E. M. Lafer

Liquid-like condensates mediate competition between actin branching and bundling

This study shows that liquid-like condensates containing both actin branching and bundling proteins can modulate the competition between these processes, leading to organized actin structures similar to those in migrating cells.

Ubiquitin-driven protein condensation initiates clathrin-mediated endocytosis

This paper shows that ubiquitin stabilizes Eps15 condensates, which are essential for clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and that ubiquitylation regulates the dynamics of endocytic assemblies.

Lipid droplets as substrates for protein phase separation

This study shows that intrinsically disordered proteins can undergo phase separation on lipid droplet surfaces, forming liquid-like protein-rich phases.

Molecular Mechanisms of Steric Pressure Generation and Membrane Remodeling by Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

This study measures steric pressure generated by intrinsically disordered domains of AP180 at membrane surfaces, finding that they produce significant pressure through entropic and electrostatic mechanisms, independent of molecular weight.

Liquid-like assembly of VASP drives actin polymerization and bundling

This study shows VASP forms liquid-like droplets that drive actin polymerization and bundling by creating actin-rich rings that transition into linear bundles.

Liquid-like protein interactions catalyze assembly of endocytic vesicles

The paper shows that weak, liquid-like interactions between Eps15 and Fcho1 enable efficient endocytosis by promoting dynamic protein assembly and preventing stalling of vesicle budding.

BAR scaffolds drive membrane fission by crowding disordered domains

The paper shows that BAR domain-containing proteins drive membrane fission by crowding disordered domains, challenging the idea that BAR scaffolds stabilize membranes.