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Abstract

Molecules in cells are not randomly distributed but form compartments that perform specific functions. A few years ago, scientists discovered that many of these compartments develop by the process of phase separation which results in liquid-like compartments. This is the case for stress granules – drops formed by the cell when it is under stress, e.g. from heat or chemicals. As ANTHONY A. HYMAN explains, it has been shown that the same proteins that are associated with the formation of stress granules are also linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The research presented in this video followed the hypothesis that if the process of formation of stress granules goes wrong these proteins aggregate which leads to the onset of a disease. An in-vitro aging experiment confirmed this hypothesis and thereby suggests that finding a way to maintain the cell compartments in the liquid state might help in curing neurodegenerative diseases.