J. E. Toettcher

Rapid and reversible dissolution of biomolecular condensates using light-controlled recruitment of a solubility tag

This paper introduces OptoMBP, a light-controlled method to rapidly and reversibly dissolve biomolecular condensates, demonstrating its application in reversing FUS-CHOP-driven transcriptional changes.

pYtags enable spatiotemporal measurements of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in living cells

This paper introduces pYtags, a tool for live-cell monitoring of specific RTK activity, showing it can track signaling dynamics and enable multiplexed reporting of multiple RTKs.

Clustering-based positive feedback between a kinase and its substrate enables effective T-cell receptor signaling

The paper uses an optogenetic system to show that clustering of Zap70 and LAT enhances downstream signaling compared to dimers, revealing a positive feedback loop involving Src-family kinases.

Dynamics and heterogeneity of Erk-induced immediate-early gene expression

The paper quantifies how Erk signaling dynamics influence immediate-early gene expression in cells and shows that response heterogeneity is not fully explained by Erk activity.

A self-exciting point process to study multi-cellular spatial signaling patterns

This paper introduces a spatiotemporal model of dynamic cell signaling using Hawkes processes to capture both single-cell and spatial signaling behaviors in multi-cellular systems.

Light-responsive monobodies for dynamic control of customizable protein binding

This paper introduces light-responsive monobodies (OptoMBs) that can reversibly control protein binding affinity, demonstrating their utility in purification and potential for light-switchable applications.

Unraveling the Mechanism of a LOV Domain Optogenetic Sensor: A Glutamine Lever Induces Unfolding of the Jα Helix

This study investigates the structural dynamics of the LOV2 domain in AsLOV2, showing that Q513 and N414 mediate J-helix unfolding linked to optogenetic function.

Optogenetic control of protein binding using light-switchable nanobodies

This paper develops opto-nanobodies (OptoNBs) that enable light-switchable binding to target proteins, showing applications in modulating signaling and protein purification.

A live-cell screen for altered Erk dynamics reveals principles of proliferative control

The paper performs a live-cell screen of kinase inhibitors to identify modulators of Erk dynamics and shows how these dynamics affect cell proliferation.

A size-invariant bud-duration timer enables robustness in yeast cell size control

The paper investigates size control in yeast by blocking bud initiation, showing that size regulation occurs through a timer rather than a molecular sensor.

Mapping local and global liquid-liquid phase behavior in living cells using light-activated multivalent seeds

This study maps intracellular phase separation behavior using an optogenetic system, showing localized phase separation can occur through diffusive capture of protein ligands.