Condensate-mediated exocytosis and membrane localization in synthetic cells (DC07)

Hosted by:
Evan Spruijt
Radboud University
Nijmegen, the Netherlands, Institute for Molecules and Materials
www.spruijtlab.com


Project Specification

Project Summary

The Spruijt Lab has extensive experience in designing and characterizing model biomolecular condensates and studying their impact on enzymatic networks, protein aggregation and membrane deformation. The main objective of this project is to harness the power and versatility of enzymatic networks to achieve spatiotemporal, and genetically programmable control over biomolecular condensates inside synthetic cells. Enzymes involved in the ATP metabolism will be localized to peptide-based condensates and their activity will be used to modulate the condensate surface tension, charge and material properties. The aim is to develop a programmable approach for localization and membrane adhesion of condensates in synthetic cells, ultimately leading to exocytosis and division of these synthetic cells. This project will advance our understanding of condensate dynamics and function, both in synthetic biology and in living cells.

The project will include secondments at the Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, Germany (Dimova Group), the University of Groningen in the Netherlands (Poolman Group), the Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf in Germany (Exterkate Group) and the Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas Margarita Salas of CSIC in Madrid, Spain (Rivas Group).

Selected References

  • T. Lu, S. Liese, L. Schoenmakers, C.A. Weber, W.T.S. Huck and E. Spruijt, Endocytosis of coacervates into liposommes, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 144 (30), 13451-13455 (2022); https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c04096 
  • T. Lu, S. Javed, C. Bonfio and E. Spruijt, Interfacing coacervates with membranes: from artificial organelles and hybrid protocells to intracellular delivery, Small Methods 7, 2300294 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1002/smtd.202300294 
  • K.K. Nakashima, M.H.I. van Haren, A.A.M. André, I. Robu and E. Spruijt, Active coacervate droplets are protocells that grow and resist Ostwald ripening, Nature Commun. 12, 3819 (2021); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24111-x  

Standard duties and responsibilities of the DC

For the 48 months of employment contract the doctoral candidate (DC) will be required to work exclusively on the MSCA programme. In all cases, all duties and responsibilities will be clearly outlined in the DC personal Career Development Plan, as determined in the early stages of the project between the DC and their supervisory committee.

Candidate Specification

Qualifications

EssentialDesirable
Applicants should hold or expect to attain, as a minimum a MSc or 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Chemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Life Sciences or a related area.

Knowledge and Experience

EssentialDesirable
Research project carried out in at least one of the above disciplines.Microscopy experience (optical, confocal), programming experience
A demonstrated knowledge of at least one of the following: biomolecular condensates, coacervates, membrane biophysics, enzymology, colloidal physical chemistry 

Skills and Competencies

EssentialDesirable
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English.
Evidence of interest, aptitude and research experience in the above disciplines.

Application

Application link coming soon!

Further information

For any informal queries, please contact Evan Spruijt by sending an email to e.spruijt [at] science.ru.nl

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