معرفی
Prof. JB (Bernd) Helms is a Professor of Veterinary Biochemistry at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences. His research focuses on intracellular membrane dynamics, lipid biochemistry, and lipidomics, particularly in the context of diseases such as liver fibrosis, vitamin A metabolism, and membrane dynamics during fertilization. He leads the Institute of Biomembranes and collaborates internationally across biochemical and cell biology disciplines.
Education and Career:
- B.Sc./M.Sc. in Chemistry, Utrecht University (1980–1986)
- Graduate Studies in Biochemistry, Utrecht University (1986–1991)
- Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA) and Heidelberg University (Germany)
- Junior Group Leader, Heidelberg University (1997–2002)
- Professor of Veterinary Biochemistry, Utrecht University (2002–present)
- Chairman, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Utrecht University (2004–2020)
- Director, Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University (2010–present)
Research Interests:
Dr. Helms investigates membrane dynamics and lipid droplet functions in health and disease. Key areas include:
- Lipid droplet dynamics in liver regeneration and fibrosis
- Role of membranes in protein aggregation (e.g., amyloid formation)
- Vitamin A transport and retinoid metabolism
- Sperm-oocyte membrane interactions during fertilization
- Lipidomic techniques for translational research
His work bridges fundamental and applied research, aiming to develop therapies for human and veterinary diseases.
