Ndjali Quarta: Small IM30 oligomers form carpet-like structures on membrane surfaces as well as condensates

The inner membrane associated protein of 30 kDa (IM30) is crucially involved in the biogenesis and maintenance of the thylakoid membranes in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts. Membrane protection against H⁺ leakage has been proposed as one of IM30’s main functions and has been linked to the formation of carpet structures on membranes. Yet, little is known about the formation of these structures so far. In my PhD project, I am using AFM, DIC microcopy and FRAP experiments to show how small IM30 oligomers form carpet-like structures on membrane surfaces as well as condensates via Liquid-liquid-Phase separation in solution.