معرفی
Daan van Aalten is a Professor at Aarhus University, affiliated with the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Neurobiology within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on protein O-GlcNAcylation, a critical posttranslational modification linked to intellectual disability (OGT-CDG). He leads studies using model systems (mESCs, Drosophila, mice) to dissect molecular mechanisms underlying OGT-CDG phenotypes. Notable contributions include defining OGT-CDG as a congenital disorder of glycosylation and identifying therapeutic targets. He has secured major grants, including a Novo Nordisk Foundation Laureate Grant (DKK 50M) and a Villum Investigator Grant (DKK 40M), supporting work on protein modifications and fungal pathogenesis.
Key research areas include enzymology, structural biology, and neurobiology. His lab explores O-GlcNAc signaling dynamics, fungal cell wall synthesis, and genetic disorders. Recent studies highlight neurodevelopmental defects in mouse models and human stem cell systems. Collaborative projects with international teams advance drug discovery for fungal pathogens and intellectual disability syndromes.
Publications span molecular mechanisms of OGT mutations, enzyme inhibitors, and structural biology. Awards include recognition for his transformative work in glycobiology and neurodevelopment. His lab actively engages in training scientists and welcomes inquiries about OGT-CDG studies via ogtcdg@au.dk.
