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Promod PratapView profile

Associate Professor

• Biophysics
• Membrane Transport Proteins
• Sodium-Potassium Pump (Na/K-ATPase)
• +4 more

Promod R. Pratap is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where he has served for over 30 years. His research centers on the energetics and molecular mechanisms of membrane ion transporters, particularly the sodium-potassium pump (Na/K-ATPase), which plays a critical role in cellular energy metabolism and heart function. Using advanced spectroscopic techniques such as ensemble and single-molecule fluorescence, FTIR spectroscopy, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), Pratap investigates the reaction cycles and energy conversion efficiency of the pump. Ph.D. in Biophysics from Syracuse University (1989) Postdoctoral fellowship at SUNY Health Science Center Joining UNCG as Assistant Professor in 1994, promoted to Associate Professor His work bridges biophysics, biochemistry, and engineering, with publications on ATP binding, conformational changes in membrane proteins, and applications of piezoelectric materials in structural health monitoring systems. He teaches courses like Biophysics and Conceptual Physics, emphasizing hands-on learning and hypothesis-driven experimentation. While no explicit scientific awards are documented in the provided texts, his long-standing contributions to understanding Na+/K-ATPase function highlight his impact in membrane biophysics. Pratap has mentored students including P. Indic and Pravitha Ramanand, whose work appears in his publications. His lab at UNCG focuses on the intersection of biological energy systems and material science innovations.

Han Karel RemautView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• Microbiology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +5 more

Han Karel Remaut is a Professor and External employee in the Department of Bio-engineering Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, where he leads the Structural Biology Brussels research group. He also serves as a groupleader at the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology since 2009. His research focuses on structural biology of bacterial systems, particularly: Single-domain antibodies and nanobodies Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Bacterial protein structures and assembly Biofilm formation S-layer proteins Prof. Remaut's recent work, as evidenced by his 2025 publications, centers on structural analysis of bacterial systems using cryo-EM, investigation of outer membrane biogenesis in Gram-negative bacteria, and development of single-domain antibodies for therapeutic applications. His research bridges structural biology with bacterial pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions. He has received significant research funding with 44 projects totaling over 15 years of continuous funding, including major grants for nanobody development, bacterial protein nanofibers, and advanced cryogenic microscopy. IOF3034: Nanotools - From Nanobodies to new materials for Biotechnology and Health (2025-2029) FWOSB195: BactoCatch: development of agglutinating protein nanofibers for non-antibiotic depletion of enteric pathogens (2024-2028) HERC68: High-resolution low-cost 100 kV electron cryogenic microscope for near-atomic protein structure determination (2024-2028) Prof. Remaut actively mentors students and has supervised multiple Master's theses on topics ranging from protein structure-function analysis to bacterial nanofiber applications. He also organizes educational initiatives such as the "Biotech in Brussels" Summer School. His laboratory, Structural Biology Brussels, focuses on understanding bacterial protein structures and their implications for pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions.

Hawa Racine ThiamView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Immunology
• +5 more

Hawa Racine Thiam is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering and Microbiology & Immunology at Stanford University , where she holds appointments in the Bio-X, Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI), and Sarafan ChEM-H. Her research integrates microscopy , microfabrication , and quantitative cell biology to study the cellular biophysics of immune cells , particularly NETosis - a neutrophil-mediated pathogen-trapping mechanism with implications in both infection and sterile inflammation. Ph.D. in Biophysics from Institut Curie/Paris Descartes University (2014) Postdoctoral training in Quantitative Cell Biology at National Institutes of Health (2022) Co-inventor of microfabricated devices for cellular mechanics analysis Her lab's publications reveal trends in nuclear deformation mechanics , cytoskeletal dynamics , and RNA-protein complexes in autoimmunity . Key techniques include high-resolution time-lapse microscopy , mechanical modeling , and microenvironment engineering . Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator (2022-2027) Esther Ehrman Lazard Faculty Scholar (2022-2025) ASCB Porter Prize Honorable Mention (2020) NIH Fellow Award (2019) As a mentor, she serves as Doctoral Dissertation Advisor and Postdoctoral Faculty Sponsor , guiding students in Bioengineering , Biophysics , and Immunology Ph.D. programs. Her work at Stanford's HR Thiam Lab aims to engineer innate immune cells for enhanced host defense while mitigating pathological inflammation through mechanobiological insights.

