Biophysical Society Bulletin | April 2024

Communities

BIV Subgroup speakers and officers from left to right: Emma Carroll (speaker), Robert Best (Subgroup Chair), Minjoung Kyoung (speaker), Steven Boeynaems (speaker), Thomas Boothby (Program Co-Chair), Katherine Morelli (speaker), Keren Lasker (speaker, Junior Faculty Awardee), Matthias Heyden (Program Co-Chair), Randal Halfmann (speaker), Cesar Cuevas-Velazquez (speaker), Kristin Koutmu (speaker), and Davit Potoyan (speaker).

Subgroups The 2024 Biopolymers in Vivo Subgroup Symposium: A Celebration of Biophysical Research The 2024 Biopolymers in Vivo (BIV) Subgroup symposium, held on February 10 at the Philadelphia Convention Center during the BPS Annual Meeting, was a vibrant forum for scientific exchange. An exceptional lineup of speakers, from seasoned researchers to rising stars, captivated the audience with their insights into the fascinating world of biopolymers within living cells. The symposium opened with a thought-provoking presenta tion by Cesar Cuevas-Velazquez (Universidad Nacional Autóno ma de México, Mexico City). He discussed his group's recent work on the late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein fami ly, highlighting how experiments using lactose dehydrogenase helped elucidate the protective effects of different LEA family members against desiccation in plants. Minjoung Kyoung (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) then presented stunning 3D images and tracking data, reveal ing the dynamics of glucosomes—condensates of enzymes associated with glucose metabolism—near mitochondria. Randal Halfmann (Stowers Institute for Medical Sciences) gave an inspiring lecture on how the supersaturation of death fold domains in cells can trigger rapid immune response, leading to programmed cell death via pyroptosis. Early career researchers also took center stage, showcas ing their groundbreaking work. Emma Carroll —who recently started her first independent position at San Jose State Uni versity—presented her postdoctoral research on the diverse isoforms of amyloid fibrils formed by the protein Tau, while

Katherine Morelli , a PhD student with Jackie Vogel at McGill University, shared her cutting-edge findings on microtubule dynamics and metaphase spindle formation during mitosis. While protein condensates dominated much of the discus sion, Kristin Koutmu (University of Michigan) shifted the focus to another crucial biopolymer: mRNA and uridine to pseudou ridine modifications by the enzyme PUS5, which increases its modification rate by translocating from the nucleus to the cytoplasm during cell stress. Steven Boeynaems (Bay lor College of Medicine) steered the conversation back to protein condensates, presenting his research on positively charged peptides, known for their antimicrobial properties and presence in potent venoms. He challenged the traditional view of their toxicity solely based on membrane disruption, presenting evidence that these peptides can also trigger protein condensate formation within cells. The final talk of the regular program ventured into the realm of computational simulations. Davit Potoyan (Iowa State University) delivered an impressive lecture on all-atom and coarse-grained simula tions in which he demonstrated how the simulated "jigglings and wigglings" of atoms or beads can be used to predict the viscoelastic properties of protein condensates. Continuing a cherished tradition, the symposium concluded with the announcement of the BIV Junior Faculty Award. This year's recipient, Keren Lasker (Scripps Institute), captivated the audience with her award lecture on the unique morphology of condensates formed by the polar organizing protein Z (PopZ). Unlike the typical disordered liquid, PopZ forms supramolecu lar fibrils that then assemble into the condensed liquid phase. The evening concluded with the BIV subgroup dinner at Mag giano's restaurant, where lively discussions and camaraderie continued over delicious food and drinks.

April 2024

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