About Kelly Welch

My research focuses on liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecular condensates, which include proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules contained in liquid-like compartments inside of cells. In certain conditions, these droplets can aggregate into amorphous solids—impeding their reversibility and function, leading to disease. Specifically, my project seeks to model and predict LLPS of proteins Tau, TDP-43, and FUS (and their mutants) using thermodynamic parameters of protein unfolding. Our study will provide a comprehensive mapping of native structure to phase behavior and resolve the close connection between condensate stability and the stability of macromolecular structure. The results of our study will provide insights to help understand pathological aggregation of proteins in neurodegenerative diseases.