Phase separation (PS) has emerged in the last 15 years as a ubiquitous mechanism for organizing biomolecules within condensed, often liquid-like, bodies in cells to perform a dizzying array of biological processes. For example, phase separation is known to mediate nucleolar organization, super enhancer-dependent gene expression, gene silencing, ribosome biogenesis, cell fate determination in early development, activity-dependent protein translation in neurons, endocytosis, T cell receptor signaling, and many other processes too numerous to mention. Further, aberrant phase separation caused by gene mutations, or through altered protein regulation, is associated with myriad human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, many different human cancers, and other human disorders.

This workshop will focus on several cutting-edge topics, including:
- Relationships between biomolecular phase separation and biological function, both within the cytoplasm and the nucleus;

- Links between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of altered cellular regulation, aberrant phase separation and disease etiology;

- Strategies to therapeutically modulate disease mechanisms by targeting aberrant biomolecular condensates.

Workshop format:
Telluride Science workshops are very small meetings (<25 attendees) which feature in depth discussion of topics at the interfaces of physics, chemistry, data science and biology. All attendees will present a ~30 minute lecture and are encouraged to stay for the entire time. Meetings will be held in the mornings, allowing for afternoon discussions and outdoor activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile driving, sledding, walking, visiting coffee houses, etc. Discussions continue over ad hoc large and small group dinners.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
We strive for diversity, equity and inclusion amongst attendees, including participants spanning diverse genders, races, religious preferences, and gender identities, as well as those spanning diverse career-stages. In addition to attracting academic scientists, an important goal is to engage scientists from biotech companies focused on "drugging biomolecular condensates" that have emerged [e.g., Dewpoint Therapeutics (https://dewpointx.com/) and Nereid Therapeutics (https://nereidtx.com/)].