John Viles

Prof John Viles is a Professor of Biochemistry and Head of the Biochemistry Department at Queen Mary University of London. He leads research on amyloid proteins in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and prion diseases, focusing on biophysical techniques such as NMR, CD, and electron microscopy. His work explores mechanisms of protein misfolding, metal ion interactions, and membrane disruption.

Research Interests: Amyloid formation, protein misfolding, Alzheimer’s disease, prion diseases, bioinorganic chemistry, and lipid-membrane interactions. Uses advanced imaging (AFM/EM) and spectroscopic methods to study amyloid-β and α-synuclein dynamics. Key projects investigate copper’s role in neurotoxic oligomer formation and exosome-mediated amyloid kinetics.

Grants: Lead investigator on a £485k BBSRC grant (2023-2026) studying amyloid oligomer/exosome interactions. Active in collaborative projects on copper-driven amyloid assembly and familial Alzheimer’s mutations.

Labs/Teams: Member of the Centre for Molecular Cell Biology and Centre for Brain and Behaviour. Supervises PhD students in structural biology and neurodegeneration research.