Gregor Hagelüken

PD Dr. Gregor Hagelüken is a structural biologist affiliated with the Department of Structural Biology at the University of Bonn. His research focuses on the structural and functional mechanisms of membrane transporters involved in infection and immunity, particularly in pathogenic bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae. He employs advanced techniques including X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and biophysical methods to study how bacteria scavenge host-derived sialic acid to evade immune responses.

His work integrates structural biology with microbiology, examining how TRAP transporters facilitate nutrient uptake and how these processes contribute to bacterial pathogenesis. Recent studies highlight his group's exploration of CRISPR-based antiviral mechanisms and the structural dynamics of transport proteins critical for bacterial survival.

Key areas of investigation include the molecular basis of sialic acid uptake, structural characterization of transport complexes, and the role of membrane proteins in immune evasion strategies. His research bridges fundamental biology with potential applications in understanding infectious disease mechanisms.

Laboratory efforts emphasize collaborative approaches combining experimental and computational methods to unravel complex biological systems, reflecting the transdisciplinary nature of modern structural biology.