Henriette Elisabeth Autzen

Henriette Elisabeth Autzen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, where she leads research in the Molecular and Translational Pharmacology theme. Her work bridges structural biology, biophysics, and membrane biochemistry to understand fundamental biological mechanisms.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University (2015)
• M.Sc. in Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University (2011)
• B.Sc. in Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University (2009)

Dr. Autzen specializes in membrane protein structural biology, with expertise spanning molecular dynamics simulations, protein crystallization, and single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Her research focuses on understanding taste signaling mechanisms and developing innovative approaches for membrane protein isolation that maintain native lipid environments. She has established herself as a leader in developing amphiphilic copolymers for native nanodiscs, which has significantly advanced the field of membrane protein structural biology.

Analysis of her publication record reveals a strong trajectory in membrane protein research, with increasing focus on taste signaling mechanisms and innovative sample preparation techniques for cryo-EM. Her work demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding lipid-protein interactions and developing novel membrane mimetic systems that preserve native protein conformations. The collaborative nature of her research is evident through numerous high-impact publications in journals like Science and Nature Communications.

Scientific Recognition:

• Inge Lehmann Research Project I Grant, The Danish Council for Independent Research
• Novo Nordisk Foundation Hallas-Møller Emerging Investigator Grant
• Lundbeck Foundation Postdoc Fellowship
• Danish Council for Independent Research Postdoc Fellowship
• Carlsberg Foundation Postdoc Fellowship

Dr. Autzen actively contributes to academic training as a lecturer in courses including Basal farmakologi, Kursus i kliniske Sygdomsenheder, and Integrative structural biology. She has successfully secured multiple competitive research grants that support her innovative work on membrane protein structure and function. Her laboratory at the University of Copenhagen maintains state-of-the-art facilities for cryo-EM analysis through the Core Facility for Integrated Microscopy, creating a collaborative environment focused on advancing our understanding of membrane protein mechanisms in health and disease.