Ingrid Vetter

Ingrid Vetter is a Research Professor and Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology (Dortmund, Germany), leading the research group on Structural Elucidation of Proteins and Protein Complexes within the Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology. She has held this tenured position since 1995 and serves as a Principal Investigator in Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1093, contributing to Project Z2 (X-Ray Crystallography). Her work focuses on structural biology, nuclear transport mechanisms, and small GTP-binding proteins.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biology (1990), Max Planck Institute for Medical Research and University of Heidelberg
• Postdoctoral training at EMBL (Heidelberg) and University of Oregon (USA)
• Diploma in Biology (1987), University of Frankfurt

Research Interests:

Dr. Vetter’s research integrates structural biology and biochemistry to study cellular signaling pathways, particularly kinetochore architecture, nuclear pore complexes, and GTPase regulation. Her lab uses X-ray crystallography to investigate protein structures and their roles in processes like nuclear transport and mitosis.

Scientific Contributions:

Her recent work includes studies on centromere maintenance (PLK1’s role), correction of HTRA1 conformational defects, and structural insights into kinetochore complexes. Over 60 publications highlight her contributions to understanding protein interactions and cellular mechanisms.

Awards and Funding:

• Scholarship from Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes (1985–87)
• DFG and industry fellowships during postdoctoral phases
• Leadership in multiple CRC projects (CRC 642, CRC 1093)

Labs and Collaborations:

Her group collaborates with Prof. Andrea Musacchio (kinetochore studies) and Prof. André Wittinghofer (GTPase research). The lab employs advanced crystallography facilities, including a Rigaku X-ray generator and automated screening systems.