In contact with condensates: how biomolecular condensate interfaces impact protein aggregation and membrane remodelling

Biomolecular condensates are condensed liquid-like droplets formed by phase separation in cells. In health, they function as storage centres and organizational hubs for biomolecules, while their dysfunction has been associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. Emerging evidence shows that the surface of condensates is not only crucial for the exchange of molecules between condensates and their surroundings, but also in (dys)functional interactions of condensates with proteins, fibrillar aggregates and cell membranes. In this talk, we focus on characterizing the role of the condensate interfaces in protein aggregation and explore the interactions between condensates and membranes for the controlled delivery of micrometer-sized liquid droplets and their cargo across lipid membranes.