2026.03.01. Updated

#Biomolecular Condensates #Live Cell Imaging #Biophysics #Bioengineering

Programming Life through Physics:

Harnessing Biomolecular Condensates for a Better Life

Our goal is to uncover the fundamental roles of thermodynamically-driven biomolecular condensates and develop innovative tools to program complex cellular functions by controlling their dynamics.

We believe by mastering the physical laws governing these membraneless structures, we can unlock new frontiers to improve human life better.

1. Research Directions

We explore the intersection of physics and biology through three core research directions:

• Direct Manipulation: Applying and advancing next-generation optogenetic tools, such as LiTEC (Light-induced Targeting of Endogenous Condensates), to achieve spatiotemporal control over the formation and dissolution of condensates in living cells.
• Cellular Programming: Utilizing condensates as concentration sensors to interface with synthetic gene circuits, allowing us to induce and rewire specific cellular mechanisms at will.
• Synthetic Systems: Harnessing the unique thermodynamic properties of condensates to engineer novel biochemical reactors. Our long-term vision includes building unprecedented biological machines, such as artificial photosynthetic systems.

supplementary_movie.mp4

2. Methods & Approaches

To validate our physical hypotheses and bridge the gap between theory and biological reality, we employ a multidisciplinary toolkit:

• Advanced Microscopy: We utilize high-resolution fluorescence microscopy as our primary window into the cell. In particular, we specialize in super-resolution microscopy such as tcPALM (time-correlated PALM) to capture the precise dynamics of molecules beyond the diffraction limit.
• Precision Cell Engineering: For robust and reproducible measurements, we focus on rigorous molecular cloning and stable mammalian cell line generation, engineering the most suitable biological systems for quantitative physical analysis.
• Collaboration with Various Fields: To maximize our scientific impact, we will foster a truly interdisciplinary environment through active collaborations across diverse fields, including proteomics, metabolomics, genomics, and bio/nano-engineering.