The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded Nicola Galvanetto, researcher at the Institute de Biologie Structurale, a Starting Grant for his ’INTERFACES’ project in single-molecule biophysics.
Nicola studied physics at the University of Padova and KU Leuven before earning a PhD in biophysics and neurobiology at SISSA in Trieste. He then worked at the University of Zurich, investigating how disordered proteins move, interact, and assemble, particularly in relation to disease. Since March 2026, he has led his own team at the IBS in the Protein Dynamics and Flexibility by NMR Group, supported by an ATIP-Avenir grant. His research uses single-molecule biophysics to understand how molecular interactions give rise to the organization and complexity of living systems, and how disruptions of these processes can lead to disease.
What is the INTERFACES project about ?
Cells organize their components through both membrane-bound organelles and biomolecular condensates, membrane-less compartments formed by phase separation. While condensates enable dynamic molecular interactions and efficient biochemical regulation, their interfaces can also promote protein misfolding and aggregation, potentially leading to cellular dysfunction and toxicity.
The ’Interfaces’ project aims to understand how proteins behave at these phase boundaries using single-molecule spectroscopy. It will focus on visualizing protein aggregation, identifying contributing factors, and exploring ways to modify condensate surfaces to prevent harmful aggregation.
By investigating aggregation at the nanoscale, the project could provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, while also revealing fundamental principles governing biomolecular interfaces and the organization of living systems.
"Interfaces" (Single-molecule dynamics of aggregation at biomolecular condensate interfaces)
Period : 2026-2031
Amount : 1’833’790 EUR
Congratulations to Nicola on receiving this prestigious and highly competitive grant for early-career researchers !