معرفی
Dr. A.I.P.M. (Toon) de Kroon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Utrecht University, specifically within the Biomolecular Sciences division focusing on Membrane Biochemistry & Biophysics. He has been a faculty member since 1995 after completing postdoctoral research at Stanford University funded by an NWO stipend. His research group investigates membrane lipid homeostasis and phospholipid-protein interactions using the reference eukaryote baker's yeast (S. cerevisiae) as a model system.
Dr. de Kroon received his PhD cum laude from Utrecht University in 1991 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ben de Kruijff and Prof. Dr. Hans de Gier. His research focuses on understanding the principles governing membrane lipid homeostasis, identifying sensor-effector modules, and investigating phospholipid-protein interactions. His group employs biochemical, genetic, and chemical biological approaches complemented by lipidome analysis to study regulatory mechanisms of membrane lipid composition.
His recent publications (2015-2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on lipid homeostasis, acyl chain remodeling, and phospholipid molecular species. A key theme across these works is how cells maintain membrane integrity through dynamic adjustments in lipid composition, with particular attention to phosphatidylcholine metabolism and its role in cellular functions. His research spans fundamental membrane biology to applied work on liposomal drug delivery systems.
Among his notable achievements are:
- NWO Jonge Chemici fellowship
- Multiple CW-ECHO grants
- Participation in EU research networks
- Treasurer of the Dutch Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2016-2023)
Dr. de Kroon teaches in bachelor programs for Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences and coordinates a course in the Master's program MCLS. He is actively involved in several education-related committees at Utrecht University and has (co-)authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications spanning from 1992 to the present, with continued research output extending to 2025.
