Junji Iwahara

Junji Iwahara is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). His research focuses on the biophysical chemistry of protein-DNA interactions, particularly ion-pair dynamics and mechanisms of DNA scanning by proteins. He holds a BSc and PhD in Biophysics and Biochemistry from the University of Tokyo, followed by postdoctoral training at UCLA and NIH.

Key research areas include:

• Role of ion-pair dynamics in molecular recognition and enzymatic catalysis
• Mechanisms of DNA target search by transcription factors and repair enzymes
• Development of NMR-based methods to study biomolecular electrostatics and dynamics

His lab employs advanced techniques such as paramagnetic NMR, stopped-flow fluorescence, and computational modeling to investigate protein-DNA interactions. Notable projects include studies on ion-pair formation, DNA scanning efficiency, and the impact of intrinsically disordered regions on molecular recognition.

Dr. Iwahara has received funding from the NSF and maintains an active lab group. His work bridges biophysics, biochemistry, and structural biology, with applications in understanding fundamental biological processes.