Hyman Lab News
New publication: Spatial organization of the cell cytoplasm by position-dependent phase separation.
During asymmetric cell division, cytoplasmic components are segregated to opposite sides of the cell. We discuss how the observed segregation can be achieved by a position-dependent phase separation mechanism controlled by a protein concentration gradient. We show that effects of even a weak gradient can be amplified by the phase transition to achieve strong segregation. We compare our theory to the segregation of germ granules observed during the divisions in the C. elegans embryo. Our study demonstrates how liquid-liquid phase separation can play a key role in the organization of the cytoplasm.
See the Hyman lab @ the EMBO Meeting
The 5th EMBO Meeting is being held in Amsterdam from September 21-24 -- just over a week from now. Will you be there? If so, don't miss the talks and posters from members of the Hyman lab!
Cricket Fever!
An outbreak of Cricket Fever has hit the Hyman Lab! It all started with a successful weekend lesson & BBQ hosted by Mark, Shamba, and Avinash. Now you can find lab members bowling, batting, and running between the wickets after work, right in front of the MPI.
Art in Progress
Art is in the air at the MPI-CBG. Artist-in-residence Nina Doege, has installed her newest piece in the building's atrium and main stairwell. It grabs your attention and pulls you in as you descend the stairs...
New Publication: XMAP215 activity sets spindle length by controlling the total mass of spindle microtubules.
Work in our lab has elucidated the detailed function of XMAP215, a processive microtubule polymerase.
Dresden Festival Fun
Looking for something to do with your weekend Chances are there's a festival happening somewhere in Dresden. This weekend there were (at least) two!