in the Saito lab visited the Gueroui lab in Paris to learn experiments. We also invited four scientists from France, the US, and Japan, with the background of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. In 2020, the principal investigator has been selected for Specially Promoted Research by JSPS for 5 years. In summary, we have built a network and preliminary results to enable further development of our research on liquid-liquid phase separation and RNA synthetic biology.

Future Prospects

Based on the research results and network obtained through the support of SPIRITS, we will welcome new researchers and students to take a more international and interdisciplinary approach. We will aim to elucidate the design principles of phase separated bodies using synthetic approach, and to construct the artificial compartments that have desired properties.

Figure

Overview of the research project

Principal Investigator

SAITO Hirohide

SAITO Hirohide
Center for iPS Cell Research and Applications
Utilizing RNA and RNA-protein complexes in the field of synthetic biology, SAITO group is working on the development of new technologies that freely control cell functions. At the same time, he aims to explore the origin of life and the principles of constructing living systems.
https://sites.google.com/view/hirohidesaitolabjp/