Physicists at the University at Buffalo are studying proteins that cluster together to form spherical droplets inside human cells. This class of molecules may play a role in disease, as they have the potential to perform diverse functions in gene expression, stress response and immune system function. The research involved utilizing innovative tools to look at how environmental conditions can affect the droplets, causing them to switch from a fluid, liquidy state to a harder, gel-like state. Understanding the dynamics of these droplets is crucial to learning more about their cellular function.
The University at Buffalo is part of NYSERNet’s R&E network. Read more about the research here: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2019/03/008.html