Phase Separation in Living Cells by Frank Jülicher

Explore the fascinating world of phase separation in living cells through this comprehensive 1 hour 25 minute lecture by Frank Jülicher from the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences. Delve into topics such as membraneless compartments, liquid-liquid phase separation, droplet dynamics, and protein condensates. Discover how cells utilize noise and fluctuations to drive essential processes. Examine the thermodynamics of phase coexistence, stochastic protein production, and the role of condensates as chemical reaction centers. Investigate active droplets as models for early life and photocells, and learn about the aging and material properties of protein condensates. Gain insights into the intersection of statistical physics and biology in this interdisciplinary exploration of cellular phenomena.

Acknowledgements
Cellular compartments
Outline
Membraneless compartments
granules
granule assembly gradient
granules are liquid drops
Liquid-liquid phase separation
Phase transition in a cell
Phase diagram
Active processes: fluctuations
Thermodynamics of phase coexistence
Droplet coexistence
In vitro droplet ripening
Ostwald ripening
Droplet fusion: hydrodynamics
Cell polarity
Protein gradient drives granule segregation
RNA binding competition
Stochastic droplet dynamics
Concentration buffering
Stochastic protein production
Noise buffering by phase separation
Noise buffering in Experiments
Condensates as chemical reaction centers
Droplet turnover: detailed balance
Chemically active droplets
Steady state of active droplets
Dynamics of active droplets
RNA-protein assemblies organize chemistry in space
Droplets in early life?
Active droplets as simple models for photocells
Division of active droplets
Growth-division cycles
Hardening of protein condensates
Pulling on condensates: material properties
Surface tension from active micro-rheology
Time periodic forcing
Aging of protein condensates
Increasing relaxation time: glassy dynamics
Gel formation versus aging glass
Glassy dynamics: disorder of
Conclusions