Chemistry Seminar Presented by Dr. Xiao Xie

The Department of Chemistry is pleased to host Dr. Xiao Xie for a seminar on Thursday, December 5.

Title: "Chemical Approaches to Decipher Molecular Codes of Biomolecular Condensate Regulation"

Abstract: Biomolecular condensation provides spatial and temporal control over diverse cellular processes, including signal transductions, stress responses, and gene regulation. In this talk, I will first present the development of Tryptophan-selective bioconjugation chemistry (Trp-CLiC). By integrating this precise chemistry with chemoproteomic methods, we uncovered that Tryptophan-involved cation-π interactions regulate protein-mediated phase separation processes and are associated with cancer. I will then highlight the recent advancement of a condensation-enhanced photo-crosslinking strategy (DenseMAP) for direct protein interactome mapping within subcellular and subcompartmental condensates. Using DenseMAP, we profiled the proteome organization and dynamics of the nucleolar granular component and revealed the critical role of SUMOylation in maintaining nucleolar homeostasis. Together, these projects demonstrate how innovations in chemical approaches can decipher molecular codes, including interactions, components, and modifications, that regulate biomolecular condensates.

Host: Chemistry Department Chemical Biology Series