John Sanderson

Dr. John Sanderson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Durham University. His research spans biophysical chemistry, biological membranes, and protein-membrane interactions, with a focus on membrane-active peptides and lipids. He is a committee member of the British Biophysical Society and a member of the Biophysical Society (US) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC).

• Key Research Areas: Biophysical Chemistry, Biological Membranes, Protein-Membrane Interactions, Membrane Reactivity, Chemical Biology, Amino Acid and Peptide Synthesis, Drug-Lipid Interactions, Spectroscopy and Microscopy Techniques.

Dr. Sanderson's work investigates the intrinsic reactivity of membrane lipids and their interactions with peptides, proteins, and small molecules. Recent studies include the discovery of acyl transfer reactions in lipid membranes and the development of the "amyloid lipidation hypothesis," linking lipidation to neurodegenerative diseases. His group also explores antimicrobial peptides and their clinical applications.

Recent publications highlight trends in membrane reactivity, lipid-peptide interactions, and their implications in cell biology and disease. Notable works include studies on foliar amino acid biostimulants, lipidation of aquaporin-0, and the design of peptides for membrane poration.

• Scientific Contributions:
  • Committee member, British Biophysical Society (2000)
  • Member, Biophysical Society (US) and Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC)

Dr. Sanderson's group has secured funding from an EPSRC Programme Grant to study protein-membrane interactions. He supervises research students including Beth Henderson, Eoin Kearney, and Yufeng Liu, and collaborates with colleagues like Prof. R. A. Quinlan and Dr. R. P. Yeo.

• Labs & Teams:
  • Sanderson Group, Department of Chemistry, Durham University