Daniel Wüstner

Daniel Wüstner is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), where he leads the Daniel Wüstner Lab under the Bioimaging Research Unit. He also serves on the executive board of the SDU eScience Center, promoting high-performance computing in the natural sciences.

His research focuses on the dynamics of sterol and lipid transport in cellular membranes, employing advanced techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, computational modeling, and deep learning-based image analysis. His work particularly investigates intracellular cholesterol trafficking, membrane contact sites, and the molecular mechanisms underlying Niemann-Pick type C disease. He uses model systems including yeast and mammalian cells to dissect pathways involving NPC1/NCR1 proteins and their role in lipid homeostasis.

His recent publications highlight the application of cutting-edge bioimaging technologies, including cryo-soft X-ray microscopy and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, combined with computational tools. Themes across his work include organelle dynamics, lipophagy, and gene therapy approaches for neurodegenerative lipid storage disorders.

He has been recognized with the Villum Experiment Grant in 2020 for innovative research involving deep learning and X-ray imaging. His work is supported by major grants from the Carlsbergfondet, Lundbeckfonden, and Fuhrmann Fonden.

He actively mentors PhD students and contributes to peer review and academic conferences. His research has significant implications for understanding lipid-related diseases and developing therapeutic interventions.

Daniel Wüstner leads a collaborative research environment with academic and industrial partners across Denmark and internationally. His lab integrates wet-lab experiments with computational modeling, fostering interdisciplinary research in bioimaging and systems biology.