Jonas Sigurd Mortensen

Jonas Sigurd Mortensen serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology at the University of Copenhagen, specifically within the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology division. His research program bridges fundamental biochemistry with pharmacological applications, focusing on two interconnected domains: the development of novel detergents for membrane protein stabilization and investigations into neurotransmitter systems, particularly GABA transporters and kinase signaling pathways.

Dr. Mortensen's research interests center around membrane protein biochemistry and neuropharmacology. His work in detergent development addresses a critical technical challenge in structural biology—maintaining the stability and functionality of membrane proteins outside their native lipid environment. He has systematically investigated how structural variations in detergents (including rigidity-flexibility balance, core flexibility, and pendant chain characteristics) affect protein stability. This foundational work enables more effective structural and functional studies of membrane proteins, which represent important drug targets. Concurrently, his pharmacological research explores GABA transporter modulation as a therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders and examines allosteric factors in kinase regulation related to GHB pharmacology, demonstrating the translational potential of his biochemical expertise.

Analysis of Dr. Mortensen's publication record reveals a strong trajectory in membrane protein biochemistry, with numerous papers describing innovative amphiphile designs including various maltosides, tetraglucosides, and other specialized detergents. His recent work has expanded into neuropharmacology, with publications examining GABA transporter modulation for neurological disease treatment and investigating calcium/calmodulin-responsive kinase II domains. This evolution demonstrates how his technical expertise in membrane protein stabilization directly supports investigations of pharmacologically relevant targets.

Dr. Mortensen maintains extensive collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions, as evidenced by his co-authorship on numerous publications with scientists including Claus J. Loland, Paul R. Eriksson, and various international collaborators. His research output includes 35 publications comprising 33 journal articles, 1 book chapter, and 1 review article, with significant citations and engagement on academic platforms like Mendeley and social media.

His laboratory likely employs a comprehensive suite of biochemical, biophysical, and pharmacological techniques to investigate membrane protein structure-function relationships and develop novel pharmacological tools. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the available text, his productive publication record across high-impact journals suggests successful funding of his research program. Dr. Mortensen's work has practical implications for drug discovery, particularly in neurological disorders where membrane proteins serve as important therapeutic targets, positioning his research at the critical intersection of basic science and therapeutic development.