# Regulation and Function of Biomolecular Condensate

> **NIH NIH R35** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $396,250

## Abstract

Project Summary
A fundamental question in cell biology is how this crowded space can be organized to enable the control of
biochemical processes and reactions in space and time. Biomolecular condensates have emerged as a
potential universal solution to how activities and functions are organized within cells. Condensates by nature
are formed via collective interactions between biomolecules which together form concentrated assemblies.
These collective biochemical interactions govern both condensate regulation and function within cells. The
interface of the condensate with the cytosol (interfacial surface) has emerged as a critical molecular
determinant for condensate regulation, and function. Biological Pickering agents absorb the interfacial surface
of condensates and offer a versatile solution for how cellular functions can be compartmentalized. As interest
in biomolecular condensates as an organizing principle in the cell has increased, so have the criticisms of the
quality of evidence supporting the biological significance of condensates in native cells. To overcome these
valid criticisms a key challenge moving forward for the field is the development of technical approaches to
measure and manipulate the collective interactions within these assemblies in native cells. The molecular
mechanics that underpin condensate regulation, dynamics, and function in native cells is not well understood.
During C. elegans embryogenesis, RNA granules called P granules undergo a dramatic stereotyped
polarization within the zygote. Using P granule as a model condensate this proposal aims to define the core
biochemical principles that underpin the spatial and temporal regulation of P granule polarization. The goals of
this proposal are to 1) identify key biochemical determinants that facilitate P granule assembly 2) define the
molecular mechanism by which DYRK kinase regulate P granule disassembly 3) define the biochemical
mechanism by P granule assembly and disassembly is spatially regulated 4) determine the biochemical
mechanism by which biological Pickering agents are removed from the interfacial surface of P granule 5)
define the molecular mechanics that underpin the kinetic arrest of P granules. To accomplish these goals, we
will use a multifaceted approach that includes biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics. Leveraging our unique
in vivo and in vitro assays we will define the collective biochemical grammar that facilitates the regulated
assembly and disassembly of P granules.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10938647
- **Project number:** 1R35GM155303-01
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrew William Folkmann
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $396,250
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-01 → 2029-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10938647

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10938647, Regulation and Function of Biomolecular Condensate (1R35GM155303-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10938647. Licensed CC0.

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