Andres F Oberhauser

Andres F. Oberhauser is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), with a secondary affiliation at the Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics. His research focuses on single-molecule biophysics, particularly the molecular mechanisms of chaperones like UNC-45 and Hsp90 in myosin folding and sarcomere assembly.

• PhD in Physiology & Biophysics, University of Chile
• Postdoctoral training at University of Pennsylvania and Mayo Clinic

His work utilizes advanced techniques such as single-molecule atomic force microscopy, site-specific fluorescence probes, and in vitro myosin motility assays to investigate protein mechanics in muscle development and repair. Key findings include the role of UNC-45 in preventing premature myosin powerstrokes and Hsp90's involvement in relieving this inhibition.

Recent publications highlight his expanding research into mechanobiology, muscle aging, and cancer cell adhesion. Collaborative projects span C. elegans genetics, cardiovascular protein interactions, and anti-fibrotic therapies. His lab's work has implications for skeletal myopathies, cardiomyopathies, and tumor invasiveness.

Selected Contributions:

• Elucidated UNC-45's dual role in myosin folding and powerstroke inhibition
• Developed novel single-molecule approaches for chaperone studies
• Identified nucleolin as a key mediator in cancer cell-L-selectin interactions
• Explored temperature-dependent structural changes in molecular chaperones