• Biophysical Chemistry
• Photoreceptors
• Infrared Spectroscopy
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Tilman Kottke is a W3 Professor at Bielefeld University , holding positions in both the Faculty of Chemistry and the Medical School OWL . His research focuses on Biophysical chemistry of photoreceptors Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy Flavin cofactor dynamics Light-driven proton and electron transfer Algal and plant cryptochromes Education includes a PhD in Physical Chemistry (University of Regensburg, 2000-2003) Diploma in Chemistry (University of Marburg, 1995-2000) Research trends from his 15 most recent publications reveal: Advancements in in-cell infrared spectroscopy for studying photoreceptors in native environments Elucidation of flavin photoreduction mechanisms in cryptochromes Engineering LOV domains for novel biocatalytic applications Development of smart microgels with dual-responsive properties Structural analysis of allosteric coupling in light-sensitive proteins Scientific awards include the Heisenberg Fellowship (DFG, 2015-2020) and recognition as a Helmholtz Young Investigator . He has led multiple DFG-funded projects on Flavin-dependent halogenases Cryptochrome signaling mechanisms Infrared spectroscopy of photoreceptors As a group leader since 2012, he has mentored junior researchers and collaborated with institutions in Finland , USA , and Germany . Key lab affiliations include the Physical and Biophysical Chemistry group at Bielefeld University.

Cedric DickoView profile

Associate Professor

• Soft Biomaterials
• Biospectroscopy
• Scattering Techniques
• +5 more

Cedric Dicko serves as an Associate Professor in the Division for Pure and Applied Biochemistry within the Department of Chemistry. He is a LINXS Fellow and active member of the Dynamics of Membranes and their Constituents working group at the Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science. His research investigates soft biomaterials through biospectroscopy and scattering techniques, focusing on self-assembly processes and structure-function relationships. Using silk as a primary model system, he examines how microscopic microstructures govern macroscopic properties in biological organization. Additional work encompasses protein-based material production, characterization, and development of novel biocatalysts and functional materials. As part of LINXS, Dr. Dicko contributes to interdisciplinary neutron and X-ray science initiatives under the Dynamics theme, specifically advancing understanding of membrane constituents and their dynamic behaviors in biological systems.

Urban JohansonView profile

Research Fellow

• Membrane Proteins
• Structural Biology
• Evolutionary Protein Studies
• +3 more

Urban Johanson is a Research Fellow at LINXS and a member of the Integrative Structural Biology Working Group . With over two decades of experience, his research focuses on membrane proteins, spanning evolutionary studies of protein families, heterologous overexpression, and structural determination of integral membrane proteins. Key research areas include homology modeling of ion channels and aquaporin-like proteins Current affiliation: LINXS (Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science) His work emphasizes elucidating structure-function relationships in complex biological systems through computational and experimental approaches. Scientific Awards LINXS Fellow

Michael KrahnView profile

Professor

• biomolecular label chemistry
• RNA biochemistry
• bioorthogonal chemistry
• +7 more

Michael Krahn is a University Professor at the University of Münster's Faculty of Medicine, where he leads the Medical Cell Biology research group within Medical Clinic D - Internal Medicine. Holding dual doctorates in Veterinary Medicine and Natural Sciences, he maintains an active research program focusing on molecular mechanisms of cell biology with particular emphasis on membrane dynamics and cellular structures. His research interests span biomolecular label chemistry, RNA biochemistry, bioorthogonal chemistry, RNA modifications, nucleic acid chemistry, chemical biology, and mRNA. Professor Krahn's work particularly explores how phosphoinositide lipids regulate cell polarity and membrane organization, with significant contributions to understanding slit diaphragm formation, endocytosis, and related disease mechanisms. His publication record shows consistent research output through 2023, with recent work examining tight junction formation, ER stress responses in podocytes, Hippo pathway regulation, and SEC61A1 variants in liver disease. These publications demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach bridging cell biology, molecular medicine, and disease pathology, primarily using Drosophila models and mammalian cell systems. Professor Krahn participates in the "Cells in Motion" collaborative research initiative and is a member of the Imaging Network, focusing on microscopy applications for cellular dynamics research. His work appears in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Cell Reports, and Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, reflecting the significance of his contributions to cell polarity and membrane biology fields.

• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM)
• +3 more

John B. McCullough is a biochemistry researcher specializing in structural biology and membrane remodeling, with a focus on the ESCRT-III family of proteins. His work combines cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and biochemical analysis to investigate protein interactions critical to HIV infection and viral dynamics. Research Highlights: First high-resolution structure of an ESCRT-III protofilament Co-first author on a novel ESCRT-III/DNA bridge association Scientific manager of the NIAID-funded U54 CHEETAH Center Key Research Areas: ESCRT-III structure and function Membrane remodeling and scission Cryo-EM techniques HIV viral dynamics Selected Trends (2018–2025): ESCRT-III/nucleic acid interactions Thylakoid membrane remodeling Microfluidic device applications in lipid vesicle studies HIV budding and restriction mechanisms

