Stefan Rüdiger

Stefan Rüdiger is Professor of Protein Chemistry of Disease at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry. He leads the Rüdiger Group, focusing on molecular mechanisms of protein folding, proteostasis, and chaperone networks in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as cancer. His work combines structural biology, NMR spectroscopy, and biochemical assays to understand chaperone-client interactions and develop therapeutic strategies.

• Institutional Roles:
  • Head of Department of Chemistry (2021-2022)
  • Former Director of Education, Chemistry Department
  • Coordinator of bachelor course "Protein Folding and Assembly" and master courses "Molecules and Cells" and "Concepts in Science for Life"
• Research Interests:

  His research deciphers how molecular chaperones like Hsp70 and Hsp90 maintain proteostasis, prevent protein aggregation, and how their failure contributes to diseases. Key areas include:

  • Mechanistic insights into Hsp90-Tau interactions (Alzheimer's)
  • Peptide-based "Fibril Paint" compounds for amyloid targeting
  • Proteostasis network dynamics in aging and disease
  • Molecular basis of chaperone-client specificity
• Scientific Contributions:
  • Elucidated Hsp90's role as downstream optimizer of Hsp70 in protein folding (Molecular Cell 2018)
  • Developed FIDA technology for fibril analysis
  • Discovered arginine π-stacking in Tau fibril interactions (Nature Communications 2020)
  • Identified nano-aggregates in Wnt signaling dysregulation (Nature Structural & Molecular Biology 2016)
• Grants & Collaborations:
  • Lead investigator for NWO Gravitation programme FLOW (national proteostasis consortium)
  • Marie-Curie Innovative Training Networks: WntsApp (2012-2017), ManiFold (2012-2017)
  • NWO ZonMW TOP Grant: "Chaperoning axonal transport in neurodegenerative disease"
• Education & Mentorship:
  • Redesigned Utrecht's Molecular Life Sciences bachelor curriculum (2012-2014)
  • Directed "Exploring Nature's Molecular Machines" Summer School (2012-2016)
  • Supervised 15+ PhD students across European institutions