Excited to share that Xiao Yan (Andy), postdoctoral researcher in our Lab, has led a new study published in Cell:
Read the paper here: 🧪 “Intra-condensate demixing of TDP-43 inside stress granules generates pathological aggregates”
They even have a visual summary of this study: Watch the Video here
This study uncovers how stress granules can promote pathological aggregation of TDP-43 — a key driver of ALS and FTD. Xiao identified a two-step mechanism: local concentration of TDP-43 inside stress granules, followed by oxidation-induced intra-condensate demixing , which triggers pathological aggregation. Importantly, blocking this demixing prevents TDP-43 aggregation in motor neurons, pointing to a potential therapeutic target.
🔬 About Xiao Yan Xiao joined the Hyman Lab with a strong background in protein quality control and a deep interest in the physical principles behind protein phase behavior. His research focuses on understanding how cellular stress and molecular interactions lead to pathological phase transitions, using a powerful combination of cell biology, imaging, and biochemical reconstitution. This publication reflects the culmination of his rigorous and creative work over the past years. His contributions significantly advance our understanding of how stress granules can act as crucibles for disease-related protein aggregation.
Congratulations to Andy on this important milestone in his scientific career!