LiquOrg

We know that intracellular organisation into organelles relies on the formation of lipid bilayers and allows cells to compartmentalise different processes. However, the existence of non-membrane bound compartments, such as nucleoli, raises the question of how cells keep such regions distinct and prevent their context from mixing with the surroundings. The EU-funded LiquOrg project will challenge the concept that membrane-less organelles are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation and proposes a liquid crystal hypothesis where surface proteins organise into multiple layers which surround and enclose their membranes. Researchers will use the Golgi apparatus and the golgin proteins as proof of concept.