Cheryl Woolhead

Professor Cheryl Woolhead is affiliated with the University of Glasgow, serving as a Professor of Molecular Biotechnology in the Molecular Biosciences department and as Dean of Learning & Teaching in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS). Her research focuses on the dynamic relationship between translating ribosomes and nascent polypeptides, particularly in the context of membrane protein folding and insertion and translation arrest motifs.

Research Interests

• Membrane Protein Folding and Insertion: Investigates structural changes in bacterial inner membrane proteins during synthesis, targeting to the YidC pathway, and membrane integration using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and crosslinking techniques. This work clarifies the timing of α-helix compaction and tertiary structure formation.

• Translation Arrest Motifs: Studies the interaction between stalling peptides like SecM and the ribosome exit tunnel, emphasizing how hydrophobicity and structural dynamics within the tunnel induce translational arrest to regulate protein synthesis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeting.

Publication Trends

Cheryl Woolhead’s research (2020–2001) bridges co-translational folding with membrane integration dynamics, utilizing FRET, microfluidic platforms, and biochemical assays. Her work spans bacterial systems, chloroplast protein insertion, and human ion channel drug discovery, reflecting interdisciplinary applications.

Scientific Awards

• NIH NIDDK Scientific Directors Fellowship (2005–2007)

Grants

• EPSRC: Droplet-based Microfluidic Platform for Intracellular Ion Channel Drug Discovery (2016–2019)
• BBSRC: Folding and Insertion of a Bacterial Inner Membrane Protein (2010–2013)
• Royal Society: Incorporation of Fluorescently Modified Amino Acids into Proteins for Structural Studies (2008–2009)

Labs and Collaborations

She leads research at the Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (MC&SB) in the Bower Building, Glasgow. Her work involves collaborations with international institutions, including the Weizmann Institute (Israel), University of Maryland (USA), and European Science Foundation symposia.