Overview: Inside living cells, RNA polymers undergo liquid–liquid phase separation to form condensates
with diverse compositions, material properties and functions. However, the conformational
landscape of RNA within condensates is largely unexplored. The goal of this project is to elucidate
structure–phase behavior relationships of RNA polymers and to leverage these rules for programmable
biosorting. To this end, we will develop a computational approach to accurately describe
the structures of RNA polymers in phase‑separated systems and to determine the thermodynamic
and transport properties of the ensuing condensates for the design of new soft materials.

Principal Investigator:  Jerelle A. Joseph (CBE)

Seed start and end date: 
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023