• Structural Biology
• X-ray Crystallography
• Proteasome Structure and Function
• +5 more

Frank G. Whitby is a Research Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Utah, where his research centers on high-resolution structural biology and drug discovery. He earned a BS from the University of Denver, a PhD in Biochemistry from Rice University, and pursued postdoctoral training at both the University of Utah and the University of California. His laboratory uses X-ray crystallography to illuminate molecular mechanisms governing viral entry, proteasome function, porphyrin metabolism, and neurotransmission. Education University of Utah – Postdoctoral Fellowship University of California – Postdoctoral Fellowship Rice University – PhD University of Denver – BS Research Interests Whitby’s investigations integrate structural and biochemical approaches to dissect macromolecular machines that underpin human disease. Current foci include: Conformational dynamics of the 20S proteasome and its regulatory complexes Structural determinants of HIV and ebolavirus membrane fusion Mechanistic enzymology of porphyrin biosynthetic enzymes Neuroreceptor regulation and synaptic signaling Structure-guided optimization of small-molecule therapeutics for metabolic and infectious diseases Scientific Contributions & Trends Across more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, Whitby has provided landmark crystal structures for proteasome activators, viral glycoproteins, and metabolic enzymes. His recent work (2021–2024) emphasizes translational applications, revealing how subtle structural changes can be exploited to design potent inhibitors against galactokinase, HIV gp41, and malaria cytochrome c. A consistent theme is the integration of high-resolution structures with functional assays to accelerate therapeutic development. Awards & Recognition Although the supplied text does not enumerate specific awards, Whitby’s sustained funding and prolific publication record in high-impact journals ( Nature , Cell , PNAS , Journal of Biological Chemistry ) underscore his international recognition in structural biology and chemical biology communities. Collaborations & Teams Whitby is a core member of the University of Utah’s Structural Biology Facility and actively collaborates with medicinal chemists, virologists, and neuroscientists worldwide. His multi-disciplinary projects are supported by federal grants and industry partnerships aimed at translating structural insights into novel therapeutics.

Jun YangView profile

Professor

• Photoreceptor Biology
• Retinal Degeneration
• Usher Syndrome
• +4 more

Jun Yang is a Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Adjunct Professor in Neurobiology at University of Utah Health. His research focuses on the genetics and cell biology of photoreceptors and hair cells, particularly in relation to Usher syndrome and retinal degeneration. Education: B.S. from Nankai University, Ph.D. from University of Massachusetts Amherst Yang's lab investigates molecular mechanisms of heritable retinal degeneration, including photoreceptor trafficking, calcium regulation, and the multi-protein Usher II complex. His work explores gene therapy approaches using AAV vectors to treat mouse models of retinal diseases. The 15 most recent publications highlight studies on CFAP418-lipid interactions, USH2 complex integrity, photoreceptor disc morphogenesis, TRPV1 channel regulation, and stereocilia development. These works span molecular genetics, protein biochemistry, and translational therapies for sensory cilia disorders. His research has been published in journals like JCI Insight , Human Molecular Genetics , and PLoS Genetics , with a focus on protein-protein interactions, ciliary rootlet structure, and membrane homeostasis. Collaborative projects include studies on cytomegalovirus-induced hearing loss and therapeutic interventions. Jun Yang's laboratory at University of Utah Health employs mouse genetics, molecular biology, and advanced microscopy to understand and develop treatments for retinal and auditory degeneration diseases.

Om PrakashView profile

Professor

• Molecular Pharmacology
• Rational Drug Designing
• Protein Folding
• +4 more

Om Prakash is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics at Kansas State University. He serves as the Director of the NMR Facility and holds roles as Graduate Admissions Chair and Undergraduate Advisor. Education: B.S. (1970) and Ph.D. (1978) from University of Meerut His research focuses on structural characterization of biomolecules using multidimensional NMR spectroscopy and computer-aided molecular modeling. Key areas include molecular pharmacology, rational drug design, protein folding, and solution-phase biostructures. Recent studies emphasize structure-activity relationships of fowlicidins and their role in anticancer agent development. His laboratory specializes in integrating NMR data with computational methods to design constrained peptide ligands for pharmaceutical applications. Facility capabilities under his leadership include 3D structural analysis of proteins, metabolite identification, and homology modeling. The NMR Facility houses a 500 MHz Varian spectrometer with advanced probes and Linux workstations for data processing.

