Liquid Phase Separation Research (VIDEO)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Caption

Protein-rich droplets that formed through a process called liquid phase separation fuse and grow under the microscope are shown. The droplets are similar to temporary structures called stress granules that build up in cells of patients with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). St. Jude scientists have evidence that liquid phase separation plays a key role in formation of stress granules. The research answers a basic question of cell biology and points to a possible new treatment strategy for ALS and related degenerative disorders.

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Credit: Amandine Molliex and Jamshid Temirov

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