Jakob Nilsson

Jakob Nilsson is a Professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, a position he has held since 2016. He leads the Nilsson Group, which focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cell division, particularly mitosis and chromosome segregation.

Education:

• PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Aarhus (2002)

Research Interests:

Professor Nilsson's research primarily focuses on the intricate processes of mitosis and cell division. His work investigates how cells accurately segregate their chromosomes during cell division, with particular emphasis on the spindle assembly checkpoint, kinetochore biology, and the regulation of protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation during mitosis. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including live cell microscopy, structural biology approaches, and biochemical assays to unravel the molecular mechanisms that ensure faithful chromosome transmission from one cell generation to the next.

Research Trends:

Analysis of Professor Nilsson's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the molecular mechanisms of mitosis, particularly the role of protein phosphatases in regulating chromosome segregation. His work has made significant contributions to understanding how the Bub1 kinase, RZZ complex, and PP2A/PP4 phosphatases coordinate to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. More recently, his research has expanded to include viral protein interactions, as evidenced by his 2025 publication on SARS-CoV-2 adaptation, suggesting an interdisciplinary approach that connects fundamental cell biology with virology.

Scientific Awards:

• Junior Group Leader Fellowship from the Lundbeck Foundation (1.3 M €) in 2008

Advising and Grants:

Professor Nilsson established his independent research group in 2009 through the Lundbeck Foundation Junior Group Leader Fellowship. Since then, he has led a productive research laboratory first at BRIC (2009-2011) and subsequently at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (2011-present). His research has resulted in numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Molecular Cell, EMBO Journal, Nature Communications, and Nature Cell Biology, demonstrating sustained funding support for his research program.

Laboratory and Collaborations:

Professor Nilsson leads the Nilsson Group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, which is part of the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. His research involves extensive collaborations both within Denmark and internationally, as evidenced by the diverse authorship on his publications. His work bridges structural biology, cell biology, and biochemistry to address fundamental questions about cell division mechanisms.