• Molecular Biotechnology
• Synthetic Biology
• Gene Therapy
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Kristian Müller is a faculty member at the Faculty of Engineering , Bielefeld University , where he leads research in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology . His work focuses on viral vector engineering, particularly adeno-associated virus (AAV) systems, with expertise in proteomics, synthetic biology, and bioengineering approaches. Email: Kristian.Mueller@uni-bielefeld.de Phone: +49 521 106-6323 Office: UHG E2-143 His research interests include: Adeno-Associated Virus Engineering for gene therapy applications. Proteomic Analysis of viral production systems in HEK-293 cells. Synthetic Biology approaches to capsid protein assembly. Biotechnological Methods for linear DNA fragment generation. Nanopore Sequencing applied to viral genomes. Recent publications emphasize optimizing ITR stability in E. coli, non-viral gene delivery using lipid nanoparticles, and proteomic profiling of nuclear fractions during rAAV production. He serves in multiple academic committees including the Habilitation Committee , Faculty Conference , and Examination Boards for Molecular Biotechnology programs.

• Lipid Metabolism
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Membrane Trafficking
• +3 more

Mike Henne is an Associate Professor at UT Southwestern and Director of the Lipid Metabolism & Neurodegenerative Diseases (LMND) Program . His research focuses on the intersection of lipid metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases , particularly through the lens of inter-organelle communication and membrane trafficking . Dr. Henne's lab is renowned for pioneering studies on lipid droplets and their roles in neurological health. He combines biochemical , cell biological , and genetic approaches to dissect cellular mechanisms linked to diseases like SCAR20 (spinocerebellar ataxia). His work has identified key proteins such as SNX14 and Mdm1 in organelle tethering and lipid transport. Dr. Henne is a leading figure in the global lipid droplet community , organizing major conferences like the FASEB SRC Lipid Metabolism Conference (2024) and the upcoming FASEB Lipid Droplet Conference (2026). His research has been funded by NIH NIGMS , NIH NIDDK , the Searle Scholars Program , and the Welch Foundation . Scientific Awards & Fellowships : Martha Lee Foster Professorship in Brain Science & Medicine (2025) Max Perutz Prize (for graduate work) Sam & Nancy Fleming Research Fellowship (postdoctoral)

• Autophagy
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +6 more

Fei Wang is an Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, appointed in the Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry. He joined the faculty in 2017 after postdoctoral training at Harvard University, focusing on autophagy and its roles in eukaryotic cell development. His research spans molecular mechanisms of membrane-associated processes, including autophagy, chloroplast protein import, and the GET pathway. B.S. and M.S. in Genetics and Gene Therapy from Fudan University Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Massachusetts-Amherst His work explores autophagy’s dual roles in canonical lysosomal degradation and non-canonical functions like protein secretion, particularly during meiosis. Key contributions include elucidating the GET pathway for ER membrane protein insertion and autophagy’s regulatory mechanisms in gametogenesis. Articles from 2020–2023 highlight meiosis-specific autophagy and its interplay with protein phosphorylation and intracellular remodeling. Nancy Cain and Jeffrey A. Marcus Scholar in Medical Research Fei Wang’s lab employs yeast genetics, live-cell imaging, and biochemical reconstitution to study autophagy and small proteins. The team includes Rudian Zhang (Research Scientist), Jayaprakash Monala (Postdoctoral Researcher), and Akshay Chellappa (Research Technician). Collaborations and grants focus on autophagy’s therapeutic potential for diseases linked to developmental and metabolic dysregulation.

Markus KaiserView profile

Professor

• Regulated proteolysis
• Chemical biology approaches
• Bioactive small molecule action
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Markus Kaiser is a Professor of Chemical Biology at the University of Duisburg-Essen since 2010. He leads the Chemical Biology group at the Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB) , focusing on regulated proteolysis and bioactive small molecule mechanisms. University of Duisburg-Essen Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB) Faculty of Biology His research integrates chemical biology approaches with drug discovery , targeting proteases like HTRA1 and DPP8/9 for therapeutic applications in diabetes , cancer , and infectious diseases . Recent work explores chaperone complexes, plant-pathogen interactions, and tuberculosis treatments. The 2024-2025 publications highlight expertise in enzyme inhibition , targeted protein degradation , and pathogen manipulation across human and plant systems. These studies span journals like Nature Structural & Molecular Biology , Nature Communications , and Cell . Scientific Awards include: ERC Starting Grant (2011) Forschungspreis der Engelhornstiftung (2011) Marie Curie Postdoctoral Stipendium (2004-2005) Friedrich Weygand Prize (2003) He collaborates with national and international teams on projects like the EFRE/JTF ClearView project for AMD treatment strategies and participates in the DFG CRC 1430 on cell state transitions. His lab includes scientific coworkers (e.g., Dr. Farnusch Kaschani) and technical assistants (e.g., Leonard Sewald).